NEW YORK (JIS) Monday, October 15, 2007: Jamaican American educators Dr. Thelma Thompson and Dr. Marcia Keizs and Olympian Dorian Scott are among eight persons and one organization to be recognized for their professional excellence by the Jamaica Organization of New Jersey (JON-J), at the organization’s 7th Annual Award of Excellence Gala on Saturday, November 03, 2007, at the Double Tree Hotel, Elizabeth, NJ.

The Black Tie Gala begins at 8:00 pm and is being staged under the theme “From Strangers to Citizens”.

“This is a time when we pay tribute to the finest in our communities, those persons who are always too cognizant of the fact that service to humanity is the best work in life,” noted Linval James, President of JON-J.

He said that the organization was grateful for the show of support from the community over these years and promised that the organization would be left in good, capable hands on his exit from office later this year.

This year’s honourees represent a wide cross-section of professions. Along with Dr. Thompson, President of the University of Maryland/Eastern Shore and Dr. Keizs, President of York College in Queens, NY, a City University of New York (CUNY) School, the JON-J 2007 Award of Excellence will also be presented to; Trevor McKenzie of Cosmopolitan Mortgage Company (Business); Dave Rodney, an independent marketing consultant (Media); Richard Nunes (Legal); Lawrence Hamm (Leadership); Hyacinth Simmonds, RN (Healthcare).

JON-J will also recognize the United Way of New Jersey for their contribution to the Hurricane Dean Relief effort throughout the state.

Additionally, the 2007 Scholarship for academic excellence will be presented to six students – Anaida Elysee, Leslie Gentles, Serena Connolly, Dwight Jones, Lori Lewis and Vaughn Stewart – of Jamaican parentage.

The keynote address will be delivered by Hon. Dr. Barbara Gloudon, OJ, distinguished radio talk show host, folklorist, columnist, playwright and communications consultant in Jamaica.