Kate Lewis

The beginning does not determine the end, my journey started from very humble beginnings, neither of my parents attained a secondary education but they always tried to provide for myself and my siblings. They emphasized the importance of attaining an education so that we may not always live a life of poverty. One of my dads favorite saying to us kids was you must raise me nose and this motivated me to strive for excellence in everything I attempted.

My educational journey started at the St. Andrews Methodist School, continued at the St. Joseph Convent Grenville then the T.A. Marryshow Community College. After many years I decided to pursue my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting at the University of the West Indies Open Campus. I was able to complete it in 3 years while continuing my job and leading many extra-curricular activities.

After doing short stints as a teacher at various primary schools, in 2001 I became employed at my Alma mater, SJC Grenville where I continue up to today. I introduced the subject of Principles of Accounts and have continuously obtained a pass rate of over 95%. I also teach Principles of Business and Office Administration. In 2005 I obtained my qualified teachers certificate in Secondary education at UWI through TAMCC.

During the school year 2007-08, as a business teacher, I was asked by the Principal to spearhead the Junior Achievement Programme. I had no experience in such a programme since during my school life this programme was dormant. I enthusiastically took on the challenge and use that year to observe and analyse how the programme was structured. Our Company that year, Kool Tropical Flavours received no position however we received a special award for hard work and the Most Outstanding VP Production.

SJC Grenville dominance at the Junior Achievement program began from 2008-09. Our company Bold and Roving Promotions captured the title winning the majority of awards and went on to represent the Country at the international competition in Argentina and was given special recognition. The company the following year 3Bs Enhancement did not successfully defend the title but placed 3rd. We were defeated but not destroyed (demotivated).
The 2010-2011 company, Tropical Explosion worked very hard and brought the title back to the school, however, financial difficulties prevented us from representing the country on the international stage. My spirit was not daunted and the next year successfully led our company Frutti Delitez to retain the title, capturing the majority of the awards.

Our biggest achievement thus far is representing Grenada at the Uruguay Company of the Americas competition in that year and placing second in the company of the year. The following year the JA students Total Local Production Company continued on the winning train and represented the country in Mexico where they received special recognition. During the 2013-14 competition, our company Recyclemania were defeated into second place.
SJC JA always regroup and reconsider, analyzing our strengths and weaknesses and in the 2014-15 competition we exploded with our Herbal Explosion company, taking both Grenada and the world by storm, our main products were the Herbal Teabags and Herbal Oils, dominating the local competition we went on to represent Grenada in Jamaica at the Company of the Americas competition where we received high praise for our innovation.
From herbal teabags to cocoa, this year’s company Cocoa Galore generated tremendous interest and support, proving to be another huge business idea and winning the 2015-16 competition. A variety of products were produced which included, cocoa lip balm, cocoa butter-cream, cocoa cookies, instant cocoa, assorted cocoa, cocoa blocks and cocoa balls.

SJC Grenville JA companies always strive to be innovative, through hard work and dedication we focus on improving our product quality and package appearance. This year we went above and beyond and this captivated the judges. The company captured all the major categories including Best Business plan, Best Annual Report, Best Customer service Company, Sales Company of the year, most outstanding trade fair booth and overall winners of Trade fair. We also won three of the six individual awards, Best VP marketing, Production and Finance. We are again ready to represent Grenada in this years Company of the Americas completion.

As the main teacher leading and working with the students, the last few years have been both challenging and rewarding. Although we enjoy the taste of victory, my main aim is to ensure the students develop sound business and decision-making skills which I know once instilled in them can be used later to enhance the business stock in Grenada.

Although it is time-consuming, I believe it is very important to do your best in whatever activity you have agreed to undertake. Our many successes over the years have brought me great joy but my greatest satisfaction and motivation comes from the knowledge that the skills the students have developed through this programme will one day be used to impact our country by birthing many entrepreneurs.

I will also like to recognise those who contributed in some way to the success of our JA programme over the years. I extend appreciation to JA Grenada, the principal, staff and students of SJC Grenville, my assistant Ms Lindy Jackasal, CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, Clyde Walcott, Parents of present and past JA students, Mrs. Marilyn and Mr. Patrick Bain, Ms. Arkada Ventour, the Business sector in Grenada and last but not least our customers who have supported us through our many products. Without the support and contributions of the aforementioned, SJC Grenville JA would not have achieved such success. I am Kate Lewis, I am from Paradise St. Andrew and #IamGrenadian.IamGrenadian.com for more information.