On Sunday, September 10, the grounds of the Dinthill Technical High School in Linstead, St. Catherine, Jamaica, glittered with the promise of a brighter future. The school’s grounds, usually buzzing with the energetic chatter of students, had been transformed into a hub of celebration. For many gathered, it was not just an awards banquet – it was a testament to the church’s commitment to uplift its youth.
A foundation rooted in faith and community
Central to the event stood the Powered by a Dream Foundation (PDF), an organization stemming from the Palm Seventh-day Adventist Church in Linstead, St Catherine.
(Photo credit: Central Jamaica Conference of SDA churches)
Commemorating its 10th anniversary and its 11th staging, the Powered by a Dream Foundation recognized over 70 students under the theme “Reach Up! Reach Out! Striving for Excellence!”
This year’s awards banquet was held under the patronage of the University of Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC), with distinguished guests such as UCC’s President Professor Haldane Davies, guest speaker Dr. Bongelo Gombele, and the Vice President of Student Services of the Northern Caribbean University (NCU) Mrs. Carolyn Marie Smith.
From humble beginnings to transformative impact
Initiated in August 2013, the verdant lawns of the Palm Seventh-day Adventist Church in the quaint Treadways community in Linstead, became an epicenter of academic celebration.
The annual banquet celebrates students for their performance in what was once called the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), now referred to as the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations, as well as in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency (CAPE) examinations.
Additionally, selective students are bestowed with special awards in recognition of their notable achievements.
From lauding just 15 awardees in 2013, the foundation has blossomed, touching the lives of over 600 students in its decade-long journey.
The prestigious ceremony: Awarding academic excellence
As hundreds convened for the event on Sunday, the atmosphere was thick with excitement.
Parents, educators, family friends, and well-wishers beamed with joy as they watched both children and youths grace the stage to receive their awards.
One such parent was Marsha Lounds, a single mother from the Palm SDA Church, who experienced immense pride as her daughter, Marshaye Lounds, 13, received another accolade.
Having previously been recognized for her outstanding performance in the PEP exams, Marshaye continued to bring honor to her family and friends by consistently excelling throughout her first two years of high school.
While the church has significantly contributed to her daughter’s achievements, Lounds believes the passing of her husband instilled a profound drive in her daughter to excel further.
“I have seen her go to his portrait with her awards and saying ‘Dad I did it again!’. I think his death acts as a form of motivation,” Lounds shared emotionally.
She further said that she hopes that her daughter will maintain her determination in her aspiration to become a pathologist, an unconventional choice for many.
Providing opportunities for Jamaican youths
While some students radiated with joy as they received recognition for their academic performances, others were elated and surprised when they were granted scholarships to continue their academic pursuits.
Jamaican educational institutions like the NCU generously provided four scholarships, while the UCC granted scholarships to three deserving students.
Among the recipients was 23-year-old Julene Gonzales who not only secured the UCC scholarship but also earned the distinctive “I Believe” award from the PDF, a special award given to outstanding students from the church’s community.
Gonzales’ joy and gratitude for this newfound opportunity to advance her education were palpable.
“My absence from an educational institution over the years after completing the sixth form program at Dinthill has really demotivated me, but with this extraordinary support and faith invested in me I am renewed, energized, and fueled to reach up, reach out, and strive for excellence,” she said excitedly.
She further expressed, “This scholarship now means that a tremendous financial burden has been lifted and I can pursue a tertiary education which has been my dream for many years; all thanks to the commendable work of the Powered by a Dream Foundation and the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean.”
Gonzales also emphasized the role of the Palm SDA Church in rekindling her hope, adding that she is now making plans to embark on her new academic journey.
“With this scholarship in hand, I’m determined to harness my academic potential to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management at UCC. My enrolment is set for the academic year 2024/2025, marking the start of my mission to achieve greatness,” she shared.
A beacon of hope and dreams
The journey of the PDF does not stop at academic recognition. It has evolved into a lifeline for many, extending support to children and youths of the church and community in need of financial assistance.
As the foundation reflects on its legacy, board member Alecia Facey-Ramsay is pleased with the profound difference both the foundation and church have made in the lives of Jamaican youths.
One story stands out for Facey-Ramsay – that of a gifted student who, due to financial constraints, found himself unable to register at the University of West Indies (UWI).
“He was a brilliant individual, on the cusp of attending UWI, but lacked the necessary funds. It was PDF that stepped in, granting him $100,000 as his initial university payment. Not only did he begin his education, but he also earned scholarships at UWI for his academic excellence and ultimately graduated with honors,” she reminisced.
Facey-Ramsay radiates optimism when considering PDF’s future. She foresees the foundation amplifying its impact, reaching out even more extensively within the community.
“I envision an even wider impact on the community as we endeavor to reach all we can in a meaningful way. After all, serving our fellowmen is as Christ-like as we can get. Additionally, I foresee beneficiaries giving back by being future sponsors or even giving back to their communities through service and nation-building,” she said.
“Also, I envision more individuals and corporate sponsors coming on board as more persons learn about this foundation,” she added confidently.
Having been intricately involved in PDF’s administration from the beginning, Facey-Ramsay cherishes her journey with the foundation, stating “It’s a humbling and satisfying feeling to be able to serve mankind.”
PDF’s development: More than just a banquet
During the challenging times of the pandemic, the foundation continued to serve and extended into a district-wide event, including five other churches within the area.
Coincidentally, it was during that pivotal year that the foundation achieved its charitable status, following its official registration.
The impact of the PDF resonates far beyond its annual banquets. Events like the Annual PDF Homecoming, PDF Consecration Service, Bazaar Extravaganza, PDF annual Run Walk, and Career Expo reveal the foundation’s multifaceted engagement approach.
PDF’s wide-reaching impact
Fueled by ardent support and financial contributions from the church, the community, those in the diaspora, and even past awardees, the ‘Powered by a Dream Foundation’ stands as a monumental beacon of hope.
Its growing chapters in the Old Harbor and Tom’s River Seventh-day Adventist Churches are also a testament to its wide-reaching influence.
The foundation believes it binds the community, strengthens faith, and leads many closer to the Kingdom of God.
