The Genevieve Smith Foundation continued its commitment to investing in the nation’s youth by awarding four outstanding graduates of Potters Primary School during the school’s graduation ceremony held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the Potters Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The 2026 scholarship presentation marked the Foundation’s third consecutive year of recognizing deserving students and the first since the passing of the Foundation’s founder and inspiration, Genevieve Smith, affectionately known throughout the community as “Teacher Gen.” Although she passed away on December 11, 2025, her legacy of service, compassion, and educational excellence continues to shape the lives of young people through the Foundation established in her honour.
Representing the Smith family and the Foundation was Genevieve Smith’s granddaughter, J’noure Smith-Kellman, who reflected on her grandmother’s extraordinary life of service and the importance of continuing her vision of empowering children through education.
For more than 50 years, Teacher Gen devoted her life to education, spending many of those years teaching at Potters Primary School. She was known not only for her dedication in the classroom but also for the love, encouragement, and guidance she extended to generations of students. Beyond her role as an educator, she opened her home and her heart to children in need, fostering, nurturing, and raising dozens of young people throughout her lifetime. Her unwavering belief that every child deserved an opportunity to succeed made her one of the community’s most respected and beloved educators.
Addressing graduates, parents, teachers, and invited guests, Smith-Kellman said the Foundation remains committed to ensuring that Teacher Gen’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.
“This scholarship programme is our family’s way of ensuring that my grandmother’s legacy lives on. She dedicated her life to serving others, especially children, and she firmly believed that education could transform lives. Although she is no longer with us, her passion for helping young people continues through the work of the Genevieve Smith Foundation.”
She noted that this year’s presentation was particularly meaningful as it was the first scholarship ceremony following Teacher Gen’s passing.
“While this year has been one of tremendous loss for our family, it has also strengthened our resolve to continue what she started. Every scholarship we award is a reminder that her work did not end with her passing. It lives on in every child who is encouraged to pursue excellence.”
A total of EC$2,000 was awarded through four scholarships valued at EC$500 each, recognizing students who demonstrated academic excellence, perseverance, personal growth, and exceptional character.
The 2026 recipients were:
Top Female Student: Jerzaria Hamilton
Top Male Student: Tayzhoni Murrain
Most Improved Student: Zia Roach
Exceptional Dedication and Potential Award: D’hanna Henry
Smith-Kellman congratulated all graduates and encouraged them to continue striving for success as they transition to secondary school.
She also extended congratulations to the parents, guardians, teachers, and the staff of Potters Primary School for their unwavering support in nurturing the students throughout their primary education.
The Genevieve Smith Foundation remains committed to honouring the life and legacy of Genevieve “Teacher Gen” Smith by investing in the educational development of young people and recognizing students who embody the values of academic excellence, resilience, kindness, and service. Through its annual scholarship programme, the Foundation seeks to ensure that Teacher Gen’s remarkable contribution to education continues to inspire generations to come.
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