Nominations sought for 2017 YCLA recipient
2016 YCLA recipient Brianna Wilkerson (centre) with fellow finalists (L-R) Alexandra Bodden, Shena Ebanks, Tedrick Green and Kristina Maxwell
(CNS Local Life): Nominations have opened for the 2017 Young Caymanian Leadership Award (YCLA). Chris Duggan, director of organisers, the Young Caymanian Leaders Foundation (YCLF), said this is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on those exhibiting leadership qualities that will inspire the next generation. “By developing our youth, we are investing in our own futures,” he said.
“It is critical that we identify them, harness their skills, promote their efforts and encourage them to continue to do what they have been doing and at the same time, show others, this is what you can strive to be as well.”
The public is being called on to identify a young Caymanian who they think personifies leadership in these islands and nominate them for the 2017 award, stated a YCLA press release. Duggan explained the organisation’s aim is to highlight their strengths, to promote them and encourage others to cultivate the qualities of leadership and community which have made the Cayman Islands such an incredible country.
Each nominee’s candidacy must be vetted from a number of different perspectives to meet several key criteria, all of which combined to describe a well-rounded young person who demonstrates strong leadership skills and the ability to serve as a role model to Cayman’s youth.
Among the qualities sought are outstanding moral character, personal and professional achievement, volunteerism and community involvement, and a strong overall commitment to mentoring young people.
Brianna Wilkerson, the 2016 recipient, has been spending her year speaking with young people about the value of finding and fulfilling their life purpose. “It has been an incredibly rewarding experience and enriching in ways I did not expect,” she said.
“I am honoured to be chosen and feel a strong sense of responsibility and renewed energy to share what I’ve learned on my journey with others, and to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.”
The deadline for nominations is 31 July. From the submissions, five people will be chosen as finalists, with the 2017 recipient announced at a ceremony on 4 November.
Anyone who would like to make a nomination can download the form at the YCLA website. For more details, email the organisers
Category: Youth
