SOUTH FLORIDA – The winner of the annual Jamaica Independence Essay Competition 2014, Miss Ashleigh Chin received her award winning plaque from Consul General Franz Hall recently, at the office of the Consulate General of Jamaica in Miami.
Ashleigh was the winner in the category 9 – 12 years, and attends the Walter C. Young Middle School in Pembroke Pines. A second generation Jamaican, Ashleigh was also a contestant in the 2014 Miss Jamaica Florida Pageant held in June earlier this year; and in her essay entry she proudly penned how her Jamaican heritage has impacted her development as an individual through her daily encounters. “My Jamaican heritage has also privileged me with various opportunities and has also made me proud of who I am,” she attested.
As Consul General Hall congratulated Ashleigh on her recent accomplishments, he invited children of Jamaican heritage to participate in the various activities inspired by our island’s rich history and cultural heritage and to take pride in the many accomplishments at home and abroad by the people of the island of our origin.
The competition is open to all Jamaican children, first and second generation, residing in Florida State, and forms part of the annual celebrations to observe the nation’s anniversary of Independence throughout the Florida communities. Applicants submit entries in one of three age categories – five to eight (5-8); nine to twelve (9-12); and thirteen to eighteen (13-18); and are given the opportunity to reflect and record on the nation’s history and culture through various topics and events that have catapulted the image of Jamaica and her outstanding Diaspora in the global arena. The merit in this project is to advance Diaspora community awareness in a State that promotes diversity, while exposing our youth to their Jamaican culture and heritage. The winner in each category is awarded with a plaque by the Consul General and monetary donations from the Partners For Youth Foundation.
