Despite the economic hardships being faced by most, there are still those among us who are willing to give to others. The latest evidence of this is the establishment of the Adassa Louise Tennant Humanitarian Award Trophy, which is to be given to a student from the Duhaney Park Primary School each year. In addition to the trophy, a six-figure sum has been given to the school from which the recipient of the award should receive $10,000.

Adassa Louise Tennant passed away at age 94, after residing in Duhaney Park for 37 years. Her daughter Stephanie Kiddar, through the offering of the humanitarian award to the Duhaney Park Primary School, is aiming to keep her memory alive. Tennant is said to have been a very active member of the community and had participated in many meetings at the primary school.

The first recipient of the award is Shanelle Ellis, who achieved top grades in the recent Grade Six Achievement Test. Shanelle also received awards from the school for achieving top grades in language arts and social science and for being the most disciplined student.

Kiddar told The Gleaner that the award was not the typical award as it was not established to just reward top students or those who placed first or second in their class.

"The aim of this award is to build character in the children and make them into better citizens. Make them aware that there is more to life than coming first in their class. Students must know the virtue of goodness," Kiddar said.

She said that, "for a student to qualify for this trophy, they must first live in Duhaney Park. The student is also required to show respect to parents, teachers and fellow students, have compassion and show kindness."

The trophy has space for 12 names, but Kiddar intends it to become a perpetual award.

Principal of Duhaney Park Primary, Dr Vincent Campbell told The Gleaner he thinks "it is a very good gesture of humanitarianism and commitment to community development."

ryon.jones@gleanerjm.com