CELEBRATION OF YOUTH New Scholarship Opportunity

In a previous edition of The Anguillian, there was a press release that specifically highlighted a philanthropic effort by a man named Paul Lowerre. Mr. Lowerre is a frequent visitor to Anguilla and has developed a love and admiration for the island and, most importantly, its people. Of course, Mr. Lowerre is a tennis fanatic and therefore, when considering how to contribute, he decided to help the Anguilla Tennis Academy. He consequently set up a Youth Scholarship Endowment Fund through UBS Financial Services, a company of which he is a vice-president. This endowment fund began with his initial contribution of USD $30,000 from which the interest could fund, each year, two to three children in the After School Program run by the ATA.

Since the inception of the Endowment Fund, there have been many more contributions made to help it grow. Yet, the initial amount of USD $30,000 has already generated interest of almost $2,400. It for this reason that the ATA is now offering three scholarships to children who not only qualify, but are eager to learn tennis. The Youth Endowment Scholarship will be available to one child between the age of 5 and 9, one child between 10 and 13, and one between the age of 14 and 17. Below are the criteria:

1. Must have a positive attitude and be a hard worker.
2. The child has to be an average or above average student.
3. The applicant must be in need of the scholarship.
4. The child has to show community involvement in some capacity.
In order to apply, the applicant needs to pick up an application form from either ABC Supplies or coach Rodney at Webster’s Park. (More info below on when he is at the park.) The applicant will be required to write a one to two page letter explaining how he or she meets all of the above criteria. Also, the applicant must include a recent copy of his/her school report card. Thescholarship is available to any child who lives in Anguilla and the ATA encourages many applicants as this will not be the only scholarship available in the future.

The deadline for all applicantions is March 20. Send them to:

Anguilla Tennis Academy
Jason Allen
P. O. Box 548
The Valley
Anguilla

Or, you can leave the application with Rodney Ross at the James Ronald Webster Park between the hours of 4 and 6 pm Monday - Thursday, or from 8-11:30 am on Saturday.

The ATA believes that all children should be afforded the opportunity to play tennis. There are many programs in Anguilla now, such as those at the ATA, that have a proven record of success and their fees are either non-existent or nominal. There are many organizations that are answering the call to upgrade and improve social development opportunities for children. I am proud to be a part of this effort to improve the lives of children in Anguilla and I am grateful to all of those who support the ATA and read this column on youth in Anguilla. If you are aware of a child or organization doing great things in Anguilla, please send me an e-mail at jallen@caribcable.com.