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Firestone Honors Several Students for Academic Excellence
HARBEL, Liberia, West Africa (April 9, 2009) — Firestone Liberia's Education Department has honored nearly 200 students in the Firestone School System for their high academic performance during the 2008/2009 semester. The program was held on April 7, 2009, at the Harbel Field House.
During the program, Firestone Liberia presented the honorees with certificates and gifts, including copybooks, dictionaries, pens and calculators. Among the honorees, three students — Paye Dolo of Division 29 School, Janneh Glayah of Division 45 School and Emmanuel Tokpah of the Division 40 School — were proud recipients of the prestigious President and Managing Director's award for being the first, second and third highest scorers respectively. The remaining students received the Superintendent and Manager award.
The Superintendent of the Adult Literacy Program, Zoe D. Traub presented the Superintendent's Award and she commended the honorees for their achievement. "You have studied hard, this is why you have been honored here today. Make best use of the opportunities given you," she said.
Firestone Liberia's Production Manager, Stephen Snoh presented the Manager's Award. According to Snoh, the students are the future leaders of Liberia. Therefore, they should always strive for academic excellence. "The honor you receive today gives me the hope that, if you continue, you will do something better tomorrow," he said.
The President of the Firestone Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia (FAWUL), Austin Sumo Natee urged the students to take advantage of the educational opportunities provided by Firestone Liberia. He challenged them to take their lessons seriously so that, in turn, they will take future leadership responsibilities seriously.
Also making remarks was the representative of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Alexander Kpah. He praised Firestone Liberia and the Firestone School System faculty for providing academic opportunities for their children. He described the Firestone School System as one of the best in the country.
The Superintendent of the Firestone School System, Dwede D. Hoto praised her fellow educators for their dedication and hard work. "To teach in post war Liberia, you have to be patient and dedicated," Hoto said. "To prepare students, it requires a holistic approach on the part of both the parents and the teachers."
The program brought together managers, senior staff of Firestone Liberia as well as parents of the honorees.
Supervisor of Schools, Charles G. Massaley welcomed the honorees at the beginning of the program and congratulated them for their high level of achievement during the semester.
The program was followed by a lunch during which the Division 45 Junior High School choir thrilled the audience with several song selections.
About Firestone Natural Rubber Company, LLC:
Firestone Natural Rubber Company, LLC traces its origins back to 1926 when The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company first established a natural rubber production facility in Liberia, West Africa. The company operates a 118,000-acre rubber growing and processing facility, employing approximately 7,000 teammates who harvest and process natural rubber and latex. After processing, the natural rubber (dry rubber and liquid latex) is shipped to the United States. The dry rubber is used by Bridgestone Americas' (Firestone Diversified Products, LLC's parent company) tire plants throughout North America in the manufacture of tires. The latex is sold to third party North American manufacturers of dipped goods, adhesives and carpet backing. Firestone is North America's leading supplier of natural latex concentrate. Firestone Natural Rubber Company, LLC is a subsidiary of Firestone Diversified Products, LLC.
About Firestone Diversified Products, LLC:
Firestone Diversified Products, LLC (FSDP) is based in Indianapolis, Ind., and is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM). FSDP is responsible for BSAM's non-tire businesses, including building and industrial products, natural rubber, and industrial fibers and textiles.
