Portraits of Excellence: USC Celebrates Transformative Student Experience

By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer

The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) proudly revived its celebrated tradition, “Portraits of Excellence,” after a decade-long hiatus. This event, which is deeply rooted in the university’s mission of transforming ordinary individuals into extraordinary servants of God to humanity, brings together students from diverse territories to showcase their skills and talents while fostering personal and professional growth.

Launched in 2006, Portraits of Excellence has been an integral part of the USC student life experience. It’s a seven-month journey that embodies the holistic mission of the university, combining intellectual, social, physical, and spiritual aspects of learning.

The theme for Portraits of Excellence 2023 was “Rethinking Education: Reframing Realities, Reshaping Opportunities,” emphasizing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education. The event encourages participants to explore a comprehensive approach to education, fostering a well-rounded development of skills and knowledge.

Eight delegates represented their respective countries, including Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and Trinidad & Tobago, as they competed in several categories, including Research Presentation, Community Outreach Project, Talent, and Cultural Wear.

Portraits of Excellence 2023 featured a series of smaller events assessed and recorded throughout the seven-month journey, leading to the grand finale Gala Event. During the Gala, scores from the delegates’ pre-Gala presentations, as well as the presentations during the Gala, were tabulated to determine the recipients of Scholarship Awards.

The winners of Portraits of Excellence 2023 were:

• Mr. USC: Jad Isidore
• Ms. USC: Abigail Collins
• First Runners Up: Mr. Kahlan Roach and Ms. Anya Nero
• Best Talent Female: Abigail Collins
• Best Talent Male: Kahlan Roach
• Best Cultural Wear Male: Jounathan Peters
• Best Cultural Wear Female: Monique Lively
• People’s Choice, Congeniality and Research Project: Kahlan Roach
• Best Community Project: Anya Nero

The event was held under the patronage of Mrs. Sharon Clark-Rowley, attorney and wife of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. the Honorable Keith Rowley, adding prestige and significance to this year’s Portraits of Excellence.

Portraits of Excellence 2023 Sponsors: A Crucial Pillar of Support

USC extends its heartfelt gratitude to the generous sponsors who made Portraits of Excellence 2023 a resounding success. These sponsors played a crucial role in supporting the event’s mission of fostering excellence, personal growth, and holistic development among the USC student community. Their contributions allowed the university to provide a platform for students to showcase their skills and talents while promoting a comprehensive approach to education.

The listed sponsors not only provided financial support but also demonstrated their commitment to promoting excellence in education and personal development. Their contributions allowed USC to reintroduce Portraits of Excellence and ensure that the event lived up to its legacy.

With the successful revival of Portraits of Excellence 2023, preparations are already underway for Portraits of Excellence 2024. This tradition, deeply embedded in the fabric of the University of the Southern Caribbean, continues to be a platform for students to shine and showcase their excellence while promoting holistic growth and personal development.