HARPER, Maryland County — Maryland County District #1 Representative P. Mike Jury has honored 56 academically outstanding students from 10 schools across Harper District, providing each beneficiary a certificate of honor, a backpack, 22 copybooks and full payment of school fees for the academic year.
By Peter P. Toe, Jr., peterp.toe@frontpageafricaonline.com
The recognition ceremony, held on Friday, October 9 at the Catholic Parish Hall in Harper City, brought together educational stakeholders, students, parents and other well-wishers to celebrate the students’ academic achievements.
The beneficiaries, drawn from grades seven to eleven, were selected based on their academic performance, with each maintaining an average of at least 85 percent.
School authorities confirmed that Representative Jury had already begun paying the students’ fees school by school. Parents who had previously paid their children’s school fees are expected to be reimbursed in the coming week.
The initiative is intended to recognize academic excellence while encouraging students to remain committed to their studies, regardless of whether they attend public or private schools.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Representative Jury said the recognition was intended to appreciate their efforts and motivate them to maintain their academic performance.
“In all of the high schools in Harper District, these are students topping from seventh grade to eleventh grade. Their averages are beginning at 85 percent upwards. There are even more of them whose averages are above 90,” he said.
The lawmaker noted that the selection process was based primarily on academic performance, explaining that students from both public and private institutions were included in the program.
He also encouraged students who might wish to transfer from public to private schools to maintain the required academic average, emphasizing that their grades would remain the major consideration for future recognition.
Representative Jury challenged the students to remain disciplined, work harder, and serve as examples to their colleagues who were not included among this year’s beneficiaries.
“You did not arrive at this point by mistake or by chance. You are here because of choices that you made when you had sleepless nights to study,” he told the students.
He attributed their achievements to discipline, determination, and the willingness to prioritize their education over distractions.
The lawmaker further urged the beneficiaries not to become complacent because of their current accomplishments, but to continue working toward higher academic goals.
“Be proud and do not stop here, because you are laying your foundations day by day, step by step for tomorrow, and you will be recognized,” Representative Jury added.
He expressed hope that the recognition would encourage other students to improve their grades and qualify for similar honors in subsequent years.
Representative Jury also disclosed that the initiative is intended to become an annual program, providing continued motivation for students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance.
Meanwhile, one of the female beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the recognition, pledging to sustain her academic performance.
“I am grateful for this opportunity. I will not take it lightly. I will hold it to the best of my ability to maintain my grades,” she said.
The students’ recognition comes with financial support intended to ease the burden of school expenses on their families while encouraging them to remain focused on their education.
The 56 beneficiaries were drawn from 10 schools across Harper District.
East Harper Elementary and Junior High School recorded the highest number, with 13 students, followed by J. Hodo Manston High School with seven and Cape Palmas High School with six.
Other participating institutions were Our Lady of Fatima High School, J.S. Pratt United Methodist High School, John Hillary Tubman High School, Jireth Solid Foundation High School, Yuakpe Foundation High School, Harper Demonstration High School, and Education First Academy.
The initiative is expected to encourage greater academic competition among students in Harper District, as the lawmaker seeks to make the recognition an annual event for students who meet the established academic requirements.