BAVINA SOOKDEO
Two outstanding students, Michael Garcia and Ruqayya Abdul-Haqq are set to make their mark in the prestigious Portraits of Excellence 2025 Scholarship Pageant at the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC).
Held under the patronage of Sharon Rowley, wife of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, this initiative celebrates leadership, community service, and innovation among the region's most promising young minds.
The USC is a Seventh-Day Adventist institution with campuses in Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua, Barbados, Guyana and St Lucia.
As active members of the Trinbago Club and dedicated students, Garcia and Abdul-Haqq have excelled in embodying the programme’s mission. Central to their participation is their impactful project, Eco-Friendly Green Waste Composting in Urban Agriculture, which addresses waste management and sustainable agriculture in TT by turning green waste into compost, reducing landfill waste, and promoting urban farming for food security.
[caption id="attachment_1137088" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Michael Garcia helps students as he works on the project, Eco-Friendly Green Waste Composting in Urban Agriculture. -[/caption]
Their initiative seamlessly aligns with the programme’s emphasis on innovation and community impact, reflecting a shared vision of sustainability and progress for TT. This pageant not only celebrates their dedication to creating meaningful change but also provides an inspiring platform to showcase their vision and leadership.
Portraits of Excellence
Resuming after a hiatus since 2013, Portraits of Excellence Scholarship Awards and Gala has returned. First established in 2006, Portraits of Excellence, by integrating intellectual, social, physical, and spiritual dimensions of learning, equips participants with life-changing experiences that nurture their holistic growth.
The 2024/2025 theme, Entrepreneurial Innovations: An Imperative for Sustainability in the Caribbean, underscores the critical importance of sustainable development. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) #8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth) and #9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), reflecting USC’s commitment to fostering a brighter future for the region.
Participants undergo an eight-month-long programme, including professional development workshops in speech dynamics, research methods, dining etiquette, and more. Additionally, they must complete at least 20 hours of community service, tackling projects that echo the scholarship theme.
The selection process is rigorous, requiring students to demonstrate academic excellence (minimum GPA of 3.0), active campus involvement, and a willingness to embody the ideals of USC’s mission. Assessment segments include a written research project, cultural displays, community development initiatives, and talent showcases.
[caption id="attachment_1137091" align="alignnone" width="907"] Michael Garcia is a delegate in the Portraits of Excellence 2025 Scholarship Pageant of the University of the S
