The national average remains low, but you wouldn't know it if you had passed through Custom Computers Ltd. in the Harbour Bay Shopping on Saturday past where students, parents and teachers gathered to celebrate excellence in education. The Fifth Annual "A's for Excellence" campaign, hosted by Custom Computers kicked off the new school year for some lucky and hardworking students whose "A" grades on their latest report card made them eligible for a drawing of fun and educational prizes -- computers, printers, an iPad, and phones.
Out of the almost 600 students who entered the drawing, represented by almost 4,000 "A" grades collectively achieved by the students, Tariq Pratt a seventh-grade student at S.C. McPherson and Sania Russel, a third grade student at St. Francis/St. Joseph Catholic Schools walked away with the grand prizes. Pratt received an Apple MacBook Pro. Russel got an HP Touchsmart AIO. Ten other students were awarded consolation prizes.
Elijah Higgs, a third grade student at Queen's College, Kristian Evans, a second grade student at Hillcrest Academy and Tarejh Miller, a third grade student at Oakesfield Primary received HP Printers. LG Chocolate phones were awarded to Zharia Rolle, a tenth grade student at St. Augustine's College and Tyler Gray, a sixth grade student at St. Anne's School. iPod Shuffles were carted off by Hodari Prince, a first grade student at Queen's College and Nathan Smith, a fourth grade student at Day Spring Academy).
A $50 gift certificate were given to Imani Palmer, a tenth grade student at C.V. Bethel and Canaan Lightbourne, a fourth grade student at St. Anne's School; a $25 iTunes card was given to Amriana Dean, a ninth grade student at St. Augustine's College. Not to send all of the excellent students empty-handed, Custom Computers Ltd. also gave away 10 door prizes as well as free school sports bags filled with school supplies to every child who attended the drawing. "I feel good about winning," said Higgs. "They had a good set up and I'm glad the kids got involved in the drawing," said Zhizell McKenzie, who walked away with a door prize of an iTunes card after attending the event with her brother who entered the drawing.
"It helps them to study better and try their best. I think I'll enter the next one." Custom Computers Ltd. also honored the teachers who worked hard to guide their students to excellence by awarding them gift certificates to the store. Students who entered the drawing also entered the name of their favorite teacher, as a result, Mrs. Henderson from Queen's college was given a $1,000 gift certificate, and Mrs. Greenslade from T.A. Thompson Junior High was given a $500 gift certificate for their hard work. "It's such a joy to me to teach a subject and see the expressions on my student's faces when they are able to answer the questions," said Greenslade.
"Events like these motivate children to strive for excellence. In my classes I give incentives too, and it gives them the desire to do better." Custom Computers Marketing Manager Pia Farmer said the event continues to encourage excellence among Bahamian students. "Although we face many challenges in education, it is important that we celebrate those students who are working hard and excelling in their studies, and to appreciate the teachers who make a big difference in the lives of our children," she says.
"At Custom Computers we would like to bring to the forefront some of the good news and positive stories about children who are succeeding and gaining life skills in school." As Custom Computers Ltd. is celebrating their 25th Anniversary by giving away more than $25,000 in prizes throughout the year to thank the community for their support, the name of the monthly iPad winner was also drawn and announced with Copeland Moxey receiving the prize. The award ceremony for the motivated students whose names were drawn at A's for Excellence will take place this coming Saturday at the Custom Computers Ltd. Harbor Bay store.
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