Twenty-four students from Kingston College (KC) and Calabar High School (12 each) received support totaling $3.6 million from the David Wagga Hunt Foundation, at its annual awards ceremony at the National Housing Trust (NHT) auditorium in New Kingston on Sunday.
The David Wagga Hunt Scholarship has been in existence since 2009, two years after the passing of the former coach and football administrator.
Hunt, a past student of KC, was the head coach of their archrivals Calabar High, leading the Red Hills Road-based institution to the Manning Cup title.
Christopher Hunt, co-chairman of the foundation and brother of David, revealed that, over the life of the scholarship, they have disbursed $26 million in scholarships, and that, when added to other contributions, amounts to $36 million in total.
“Three years ago in COVID-19, we gave the two schools $2 million. Then, two years ago, we gave $500,000 per school. So, in total we have disbursed $36 million. This year, we will have 24 scholarship recipients and we are going to disburse $3.6 million,” he said.
The scholarships, worth $150,000 a year for each student, go to two grade eight students from each school every year and carries through until they exit school at Grade 13.Also on Sunday, eight of the students (grades eight and 12) were presented with laptops to assist with their studies.
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“We are about nation-building and we are trying to help as much kids as we can,” Hunt said. “We are going on 17 years and I am just amazed by the growth and support. Continue to give your support and we will do what we can to expand the programme.
“Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Dr Kasan Troupe, said the excellence of boys remains a serious concern in Jamaica and that the David ‘Wagga’ Hunt Scholarship is a means of stemming that crisis.
“We celebrate the legacy of David (Hunt). In this way, it is about chipping away at the crisis we have with boys’ education in Jamaica, and, as a Ministry of Education, to get support in addressing that crisis is extremely important and something that we must recognise and give thanks.
“KC’s Principal Dave Myrie said that the foundation continues to enable young men in pursuit of academic and personal goals, without the weight of financial burden. “On behalf of Kingston College, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the ‘Wagga’ Hunt Foundation for their continued support and the scholarships provided for our students,” he said.
Calabar High’s Principal Sian Wilson said the foundation continue to uplift and empower boys.
“It has transformed the lives of many young men through scholarships, both academic and sports and community involvement. It also nurtures character and serves as a beacon of hope for our students,” she stated.
Michael Howard, CEO of VMBS Money Transfer Services, said they will maintain their sponsorship.
“VM Building Society was a sponsor for six years. VM Wealth was a sponsor for six years, and now VM Money Transfer. So what I want to do is make a commitment from VM Money Transfer that we will not only sponsor for six years, but will continue to sponsor,” he said.
Source: 24 KC, C’bar students benefit from David Wagga Hunt Scholarship in the Jamaica Star
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