From right here in Treasure Beach
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/27/AR2010102707479. html

I remember many years ago telling Sidi's mom Doreen, "This girl is going places!" Sidi starting at a very young age has always had a determination and self assurance that I knew would serve her well.

Congratulations Sidi!! As I know hard work is not a problem for you, I can't wait to see where you will be 10 years from now!

Wow, Sidi, I still remember seen her when she was just a little girl,It seems just like yesterday...CONGRATULATIONS Sidi and Family..

Nice Sidi. Good to have seen you again.

What a wonderful story! Congratulations on everything you've already accomplished, Sidi, and good luck as you continue on this path.

Well done Sidi! There are many people who are proud of you!

Who is Sidi's dad? I know the name Genus but left TB a long time ago, so I'm not familiar with the youngsters. This is a sweet story. Thank you A. Todd.

Sidi's dad is Anthony 'Kanga' Genus who was an outstanding sportsman during his youth.He was also a brilliant student during his school days and my best friend back then.I want to also add my congrats to the family and wish for Sidi lots of success in the future.She will go down in history as a pioneer for future footballers from the TB area who will be offered scolarships.

A great personal story and I genuinely wish her all the best. This is a great opportunity for the young lady.

Just a cautionary note here, though: the absence of air conditioning in a house in Jamaica can hardly be used as an indicator of how difficult life is for a youngster growing up in this country!

Sometimes even well meaning writers in Developed countries try too hard to make their point regarding life in poor nations.

The writer did his research, stated the facts, in no way was he saying the absence of air condition in houses in Jamaica, indicate how difficult it is for a youngster growing up in Jamaica. Lets not stray from the point.

Well, how does one get help, certainly when you highlight their plight.

Earl I totally agree with you, though you dont need my help. You are most capable of defending what you said and without apology.

Many thanks Fabe. I remember Kanga well. His older brother Ferdie was a classmate of mine. We need to see more positive stories like this.

Big up Sidi from your cousin Simone

Earl, could you please quote the line in the story that would suggest what you are saying.

Good News, Congratulations to Sidi and all the other youngsters abroad from Treasure Beach, striving for excellence, we are proud of you.

Way to go Cuz,I am so proud of u Sidi Boo.

congrats cousin very proud of u god bless

This writer should be applauded for doing Sidi's story, others would have loved their story to be told. This is indeed a good story, struggle, determination and success.

Congrats to Sidi she is a bright girl who I have personally watched grow. She used to play football with her older brother from such a young age that her natural atheletic ability was obvious.

She did well enough at Sandy Bank Primary to win a Treasure Beach Foundation scholarship to STETHS.

As Rebecca said, can't imagine where she will be in 10 years, she has grown so much since her first skip in the USA.

Digging deeper, what does this say of our opportunities for youth in Jamaica if despite having the scholarship to STETHS Sidi and her family made the decision to have her at such a young age leave her family and country to live with a family she has not met in order to achieve a better chance?

Earl, you are right on the money. The author wants to make the story sound like a real "rescue from the third world" with lines about playing football barefoot, helping out with the crops and returning to house with no airconditioning. Not untrue facts but presented in a way that makes life sound like a struggle and the home a bit humble.

Those of us who know the family and their home have to read this one a bit tongue in cheek to put it MILDLY.
That is the beauty of media, the story feels a bit cosier and has more impact when told in a certain manner.

Nice story, good exposure for the group sponsoring these type of opportunities, and nice to see Sidi gone big abroad.

Very sad that as a country we have to export our best and brightest for them to reach their potential. Staggering figures on our university stats. Last and certainly not least a good lesson on how truth can be portrayed to give a different feeling when presented a certain way, so pay attention when reading the news!

First, congratulations to Sidi. I had the pleasure of meeting her as a child and seeing her grow up during my visits.

Funny how lots of people PAY to stay in a house with no AC in Sidi's yard :-)
It reminds me of when I was doing some work in Ghana and a representative for the Oprah show came to do a piece on the volunteer organization I was with (GeekCorps.org) . They wanted to tell the 'inspirational story' of what we were doing, but kept focusing on the negative and hardships the Ghanaian people go through in daily life. Its somewhat understandable --if not excusable-- from their point of view (they're selling a story and want to make it as 'sexy' as possible), but it does make you want to cringe.

Regardless, the main point of the story is a great Big-Up to one of Treasure Beach's own.

Big Up to Sidi and to the Genus family.

-Eric

Have you all forgotten literature in school, this writer certainly hasn't forgotten.

Congratulations Sidi'
We are so proud of you and happy that you are getting to see our country. We hope you can visit us in Boston some time during your years in school here in the states. We, of course, think of how proficient you are also at art work. You were painting pictures at three and selling art cards by 8 or so? Keep up the good work. Love, Ginny and Tom

There was a town in UNITED STATES that just got electricity in September, and the whole world could watch it and hear it. SOME OF US HAVE TOO MUCH PRIDE.

There are so many other talented students in this small community that is still unfounded. Sidi I wish you all the best.

Great Sidi Boo,you are talented, wise and ambitious.You are a bright shining star and with confidence and determination you shall reach the top.Keep on working hard so you can make us all proud of you. All the best my loving and adorable niece.

Little did I know that during our playing together in the backyard, I was actually helping to prepare you to become an outstanding soccer player.Love you.

This was one of the students who had a Treasure Beach Foundation scholarship. I wish her continued success.

Must we always think of the US as the ultimate place on earth to live? First World, Third World, people are people. I live and work in the US, Corporate America. My apt has central air yet I seldom use it. My employer "Boss" who lives in Conn, does not have an air conditioned house and he is rich and happy. Life is short, so let us learn to respect and love each other, and also support our own Sidi who is doing wonderfully.

GREAT JOB SIDI, AUNTIE SADIS, UNCLE TJ,GRANDPA HARRIS AND GRANDMA ALRICK IN THE USA IS VERY PROUD OF YOU. CONTINUE TO REACH FOR TOP.

Keep on shining Sid-Sid until you reach the stars. I miss you but I know that your goal is to maximize your potentials. I am proud of your bravery to leave home to make the best of your talents.I will always love you.
From Auntie Marian