Education Local News School Goddards recognises two Parkinson pupils’ commitment to leading, helping others Barbados Today21/07/20230250 views Valerie Lovell from GEL assists Deshonda and Matthew with displaying the Challenge Shield, which will hang in the school hall. Two students of the Parkinson Memorial School were recently awarded the Goddard Awards of Excellence at their graduation. Deshonda Laborde and Matthew Goodridge were the 2023 awardees whose diligence, integrity and leadership were recognised and celebrated by the company. This is the second year that Goddard Enterprises Ltd (GEL) has presented these Awards of Excellence through which the company recognised, among other things, those students’ who helped others navigate the challenges that had been experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The students are chosen based on how they have exemplified several of the core values of the company. Matthew’s determination was applauded since, despite a minor disability, he showed commitment to work hard and succeed in all that he undertook. He was dedicated to his studies and performed and led the prefect body with diplomacy and fairness. He also exhibited inspirational leadership to his peers and teachers when he offered creative solutions to any problems that came up in class and exhibited service excellence as a member of the technical team and never let his challenges limit his ability. Deshonda demonstrated dedication in her excellent academic performance throughout her years at Parkinson and was placed consistently on the Principal’s Honour Roll.Even during the pandemic when classes had to shift to an online environment, she maintained her drive to achieve academically and showed her commitment to leadership when appointed to the prefect body, later becoming a senior prefect. “It was heartening to see the number of students who were nominated for these awards this year and we deliberated long and hard to find the two who really embodied our core values in all of their activities,” stated GEL’s Valerie Lovell, Head Office People Coordinator who delivered the remarks at the graduation. Last year the first two awardees were Daveena Bayliss and Hasani Hinkson. The company, which has adopted the school, is involved in various activities with the students including careers days, and other events such as International Women’s Day and International Men’s Day. A number of students also get the opportunity annually to intern at the various GEL companies. (PR) ]]>