Three Liberian Students Win 2023 Academic Excellence Award In District 13

Following a tough and competitive academic vetting process three Liberians students, who are valedictorian from the ST. Michael Catholic School, Assembly of God High school and the Bishop Tue Institute High schools have emerged winners of this year’s District #13 Academic Excellence Award.

The three students that made it to this year academic excellence award final include Student Alicia S. Tweh form the St. Michael Catholic School who took first place with a cash price of L$50,000, Student Sam P. Sonpon from the Bishop Tue Institute came second with a cash price of L$30.000, while Student Princess B. Henry from the Grace Assembly of God high school took the third place with a cash price of L$20.000.

The District 13 Excellence Award is an academic initiative that is aimed at improving, strengthening and building the capacity of students who emerge as valedictorian at their various schools. The initiative is also aimed at preparing students to take on future challenge upon leaving high school.

The excellence award initiative is being fully sponsored by a youthful Liberian citizen Andy Bropleh Jallah, through the ABJ Foundation who's currently residing in the United States of America.

Giving the overview recently at the second edition of District 13 Excellence Award ceremony, the Education Director of ABJ foundation, Mr. Ramsey T. Sumanie told the audience that the initiative was dedicated to recognize and reward academic excellence by honoring the top three valedictorians within District 13.

"This program continue to be a symbol of our commitment to education and the empowerment of young minds within district 13" he noted that the ABJ foundation aim to inspire and motivate students to strive for excellence in their academic sojourn.”

At the same time, those who participated in the six-week training but didn't reach the final were also given a cash price of L$7000 each as a means of encouraging and appreciating them to continue their hard work.

Giving the background of the academic excellence award Ernest Lavi Lincoln the Executive Director of the ABJ foundation said the excellence award ceremony was first of its kind in district 13 and it's excite them as an organization to form part of the rebuilding process of the country through educational initiative.

He narrated that the foundation got in partnership with authorities of the ministry of education through the district Education Officer or DEO to bring all high schools valedictorian together with the goal of celebrating excellence.

Lincoln reveal that some years back district 13 was known for it academic excellence saying it was a beacon of hope for education, but express frustration saying today when you mentioned district 13 you hear nothing but drugs something he says is suppressing and demining the district.

"For us to reunite that dream and to bring back that good spirits it was prudent initiative the academic excellence award as part of the rebranding process"

He added that why others find pleasure in talking about the negative there are still few good things that can be celebrated among them are the students who left their various schools earnings hard marks becoming valedictorian.

The ABJ foundation Executive Director however went on to say the students took part in an intensive six weeks training which he says primarily aimed at exalting, inspiring, and cultivating the spirit of academic independence and excellence became an epic center for competing valedictorians with each valedictorian striving and endeavoring to secure the three top-notched slots in the wake of bolstering the image and reputation of their various schools and family at large.

For his part the founder and CEO of the ABJ foundation Mr. Andy Bropleh Jallah in a special statement said the foundation was founded in 2018 with a vision of providing innovative services and empowering citizens through various educational initiatives.

Speaking from the United States Jallah said since the establishment of the foundation it has been actively involved in educational programs aimed at improving literacy and providing financial aid to struggling students, evidence is the establishment of its annual academic excellence award program among others.

"Our mission at ABJ foundation is center around investing in students education by improving their livelihoods base on their own choices and opportunities"

He reveal that the foundation has undertaken series of educational programs and projects across the district including the construction of the district administrative hub, students financial aid, district inter high school quizzing tournament academic excellence award program among others.

He pointed out that his foundation is driven by a strong commitment to education, empowerment and communities’ development, adding we are aim at making positive impact on individuals and society by providing innovative services and opportunities for the growth of the country he concludes.

The district 13 Academic Excellence Award ceremony was grace by influential people and high profile individuals across the district including the district education officer, representative aspirant, visiting guest and scores of jubilant students from various schools across the districts.