Tiana Dinham named 2026 Jamaica Rhodes Scholar

Tiana Dinham is the 2026 Jamaica Rhodes Scholar.

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen made the announcement at King’s House in St Andrew on Thursday.

The Mount Alvernia High School graduate is currently pursuing studies in Geographical and Earth Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dinham intends to further her studies in Water Science, Policy and Management, or Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment.

Speaking with The Gleaner shortly after the announcement, the 22-year-old dedicated her win to the people of western Jamaica, which was devastated by Hurricane Melissa.

“I went to Mt Alvernia in St James, but I am also from Hanover, so that’s another parish that was badly hit by the hurricane, and I think this win is another win for my entire high school community as well as my regular community that I live in in Maryland,” she said.

“I think I will be looking forward to some good news because, as you can imagine, this entire hurricane situation has brought a lot of devastation to a lot of people. They lost their homes, they don’t have food, they don’t have water. So even just a small thing like winning the scholarship will bring joy to some people — like hope at the end of the tunnel,” Dinham added.

Dinham, who was in tears, called her mother to share the news, with her mom shouting praises and telling her daughter how proud she was.

Dinham admitted that the shortlisted group of nine were all top contenders and that she knew the process was very competitive.

“I am in disbelief. I know I was a finalist, I was here to interview for the scholarship, but there is also that slight moment where maybe I won’t get it. I can’t fully express the excitement and joy I feel, because I also know that my family will be elated about this accomplishment. The other eight finalists were amazing. Some of them will be friends I will keep going forward — we’ve built this bond over the course of this day — and it’s kind of sad that they haven’t gotten it as well. But I am super excited that the work I have done has got me this far and earned me this recognition, and I look forward to using this scholarship to further the work I am doing in Jamaica.”

- Karen Madden

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