The most recent letters from our high school scholarship recipients are below. Our congregation currently sponsors four students' high school tuition. In Belize, high school is not publicly funded, and these students would have financial difficulty attending if not for the scholarships they receive.

Some of the letters were long, so we have included excerpts.

Letter from Amalio (Grade 9 - our newest scholarship recipient)

Joyful greetings from Amalio Revolorio and wishing you the best of all the blessings.

I am a 13 year old child. I was born on March 27, 2011. My favourite sports are football and volleyball. One thing I enjoy doing the most is reading books. I love to read non-fiction books, because some books talk about a person’s life, often giving advice.

As a person I am respectful and kind. Things I like about myself are that I am a very dedicated and responsible. In my family at this moment there is only three of us, my mother (single), my brother and me. I have my grandparents living only from my mother’s side. The family close to me is my mother’s family.

I am in 1 Tapir, that’s my class name, and I am the class president. My classes have been good so far. I learnt things in primary school and I am familiar with them, so I understand the work especially when it comes to Math and English subjects. At my orientation day I was nervous, but as the week went I adapted to the classroom and I started talking with some students. What I enjoy from my homeroom teacher and subject teachers is that they are kind, respectful and most important helpful. What I enjoy about my subjects is that I understand them as well as I enjoy myself learning them.

My goals for this school year is to have a 90% and above in every subject so I don’t take exam, also I look forward for a 4.0 GPA and I will achieve this goal by doing my work as best as possible. If I needed help along the way I think my friends can help me because they are dedicated.

As a president I face challenges. Some of my classmates don’t listen when I speak to them. I cope with this challenge by being strong and not giving up. I also told the homeroom teacher about it.

Thanks to God because by his grade I have no subject giving myself trouble. The only thing is that I had never used a computer so I am slow with typing on it.

Now I say thank you for the scholarship. I am very appreciative of it. This scholarship has helped me to stay more focus and show more interest in my studies. I will do all my classwork, homework and projects to pass so I can keep this scholarship. If I could change one thing in the world, it would that there may be free education everywhere. I would change this because I show interest in school and my studies, I want to continue studying and I know I am not the only one who wants to study. I would like to give this message to the world: “appreciate what you have because not everyone has what another person has.”

I would like to wish you the best of the best for you and your family, I wish you more prosper.

With love and appreciation,

Amalio

Letter from Sylvia (Grade 10)

Dear sponsor,

I am writing to thank you once again for always helping me. It has been such an honor to me. I am very grateful for your financial support and will forever be thankful.

I am now in the 10^th grade and have been doing very well. I hope to continue and I will. This year was a blast and I had so much fun. I have been participating in so many activities like dances, acting and so forth. I would really like to join a sport, but there are no girls’ teams. This year I participated in the school’s harvest presentation. My class and I did a beautiful dance. I also participated in the chapel skits and dances and the Christmas presentation. We also had some sports days which I also participated in.

We had our 1^st semester exams and I’m pretty sure I passed. I love my school so much and would never change to another school. Also, I never got any demerits nor suspension, I never disrespect teachers, I always do my homework and get good grades, I am also helpful to teachers and I will continue doing my best. I have a very big goal and I really want to succeed.

Once again, thank you so much.

Sincerely yours truly,

Silvia

Letter from Caleb (Grade 11)

Dear friends of St. Hilda's,

Merry Christmas friends of St. Hilda's, I hope you and your family are having a very merry Christmas.

As my journey at Belmopan Comprehensive High School hasn’t been easy but I continue to push on because I’m determined to make my family proud and reach new height.

With 2nd semester around the corner I plan to join my school’s track and field team again but to do so I have to keep all my grades high. We also received word that we will not be taking exams this year but instead a major project.

May God keep us safe for further days ahead, and I greatly thank you for this amazing opportunity.

Caleb

Letter from Korey (Grade 12)

Dear Christ Church Cathedral,

I hope this message finds you well. As the year comes to a close and the Christmas season arrives, I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support through this scholarship.

Your contribution has made a significant difference in my academic journey, and I am truly thankful for the opportunities it has provided. I am now at the exciting stage of deciding which college I will attend to further my studies, and I currently have two options in mind. Before making this important decision, I would greatly appreciate any advice or guidance you might have. If there are any colleges you would recommend, I would be grateful for your insights.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas filled with peace, love, and happiness. May the New Year bring you continued success and blessings.

Thank you once again for your kindness and generosity.

Warmest regards,

Korey

March in Belize schools is 'Child Stimulation Month' and the students at St. Hilda's Anglican School will be engaged in a variety of fun activities. Principal Jane Martinez sent us these photos of teachers and preschool children at the event launch.

Our Cathedral family has had an ongoing relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ who live in Belize, since our first mission trip in 2005 with the Cathedral Puppeteers. The Mission and Outreach Committee is now looking to gauge interest in potentially organizing another mission trip.

Listen to Brad McKnight from the Missions Committee speak to the Cathedral congregation on 16 February

God expects all Christians, and His church, to take the love of Christ into the world. One way in which we can do this is through mission. Part of this mission involves helping others, perhaps less fortunate than ourselves. From past experience we also know that both the preparation and the actual mission trip have a very positive effect on the spiritual growth and faith of individuals. For several it has been a life-changing and faith-growing experience.

Our most recent visit to Belize was in 2018, but we have kept an active relationship with St. Hilda's school and various scholarship students over the years. The school principal, Ms. Jane Martinez, has expressed a desire to have us return.

At this time, no dates have been determined, but if we were to consider a return in 2026, preparations will need to commence very soon. If there is enough interest, we will put together a steering committee and will organize sessions to share more information. Among other things, a team leader will be required and a commitment from others to participate on the home team as well.

For now, our ask is, for any of you who may be interested, to reach out to the Cathedral Office with your contact information.

Learn more about our support for St. Hilda's School, and our scholarship program for high school students in Belize.

Ms Jane Martinez is the Principal of St. Hilda's School in Belize, and also facilitates the Cathedral scholarship program for graduates of St. Hilda's elementary school. She recently sent an update about our scholarship students: Korey Kelly (grade 12), Caleb Martinez (grade 11), Sylvia Trapp (grade 10), and new scholarship recipient Amalio Revolorio (grade 9). Please keep the high school students, elementary school students, their families and teachers in your prayers.

You can donate to the Belize mission (scholarship program and yearly support for the elementary school) anytime by marking your offering envelope or donating online. This program makes a huge different in many lives, and your support is sincerely appreciated.

About the Cathedral's Belize High School Scholarship Program

In Belize, the average age at which a child leaves school is 13 years old, because of the prohibitive costs of tuition for high school. High school is not publicly funded in Belize, and many families do not have the financial ability to pay for their children to attend. Unemployment in the country is high, there are many large single-parent families, and almost half of Belizeans live below the poverty line.

Currently, the congregation of Christ Church Cathedral provides scholarships for four students who would not able to attend high school without support. Each scholarship is $1000 CAD per year, and we currently support one student in each of the four grades of high school. This additional education provides the teenagers with important skills and opportunities which can improve their lives.

The Cathedral has a special relationship with the staff and students of St. Hilda’s Anglican School, an elementary in the rural village of Georgeville. Over two hundred children attend the school, ranging between kindergarten and grade 8, in addition to a recently established preschool.

Cathedral teams have travelled to Belize five times: in 2005, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2018. Over 60 Cathedral members ranging in age from 15 to 79 have participated in a mission trip to Belize, and hundreds of people in Fredericton have supported the work at St. Hilda's through organizational support, donations and prayers.

In 2010, Cathedral mission team members established a high school scholarship program which has allowed students from St. Hilda’s to apply for a scholarship to continue their education past grade 8. Some of the graduates supported by the Cathedral have continued on to post-secondary education, and all have gained knowledge and experience that will help them in their future.

We are grateful for all who have helped to provide scholarships for these teenagers, and support for programs at the elementary school. Learn more about our mission work in Belize.

You can contribute to the mission in Belize through offering envelopes or donate online.

If you are interested in participating in future endeavors benefiting the students in Belize, please contact the Cathedral Office to connect with members of the Belize mission committee.

As another year begins at St. Hilda's Anglican Elementary School, the Belize Mission committee acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the teachers. May they and the students have a positive start to this new school year. Please keep them in your prayers.

Please also remember in your prayers our Cathedral high school scholarship students, Korey Kelly (grade 12), Caleb Martinez (grade 11), Sylvia Trapp (grade 10), and new scholarship recipient, Amalio Revolorio, who is entering grade 9.

Are you familiar with the story of how the Cathedral congregation became involved in Belize, and why we offer a scholarship program for high school tuition? Read on!

About the Cathedral's Belize High School Scholarship Program

In Belize, the average age at which a child leaves school is 13 years old, because of the prohibitive costs of tuition for high school. High school is not publicly funded in Belize, and many families do not have the financial ability to pay for their children to attend. Unemployment in the country is high, there are many large single-parent families, and almost half of Belizeans live below the poverty line.

Currently, the congregation of Christ Church Cathedral provides scholarships for four students who would not able to attend high school without support. Each scholarship is $1000 CAD per year, and we currently support one student in each of the four grades of high school. This additional education provides the teenagers with important skills and opportunities which can improve their lives.

The Cathedral has a special relationship with the staff and students of St. Hilda’s Anglican School, an elementary in the rural village of Georgeville. Over two hundred children attend the school, ranging between kindergarten and grade 8, in addition to a recently established preschool.

Cathedral teams have travelled to Belize five times: in 2005, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2018. Over 60 Cathedral members ranging in age from 15 to 79 have participated in a mission trip to Belize, and hundreds of people in Fredericton have supported the work at St. Hilda's through organizational support, donations and prayers.

In 2010, Cathedral mission team members established a high school scholarship program which has allowed students from St. Hilda’s to apply for a scholarship to continue their education past grade 8. Some of the graduates supported by the Cathedral have continued on to post-secondary education, and all have gained knowledge and experience that will help them in their future.

We are grateful for all who have helped to provide scholarships for these teenagers, and support for programs at the elementary school. Learn more about our mission work in Belize.

You can contribute to the mission in Belize through offering envelopes or donate online.

If you are interested in participating in future endeavors benefiting the students in Belize, please contact the Cathedral Office to connect with members of the Belize mission committee.

Here are some letters from the current recipients of Cathedral scholarships. Three students are currently receiving scholarships to attend high school in Belize. Their school year ended in June, and we received report cards and letters from each student. They are very thankful for the support of the congregation. Read their letters below, and scroll down to learn more about the scholarship program and how you can help.

Sylvia Trapp (recently completed Grade 9)

Dear Friends:

I am writing to thank you for your financial support. This year had many challenges, but I overcame them. I studied hard to achieve the top of my class and plan on working harder to achieve my educational goals. I also tried to be as friendly as possible to anyone I meet and I care deeply for my best friends that I met this year. I'm grateful for having friends who push me to go further. I also tried to participate as much as I can in school activities such as the Christmas event, harvest dance and the children's day activities. I am truly grateful for your support with my educational journey. I have been promoted to second form and I will try as hard as possible to come in first place again. I'm looking forward to you continuous support. Thank you.

Yours truly,

Silvia Trapp

Caleb Martinez (recently completed Grade 10)

Dear friends of St. Hilda's.

The school year has ended and all the grades are in, it has been a roller coaster journey at Belmopan Comprehensive High School.

In cycle #1 I struggled getting back familiar with waking up early and going to bed late. In the class, some of the new math concepts were more challenging than others so there was an up and down of my grade for math. Also with some new students in my class I was being distracted a lot because of the noise but I asked my homeroom teacher to move me so I can focus on my school work.

In cycle #2 I paid more attention in class and studied more and all-in-all just focusing on my work. And as I said in the previous letter, I said that I was going to join the school track and field team, at regionals I came in 4th in the 100 meter dash and 4th in the 200 meter dash and next year I plan to continue athletics.

As for the subject that I will be majoring in next year, I'll be taking arts because for my job career I plan to work in the TV industry.

Lastly, I can’t thank you enough for this scholarship as it has been the key to all my obstacles in my academic career.

May you have a wonderful day, friends of St. Hilda’s.

Caleb

Korey Kelly (recently completed Grade 11)

Greetings Friends,

I hope everyone is doing great and enjoying their year. I am entering a new year of school and I am continuously grateful for the help you have offeredme in acquiring my education.

I will be moving on to 4th form even though I had a bit of a rough last semester ending up having to take summer classes for English. During Summer Classes my grades in English have improved. I have to say I believe it is due to me paying more attention in class and listening to the teacher when she teaches. I think and hope that I will perform better in English class when I enter 4th form.

Again, I am very thankful for the scholarship that you gave to me which helped to lessen my mom’s burden.

Korey

About the Cathedral's Belize High School Scholarship Program

Currently, the congregation of Christ Church Cathedral provides scholarships for three students who would not able to attend high school without support, since high school is not publicly funded in Belize. This additional education provides them with important skills and opportunities. Each scholarship is $1000 CAD per year. We intend to provide a scholarship to a student entering high school in September, so we will again be supporting one student in each grade.

In Belize, the average age at which a child leaves school is 13 years old, because of the prohibitive costs of tuition for high school, which families must pay. Unemployment in the country is high, there are many large single-parent families, and almost half of Belizeans live below the poverty line.

The Cathedral has a special relationship with the staff and students of St. Hilda’s Anglican School, an elementary in the rural village of Georgeville. Over two hundred children attend the school, ranging between kindergarten and grade 8, in addition to a recently established preschool.

Cathedral teams have travelled to Belize five times: in 2005, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2018. Over 60 Cathedral members ranging in age from 15 to 79 have participated in a mission trip to Belize, and hundreds of people in Fredericton have supported the work at St. Hilda's through organizational support, donations and prayers.

In 2010, Cathedral mission team members established a high school scholarship program which has allowed students from St. Hilda’s to apply for a scholarship to continue their education past grade 8. Some of the graduates supported by the Cathedral have gone on to post-secondary education, and all have gained knowledge and experience that will help them in their future.

We are grateful for all who have helped to provide scholarships for these teenagers, and support for programs at the elementary school. Learn more about our mission work in Belize.

You can contribute to the mission in Belize through offering envelopes or donate online.

If you are interested in participating in future endeavors benefiting the students in Belize, please contact the Cathedral Office to connect with members of the Belize mission committee.

Ms. Jane Martinez, Principal of St. Hilda's Anglican School in Belize, sent us this update. Please keep Ms. Martinez, her son, the high school scholarship students, and all of the elementary students and staff at St. Hilda's in your prayers.

Greetings Friends,

I pray that this email finds you well. Our school year started out well and so far we are managing by God's grace. There has been a lot of illness among both teachers and students. A terrible flu has been plaguing the schools so we are encouraging students to stay at home until it passes so that it doesn't spread.

I was supposed to share the reports with you since the first week of February but unfortunately, my son was in a motorcycle accident. I am so thankful that he is alive. His pelvic bone is open and both knees got injured. A ligament in his right knee burst as well so he is not allowed to walk for the next six weeks. We have four more weeks to go before his next evaluation. We are praying that both will heal on their own and he will not have to do surgery. It was a scary experience but God is in control. I am presently working from home because he needs someone close by to assist him.

I have attached the report of the three [scholarship] students. I have spoken to all students personally to encourage them to improve in areas where they fell short. Silvia [our new scholarship student] is doing very well in her class. She is a class leader and has received several certificates and awards. She participates in her school's praise dance team as well. They were encouraged to ask for assistance if needed because we are there to support them.

As soon as I am back at school I will give an update of activities that we are engaged in. We are about to start our "Child Stimulation Month" activities which starts March 1st. Our preschoolers will be involved in various activities throughout the month. We are excited to see what all will be accomplished. The theme for this year is "Magic Garden of Skills: Watch us Bloom".

I continue to say thank you so much for your invaluable support and partnership with St. Hilda's Anglican School. We will continue to pray for you as you pray for us as well. We love you all!

Best,
Jane