The Reach One Child Foundation through it’s ROC Scholarship Program today announced the 2013 ROC Scholars, recognizing 21 grade sixth students for their accomplishments in academics, the arts as well as school and community service. Of the Twenty One (21) ROC Scholars, two students were awarded The Cherine Anderson Scholarship for the top male and top female honor.
With over 200 outstanding applicants from across the fourteen parishes received this year, The ROC Scholarship committee had a difficult task in selecting the top 21 scholars. The recipients were awarded based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school reports, leadership, interviews, as well as evidence of school and community service, and a commitment to good conduct.
Of the 21 scholars awarded this year, 57% are from rural parishes. The entire class has either served as prefects or peer counselors with more than 90% awarded Top achievers and/or valedictorian by their respective schools. Among the group of scholars are members of the national championship teams for their respective school’s Junior School Challenge Quiz, National Reading Competition, National Spelling Bee Competition, Rabbit Care Management Competition, JCDC Festival Competition-Dance, Music and Drama, as well as the University of the West Indies Junior Math Olympiad. Among the group are perfect scores in GSAT Communication Task, with grades as high as 99% in GSAT Social Studies and Mathematics and 97% in Science.
According to the President of Reach One Child “ROC” Foundation, Cherine Anderson ” I am so proud of these students, they continue to demonstrate that we have great young minds in Jamaica who continue to commit to excellence through academics, the arts and service”. She continues, “They should be an example to all that even with the most challenging situation, great things can be achieved through hard work and a will to succeed”.
The scholars will be presented with their official packages and certificates at the ROC Award ceremony to be held on July 25th, 2013.
The complete list of 2013 ROC Scholars are:
| Name | Parish | High School | ROC Scholarship |
| Vaniel Findlay | Kingston | Campion College | Cherine Anderson Scholar |
| Davina Brown | Kingston | Ardenne High | Cherine Anderson Scholar |
| Devante Leslie | Kingston | Ardenne High | ROC Scholar |
| Kameisha Allwood | Kingston | Wolmers Girls School | ROC Scholar |
| Nicoleen Thomas | Kingston | Alpha Academy | ROC Scholar |
| Tyrese Ellis | Kingston | Kingston College | ROC Scholar |
| Shadeiva Petrie | Kingston | Alpha Academy | ROC Scholar |
| Lamar Tomlinson | Kingston | Excelsior High | ROC Scholar |
| Amadie Sital | Kingston | Merl Grove | ROC Scholar |
| Latoya Davis | St. Andrew | Oberlin High | ROC Scholar |
| Chad Smith | St. Thomas | Camperdown High | ROC Scholar |
| Mark Roberts | St. Thomas | Morant Bay High | ROC Scholar |
| Tiahana Campbell | St. Thomas | Oberlin High | ROC Scholar |
| Jameila Jones | St. Ann | Camperdown High | ROC Scholar |
| Nikada Pettigrew | St. Ann | Morant Bay High | ROC Scholar |
| Natasha Smith | St. Ann | Seaforth High | ROC Scholar |
| Beyonce Smith | Clarendon | York Castle High | ROC Scholar |
| Tahjray Myers | Manchester | Westwood high | ROC Scholar |
| Kheely Chae Wellington | St. Catherine | St. Hildas High | ROC Scholar |
| Savannah Nembhard | St. Catherine | Wolmers Girls School | ROC Scholar |
| Kayli Haden | St. Catherine | Wolmers Girls School | ROC Scholar |
The ROC Scholarship Program was established to recognize some of Jamaica’s most outstanding graduating primary school sixth grade students. The program supports students who demonstrate excellence in academics and arts, actively contribute to school and community through service, but also show verifiable financial need. The scholarships assist with expenses for their high school education.