The four Ottos Comprehensive School (OCS) students who in April carried an elderly woman to safety have been honoured by the holder of the highest office in the land.
Leslie-Ann Henry, Jerel Peters, Niquan Antoine and Josh Joyce were today presented with the 2017 Halo Hero Humanitarian Award for humanitarian services by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Sandra Williams.
What the four thought was a random act of kindness warmed the hearts of the nation after Antigua News Room reported on it.
They were walking home from school when they observed an elderly woman lying on the side of the road.
“The students sprang into action quickly, lifting the elderly lady and assisting her to the safety of her home,” according to the citation.
The images of the students carrying the elderly woman went viral.
According to Director of Education Clare Browne, the philanthropic display by the four young people captured the heart of the nation and is deserving of the highest ovation from the ministry since it was rare to see this kind of compassion among young people.
The Principal of the Ottos Comprehensive School, Mr. Foster Roberts also expressed his delight with the students’ act of kindness and shared that it provided a positive view of a school that was often perceived with negative publicity
Admittedly, the students shared that they had questions and concerns, but they were so overwhelmed with the need to assist the elderly lady that the doubts dissipated quickly, enabling them to help the senior citizen who could easily have been their mother, grandmother or close relative.
Leslie-Ann, Josh, Niquan and Jarell are the first to admit that they are elated with the unexpectedly positive response to their actions, since it had never crossed their minds to do so for public applause.
The awards were issued while Sir Rodney presented the Governor General’s Personal Honours.
The other honourees are Dr. Nicholas Fuller, Mr. Peter Smith, Mr. Rowan ‘Archie’ Bailey and Mr. John D. Hall to be recipients of the Governor General’s Faithful and Meritorious Service Cross for meritorious performance in sports as members of Team Wadadli in the Atlantic Rowers Challenge.
Dr. Carl E. James to be a recipient of the Governor General’s Faithful and Meritorious Service Cross– for outstanding contribution to Education and Social Change in the Antiguan and Barbudan Diaspora, Canada.
Rev. Dr. Donald Henry Kortright Davis to be a recipient of the Governor General’s Faithful and Meritorious Service Cross– for outstanding contribution to spiritual and academic development in the Antiguan and Barbudan Diaspora, USA
Canon Reverend Lesley Worrell Isaac OBE to be a recipient of the Governor General’s Faithful and Meritorious Service Cross for outstanding contribution to community development in the Antiguan and Barbudan Diaspora, UK.
Inez Barthley to be a recipient of the Governor General’s Faithful and Meritorious Service Gold Medal for faithful contribution to the hospitality industry for over 50 years.
Wingrove Peters to be a recipient of the Governor General’s Faithful and Meritorious Service Gold Medal for faithful contribution to the hospitality industry for over 50 years.
Ms. Valerie Gonsalves-Barreiro to be a recipient of the Governor General’s Faithful and Meritorious Service Silver Medal for contribution to the civil society.
Ariana Joseph to be a recipient of the Halo Hero Humanitarian Award – Higher Education Category, for humanitarian services (2016).
