Steve grew up near St Pius X, our sister parish in Kingston, Jamaica. He attended the DuPont Primary School on the grounds of St. Pius, and while there, he was encouraged to make the most of his education. St John the Evangelist parishioners have long supported that school with books, building renovations, lunch and uniform programs, and teacher support.
Steve’s Catholic faith was strengthened as a parishioner of St. Pius X. He is a former President of the St. Pius Youth Group and continues to be part of the choir there. Steve gives credit to Anthony Grant for encouraging him to go on to higher education; Anthony is a math teacher and St Pius parishioner who runs the adult evening classes in literacy and math.
Steve is a former recipient of JOP-funded St. Pius college scholarships, and he recently graduated from the Mico University College with a teaching degree. The 24-year old now teaches Computer Science to 1st to 6th graders at Saints Peter & Paul Prep School, the parish where our co-founder, Fr. Burchell McPherson, is now pastor.
As a result of his own hard work, the influence of strong mentors and the generosity of JOP donors and parishioners at St. John’s, this young man is a responsible self-supporting young adult. Steve said “I would like to express my deepest thanks to all the individuals who have helped me as a humble and courageous young man to develop my skills to be a better citizen of my country and a role model to fellow young men and women of this world. May God continue to bless your church parish, family, and all the other persons who made this possible”.