The Annual Prize Giving Ceremony was held on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at the Holy Trinity Cathedral on North Street in Kingston, Jamaica. Chairman of the Board of Governors, Professor Stephen Vasciannie, was present and the programme was chaired by Fr. Abner Powell, Chaplain.
The guest speaker was Kingston College Old Boy, Mr. K. Churchill Neita, QC. Our special honouree was Mr. Linton Lewis "Poo," a member of the ancillary staff who has served the school for over 35 years.
This year, the minimum average for receiving a prize in grades 9 and 10 was raised from 65% to 70%. Despite this change, a larger number of students qualified to receive prizes for excellence this year than last year. This suggests that the academic performance of the students has improved. Awards were also presented to students who excelled in extra-curricular activities.
KCOBA New York awards were given to students who achieved academic excellence. These awards attained an average of eighty percent (80%) and over in Grades 7 and 8 and seventy-five percent (75%) and over in Grades 9 and 10. The awards for grades 11 to 13 were determined by points based on the results of the external examinations (CSEC & CAPE). For Grade 11, 20+ points were required while Grades 12 and 13 had to achieve a minimum of 15+ points.
A total of One hundred & twenty-seven (127) boys received awards for academic excellence up from ninety-one (91) last year.
KCOBA New York awards were also given to students for Good Work. These were given to students who attained an average of seventy to seventy-nine point nine per cent (70% – 79.9 %) for Grades 7 and 8, sixty-five to seventy-four point nine percent (70% - 74.9%) for Grades 9 and 10, fifteen to nineteen (15 – 19) points for Grade 11 and ten to fourteen (10 – 14) points for Grades 12 and 13. In this category, two hundred and seventy-six (276) boys received awards.
Two hundred and seventy-nine (279) students also received subject prizes which were donated by KCOBA Florida. Sixty-five (65) students received prizes for outstanding achievement in sports and service to clubs.
Fourteen (14) students were specially recognized for their service to Jamaica in the area of sports. These include National representatives Jhamie Hyde and Romario Williams (football), Korey Moulton and Glen-Ross McDonald (Table Tennis), Shamar Morgan, Martin Pagon, Richard Stone and Jason J. Williams (Taekwondo) and Xavier Boland, Chadrick DaCosta, Stefan Fennell, Keniel Grant, Clive Pullen and Lemmar Wilson (Track & Field).
The KCOBA New York Awards for Excellence in Chemistry and Physics were presented to twenty-two (22) students and twenty-one (21) students respectively. Students from Grades 9 and 10 who achieved the highest mark in these subjects and students from Grades 11 to 13 who achieved a distinction (Grade 1 – straight A profile in the CSEC Exams) received this award.
The Dr. Lloyd Demetrius Award for Excellence in Mathematics was presented to thirty-six students ranging from Grades 7 to 11. The criterion listed above was also used in determining these awardees.
The KCOBA Toronto Award for Citizenship was presented to four (4) students who contributed to the school in several ways including designing a directory which was constructed and now stands at the entrance of the North Street Campus. The design was done by Lloyd Smalling, one of the recipients.
Two students received the Clinton McGaw Prize for Christian Character, while Dominique Hemmings, Head Boy 2010-11, received the KC PTA Prize for Public Spirit. Dominique was instrumental in organizing the construction of the gigantic, eye-catching and very popular Champs banner for 2011.
The Edward Clark Prize for Academic Excellence was presented to seven (7) CXC students: Jonathan Ononiwu for his excellent performance in CSEC and six (6) CAPE students who achieved a minimum of three (3) ones among their passes. These students are Dominique Hemmings, O'Dale Henry, Daimion Jackson, Shamar Morgan, Glenroy Murray and Jeremy O'Connor.
This year, the cash for the Edward Clark Prize was donated by prominent KCOB and Board member, Dr. Hugh Vaughan.
This year the Fortis Pavilion came on board and donated awards for the top students in Grades 7 to 10. These awards were presented to Shemar Rowe (Grade 7), Kadeem Campbell (Grade 8), Romario Cumbers (Grade 9) and Maurice Fisher (Grade 10).
The Principal's Award for Best CSEC Results went to Jonathan Ononiwu who scored a total of twenty-eight (28) points. He achieved 9 ones and 1 three in the 2011 CSEC Exams. This award was presented by Acting Principal, Everton Burrell.
The Chairman's Award for Best CAPE Results went to Jean-Mark Davis who achieved 2 ones, 1 two and 1 three, received the award for Best CAPE (Unit 1) results and Daimion Jackson who achieved 3 ones and 2 twos received the award for Best CAPE (Unit 2) results. These awards were presented by our Chairman, Prof. Stephen Vasciannie.
Mr. K. Churchill Neita was presented with a portrait of himself done in pencil. This portrait was done by Grade 10 student, Javan Pinnock who also presented the portrait to Mr. Neita.
The KC Chapel Choir performed and there were also dramatic presentations by Jordon Crawford and Kevaughn Smith. Jean-Mark Davis (Deputy Head Boy) gave the Vote of Thanks.
The ceremony was very well attended and was a memorable occasion. We look forward to next year.