7 News Belize

And, in other news of publicity seeking politicians.

He's a UDP standard bearer trying to get elected as the next Area Representative for the Freetown Constituency in Belize City. But, a lesser-known fact is that OJ Elrington is also a scholarship donor.

Annually, he provides a scholarship to the most promising student-athlete from Wesley College, his alma mater, and this year, he's chosen a recipient.

That student is 4th former Kendall Morgan, who also happens to be this year's Valedictorian.

They invited us by for a small handing-over ceremony, and 7News got a chance to talk Morgan and Elrington about her athletic and academic achievements so far:

Orson "OJ" Elrington - Scholarship Donor

"When I left Wesley College a few years ago, I started an initiative in which I tried to grant a prize to the student-athlete of the year, the most outstanding student-athlete, both male and female from Wesley College each year. What we try to do is to pay off whatever are the outstanding fees that the individual might have for that year. The recipient this year is actually a young lady by Kendall Morgan, and this is actually the second year in a row that Kendall is winning this award. I'm proud to say that Kendall is not only the athlete of the year, but Kendall is also the valedictorian of Wesley College. So, we are extremely proud that she is a true representation of what it means to be a student-athlete. Not only is she an outstanding athlete, but she is also an outstanding student."

Kendal Morgan - Recipient

"I'm planning to go to UB or Wesley College to further my education so that I can benefit my family and myself financially. Receiving this scholarship from Mr. OJ Elrington, I'm very thankful that it can pay off my school fees so that I can get my results. I know that I am valedictorian this year, and now, I don't have to worry about the bill, and I can worry about furthering my education. School and sports are two different things. When I do sports, that's my free time. School, I do that usually, always."

Morgan tells us that she plays on her high school's teams for multiple sporting disciplines. She also added that after schools had to close due to COVID-19, she had no computer to log into her lessons, which were done through the Google Classroom portal. She said that she had to seek help from relatives who own a computer and also have internet access.