Cross Keys High School Alumni Association Launches “Fifty for Fifty” Scholarship Initiative to Mark the School’s 50th Anniversary

Mandeville (May 15) - The Cross Keys High School Alumni Association, has launched an ambitious and deeply meaningful scholarship program to commemorate alma mater’s 50th anniversary: The Fifty for Fifty Scholarship Initiative, designed to support and inspire the next generation of leaders, support memory, commemorate family legacy and write the history of our community.

The initiative will ultimately provide 50 scholarships to students, with an initial rollout of 11 scholarships valued at $50,000 each, representing a significant investment in the academic and personal development of graduating students.

“Fifty for Fifty is about more than financial support,” said Dr. Grace Virtue, a social scientist, author, and graduate of Cross Keys High School whose work focuses on ethical leadership, community development, and human flourishing. “It is about affirming potential, honoring legacy, and investing in young people who will shape the future of their communities and our country.”

An Innovative Scholarship Program 

Virtue, who conceptualized the initiative, says each scholarship honors a legacy—educators, community members, and families whose contributions have shaped the life of the school and the wider Cross Keys community. The scholarships span a wide range of disciplines and pathways, including:

• Leadership and institution building

• Agricultural science and sustainability

• Culinary arts and cultural entrepreneurship

• Clothing and textiles design

• Mathematics as problem-solving 

• Social studies and civic leadership

• Technology and innovation

• Compassion-driven service professions

• General excellence and community impact

In addition to academic and leadership criteria, the program places a strong emphasis on character, service, and future impact.

Investing in the Next 50 Years

The Fifty for Fifty Scholarship Initiative is part of a broader series of events and activities marking the school’s 50th anniversary, including a community festival, service projects, and a gala celebration.

Organizers hope the program will grow over time, ultimately reaching its goal of 50 scholarships and establishing a lasting tradition of alumni-led investment in student success.

Call for Support and Participation

The Alumni Association is inviting additional sponsors, families, and community partners to contribute to the expansion of the initiative. Interested individuals and organizations are encouraged to contact the Alumni Association for more information.

About Cross Keys High SchoolFounded in 1976, Cross Keys High School has served generations of students in Manchester, Jamaica, providing education grounded in discipline, community, and

opportunity. Founded in 2010, The Cross Keys Alumni Association is an independent entity dedicated to supporting students’ well-being, innovative program, and academic excellence. For more information, send us an email at Crosskeysalumni@gmail.com