Former student of the St. Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School (SAASS), Jensen Henry, is the recipient of the EU Buckmire Science Award for his excellent academic performance in the 2007 CXC/CSEC exams. Jensen collected his award at a special ceremony held at SAASS on Thursday May 15, 2008. The EU Buckmire Science Award is given annually to a student in one of the three secondary schools in the parish of St. Andrew who has performed outstandingly in the field of science. The award was first given in 2005, through the kind initiative of the Buckmire brothers, owners of Paris Pharmacy, Grenville. The first recipient of this prestigious science award was Liselle Joseph, a former student of the St. Joseph’s Convent (Grenville) back in 2005. The 2006 recipient was Leon Abel of SAASS. By coping the 2007 award, Jensen has ensured that the coveted trophy remains in SAASS for the second consecutive year. Devon Charkoo of SAASS and Lisa Findlay of the St. Joseph's Convent (Grenville) were also presented with Certificates of Distinction for their outstanding performances in the 2007 CXC exams. ***Citation: Jensen Henry- Recipient of E. U. Buckmire Science Award, (Award of Excellence) 2008***** Ladies and gentlemen, students-All It is a great honour for me to be a part of this afternoon’s celebration. A celebration of what I anticipate is the first in a series of accomplishments of a very deserving young man- Mr. Jensen Henry. Jensen’s incredible journey at SAASS began in September of 2002. From the very beginning Jensen was recognized as an exceptionally talented young boy by the teachers who taught him and even those who didn’t. Although he was a bit diffident at first, he was admired even then, by all his teachers and even his peers for his excellent ability to express himself- he spoke with such eloquence and precision. He was instantly identified as a student who would excel in the Arts. It may seem a bit ironic that today he is being recognized instead for his impressive performance in the area of Science. This however, is testimony of Jensen’s all-round excellent performance. For in school, he excelled in all of the disciplines. In fact, throughout his tenure at SAASS, Jensen was always top of his class averaging at least 85% per term. As a matter of fact, attaining averages in the 90’s was not uncommon for Jensen. Jensen however, did not only excel academically. This hard working, disciplined young man was also actively involved in sports. He had a passion for cricket (I believe he still does). He therefore represented his form, his school and later his country in various cricket competitions. As a matter of fact, in 2004, he was a member of the national under 15 cricket team and the national under 19 team in 2006 and 2008. His failure to make the said team in 2007 was only because of his decision to focus on his preparations for his CXC exams. In addition to his involvement in sports, Jensen also partook in a number of extra and co- curricular activities. He was a very active member of the school’s science club. He also represented SAASS in the Arts Festival. He also, on several occasions represented his house and school in debating competitions. His impressive oratory skills captured many judges; thus, on more than one occasion he was adjudged most outstanding debater. No surprise to anyone! During his final year at SAASS, Jensen also led a team of students who represented the school in the SGU annual Knowledge Bowl competition. In speaking of Jensen a quote by one Lou Holtz comes to mind- “Ability is what you're capable of doing; Motivation determines what you do; Attitude determines how well you do it”. Jensen seemed to have been guided by those same principles for he took great pride in all that he did. Ladies and gentlemen, the name- Jensen Henry is probably still etched in the minds of many who attended the school’s graduation ceremony last year. So impressive was his delivery of the valedictory speech that he was awarded one thousand dollars by one of the specially invited guests. Jensen also received special awards for outstanding performance in the areas of English A and B and the Pure Sciences. He was also one of the recipients for outstanding performance in Mathematics. He also received the coveted principal’s award. Jensen’s remarkable performance at the CXC Examinations came as no surprise to anyone. He secured creditable passes in all ten of the subjects which he sat. He attained three grade 2 in the areas of Mathematics, geography and Biology. And grade 1 in English A, English B, Spanish, Economics, Information Technology, Chemistry and Physics. Inspite of all his achievements thus far Jensen remains a very humble young man; proving to all that that real excellence and humility are not necessarily incompatible. One Anna Pavlova once said “No one can arrive from being talented alone. God gives talent, work transforms talent into genius.” Ladies and gentlemen, Jensen has done the work. Thus today, he is being awarded the E. U. Buckmire award for his excellent performance in the Sciences in the 2007 CXC Examinations. Because of his determination, his positive attitude and his exemplary discipline, I am totally convinced that Jensen will continue to achieve great things. Jensen has left an enduring impression on all of us who have had the pleasure of being associated with him. Today we join with his family, his friends and the Buckmire family to offer heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Jensen Henry- deserving recipient of the 2008 E.U Buckmire Award of Excellence.