Empowering Dreams.Transforming Lives
- Marlene Gordon
- Oct 25
- 5 min read
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.
