Top Caribbean Examinations Council (CSEC) performer, Jamar Hamilton, has been awarded a scholarship from Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) to complete a degree in aircraft maintenance engineering.

The outstanding 2009 CSEC student is pursuing a four-year bachelor's degree programme at Caribbean Aerospace College, and the scholarship will cover his final-year tuition. The former Ardenne High School student, who is from Sherwood Forest in Portland, attained 10 grade ones with a straight-A profile in the CSEC examinations.

"I appreciate the assistance from Jamaica National," said Jamar. "This scholarship will allow me to finish my course of studies."

He is expected to be among the first cohort of six students who will graduate from the college based at the Winchester Business Centre, near Half-Way Tree, at the end of this year.

Earl Jarrett, general manager of JNBS, said the Caribbean Aerospace College student clearly deserved assistance.

"Jamar has demonstrated that he is a brilliant student, and when we heard of his situation we had no hesitation in helping," he said.

exceptional student

Jarrett was confident that Jamar would continue to excel in his academic pursuits, and pointed out that, "as a financial organisation, we are pleased to be able to provide Jamar with this level of financial assistance, which characterises our support to the educational sector from the primary level right through to post-graduate studies."

Marcus Gillin, Jamar's aircraft- maintenance instructor described Jamar as an exceptional student.

"He is the youngest and brightest in the class; and I admire him, because he is a master learner, and does a job, rather than just get a good grade," Gillin stated.

Jamar said he initially wanted to become a pilot, but due to financial constraints, he opted to pursue studies in aircraft maintenance engineering.

"I became interested in aircraft maintenance when I was asked to represent my school at a function that was hosted by the Caribbean Aerospace College," he said. "They outlined the maintenance programme and I was hooked."

"There is a demand for this skill, and the prospects of getting a job after my studies are good," Jamar added.

Jarrett presented the scholarship to Jamar on February 6, at the JNBS chief office on Constant Spring Road in Kingston.

Last year, JNBS awarded 11 scholarships to students at the tertiary level and 25 at the secondary level under its JN Scholarship Programme.