Pocket Rocket Foundation awards seven

Fraser-Pryce challenges students to balance sports and academics

Four months after Olympic and World Championships gold medallist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce launched her Pocket Rocket Foundation, seven student athletes have now been named beneficiaries of the charity’s scholarship fund.

The seven high-school students each received $100,000 to cover school expenses, including books, transportation, uniforms, and other fees.

The recipients are Shavar Scott, Brenton Bailey, Jovaine Atkinson, Carlton Collins, Kimone Shaw, Rojaire Bingham, and Tahjia Lumley.

Speaking at the award presentation yesterday at Devon House in St Andrew, Fraser-Pryce implored the recipients to strive for the right balance between academics and sports.

“Balancing both is very good and to know that you can do these two things at one time and accomplish both at the same time,” the sprint queen said.

“So I want you to have that balance. I want you to make sacrifices,” she added.

Fraser-Pryce, a graduate of the University of Technology, holds a Bachelor of Science in Child and Adolescent Development.

President of the Pocket Rocket Foundation, Bruce James, assured the awardees that if they continued to get at least 65 per cent in five or more subjects, the scholarship would be renewed throughout their tenure in high school.

The winners were chosen from a pool of student athletes who demonstrated academic excellence and expressed genuine need for financial assistance.