CONGRATULATIONS to 2-time PALAS recipient, Dr. Sachalee Campbell who recently graduated with her medical degree from UWI-Mona....She overcame challenging financial times to graduate....Now works at Cornwall Regional Hospital in Jamaica

Published December 18, 2015 as PALAS News

Dr. Sachalee Campbell first received the Peace and Love Academic Scholarship (PALAS) in 2013 at the 3rd award ceremony which was held at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona in Kingston, Jamaica.

Dr. Sachalee Campbell, 2-Time PALAS
Recipient

Sachalee is a very quiet, hard working and confident student who was destined to meet her goal to be a medical doctor. She was a leader in the Jamaica Medical Student Association (JAMSA). In 2013 Sachalee invited PALAS Executive Director, Rula Brown to speak with 25 medical students at UWI about struggles, motivation, inspiration, dedication and giving back to society.

She experienced some challenging times to raise the funds to pay for the J$2.8 million per year tuition. However, she was able to overcome it by receving PALAS and other scholarships/awards. 
  

With the award of the PALAS scholarship for the 2013 academic year this adds to the available funds to her education which goes a long way with books and other fees.

Dr. Campbell graduated this past November at University of the West Indies and now works at Cornwall Regional Hospital in Jamaica as a M.D. She expresses her deep appreciation to PALAS in a recent letter and to all those who helped her out along the way.

The PALAS Board extends heartfelt congratulations to Dr.Sachalee Campbell who will do extremely well in her future endeavors.....PALAS, Preserving Young Minds for Posterity. 

Please make a donation online at www.PALAS.org or send a check Payable to PALAS, P.O Box 5461, Alpharetta GA 30023 USA.

CONGRATULATIONS to 3-time PALAS recipient, Dr. Venicia Cruickshank who recently graduated with her medical degree from UWI-Mona....She overcame challenging financial times to graduate....Now works at Cornwall Regional Hospital in Jamaica

Dr. Venicia Cruickshank, former PALAS recipient.

 Published December 12, 2015 as PALAS News

Dr. Venicia Cruickshank first received the Peace and Love Academic Scholarship (PALAS) in 2012-2013 at the 2nd award ceremony which was held at Excelsior High School in Kingston, Jamaica.

Venicia at the time was very quiet, confident and was destined to meet her goal to be a medical doctor.

In her 3rd year as a medical student she experienced some challenging times to raise the funds to pay for the J$2.8 million per year tuition. She was not sure if she could continue with the very expensive costs at UWI.

She reached out to PALAS Exec. Director, Rula Brown for some help. He was able to raise J$105,000.00 and paid it directly into her account at UWI. Additionally, she worked with her family members to raise an additional JA$260,000.00 from a bake sale. 

The Waterford, St. Catherine resident was able to continue with the medical program after Rula contacted his personal doctor, Dr. Dharmaraj Patil for assistance. At the time Venicia wrote, I am from a single-parent household of three; my mother is the sole-bread winner for two dependent children, myself and an older sibling. In addition to utility bills, food, school and other living expenses she pays a mortgage. As such, her monthly pay is far spent. She is unable to take out any further loans as her debt ratio is high.  

Over the past two years, "I have gained a sense of calm and added determination to continue perusing this field of study as medicine continues to be my passion." With the award of the PALAS scholarship for the 2012-2013 academic year this adds to the available funds to her education which goes a long way with books and other fees.

Dr. Cruickshank  graduated this past November at University of the West Indies and now works at Cornwall Regional Hospital in Jamaica as a M.D. She expresses her deep appreciation to PALAS in a recent letter and to all those who helped her out along the way.

The PALAS Board extends congratulations to Dr.Venicia Cruicshank who will do extremely well.....PALAS, Preserving Young Minds for Posterity.

JAMAICA OBSERVER : Peace and Love Academic Scholarship, Inc. (PALAS) will make scholarship available in 2016 to Jabary Williams.

JAMAICA OBSERVER : Peace and Love Academic Scholarship, Inc. (PALAS) will make scholarship available in 2016 to Jabary Williams...Youth who was 'Outcast' in his community after returning $100,000.00 to its rightful owner, who in turn rewarded him with $100.00. Please support PALAS atwww.PALAS1.org. PALAS goal is to award 100 scholarships in 2016.

Wells Fargo Bank announcing PALAS as one of 57 grant recipients in Atlanta, GA to get $1,000.00

Fifty-seven North Atlanta groups to be recognized with $1000 grants at Days of Giving celebration – Tues, Oct 27 at 8:00 AM at Chattahoochee Nature Center. 
Peace and Love Academic Scholarship, Inc. (PALAS, Inc.) is a proud recipient of Wells Fargo Bank Grant.

Local non-profits receive $1,000 each; Total of $57,000 invested in local community as program celebrates seventh anniversary

Coreen Brimm of Wells Fargo Bank (L), Jackie Brown (PALAS Director-C)
& Rula Brown, PALAS Exec. Director at awards presentation in Roswell, GA.

ATLANTA, Ga. (Oct. 27, 2015) – Fifty- seven North Atlanta non-profits will be honored on October 27^th  by Wells Fargo team members with $1,000 Days of Giving grants, at a community breakfast held at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. 

Days of Giving is a Wells Fargo initiative through which individual bank stores honor organizations in the communities where those stores do business.  All of the groups were selected by frontline team members in bank stores in the area.

Including this year’s giving, Wells Fargo will have given more than $1,500,000 in Days of Giving grants to groups across Metro Atlanta since the program began. 

“The level of commitment these organizations give to North Atlanta make me so proud to honor them through Days of Giving and to call them my neighbors,” said Scott Asher, North Atlanta area president for Wells Fargo. “They are an example of how our collective efforts can make a major impact – on individuals, neighborhoods, our county, our city and beyond.”

The following 57 North Atlanta groups will receive $1,000 grants. Please see list more

FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE : DANNY ROBERTS of HLSTUEI at UWI & TREVOR FLOWERS of KWEST A/E CORPORATION JOINED TO PALAS BOARD. GOAL SET FOR 2016-2017 TO AWARD 100 NEW SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENTS in JAMAICA & CARIBBEAN.

ATLANTA, GA – October 12, 2015: Peace and Love Academic Scholarship, Inc. (PALAS, Inc.) board voted unanimously to add Mr. Danny Roberts; CD, MPhil, JP and Mr. Trevor Flowers; B.S, PE to their team.  Both gentlemen are outstanding professionals who will bring a great deal of experience to the non-profit organization.

At the monthly meeting held on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 the board set a new goal for 2016-2017 to award 100 scholarships for students in Jamaica/Caribbean. PALAS awarded 95 scholarships in 2015-2016, and 282 scholarships along with 35 computers to high school and tertiary level students in the Caribbean over the past 5 years.  Please see brief bio below for Danny Roberts and Trevor Flowers.

                                                          DANNY ROBERTS, CD, MPhil, JP

Danny Roberts, PALAS
 Advisory Board

Mr. Danny Roberts is the Head of the Hugh Lawson Shearer Trade Union Education Institute (HLSTUEI) at the Consortium for Social Development and Research at the Open Campus of the University of the West Indies, Mona. He presented the Sixth Annual National Bank of Dominica (NBD) Ltd. & UWI Open Campus Dominica National Distinguished Lecture on Thursday, May 30, 2013. An African, Caribbean & Pacific European Economic Community (ACP-EEC) scholar, Mr. Roberts is a graduate of the University of the West Indies with a BA Honors in Communications with Social Sciences and a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Government.

Mr. Roberts was the recipient of Jamaica’s fourth highest National Honors in 2009, the Commander of the Order of Distinction (CD) for his contribution to the trade union movement, and was appointed a Justice of the Peace for St. Andrew in 2011. Mr. Roberts has spent more than twenty years in the trade union movement serving as President of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions, Vice President of the National Workers Union, and President of the Union of Clerical Administrative and Supervisory Employees. He currently serves as Vice President of the umbrella trade union organization, the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions.

Mr. Roberts has authored a number of book chapters and has written and presented dozens of papers on industrial relations, trade unionism, labor market issues and aspects of labor studies at workshops, conferences and seminars locally and regionally.  He was a co-host of News Talk 93 morning radio program, “Jamaica Speaks”. He also serves on a variety of committees including the Minimum Wage Advisory Commission, the Labor Advisory Committee, National Council on Education and the Jamaica Productivity Centre. Mr. Roberts has been a newspaper columnist, radio commentator and television analyst in Jamaica. He is married to Geraldine and has two wonderful daughters – Sherice and Sasha-Kay. Danny attended Kingston Technical High School in Jamaica.

                                                      TREVOR O. FLOWERS, BSc.,P.E.

Trevor Flowers, PALAS Board

Mr. Trevor Flowers is the President & CEO of Kwest A/E Corporation. He co-founded this development, architecture, and engineering services operation, catering to both public and private sector clients.

He has been active in the acquisition, and development of income producing properties; his experience covers a wide area of real estate including leasing, client representative, construction management and design and construction.  The activities have involved single-family homes, commercial office buildings and industrial properties.

Mr. Flowers has combined development hands-on experience in real estate development, marketing budgeting finance, full profit and loss activity with strong history of creativity and operations/productivity management.  A purposeful and dynamic leader/team player who communicates effectively with all levels/multiple disciplines.  Exhibits a “can-do” attitude exemplified by a history of achievements and innovations.  Skilled contract administration, scheduling, materials management and problem resolution.  Adapts well to change and the pressure of aggressive timetables.

Mr. Flowers has a BS Degree in Civil Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology and attends New York University Real Estate Institute.  He holds professional engineering licenses in New Jersey, Delaware, Arizona, and Jamaica, W.I. He is a member of American Management Association, American Society of Professional Engineers, Past President of New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Educational Opportunity Advisory Board and past President of Caribbean Business Association. Trevor attended Kingston College (KC) in Jamaica.

PALAS, Inc. is a 501(c) (3), non-profit organization which is headquartered in Georgia. Founded by Jamaican-born Rula Brown,   our mission is to help improve the health, education and general well-being of less fortunate children in the Caribbean region. PALAS operates with ten (10) working board members and five (5) advisory board members. Our motto is “Preserving Young Minds for Posterity”. 

PALAS with NINETY-FIVE (95) HAPPY FACES at UWI-Mona : PALAS awarded 282 scholarships over the past 5 years valued J$15.2 million.

PALAS News- Published August 30, 2015

PALAS 2015-2016 Awardees at UWI in Jamaica

NINETY-FIVE (95) HAPPY FACES : Peace and Love Academic Scholarship (PALAS, Inc.) presented 95 scholarships to students in Jamaica on Saturday, August 29, 2015 to a full room capacity at Mona's Visitors Lodge at UWI.

Shanouy Pecco received Chyna Nicole Academic
 Scholarship and a computer from Ann Payne at UWI

It was a joyous and happy occasion for these brilliant and well deserving recipients at the 5th annual awards presentation. It was one of the most beautiful event to be witnessed. The event started 30 minutes after schedule when it was realized that one the two main speakers, Hon. Ronnie Thwaites was ill and could not make the event.

Claude makes one of his 5 presentations to first PALAS recipient

The experienced Masters of Ceremonies, Mr. Winston Cowans and Mr. Danny Roberts proceeded with superb coordination and professionalism to help make the event a grand success. The event which was sponsored by Mr. Patrick Campbell and Mrs. Natasha Campbell was PALAS' 5th awards presentation.

Winsome Benjamin and proud recipient

The entertainment was provided by Ms. Maria Myrie and Mr. Harold Davis with keyboard accompaniment. They received a standing ovation after their magnificent duo rendition of "Your'e My Hero". An absolutely brilliant performance.

Shaundrice Foster of Excelsior High School gave one of the most eloquent and passionate speeches ever. Her delivery was masterful, her poise and articulation breath taking and the message was riveting. It brought tears to many eyes in the audience. Shaundrice, was the 2015-2016 Gold Star High School recipient who also received a laptop computer.

PALAS, Founder/Exec. Director, gave an engaging and historical background about PALAS, how it got started and its accomplishments. PALAS awarded 282 scholarships over the past 5 years valuing J$15.2 million. In 2011, PALAS awarded 13 scholarships and the growth over the years has been phenomenal.

Gold Star recipient, Shaundrice Foster receives
scholarship package and computer from Attorney
Patrick Campbell

Attorney Patrick Campbell of Washington, DC gave a a memorable speech that the students needed to hear. Mr Campbell spoke about his humble beginning on Mountain view, the neighborhood as Rula Brown. He also explain why he and his wife support the program. It's about the love for students and creating opportunities for them, the love of country and the Caribbean and the chance for them to give back and to set examples to others to do the same. 

He was passionate and said he is proud to be involved in such a powerful organization who invests heavily in education in Jamaica/Caribbean. The awardees and audience appreciated his presentation with a thunderous applause. Each awardee received gifts from the Mr. & Mrs. Campbell.

Rula Brown presents to Mr. & Mrs Campbell appreciation gift

Nicole Nation, who recently received an award from Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace in the UK for her commitment and outstanding community services to the citizens of Jamaica was also recognized by PALAS for her services and leadership in supporting and encouraging the youth of Jamaica. Nicole, a fourth year medical student at UWI also does a radio show on ROOTS-FM and writes for the Jamaica Observer. 

RBN chat room supporters, Museikjunkie, Ann Payne, Rula Brown,
PALAS Founder, Reggae artists Winsome Benjamin & Kevazz,
Uncle Claude Moseley of  the United Kingdom

Nicole was tasked to give a presentation as PALASictorian on behalf of Deidre-Ann Brown who was the 2015-2016 University level Gold Star recipient. Nicole filled in beautifully and encouraged the recipients to give back to their country and to focus and work hard. She spoke of her humble beginnings and that it does not deter to work hard and strive to be the best at all time.

Overall, a magnificent presentation and a grand occasion, all the students were happy and enjoyed taking photographs with the PALAS board members, Michelle Mack,Malvern Edwards and Rula Brown,of Atlanta, Georgia, Patrick Campbell and Natasha Campbell.

Natasha Campbell and Patrick Campbell,
 PALAS sponsors

Some of the attendees who visited from overseas were Claude Moseley (England), Ann Payne (Canada), Garfield "Musiekjunkie" Morgan (Florida) shared the moment with reggae artists Winsome Benjamin and Kevazz.

PALAS needs your support, so please help in "Preserving Young Minds for Posterity" by donating online at www.PALAS1.org.

PRESS RELEASE: PALAS, Atlanta Based Non-Profit Organization, Will Award 95 Scholarships in Jamaica. The Hon. Rev. Ronnie Thwaites and Washington D.C Attorney, Patrick Campbell Will Deliver Keynote Addresses at the 5th Annual Scholarship Presentation at UWI-Mona. PALAS awarded JA$14.85 Million over 5 years

ATLANTA, GA – August 19, 2015: Peace and Love Academic Scholarship, Inc. (PALAS, Inc.)  

will award 95 new scholarships for academic year 2015-2016 in a presentation ceremony sponsored by Mr. Patrick and Mrs. Natasha Campbell in Jamaica. The 5^th annual awards presentation will be held Saturday, August  29th at 1:00 pm at the University of the West Indies (UWI) - Mona Visitor’s Lodge where the Hon. Rev. Ronnie Thwaites and Attorney Patrick Campbell will be the keynote and special guest speakers.

This year’s program goal is to award scholarships to students who are financially challenged and honor outstanding academic performances by students in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. The 2015-16 GOLD Star awardees are Shaundrice Foster of Excelsior High and Deidre-Ann Brown, a first year medical student at UWI-Mona campus.

PALAS processed over 200 applications: an increase of 48% over last year’s 140 applications; awarded 95 scholarships: a 33% increase over the 72 scholarships awarded for academic year 2014-2015. More than 150 applicants met the criteria but due to limited funding PALAS was unable to award scholarships to the additional 54 applicants.

PALAS has reached a significant milestone in the five (5) years since it was founded by Executive Director, Mr. Rula Brown to honor the memory of student, reggae artist and aspiring sound technician; 18 year-old Vanessa Campbell who was brutally murdered in Portmore, Jamaica on November 20, 2010.   PALAS has awarded 282 scholarships since the organization’s inception December 2010.

Entertainment will be provided by Ms. Maria Myrie and Mr. Harold Davis to mark PALAS’ 5^th year anniversary!  Please help us in "Preserving Young Minds for Posterity" by visiting our website www.PALAS1.org and make your online donation or send a check payable to PALAS, P.O. Box 5461, Alpharetta GA 30023 USA.  PALAS is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. All donations are tax deductible. Please send email inquiry to peaceandlovescholarship@gmail.com  or you may call 770-715-0224. For further information about PALAS including special sponsorship opportunities for a scholarship in your name, the name of a loved one or your business as a sponsoring Partner with PALAS (PWP), please visit www.PALAS1.org.

SHAUNDRICE FOSTER, Top PALAS 2015-2016 Performers (5 of 5).... PALAS Gold Star Awardee of Excelsior High School... 8 CXC passes with 3 ones, distinction...Aspires to Be a Marketing Management Specialist Won several awards and certificates for school & community activities

by Shaundrice Foster, A 2015 PALAS Awardee. Excerpts from her Essay 

The abbreviation PALAS signifies Peace and Love Academic Scholarship. As a Christian young lady peace and love are some of the attributes that I embrace in my personal journey throughout life.

Having completed five years at Excelsior there has been many up and downs, many achievements and many difficulties encountered in efforts to achieve them. One such difficulty that unfortunately has remained as a constant issue is financial difficulty. I am currently living with my grandparents and my aunty as a temporary living situation and due to the fact that the only source of income is my grandfather’s pension money, things are entirely tedious and difficult as the small amount of money received is not enough to finance the basic needs of a family of four much less to send a teenager to high school on a daily basis.

In regards to my parents, my mother left me when I was a toddler, hence I do not know her and my father is currently unemployed and has been in this state for quite some time now due to the scarcity of jobs and the current prevailing economic conditions. In spite of all this I am a philanthropist by nature and I find joy in giving back to people through my services as a way to uplift myself and promote positive thinking. My future plans are to pursue a career in the field of marketing management and entrepreneurship. In order to fulfill this I would like to complete the two year period of the sixth form program and then enroll in a tertiary institution where if the Lord permit, I would pursue my bachelor’s degree, major  in Marketing,  minor in Entrepreneurship. 

After this I would like to work as a qualified senior marketing manager in a firm to generate capital to finance my business. Awarding me with this scholarship would help me to get through sixth form and continue on my academic journey that I have already started as well as facilitate the fulfillment of my goals and plans for the near future.

Sometimes due to the severity of my circumstances the only options are go out and ask friends or to ask the guidance counselor for assistance. Unfortunately I am not on the path program, due to some unknown circumstance I was not accepted and the temporary program available at the school, operated by the guidance department to help only a limited number of students has ended.

Therefore I believe that my unbearable circumstances has rendered me eligible for receiving this scholarship as it would provide much needed financial assistance even if it is for a temporary period, this assistance would be greatly appreciated and utilized for the relevant purpose.

Please make a donation online at www.PALAS1.org to support these scholarships. PALAS awards 95 scholarships in 2015 in Jamaica. Preserving Young Minds for Posterity.

ELOMBE I. CALVERT, Top PALAS 2015-2016 Performers (4 of 5).... Medical student at UWI, 3.66 GPA at Mannings High... 20 CXC/CAPE passes with 17 ones, distinction...Won several awards and certificates for school & community activities

“A NEW ME ROSE FROM THE ASHES”

by Elombe Calvert, A 2015 PALAS Awardee. Excerpts from his Essay 

Dreams and aspirations meant nothing to me. As far as I believed, they were just tales and fables made to believe achievable by a partial system that selected only a privileged few to make something good of themselves. For the longest time, as far back as I could remember, all my dreams and aspirations seemed distance and unattainable.
  

Please donate at www.PALAS1.org

However, all this changed in fourth form when my home was engulfed by an unexplained fire. I lost everything, clothes, gadgets, food and most importantly memories. Thankfully, no one was hurt by the flames, as we all got out just before the flames reached the gas cylinder, which blew up the house.  On my skin no burn or scorch marks could be seen, but deep inside me, within my soul I was darkened with soothe all over.

 The flames burnt away my unprogressive mentality, and a new person rose from the ashes. For the first time in my entire life I saw it, I saw my dreams and aspirations flashing in small pulses across my eyes. At that moment, that small fraction of time my face froze and tears rolled down my cheeks. A strange feeling infiltrated my petrified body, one that I had not experienced before, it was a feeling of hope, hope for the future. With chuckles and a smile that stretched from one cheek to the next, I knew I could achieve all my dreams. This tragedy opened my eyes to the all the possibilities and I started to dream big, as big as any boy my age could dream.

Now seeing life at a different angle, I started to excel in my studies, most notably; I garnered 15 subjects in the 2013 CSEC Examinations, with 14 distinctions and topping my graduating class at Manning’s School that year.  With this performance, I was named the Top performer at Manning’s School by the Jamaica Association of Principals for Secondary Schools (JAPSS). In addition, at the end of my tenure in lower sixth form at Manning’s School, I was placed first in the Sciences; I attained three distinctions at CAPE; I was on the Head Master’s Honour Roll and was named a Top CAPE performer at the Manning’s School. The Renaissance of change that was initiated in my life was not only limited to the class room but also transcend to my involvement in school. I became an active member in the Business Society, 4-H Club, Science Club, EGLJ, Business Society and the Performing Arts.  Apart from being an ordinary member and holding various executive positions in these clubs, I have attained a number of awards through my involvements. I have held the prestigious title of Westmoreland’s 4-H Boy of the Year for two years, I am the 2013-second place winner of the SRC National Oratory Science competition and I am part of the team that placed third in the SRC’s National Young Inventors/Innovators competition. In addition, I am the 2015 Dr. Steve Wilson’s Business plan competition first winner and I have won a number of medals at the JCDC’s Speech Festival.

In order for a person to be truly well rounded, they must exude some amount of leadership potential, a trait that is innately intertwine into my very being.  Over the years, I have held a number of leadership positions, most noted: I was the Deputy Head Boy for my primary school; I am a Prefect of the Manning’s School and the Youth PRO for the Y’s Service Club of Westmoreland.

In retrospect, I have been through a lot over the years but in spite of my circumstances, I have found a way to overcome those hurdles and still shine bright as any well-polished diamond. Thus, with this said I am a perfect match for this scholarship as I meet and exceed all the requirements being assessed and so should be a worthy recipient. I am now faced with another hurdle, as I need financing to cover some of my college fees to do Medicine at UWI, and so I would be ecstatic to receive a coveted PALAS Scholarship. If selected for this scholarship, I will continue to apply the same diligence to my tertiary studies as I have to this point, making education and service to others my top priority.

Please make a donation online at www.PALAS1.org to support these scholarships. PALAS awards 95 scholarships in 2015 in Jamaica. Preserving Young Minds for Posterity.

SHAVERRAY NOTICE, Top PALAS 2015-2016 Performers (3 of 5).... Medical student at UWI, 4.0 GPA at CAMPION... 20 CXC/CAPE passes with all ones, distinction...Active in 15 school & community activities

PALAS Student News August 5, 2015-
Excerpts from Shaverray Notice's Essay

Education, and the ability to be educated, will perpetually be gleamed a blessing for me. Having reached thus far in my academic journey, I intend to further focus my energy, abilities, and passion in my pursuit to

Please donate at www.PALAS1.org

become a medical doctor. It began as a series of moments where I found myself constantly immersed in my father’s medical texts, though initially, I was more enthralled by the images than the unpronounceable terms. 

As a toddler growing up, I was somehow cultured to believe that my intended purpose is to become a doctor. Having two parents and three other siblings already engaged in the medical field, there is an evident and directly implied hint of cultured pursuits. However, I refuse to merely become a torch bearer of tradition. It was in my fourth year at Campion College when passion and purpose intertwined; I knew, with every atom of my being, that my sole desire is to study medicine. 

Throughout my years of existence, I gradually developed an immense passion for the lives of individuals around me, and nurtured a trait in which the needs of others were constantly and wholeheartedly placed atop that of my own. It is my firm belief that if one considers himself a medical practitioner, he should allow himself to be stirred by the state of his nation’s health care system and culminate all his will and efforts to make a positive impact. 

During my tenure at Campion College, I have been granted the privilege of serving my school while acting in various positions including Environmental Monitor, Prayer Monitor, Sub-Prefect, Prefect, and Beadle. Furthermore, I have engaged in numerous extra-curricula activities within and outside of school that have collectively allowed me to develop, grow and improve socially, physically, mentally, academically and spiritually. Amidst the seemingly unbeatable challenges encountered throughout my years, my vulnerabilities and failures have contributed most significantly to my strength. 

To be able to speak passionately about the body and its behaviour, composition, abilities, and functionality, and to contribute locally and globally to the field of science, are just a smidgen of the goals I seek to accomplish. With these hands of mine, aided by the grant of the PALAS scholarship, I intend to be an impetus of change and a beacon of transformation to Jamaica’s Health care system and to the youth of this nation. 

Your organization has been providing aspiring Caribbean youths with funds to further their skills and work to uncover their untold stories of persistence and perseverance. I share your organization’s vision of working towards a more committed, empowered, supported and responsible group of youths, who are not only cognisant of life’s possibilities, but are ready to grasp them. I sincerely appreciate the committee’s time in evaluating my application and giving me the opportunity to tell my story. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

PALAS,  'Preserving Young Minds for Posterity'. Please make a donation online at www.PALAS1.org or Send a check to PALAS. P.O Box 5461, Alpharetta GA 30023.. Thank you.

DEIDRE-ANN BROWN, Top PALAS 2015-2016 Performers (2 of 5)....Medical student at UWI, 4.0 GPA at MBCC...PALAS Gold Star Runner Up...15 CXC/CAPE passes with all ones, distinction...Active in 32 school & community activities

Please make a donation to PALAS

PALAS Student News August 4, 2015-
Excerpts from Deidre-Ann Brown's Essay

 “For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” -Nelson Mandela 

In September of 2009, my mother detected a lump in her right breast. I thought that I would surely lose my tower of strength as my family had recently lost a friend to breast cancer. However, further testing revealed that the lump had been benign. Though relieved, at age thirteen, I began to think of the many in the world that were not so fortunate; those who had lost a family member, those who were unable to see their children grow up and most importantly those who did not get to fulfil their dreams. 

I have since aspired to become a medical doctor- to put myself in a position in which I would be able to help an individual in the most desperate of times, to give a family hope and joy. I one day hope to embark on practice and research in the areas of oncology and neurology so that I can help to unlock new ways of elevating the standard of human lives. 

I have faced several difficulties in my pursuit of the sciences. However, through persistence I was able to overcome these challenges and attain all distinctions at the CSEC level and at the CAPE Unit One level. I was awarded third place in Jamaica for CAPE Biology Unit One and tenth place for Physics Unit One. I take an active part in my school and community as I believe that for the nation to progress the youth must show an active interest in all spheres of life. At the Montego Bay High School, I served as a prefect and the president of the Rotary Interact Club. 

At the Montego Bay Community College, I currently hold the post of secretary of the Sign Language Club. I give back to my community by volunteering with the Cornwall Regional Hospital and the Open Heart Charitable Mission where I have assisted in feeding and giving clothing to the homeless of St. James. I am also a very active member of my church where I am a member of the Youth Choir, the Women’s Ministry and the Youth Council.

PALAS,  'Preserving Young Minds for Posterity'. Please make a donation online at www.PALAS1.org or Send a check to PALAS. P.O Box 5461, Alpharetta GA 30023.. Thank you.

PALAS TOP PERFORMERS in 2015-2016 (1 of 5) : Keli-Jo Hewett-Dalling PALAS Gold Star Applicant with 20 CXC/CAPE ALL DISTINCTIONS (1's).... 3.92/4.00 GPA in Economics at UWI.

PALAS Student News- Published 8/3/15 SHORT EXCERPT FROM KELI-JO's ESSAY:

I have journeyed a bumpy road to get to where I am today, but in the midst of these hardships I continue to work hard and help others along the way. I believe that I should receive a PALAS scholarship based on my financial need; my academic achievements and my expressed willingness to better my situation and that of others. There are many financial challenges to be had growing up in an impoverished home. When I was six years old my family became virtually homeless which led to us having to stay at a neighbour’s home; three persons, one room. Coupled with our housing struggles was my mother’s illness which absorbed most of our funds and subsequently, she lost her job. 

Please make a donation to www.PALAS1.org

From then on lacking formal education, my mother would do a myriad of odd jobs, which offered, at most, minimum wage. Being the last child, I committed myself to ending the chronic cycle of poverty in my family. Higher education is the means of doing this. Receiving a PALAS scholarship would help to reduce the financial costs of attending University.........

Financial difficulties are present but I use this as a motivation to strive for excellence. These challenges are also why I will become a great Economist so that I can aid in making "Jamaica, the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business”. 
PALAS,  'Preserving Young Minds for Posterity'. Please make a donation online at www.PALAS1.org or Send a check to PALAS. P.O Box 5461, Alpharetta GA 30023.. Thank you.

MASSIVE EDUCATION (CONGRATS) : PALAS Will Award 95 New Scholarships worth JA$5.8 Million To Students in JAMAICA on August, 29, 2015....Additional Funds Urgently Needed.......PALAS has awarded 282 total Scholarships Value Approx. JA$15.0 Million in 5 Years. Keynote Speakers are Hon. Rev. Ronnie Thwaites and Attorney Patrick Campbell

Please donate at www.PALAS1.org

PALAS will Award ninety-five (95) new scholarships to students in JAMAICA on August, 29, 2015....
Keynote Speakers are Hon. Rev. Ronnie Thwaites and Attorney Patrick Campbell...Additional Funds Urgently Needed. PALAS Scholarships

The event will take place at the University of The West Indies (UWI), Mona Visitor’s Lodge, 2 Garden Street, Kingston 7 on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 1:00-5:00 pm.

Mr. Danny Roberts communicated the invitation to you on the behalf of PALAS. PALAS has awarded 282 scholarships to Jamaican students over the past five years. Our motto is “Preserving Young Minds for Posterity”.

PALAS is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization operating out of Atlanta, Georgia which was founded by Rula Brown in 2010. For further information you may contact us at the above address. 

The Scholarship Recipients are:

CONGRATULATIONS : PALAS students success story....Graduating from Universies in JAMAICA as Doctors, Lawyers and Nurses....Thanks to all those who support the PALAS program.

PALAS Student News 7/14/15

Please support PALAS students by making a donation
 at www.PALAS1.org

Below is a note received by PALAS from 3-time scholarship recipient, Dr. Venicia Cruickshank after graduating from UWI in the medical program....At one point she struggled to pay for her tuition but she persevered and earned her degree on June 9, 2015.....

Good morning, I am pleased to inform you that I was successful n my last set of examinations for the 2014-2015 academic year at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona.  I was enrolled in the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery(MBBS) degree programme and  was sworn in as Dr. Venicia Cruickhsank on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 as such I should start working soon. God remains faithful.

Thank you PALAS for your continued support over the years, I am indeed grateful

Yours truly, 

Dr. Venicia Cruickshank (M.D.)

**************************************

The students are Dr. Venicia Cruickshank (UWI), Dr. Sashalee Campbell (UWI), Crystal Green - BSc. Nursing (NCU), Danesha Burke  - BSc. Nursing (NCU) and Sherika Heywood  - BSc. Nursing (UWI). Congratulations extended to all the students.

PALAS support these students from your kind donation. Please make a donation at www.PALAS1.org or Send a check to PALAS *P.O Box 5461*Alpharetta, GA 30023 USA. PALAS, Preserving Young Minds for Posterity.

NICE NICE JAMAICA: Jamaica Observer writer & 4-time PALAS Recipient/UWI Med Student, Nicole Nation along with Jerome Cowans presented to Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace....Two Jamaicans among 60 who receive Young Leaders Awards

Sunday, July 12, 2015    

Nicole Nation

Jerome Cowans

NICOLE Nation and Jerome Cowans knew months beforehand that they were going to Buckingham Palace to be presented to Queen Elizabeth II, but nothing could have prepared them for the experience.

The two young people -- among 60 from the British Commonwealth to be awarded the inaugural Queen's Young Leaders Awards -- spent a week in the UK meeting with members of government, industry and academia, including UK Prime Minister David Cameron.

"It was a huge confidence booster for me," Cowans told the Jamaica Observer. "I remember how unbelievable it felt just passing the hundreds of people lining up on the outside of the palace as I went right inside. I felt like I was making progress as I was being recognised by the highest ranking members of the UK and the Commonwealth."

Jerome and Nicole meets the Queen

"My life has changed for the better," he continued, adding that he "was mostly humbled as [he] moved around from the Prime Minister's office to Buckingham Palace. I felt a high level of gratitude for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Cowans is the 25th co-founder of Leaders Endeavouring for Adolescent Development Youth Club. He is the recipient of several other awards including the 2014 Nelson Mandela-Graca Machel Innovation Awards, as well as the Scotiabank Bright Young Leaders Award.

For her part, Nation, says the experience has given her new perspective.

"Not being exposed at such an international level sometimes makes it easy to think that you are the only one. However, the truth is that as a youth leader I am working along with other persons around the world....[It has made me see more clearly that] I am not just a Jamaican, but a global citizen," she said.

All recipients at Buckingham Palace

"I found the residential week to be extremely inspiring. For one whole week I was surrounded by persons who were breaking ground in so many areas," Nation continued.

Asked what impressions the event made on her as a person, Nation said: "The world is a big place and the issues that matter in different parts of the world vary. For me, the event proved that youth leaders attacking a particular problem is important."

Bolting

Nation, 22, writes online content for the Jamaica Observer's All Woman magazine. She is a senior medical student at the University of the West Indies, Mona and is the first Maia Chung Autism and Disability Foundation (MCADF) ambassador. She was recognised for her efforts to fund-raise projects to assist the disabled community as well as to raise awareness among Jamaicans about the needs of the disabled community through her volunteer group Volunteer Nation. more