At the Lynne Mitchell Foundation (LMF), every scholarship represents more than financial support, it’s a lifeline of opportunity, a bridge between potential and possibility. Our 2025 scholars remind us why we do this work: to empower bright, determined students to rise above circumstance and shape a brighter future through education. This year, we proudly awarded 42 scholarships, our largest year yet, through our Aspire and Memorial programs, totaling USD $139,500 (~JMD $21 million) in educational support. Among these inspiring recipients are three young women whose journeys reflect the very heart of our mission: Chantae-Marie Garrick, Reshain Hall, and Desteny Dale.
Chantae-Marie Garrick
For Chantae-Marie Garrick, education is both purpose and power. A recipient of the Aspire Jamaica Scholarship (USD $2,500), she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communication at the University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica, where she has achieved outstanding academic results.
Raised by two teachers in a community surrounded by zinc fences and limited resources, Chantae-Marie witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education. Her parents worked tirelessly to send her to the best schools they could afford, showing her that education was not just a privilege, it was a pathway to change.
Even as a young girl, she displayed remarkable drive. From leading her Junior Schools’ Challenge Quiz team at Mona Preparatory to victory, to later becoming the only girl on Campion College’s national champion quiz team, she has consistently defied expectations and broken barriers. Those early experiences shaped her quiet confidence, discipline, and belief that no dream is out of reach.
Today, she leads with that same conviction. She has served as President of the CARIMAC Students’ Society, advocating for her peers and fostering inclusion and leadership. Through her work with the Rotaract Club of St. Andrew, the Jamaica Red Cross, and the United Way of Jamaica, she channels her talents into service, advancing youth empowerment, literacy, and community resilience.
A student-athlete and right-back defender in the Jamaica Women’s Premier League, Chantae-Marie had never played football before joining her university’s team. Her calm strength and determination quickly earned her the nickname “Palmtree”—a reflection of her resilience and grace under pressure.
Balancing academics, athletics, and service while navigating financial challenges, she embodies perseverance. The Aspire Scholarship helps cover tuition, transportation, and meals, allowing her to focus fully on her education and leadership.
Reflecting on her journey, Chantae-Marie says:
“Your generosity moved me to tears; my younger self would have never believed that I could dream of, let alone receive this much assistance to pursue higher education.”
Her gratitude fuels her purpose.
“I want to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard and inspire young people, especially girls from communities like mine, to dream bigger and reach higher.”
Through her focus, leadership, and compassion, Chantae-Marie Garrick is not just rising, she’s paving the way for others to rise with her.
Desteny Dale
From the quiet hills of Bombay District, Manchester, Desteny Dale shines as a beacon of perseverance and grace. She is the 2025 recipient of the Lorna Pearl Philp and Felix William Philp Scholarship (USD $2,500), an award that honors Jamaican students whose lives reflect the Philps’ enduring values of faith, education, and community upliftment.
A graduate of Manchester High School, Desteny earned a 4.2 GPA earning her a place in the Principal’s Distinction Club. This August, she began her Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science at the University of the West Indies, in Kingston, Jamaica, combining her love of mathematics and business with her desire to serve her country.
After losing her father in childhood, Desteny’s mother raised five children alone. That example of sacrifice and strength continues to drive her. In high school, Desteny served as Vice President of the Youth Arise Leaders and Mentors Guild, a Prefect, and a Youth Leader and Church Council member in her congregation. Her leadership is guided by a deep sense of purpose.
“The Philps’ story reminds me that love, sacrifice, and community are the true measures of legacy,” she says.“I want to be the kind of leader who shows others that no matter where you come from, you can rise above and create a bright future.”
For Desteny, receiving the Philp Scholarship has been life-changing.
“Dear Lynne Mitchell Foundation, I am truly honored to be selected as a recipient of the Lorna Pearl Philp & Felix William Philp Memorial Scholarship. This means more to me than I can express. Growing up in a single-parent household, I watched my mother work tirelessly to provide for me and my sisters. As the first in my immediate family to attend college, I promise to make your investment count. Thank you for believing in me, for easing my financial burden, and for giving me the confidence to continue chasing my dreams. I am truly and deeply grateful.”
Through the Philp Scholarship, Desteny carries forward a legacy of purpose and perseverance. Her journey reminds us that success is not about never falling, it’s about rising after every fall, and lifting others as you climb.
Reshain Hall
From the hills of Friendship Gap, St. Mary, to the lecture halls of Drexel University in Pennsylvania, Reshain Hall exemplifies resilience, excellence, and heart. A second-year recipient of the Aspire International Scholarship (USD $5,000), she continues to shine academically while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering.
During her freshman year at Drexel, she achieved outstanding academic results, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and earning a place on the Dean’s List for both the Fall and Winter quarters. Her exceptional performance in demanding courses such as Biomedical Engineering Design, General Chemistry, and Calculus reflects her intellect, discipline, and deep commitment to excellence.
Reshain’s academic brilliance is matched by her strength of character. A former Valedictorian and Head Girl of Holy Childhood High School, she now leads through involvement in the Drexel Biomedical Undergraduate Association, the West Indian Establishment Association, and Every Nation Campus, staying grounded in her Jamaican roots even as she thrives abroad.
Her journey has been marked by both triumph and loss. When her mother passed away during her CAPE exams, her final words — “Nothing nuh name can’t” — became a guiding force. Reshain carried that strength into her studies, pushing through grief and financial hardship.
“My aim is to help modernize Jamaica’s healthcare system,” she shares.“I want to develop technologies and systems that strengthen care for every Jamaican.”
The Aspire International Scholarship has provided vital relief, enabling her to focus on her goals rather than her financial burdens.
“Thank you to the Lynne Mitchell Foundation for awarding me the Aspire International Scholarship. This scholarship will be extremely helpful in assisting me financially as I transition into my sophomore year at Drexel University. I am truly honored and grateful to be chosen for this opportunity. Thank you once again for investing in my education and future.”
Her words reflect both gratitude and purpose, the same spirit that drives her to one day return home and strengthen Jamaica’s healthcare system through innovation and compassion.
Education Changes Everything
Chantae-Marie, Reshain, and Desteny represent the courage, talent, and heart of Jamaica’s youth and the transformative power of opportunity. Their success stories were made possible by donors like you, whose generosity continues to empower students through our Aspire and Memorial Scholarship Programs. As we look toward 2026, our goal is to fund 40 Aspire Scholarships, expanding our reach to even more deserving students. With your help, we can continue opening doors, changing lives, and shaping Jamaica’s future, one scholar at a time.
In the vibrant landscapes of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, a young boy named Shemarie Munroe embarked on a remarkable journey that would lead him from his hometown to the halls of higher education in the United States. Shemarie’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and a steadfast belief in the transformative power of education. His evolution from Seaview Primary School to becoming a senior at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas showcases the profound influence of purpose and passion on one’s path to success.
Humble Beginnings at Seaview
Shemarie’s journey began at Seaview Primary School, a one-room schoolhouse built over 55 years ago, where classrooms were separated not by walls, but by chalkboards. This school also holds a special place in the history of the Lynne Mitchell Foundation, it was where Lynne Mitchell herself both studied and began teaching at just 15 years old. That same spirit of perseverance and dedication to learning shaped Shemarie’s early years.
The Turning Point
In 2015, at only 12 years old, Shemarie applied for a high school scholarship through the Lynne Mitchell Foundation. His essay demonstrated not only intelligence, but also a keen understanding of his community and environment. The Scholarship Committee recognized his potential, and this moment became a turning point, opening doors that would change his life’s trajectory. Through this scholarship, the Foundation covered his school uniforms, transportation and fees throughout high school, ensuring that financial barriers did not stand in the way of his education.
Academic Excellence
Shemarie attended St. Elizabeth Technical High School, where he consistently excelled academically. After graduating in 2020, he pursued his dream of studying in the United States. With the support of the Foundation, which granted him a $5,000 USD annual scholarship contingent upon maintaining a strong GPA, he was able to embark on his college journey.
Now, at 22 years old, Shemarie is completing a double major in Business Administration (Management) and History, with minors in Psychology and Economics. His academic path reflects not just curiosity, but a vision: to merge diverse disciplines in ways that build businesses and systems rooted in social responsibility.
A Vision for the Future
Shemarie’s passion for exploring culture, identity, and human behavior is at the heart of his aspirations. He envisions a future where entrepreneurship uplifts communities, where business growth is inseparable from social impact.
Reflecting on his journey, he shares:
“At the heart of this journey, beneath every milestone, is the Lynne Mitchell Foundation. They are the patrons of my story, the reason I have one to tell.”
A Story of Impact
The encouragement and resources from the Lynne Mitchell Foundation have not only supported Shemarie’s academic pursuits but also nurtured the confidence and purpose that continue to propel him forward. His journey from the chalkboard-divided rooms of Seaview to a U.S. university underscores the importance of believing in oneself, investing in young minds, and supporting dreams that can lead to profound change.
As Shemarie approaches graduation, his story stands as a beacon of hope, proving that with resilience, purpose, and the right support, anything is possible.
Since 2013, the Lynne Mitchell Foundation has invested over $750,000 USD (approximately JMD $120 million) in education and uplifting Jamaican youth. This investment has supported hundreds of students through scholarships, daily meals, transportation, uniforms, backpacks and school supplies, infrastructure improvements, and sports programs, removing barriers to education and empowering the next generation.
February 3, 2025
Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Lynne Mitchell Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to help Jamaican students overcome financial barriers to earning post-secondary degrees. Jamaican students who demonstrate excellent academic achievement, leadership abilities, clear career goals, a determination to succeed, and a dedication to giving back to their communities are encouraged to apply. Below are the scholarship opportunities available and the link to the online application portal.
ASPIRE SCHOLARSHIPS
The Aspire Scholarship Program offers financial support to exceptional students attending universities, trade, or vocational schools for post-secondary education. Focused on fostering academic excellence, Aspire provides two scholarship levels to cater to students' diverse needs: (1) Aspire Jamaica Scholarship ($2,500 U.S. Dollars), designed for students attending universities, trade, or vocational schools within Jamaica, this scholarship aims to empower local talent and stimulate growth within Jamaican communities; and (2) Aspire International Scholarship ($5,000 U.S. Dollars) for students enrolled in universities, trade, or vocational schools outside Jamaica, this scholarship facilitates access to global education and opportunities for students to broaden their perspectives.
CLAUDIA KAYE FENNELL-GIBBS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Supported by multiple donors in memory of the late Claudia Kaye Fennell-Gibbs, the Claudia Kaye Fennell-Gibbs Memorial Scholarship grants a $3,000 U.S. Dollar academic scholarship to a qualifying Jamaican student enrolled in a university, trade, vocational, or graduate school.
Claudia was a pillar of strength for her family and a matriarch for her own tribe of 3 beautiful children. She always made an earnest effort to encourage, empower and support the future generation. Her kindness to those in need knew no bounds, while encouraging others to do the little that they could to help better someone else.
ELEANOR HANSELL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Eleanor Hansell Memorial Scholarship, funded by W. Barry Blum in memory of his former elementary school teacher Eleanor Hansell, grants a $5,000 U.S. Dollar academic scholarship to a qualifiying Jamaican student enrolled in a university, trade, vocational, or graduate school.
Eleanor taught elementary school in Kansas and in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania for 32 years, shaping the lives of countless children with an uncanny ability to see the best in every child. She was a teacher in the spirit of the Lynne Mitchell Foundation. In 1963, during just her second year in Bristol Township, “Mrs. Hansell” took a special interest in a precocious and unruly first-grader, not only tolerating his near-constant disruptions but always encouraging him with love to reach for the stars. That began a life-long relationship that saw Eleanor and her husband Bob attending that former first-grader’s wedding in Jacksonville, Florida in 1985, now culminating in this memorial scholarship.
LYNNE MITCHELL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Established by Marlene Mitchell Gordon to honor her late mother, Lynne Mitchell, the Lynne Mitchell Memorial Scholarship grants a $5,000 U.S. Dollar academic scholarship to a qualifying Jamaican woman enrolled in a university, trade, vocational, or graduate school.
The Lynne Mitchell Foundation was founded in December 2012 to honor the memory of Lynne Mitchell, a servant leader who taught that love has little to do with what one says and a lot to do with what one does. She would always remind her daughter, "don't just say you love, show your love." During her life, she used her time, talents and resources to do whatever she could - big or small - to make a positive difference in the lives of others, especially those less fortunate than herself. The Lynne Mitchell Foundation and this scholarship continues her legacy of love - one act at a time.
RAMA H. RAWAL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Rama H. Rawal Memorial Scholarship, funded by Raj Rawal in memory of his late mother, Rama H. Rawal, grants a $3,000 U.S. Dollar academic scholarship to a qualifiying Jamaican woman enrolled in university, trade, vocational, or graduate school.
Rama was an incredibly strong and fiercely independent person. She earned a master's degree at a time when few women in India even went to college. Similarly, when her husband came to America, she remained in India for more than two years and continued to work full-time as a high school teacher while caring for both sons. Rama handled the ups and downs of life with cheerfulness, optimism, and humor.
ERNEST M. CHANNER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Funded by Marlene Mitchell Gordon, in honor of the memory of her uncle, the late Ernest M. Channer, the Ernest M. Channer Memorial Scholarship grants a $3,000 U.S. Dollar academic scholarship to a qualifying Jamaican student attending university, trade, vocational or graduate school.
Ernest was a devoted husband and father. He cherished family gatherings and never hesitated to assist both family and friends, regardless of the circumstances. Throughout his arduous 15-year battle with the rare illness Amyloidosis (Familial) that many of his siblings share, Ernest participated in clinical trials, generously sharing his journey to further the advancement of treatment for this disease.
SLYVIA GORDON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Sylvia Gordon Memorial Scholarship, founded by Charles Gordon in memory of his mother Sylvia Gordon, grants a $2,500 U.S. Dollar scholarship to a qualifying Jamaican student attending a university, trade, vocational, or graduate school.
From her years of hard work, struggles and determination, Sylvia fulfilled her dream to ensure that her family was well taken care of. After seeing her children grow up and become independent, Sylvia entered a new chapter, that of being a loving and doting grandmother.
Sylvia handled the challenges of her life by leaning on her strong faith in God. Always the optimist, she was filled with an abundance of love and showed it to everyone she met.
NORMAN J. LAWRENCE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Norman J. Lawrence Memorial Scholarship, established by Chanteya Lawrence to honor her late father, Norman J. Lawrence, grants a $2,500 U.S. Dollar academic scholarship to a qualifiying Jamaican student enrolled in a university, trade, vocational, or graduate school.
Norman never forgot about his own struggles as a boy so he and his wife gave back to children in the inner city and around the island to ensure they could get a good education. Norman and his wife Laurice are the product of parents who constantly gave back to support their community which makes a scholarship the best honor to continue their work. Norman affectionately known as “Honey” loved sport especially cricket, horseracing, spending time with family and reading.
LORNA PEARL PHILP & FELIX WILLIAM PHILP MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Lorna Pearl Philp & Felix William Philp Memorial Scholarship, established by Heather Philp to honor her late parents, Lorna Pearl Philp and Felix William Philp, grants a $5,000 U.S. Dollar academic scholarship to a qualifiying Jamaican student enrolled in a university, trade, vocational, or graduate school.
Our family takes great pride and joy in providing this scholarship in memory of our parents.
The Philp/Byrd family valued love, kindness, respect, excellence, and education. Despite challenges, their determination led them from Kingston to Harlem in the early 1970s, where they thrived and cherished their rich love. Their Jamaican culture remained a guiding force as they adapted to life in the U.S.
This is why we pay it forward and assist the next generation of Jamaican dreamers in achieving their full potential, aiming for excellence, and becoming a beacon of hope for their families and communities.
Applicants must complete an application form, provide an official school transcript, a brief description of their area of study and career goals, and a written essay. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, clearly defined career goals, demonstrated financial need, letters of recommendation, and a personal interview.
Applications are reviewed by members of the Scholarship Committee, the Board of Directors, and donors of memorial scholarships.
Questions on how to establish a Memorial Scholarship can be directed to info@lynnemitchellfoundation.org.
Questions regarding scholarship application support can be directed to info@lynnemitchellfoundation.org.
To learn more about the Lynne Mitchell Foundation, or to donate to our General Scholarship Fund, visit our website at www.lynnemitchellfoundation.org.
