Two Caymanians named UWC scholars
(CNS Local Life): Caymanians Aleigha General and Ayanna Davis-Eden have been selected as 2019 United World College (UWC) scholars. General will be attending Li Po Chun UWC in Hong Kong and Davis-Eden is headed to UWC Thailand in Phuket. “It is inspiring to receive applications from some of Cayman’s best students each year,” said Martina Jackson (Waterford Kamhlaba UWCSA ’10), who is the chair of this year’s selection committee.
“Aleigha and Ayanna both stood out as individuals who not only have strong academic abilities and are involved in the community, but individuals who also have a strong passion for the future of the Cayman Islands and will represent our country well,” she added in a UWC press release.
Studying for the rigorous two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma, the two young women will live and study alongside other successful young people from diverse cultures and backgrounds who are also committed to the UWC mission of using education as a force to unite young people for peace and a sustainable future.
“We were delighted to also work with the colleges and our foundation to award scholarship funding to each of our new scholars, ensuring our selection process continues to be carried out entirely on the basis of merit,” said Aubrey Bodden (UWC-USA ’04), chairperson of UWC Cayman Islands.
“Fundraising activities, direct financial support offered by the colleges on an as-needed basis, and grants from long-standing local donors such as the Maples Group and Aall Foundation ensure cost is never a barrier to the most deserving students accessing a UWC education.”
General is a student at John Gray High School, where she is in the top 10 percent of students in her year group and serves as deputy head girl. She is described as a well-rounded student who devotes much of her time outside the classroom participating in Junior Achievement, Key Club, Cadets and Leo Club. She has a strong passion for giving back to her community and volunteers for organisations such as Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts (CARE) and the Humane Society. “This passion for her community and animals has led her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and she hopes to open her own veterinary clinic in the Cayman Islands,” UWC said in the press release.
Davis-Eden, who attends Triple C School “enjoys avenues for expressing herself which include, but are not limited to, filmmaking and cooking,” UWC said. She is a featured presenter on Radio Cayman’s YouthFlex show and has volunteered working backstage at some of Cayman’s popular shows performed at the Harquail Theatre. In 2018, Davis-Eden and a partner competed in the Caribbean Junior Duelling Challenge in Barbados where she won gold for both her plates and placed second out of nine teams from across the Caribbean. Her passion for the arts has led her to pursue a career in film production.
General and Davis-Eden join current Caymanian scholars Fenna Madison (UWC ISAK Japan ’20), Mark Plowright (UWC Adriatic ’20) and Juliana Gaspar (UWC-USA ’20), who are now completing their first years at UWC colleges. Elijah Samson (Li Po Chun UWC ’19), Marley McCoy (Pearson College UWC ’19) and Courtney Thomas (UWC Maastricht ’19) will graduate from their respective UWC colleges next month and all three plan to move on to tertiary studies.
For more information on the selection process or UWC scholars, go to the UWC Cayman Islands website or email uwccaymanislands@gmail.com
Category: Education, Local News
