Nine high school student-athletes became first-time scholarship recipients from Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s Pocket Rocket Foundation on Wednesday.

This brings to 18, the number of high school students who are on scholarships from the foundation. Each student-athlete in second to fifth form (Grades 8-11) will receive J$50,000 while sixth-form awardees (Grade 12) will receive J$60,000 per year for the duration of the high-school education.

The cheques were handed over to the students during a brief ceremony at the Wolmer’s Girls Boardroom on Wednesday.

“Today I’m excited to welcome nine new scholarship recipients. I am committed to creating lasting change for high school student-athletes,” Fraser-Pryce posted on the foundation’s Facebook page.

This year’s recipients include Sherene Williams of St Elizabeth Technical High School (Shot Put & Discus), her schoolmates Rashane Barlett (400m, 400m hurdles & 800m), Aleisia Robinson (400m & 800m), Daniel Binns (400m), Shanae Blake (Shot Put & Discus) and Delojahntae Henry (400m) were also recipients.

Wolmers Girls Gianna Lewis (Table Tennis) and Julianna Mederios (Swimming) and Papine High’s Dominique Clarke (100m & 200m) are also among the new beneficiaries.

Fraser-Pryce encouraged the students to make their talents.

“Student-athletes have the potential to change their entire lives if they continue to excel in the classroom and whichever sport you choose,” she said.

Members of the foundation’s board which include Wolmer’s Girls Principal Mrs Colleen Montague and Fraser-Pryce’s manager Bruce James select from the many applications they receive each year. The awardees need to exhibit good behaviour and the required 60 per cent grade average to maintain their scholarships.