Big turnout at Boulevard back-to-school event

After a two-year hiatus, the Boulevard Shopping Centre's back-to-school event returned on Saturday, with parents and children flocking to receive much-needed school supplies for the imminent start of a new academic year.

Book vouchers, school bags, stationery and toiletries were handed out to attendees, but five students also received $20,000 grants from the National Commercial Bank (NCB) Foundation.

One recipient, Brianna Newell, who starts grade 10 at Pembroke Hall High School next month, beamed with pride as she received the 'golden ticket' from Maxine McKenzie, manager of NCB's Constant Spring Financial Centre.

"I feel real good about it. My heart was beating very fast a while ago. I was surprised and nervous," Newell joked, followed by a sigh of relief. She related that during the two years of online learning caused by COVID-19, she had a challenge with accessing classes due to low Internet connectivity. Her struggles worsened in June when her tablet was stolen from her home by thieves.

"I couldn't get to do my classes or complete my end-of-year examinations. Although I don't have the tablet right now, I am still going to make the effort to do my best this year. I am grateful for this grant," she said, noting her goal of becoming a member of the Jamaica Defence Force.

Her mother, Julene Pennicot, is a domestic worker, but she admitted to THE STAR that it does not provide a steady income for the household.

"Sometimes I am not working, and I am mother and father for both of them and it is really hard. Sometimes we don't have no foodstuff, so we go nights without food sometimes. When the school gets a package from the Food For The Poor, they would call me and give me it. It hurts me sometimes and I cry," Pennicot said tearfully.

The mother of two shared that while she has yet to secure funding to replace her daughter's tablet, the grant will be used to purchase textbooks.

"I know it's God do this, He sent this blessing for us. I prayed about this. I really needed this," she said.

McKenzie informed the news team that it was imperative for NCB to be a part of this year's treat, highlighting the company's tenets to value education, supporting children and giving back to community.

"The children are the foundation of any country, and if we do not produce good, educated children, what would this country be? So, we are big on supporting and ensuring that our kids are looked after. COVID-19 has really hit us and although it is still here, it is good to see persons coming out and just supporting the students," she said.

McKenzie noted that COVID-19 has created many distractions and setbacks for students, as they were unable to attend face-to-face classes. She encouraged parents to continue being resilient and to put their children first.

Garth Powell of Always Stay Connected Phone Store, shared that he was pleased with the turnout, having felt a void for the 24 months that the event was placed on pause.

"Giving back is always good and it is something we look forward to do. It is an initiative that we always do and we plan to do it further, and we just focus on growing that as big as possible. We decided that we were going to do as much to make up back for the two years, and we basically achieved that today," Powell said.