The Lynne Mitchell Foundation, based in Miramar, Florida, has awarded its second annual scholarships to Brianna Blair, Goldie Bourne and Ricardo Greaves formerly of Seaview Primary School in Southfield, St Elizabeth.

All three students earned a US$2,500 scholarship to attend their respective high schools.

The students were chosen for the award based on their excellent academic records and the leadership qualities they brought to light in their stellar scholarship essays. Each student will continue to earn the scholarship yearly in US$500 increments, provided they continue to demonstrate strong academic progress and extra-curricular leadership skills.

"We are so proud of their accomplishments," said Marlene Gordon, president of the Lynne Mitchell Foundation, which was created to honour a Miramar resident of the same name. "We wish them continued success in their future endeavours.Our hope is that they will excel and use their talents to make a positive impact in the lives of others."

Blair now attends St Elizabeth Technical High School, Bourne the Hampton High School for Girls and Greaves Munro College.

Health minister reaffirms commitment to school-feeding programme

Minister of Health, Dr Fenton Ferguson says the Ministry remains committed to assisting with the development of the National School Feeding Programme.

He was speaking at the launch of the 'National School Feeding Programme: semi face-to-face course' held at the Planning Institute of Jamaica recently.

Dr Ferguson stated that the Ministry is committed to playing its part and is working with the Ministry of Education through the School Health Enhancement Committee to improve the health and nutrition environment in our nation's schools. He said: "Strengthening of the school feeding programme is important especially in support of the most vulnerable. No child should have to be hungry at school or only able to access meals with less than ideal nutritional value."

He explained that the ministry has been working to improve the nutritional status of the population and pointed out that Cabinet has approved the National Infant and Young Child Feeding Policy which addresses the need to ensure proper nutrition for infants and young children to set a solid foundation for their development. The National Food and Nutrition Security Policy was also done in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and has been fully debated in Parliament.