Award shows pride for Cayman’s youth
Some of the Proud of Them recipients with family members and Rev. Donovan Myers (fourth from left)
(CNS Local Life): A dozen young people were recognised for their achievements and potential on Wednesday, 19 April 2017, during this year’s “Proud of Them” (PoT) awards ceremony and reception. The recipients were chosen from more than 120 nominations. Minister of Youth Osbourne Bodden presented this year’s honourees with their certificates and $500 cash stipends.
The awardees, together with their nomination categories, were Jonathan Christian (25 years old), academics and business; Chambria Dalhouse (16), sports; Kaela Ebanks (16), sports; Alison Jackson (14) sports; Brittany Mobley (23), sports; Jessica Moore (24), career; Kayla Ramos (23), academics; Isaiah Robinson (16), academics; Holly Thompson (16), academics/community service; Tayvis Walters (20), career/business and community service; Martina Watler (15), academics; and Aaron West (18), academics.
Also at the ceremony were ministry Chief Officer Dorine Whittaker; Reverend Donovan Myers, Chairman of the National Youth Commission; and ministry Assistant Chief Officer and Chair of the PoT selection committee, Joel Francis, who was master of ceremonies.
Myers said the selection process had been difficult but ultimately rewarding.
In his remarks celebrating the awardees and their outstanding work ethic, Bodden said, “Each recipient has already distinguished themselves as an individual to be looked to for further success. As well as being role models for your peers [they] have also earned, the respect of [their] community.”
“The Cayman Islands needs young people of your calibre to drive the economic and social success your achievements foreshadow.”
He also applauded their parents and families for the young people’s achievements.
Henry Walters said of his son’s recognition, “His mother and I are delighted that Tayvis is a ‘Proud of Them’ recipient. He’s passionate about everything he does and his leadership skills are being put to good use by his employer Appleby as a student mentor.”
PoT awardee Dalhouse was equally enthusiastic about the award. “I am honoured to be one of this year’s recipients,” she said. “I really didn’t expect to be chosen as I know that they get a lot of nominations. I’m still taking it all in but will definitely put my stipend towards saving for college.”
The faces and biographies of the young honourees will soon grace “Proud of Them” billboards throughout Grand Cayman.
Category: Youth
