Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

Manager of the GSB Credit Union branch in Kingston Gardens Janet Richards (right) makes a point to Isheeka Edwards (centre), one of the scholarship awardees, and Valerie Williams, a member of the credit union. - Photo by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Five final-year tertiary-level students have become the latest recipients ofthe GSB Co-operative Credit Union's Renald Mason Scholarship awards for 2007.

The students were presented with their awards at a reception last Thursday evening at the Terra Nova Hotel. They are Shelly-Ann McCalla, Youlanda Bent-Scott, Tina Beale, Isheeka Edwards and the lone male, Jumaine Taylor.

The award is for final-year tertiary-level students who are in need financially, show academic prowess and express the commitment to assist GSB in fulfilling its mandate.

Varying fields

Renald Mason is a former president of GSB who is credited with introducing the union to modern techniques and was known for his tireless recruitment of members. His widow, Pauline Mason, was on hand to present the students with gift bags.

General Manager of GSB, Garret D'Aguilar, said that part of the credit union's focus was to help educate its members in the hope that they, in turn, will help to transform the social landscape.

None of the scholarship recipients has a grade point average below 3.5.

Their fields of study vary. Beale is studying for her bachelor's of science in land economy and valuation surveying; Bent-Scott is aiming to be a teacher; McCalla is pursuing a career as a registered nurse; Edwards hopes to be a general surgeon, and Taylor wants to become an investment banker.

Challenge for change

The guest speaker was another achiever who has elevated himself from poverty, with education. Dr. Orville Taylor took the gathering down memory lane, chronicling his life from Waterhouse, to the study halls of Florida International University and other institutions.

He charged the five: "You have a responsibility because you have been given an opportunity. Everytime you achieve, you carry the hope and glory of poor people,"

He lamented the breakdown of communities, and was adamant that change had to start now.

The group, Against All Odds, backed by Impulse band, serenaded the awardees.