Republic Bank recently celebrated some of the youngest members of its extended family during a special presentation for the children of employees who successfully sat the Barbados Secondary School Entrance Examination (BSSEE).
Eight of the 11 students, along with their parents, were present at the Broad Street Branch to happily receive what has become an annual token from the Bank to children of employees in recognition of their success in the exam. The children received Republic Bank branded promotional items as well as a cheque for one hundred and fifty Barbados dollarsBBD$150 from Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications Sophia Allsopp Cambridge. Included in the 11 was Janae Rowe, daughter of Janelle Prescod, who is the Senior Account Officer of the Bank’s Centralised Credit Unit. Rowe received the fourth highest marks in the country in this year’s BSSEE.
Left to right – Anthony Clerk Managing Director & CEO presents Janae Rowe with a gift basket and scholarship cheque while her mum Janelle Prescod looks on.
During the presentation, Allsopp Cambridge encouraged the children to make the most of their school days.
“Make sure you continue to contribute to all aspects of school life whilst you are a student and beyond. It seems as if primary school has flown by but I assure you as a parent of two teenagers that secondary school goes even more quickly than primary school. So enjoy every aspect of the process – choosing your uniforms and shoes, pencils and pens, looking through the textbooks that are going to be issued to you from the government of Barbados, and then day one and all that is going to be afforded to you on a platter as you go through your secondary school experience,” she said.
Meanwhile, she encouraged parents to carry the same civic-minded spirit that the Bank encourages through its Power to Make a Difference (PMAD) programme, into their children’s new schools. She urged them to “help build the school community by volunteering and participating in PTA activities”.
Several parents expressed gratitude to the Bank for acknowledging the achievements of the children and contributing to their education.
“I feel great!” said Jason Maynard of Limegrove branch. His son Dominic Ifill-Maynard will be heading to The Christ Church Foundation School later this month.
“Republic Bank does a lot of things for customers and for staff,” Maynard acknowledged. He added that “it means a lot” for the Bank to offer such support to “the future generation”.
Colleague Nicole Andrews, whose son Saquib Stoute is also going to Foundation School, shared his sentiments.
“It means a lot to have Republic Bank recognise the children, especially given what they have achieved despite what is happening in the world currently with COVID-19 and everything. Recognising their achievements at this point in time is really great,” she explained.
From left to right Sophia Allsopp Cambridge presents Gabrielle Millar with her token while her dad Kevin Gill looks on.
Before ending the ceremony, Allsopp Cambridge told the students that the Republic Bank family was proud of all of them.
Missing from the group photo is Tyral Bascombe.
“Your mum and dad know that Republic Bank is here to support you in any way that we can and we look forward to reading exceptional things about your progress as you move forward,” she said.
Later that day, at Republic Bank’s Headquarters at Independence Square, Rowe was presented with a gift basket and a scholarship cheque for one thousand Barbados dollars to assist with her educational expenses.
Managing Director & CEO Mr. Anthony Clerk was on hand to make the presentation and congratulate her.
“Your performance was nothing short of stellar. I wish you all the very best as you embark upon this new chapter of your life. Go to your new school and continue to make yourself, your parents and us proud,” he said.
