The Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (USA) Inc. (UJAA) presented its 31st Annual High School Graduate Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 28, 2021.
For the second year, Covid19 influenced the format of the event. Last year, the event was forced to go fully virtual. However, this year’s ceremony was a hybrid version – with the organizers, some sponsors, and a few special guests housed at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center in Queens, New York.
The graduating seniors (honorees), their teachers, families & friends, invited guests, and speakers participated via Zoom. The ceremony was also streamed live on YouTube.
Once again, Kingston College Old Boys Association USA Incorporated (KCOBA USA Inc.) was proud to offer a cash award to the top performing male student.
The occasion honors graduating high school seniors of Jamaican Parentage, and it is open to all seniors throughout the United States.
This year, twenty-two (22) students were honored representing Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, and New York.
The association’s award was presented (virtually) by George Bell to Mr. Danel J. Powell of Uniondale High School in Uniondale, NY. Danel took Honors classes in Physics, US History, Calculus, English, and Language and Composition. He was a member of the Lacrosse and Volleyball teams. Additionally, he was a member of the Marching Band and Jazz Band, and he also participated in Mock Trial. Danel will attend Nassau Community College, where he will major in Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine.
The event was artfully managed by the Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Irwine Clare, OD. He welcomed both the physical and virtual attendees, followed by introducing the HSGA chairperson, Ms. Natasha Davids, who read out the names of the graduates as they were shown on-screen for the virtual audience. This symbolized the procession of the graduates. The event continued relatively flawless as the organizers navigated between the on-site and virtual presenters.
There were a number of impressive and notable presentations including greetings from the Consulate General of Jamaica, NY, delivered by Vice Consul, Ms. Lattalee Paisley. Dr. Karren Dunkley, the Northeast USA representative, brought greetings from the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council. The event concluded with the Essay Competition Awards followed by the Presentation of the Certificates and Cash Awards. After the Vote of Thanks by UJAA’s VP, Donovan Wilson, the gathering relocated downstairs for some 
drinks, food, and socializing.