Eight Plaisance children in being awarded for their outstanding performance at the National Grade Six Exami-nations were yesterday urged to strive for excellence and to contribute positively to the community.

Academic success: Eight Plaisance children were yesterday recognised for outstanding academic performances. From second from left are Paige Carter, Ariana Carvalhal, Alicia Fraser, Jeremiah Duncan, Shivanie Ragubir, Joshua Ferdinand, Aisha Miller and Allana Gittens. The Awardees are flanked by Noel Campbell, member of the Plaisance Development Committee, New York (left) and musician Eddy Grant.

Two of the students were successful in last year’s sitting while the others wrote the exam this year and gained places at several top secondary schools.

International recording musician Eddy Grant in addressing the students said that last Thursday’s incident which left a robber and a victim dead, reflected badly on the community.

“…We don’t want that sort of thing. We don’t want you people giving up and ending up like that. This is not Plaisance!” he said before wishing the students well in their future endeavours.

A small gathering turned up for the simple ceremony which was held in the compound of the St. Paul’s Anglican Church.

Bishops’ High School students, Jeremiah Duncan and Joshua Ferdinand received scholarships for the new school year from Grant and the Plaisance Development Committee, New York, respectively. Duncan who topped Plaisance Primary and Ferdinand, St. Paul’s Primary at last year’s sitting of the National Grade Six Examina-tion, will be financially supported with their academic studies.

The others awarded are Paige Carter, who placed eighth at this year’s sitting of the exam; Shivanie Ragubir, Ariana Carvalhal, Alicia Fraser, Aisha Miller and Allana Gittens. Carter also received a new lap top computer.

June Halley, a member of the Plaisance/Sparendaam Emancipation Committee said that everything is being done to ensure that the community moves forward in a positive manner.  She told the awardees that the members of the various committees are like second parents.

This event is an annual one.