UWC names 2016 Caymanian scholars

(CNS): The United World Colleges (UWC) global educational movement will enrol three more Caymanian students in August, with the local national committee selecting Ayanda Jones, Julian Menko and Chanelle Scott as its 2016 scholars. During the two-year pre-university International Baccalaureate diploma programme, they will live and study alongside young people from diverse cultures and backgrounds who are also committed to the UWC mission of using education as a force to unite people for peace and a sustainable future.

At each of the 15 UWC colleges around the world, an average of 80 different countries will be represented at any one time in a student body of approximately 200 students. Academic achievements are put into perspective with a demanding mix of community engagement, international affairs, physical activities, service commitments and creative pursuits.

UWC said it is committed to educating the whole person, delivering principle-based education and life-defining experiences for young people. This model of education is internationally recognised and has the deliberate diversity of the student body as well as the faculty at its heart.

Ayanda Jones will be the first local student to attend UWC Red Cross Nordic in Flekke, Norway. Predicted to obtain all A and A* grades when she completes her GCSEs in 11 subjects, this year-11 Cayman Prep and High School student is interested in international relations and social and environmental issues. Though only 15 years old, Ayanda has already represented her school’s senior Model United Nations (MUN) club in Hungary and the US. Despite being one of the youngest participants, at the most recent MUN conference, held in Princeton, New Jersey, she was also awarded outstanding delegate in the 44-person African Union Specialized Committee.

Described as a sophisticated and precise communicator and effective networker, Ayanda is also a junior prefect, student council secretary and heavily involved in Key Club, the Marine Conservation Dive Club and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.

Julian Menko will attend UWC-USA in Montezuma, New Mexico, which was one of two UWC colleges to enrol the first Caymanian scholars in 1984. After being home schooled for most of his education, Julian is currently in year 11 at Cayman Prep and High School and will complete his GCSEs and graduate this summer. Interested in aviation and travel, Julian plans to study accounting and finance at university and hopes to pursue a career in aviation finance.

A diligent and high-achieving student, Julian is also president of his Key Club, vice president of the student council, a junior prefect, and a member of the Debating Club and the senior MUN team at his school, as well as a recipient of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. He has been playing baseball for eight years and recently picked up squash.

Chanelle Scott will attend Li Po Chun UWC in Hong Kong after completing her GCSEs and is on track to graduate from Clifton Hunter High School with high honours. Having already obtained five Level 2 passes and expecting to gain eight more this year, she received the “Proud of Them” award for academic achievement in 2015.

Described as a mature and conscientious leader and natural scientist, she hopes to pursue a career in medicine. Chanelle has been part of Junior Achievement, Cayman Islands Youth Assembly, her church youth group and YouthFlex and is currently head girl at her school, helping to lead the prefect body and student council and working closely with staff. She is also a choreographer and dancer with Dance Unlimited Company, plays the flute in her high school band, sings in the choir, and is on the netball and swim teams.

Chairperson of UWC Cayman Islands, Aubrey Bodden (UWC-USA ’04), said this year’s scholars were selected from a very competitive group of applicants and the foundation is delighted to support each of them with scholarship funding. Fundraising activities and direct financial support from the colleges and from local donors such as Maples and Calder and the Aall Foundation, ensure cost is never a barrier to the most-deserving students accessing a UWC education. As a result, all students all around the world are selected by volunteer national committees based entirely on merit and potential, regardless of background or ability to pay.

“UWC creates change makers and our scholars go on to achieve great things in their schools, workplaces, communities, and the world as a whole,” Bodden said. “UWC helps students discover the possibility of change and reach their potential in all areas. Scholars learn that they can help to change the world through their courageous action, personal example and selfless leadership. Therefore, investing in these scholars invests in our shared future and will result in a better, safer, and more peaceful world.”

Tags: United World Colleges

Category: Education, Scholarships