DOZENS of SAC students received a financial boost after the St Augustine's College Alumni Association awarded more than $35,000 in scholarships, tuition assistance, and academic awards to students from Grades 7 through 12, while also recognizing the school’s valedictorians, salutatorian, and an aspiring engineer.

The annual scholarship presentation provided assistance to students facing financial hardship, while celebrating academic achievement and leadership.

One of the ceremony's largest awards went to graduating senior Tinae Barry, who received a $5,000 Hanna Holding Group Engineering Scholarship to support her university studies. In addition, Ms Barry and four other graduating seniors pursuing engineering degrees each received a 13-inch MacBook donated by SAC alumnus Douglas Hanna to assist them as they begin tertiary education.

SAC Alumni Association President Dr Anastasia Brown said the programme was made possible through the generosity of alumni who stepped forward after the Association made the difficult decision to forgo its 2025 Lighthouse Awards and Gala Ball in support of the College's 80th anniversary celebrations.

Without proceeds from its principal fundraising event, the Association appealed to alumni and graduating classes dating back to the Class of 1965 to contribute at least $1,000 to the scholarship fund. According to Dr Brown, many classes exceeded that goal, while individual alumni donated between $5 and $5,000.

Private donors also supported named scholarships, including the Jennifer Johnson Memorial Scholarship, the James Clarke Scholarship and the Hanna Holding Group Engineering Scholarship.

"We could not have accomplished this without our incredible alumni family," said Dr Brown. "Every donation, regardless of the amount, helped make a difference in the life of a student."

She encouraged scholarship recipients to remember the support they received and to one day give back to the school through donations, mentoring or volunteer service.

Dr Brown also shared her own experience of attending St Augustine's College on a payment plan and later making similar sacrifices as a parent when her son attended the school.

"I understand how parents feel," she said. "Every parent wants to provide the very best education possible for their child. Yes, a child can learn anywhere, but receiving a quality education at St Augustine's College makes a lasting difference."

She noted that requests for tuition assistance continue throughout the year as families face financial difficulties caused by illness, unemployment, death and other unforeseen circumstances.

"Sometimes all a parent needs is a helping hand," said Dr Brown.

Reflecting on the presentation, she said seeing parents overcome with emotion reinforced the importance of the programme.

"To see the tears of relief and gratitude in the eyes of parents today reminded me why we do this," she said. "Knowing that we are easing a family's burden and making a difference in a child's life is one of the greatest rewards."

Dr Brown thanked alumni for their continued support, noting the scholarship programme demonstrates the strength of the SAC community and its commitment to ensuring that no deserving student is denied a St Augustine's College education because of financial hardship.