A first awards gala of its kind was hosted last weekend by the National Parent Teachers Association (NPTA) at Julees Restaurant in St John’s.

On hand was Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, Cuban Ambassador Sergio Jorge Pastrana, and a number of other dignitaries, including president of the NPTA, Alister Thomas, and president of the Teachers Union Casroy Charles.

They handed out awards and lauded parents, students and teachers who have excelled in the field of education.

The names for Parents of the Year were Asata Roberts – Seventh Day Adventist Primary; Kerissa Henry – Cobbs Cross Primary; Okema Andrew – Glanvilles Secondary; and Lemuel Roberts – St Joseph’s Academy.

For Student of the Year, the awardees were Jordan Weste – Seventh Day Adventist Primary; Ashley Durand – Cobbs Cross Primary; Torri-Ann Davis – Irene B Williams Secondary; and Uchenna Ohaegbulam – St Joseph’s Academy School.

For Teacher of the Year, those singled out for high honours were Rhoyda Gravesand – Seventh Day Adventist Primary; Shanise Looby – Glanvilles Secondary; Marion Nathan – Cedar Grove Primary; and Leandra Tittle – Seventh Day Adventist Secondary.

The platinum sponsors of this historic event were Community First Cooperative Credit Union, Sign Pro, and Julees.