THIRTEEN secondary school students who are children of staff of the Guyana National Newspapers Ltd. (GNNL) were Friday presented with awards when the company held its Annual Bursary Awards ceremony.The ceremony was held at the company’s Production Department, Lama Avenue. Joining the awardees and parents in celebration were GNNL’s General Manager Michael Gordon, Editor-in-Chief Nigel Williams; Advertising

Manager (Ag) Hazel Hall, and work study students who had been on attachment with the company during the August holidays.
This year’s batch, awarded for their stellar academic performance, comprised three students transitioning to secondary school having been successful at the 2015 National Grade Six Assessment Examinations.
The lucky students were Rhea Ramotar, daughter of Mrs. Moshamie Ramotar, Finance Controller; Rudolph Holigan, son of Linda Williams, Confidential Secretary to the General Manager; and Giovanni Williams, son of Delano Williams, Photographer.
Rhea Ramotar was awarded a place at Queen’s College; Rudolph Holigan – North Georgetown Secondary School and Giovanni Williams – Tutorial High.
The ten others, who are continuing students of secondary schools in the city, were GNNL awardees for the years 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 respectively. They too, for the remainder of their secondary school life, will each be given a cash incentive to offset their school expenses.

Awardees for the year 2014 were Kande Gordon, daughter of General Manager, Michael Gordon; Veronica Leach, daughter of James Leach; and Nekeisa Gibbons, daughter of Kinsel Gibbons
For 2013: Anarese J. Walls, daughter of Andre Walls. For 2012: Okeisha R. Murle, daughter of Sharon Gill; Ahkeel I. Butts, son of Jermaine Butts.
The 2011 awardees were: Aba Crawford, son of Paulette Williams; Joseph Gibbons, son of Kinsel Gibbons; Bevon Murle, daughter of Sharon Gill; and Andre Walls Jr., son of Andre Walls.
The awards were presented by: Mr. Gordon; Mr. Williams; Mrs. Ramotar, and Assistant Admin Manager, Mr. Colin Alfred, who also chaired the programme, Mr. Gordon joined the Administrative Manager in congratulating the students on their performance. He urged them to continue to strive for excellence and to show appreciation and gratitude to their parents and others who were supportive of them along the way
“It is also important not to remain at one spot on the track, but continue to strive for excellence,” Gordon said. He noted that the GNNL considers itself a partner in the education system, alluding to the newspapers’ mandate to inform, educate and entertain the nation. He said within the company’s mandate, the GNNL feels compelled to make a significant contribution to the students whose parents are hardworking and dedicated employees.

He said, provided that the students continue to show appreciation for what is being given them, be supportive of their parents and apply themselves diligently, the company will continue to find it necessary to invest in their future.
The General Manager also gave a commitment that the GNNL will find a way of interacting with the parents, so as to be kept abreast of the performance and challenges of the students, and help them rise above whatever challenges they may face.