MONROVIA – Renowned Liberian humanitarian, Dr. Daniel E. Cassell, has appreciated and honored 39 top Liberian students who performed excellently in the West African Secondary School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) administered in 2020 in the country.
Dr. Cassell, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania, USA, a Licensed Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LCADC) in New Jersey and the President/Founder of the Kwenyan Professional Health Services, LLC and Kwenyan and Associates based in the United States, is the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Dr. Cassell’s Foundation in Liberia. He is also the CEO of the Kwenyan Security Firm.
The Liberian humanitarian, through his foundation presented the amount of US$500 to the dux of the 2020 WASSCE, Andyietta Blessing Jalieba of the St. Theresa Convent High School, US$450 and US$400 respectively to four other students, and US$100 each to the remaining students for scoring high marks in the public examinations.
The ceremony marking the official honoring and appreciation of the young Liberian scholars was held at the PA Rib’s House in Sinkor, Monrovia on Friday, January 15, 2020.
Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Cassell pointed out that the gesture was intended to motivate the students to continue to take their lessons seriously if they must be successful in the future and make impactful contributions to their respective families and country at large.
He noted that in the wake of numerous challenges in the country, the students came out in flying colors during the conduct of the WASSCE and as such, their efforts applied must be unnoticed.
He stated that the gesture will serve as a motivation for the beneficiaries to continue to aim higher in the educational sojourn.
Dr. Cassell also recounted his struggling past where he was brought up and supported by a single parent following the death of his father.
He noted that despite the challenges at the time, he remained focused on his education; which has immensely contributed to his success in life today.
Dr. Cassell further encouraged the students to see their triumph as the beginning of their educational journey to go out and make Liberia proud.
He urged the beneficiaries to remain humble and avoid turning their backs or neglect their country and those who stood in the gap for them during their struggling days, when they are successful in the future.
“The reason we are doing this through my foundation is very simple; education has given me hope despite the many challenges and struggles I went through. This is my foundation own way of giving back to this country and encouraging all of you students. I see myself in you. I want to encourage you and say congratulations on your achievements”.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Dux of the 2020 WASSCE, student Andyietta Blessing Jalieba, commended Dr. Cassell for appreciating and honoring them for their efforts applied in their educational studies.
She also applauded the efforts made by their parents, teachers and others who one way or the other contributed towards their success.
“This is just the beginning and this should serve as a motivation for us. We shouldn’t just sit and say since I have been recognized, let me just hold on to it. We should also help others”.
Blessing encouraged her colleagues not to relent on extending helping hands to others in need, when they are in a better position to do so in the future.
She called on her colleagues to always put God first in their educational sojourn, adding that, “with God all things are possible”.
The Dr. Cassell’s Foundation commenced its operations in Liberia for the past eight years behind closed doors.
It decided to come to the forefront by becoming a legal philanthropic organizations operating in the country in July 2020, during the heat of the Coronavirus pandemic.
It is a Christian-based company that provides humanitarian aid work and funding in Liberia and the USA.
With operations offices in West Orange, New Jersey, Margibi and Montserrado Counties, the foundation’s goal is to assist the less fortunate, marginalized, and disenfranchised citizens of our society in meeting their basic needs.