GoodHeart | Akeela Wiggan sets sights on big dreams
Published:Saturday | August 16, 2025 | 12:11 AM
At just 13 years old, Akeela Wiggan, a bright and determined student of St Hilda’s Diocesan High School, already speaks with the poise and vision of someone far beyond her years. Recently named a recipient of the WATA Hydrate to Educate educational grant, Akeela says the award is more than just financial support, it’s a reminder that her dreams are valid and within reach.
Wiggan was among a cohort of grant recipients during the Kingston leg of WATA’s Hydrate to Educate award ceremony. Held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Thursday, WATA presented 25 students with their awards. As part of the programme, 42 students – three from each parish received an educational grant, valued at $175,000 to assist with tuition, school supplies, transportation, and exam fees. The remaining students received their award at the western leg of the presentation ceremony in Montego Bay on Friday.
Wiggan, a top performer in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examination at Rio Bueno Primary in St Ann, has made academic excellence a hallmark of her journey. She also served as head girl at her primary school and earned a full scholarship to attend high school.
Passionate about the environment and an advocate for recycling, she shared that her drive for excellence is inspired by a family of strong, accomplished women. Two of her aunts– Kimberly Todd, Miss St Ann Festival Queen 2022 and Governor General Award recipient 2025, and Kizwani Todd, Miss St Ann Festival Queen first runner-up 2021 and Miss Jamaica World finalist 2024 – have shown her through their actions the value of grace, ambition, and purpose. Her mother, currently working on a cruise ship, has also been a constant source of love and encouragement. Her aunts describe Wiggan as strong-willed, determined, and focused in her studies, yet still an all-rounder who finds time for play.
For Wiggan, the grant is more than help with school expenses; it is motivation to work hard, uplift others, and create a legacy of achievement. “This opportunity will not only help me in my academic journey this school term, but it will also bring me one step closer to achieving my life’s goals and building the career I have always envisioned for myself,” she said during a testimonial at the awards ceremony. Wiggan aspires to become a marine biologist.
“If ever WATA should need a student brand ambassador, I would be honoured to represent them with pride, professionalism, and purpose,” she added.