He didn’t start talking until he was four years old and now, Skyy-Malkum Pinnock, has a lot to say. He is the proud recipient of a 2013 Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS) Junior Plan ‘Head-Start’ Scholarship Award for the county of Middlesex and is in his first year at Campion College. Looking back at the first three years of Skyy’s life, no one thought he would have been such a high achiever. Those were difficult times for his parents. “It was a very stressful time,” remembers Carolyn Pinnock, Skyy’s mother. “He was just not talking, not even mommy and daddy. We took him to the neurologist. They said he would need to do cat-scans. We couldn’t afford it. I just believed God. And then at four years old, he started making complete sentences.” Coming from the community of Content Gardens in Ocho Rios, now that he is attending Campion College, Skyy’s parents not only have to be concerned about tuition, but lodging as well. “Receiving a VMBS Scholarship meant much needed help. It is like a blessing from God,” says Carolyn. Skyy received a scholarship valued at $30,000 annually for up to five years. He has an encouraging word for other students: “Have hope and never doubt yourself.” Now in its 29th year, the VMBS ‘Head-Start’ Scholarships and Bursaries programme offers five categories of scholarships to students from primary to tertiary levels. Young savers receive a helping hand in funding their next step towards a higher education. Applications for the 2014 programme opened on March 24 and will close on July 18. For further information on the VMBS ‘Head-Start’ Scholarships and Bursaries programme and to download an application form, visit our website at www.vmbs.com.
