The Jamaican-American Affiliation of Central Florida (JAAOCF) marked a serious milestone by combining its annual Independence and Scholarship Awards Banquet with the celebration of its 40 years of service. The gala introduced collectively neighborhood leaders, households, and supporters to honor the affiliation’s legacy whereas uplifting the following technology of Jamaican heritage college students.
Honoring 40 Years of Service
For 4 a long time, JAAOCF has performed a key function in preserving Jamaican traditions whereas empowering members of the Central Florida neighborhood. From cultural showcases to neighborhood outreach, the affiliation has maintained a powerful concentrate on schooling, mentorship, and heritage preservation.
On the banquet, company loved cultural performances, youth shows, and reflections on the affiliation’s historical past of service. This system highlighted the impression of JAAOCF’s work in conserving Jamaican tradition alive whereas supporting tutorial and neighborhood improvement.
Scholarships for 9 Jamaican Heritage College students
The spotlight of the night was the presentation of scholarships to 9 college students of Jamaican heritage. Every obtained $1,000 to help their research, reinforcing JAAOCF’s dedication to youth empowerment.
“The Jamaican American Affiliation of Central Florida (JAAOCF) is greater than a corporation — it’s a household that has stood robust for 40 years. Celebrating Jamaica’s 63rd Independence alongside our anniversary made this 12 months’s banquet much more significant. Honoring 9 distinctive college students of Jamaican heritage with scholarships was the spotlight of the night. These vibrant younger minds, finding out right here in the US, in Jamaica, and throughout the globe, characterize the way forward for our neighborhood and the legacy we’re proud to nurture,” stated Joan Edghill, President informed the Jamaicans.com workforce.
This scholarship program has lengthy been central to the affiliation’s mission. By decreasing monetary obstacles, JAAOCF helps college students concentrate on reaching their objectives whereas instilling delight of their Jamaican roots. These awards function an funding not solely in schooling but additionally sooner or later leaders of the diaspora.
The scholarship recipients had been Jor Dan Henry, Joi Ann Henry, Dania Campbell, Dejonae Smith, Raimi Richards, Jahiem Mullings, Michael Bailey, Myah-Raine Magnus, and Teiona Boucher, every acknowledged for his or her tutorial excellence and potential.
Group Recognition and Particular Awards
Past the scholarships, the banquet additionally honored people who’ve gone above and past in service. Retired United States Military First Sergeant Daila Espeut-Jones was introduced with the Group Service Award for her dedication and constructive impression on others.
The importance of the occasion was underscored by a proclamation from Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, who formally named November 9, 2025, as Jamaican American Affiliation of Central Florida Founders Day, honoring the affiliation’s decades-long contribution to the area.
Distinguished Friends and Memorable Moments
Dignitaries, native officers, and diaspora leaders had been among the many distinguished company in attendance. The night featured music, cultural showcases, and a slideshow celebrating the affiliation’s achievements throughout 40 years.
The gala concluded with music and dancing, leaving attendees with a long-lasting reminder of the unity and pleasure that outline the Jamaican spirit in Central Florida.
This memorable celebration happened on the Hilton Lodge in Altamonte Springs, Florida, on August 9, 2025, coinciding with Jamaica’s 63rd Independence and the affiliation’s fortieth anniversary.
Concerning the Jamaican-American Affiliation of Central Florida
The Jamaican-American Association of Central Florida is a nonprofit group devoted to preserving Jamaican heritage, empowering youth, and serving the neighborhood via schooling, tradition, and outreach.
Central to its mission is the scholarship program, which offers monetary help to deserving Jamaican heritage college students. Through the years, this initiative has helped quite a few younger individuals pursue larger schooling, making a legacy of alternative and delight inside the diaspora.
