Bodden Town was amply represented with half of the 12 Proud of Them honourees hailing from that district at Wednesday’s (29 November 2017) awards ceremony.

The evening’s recipients were Sarah Clair Jackson, 17, GT, – academics; Brianna Bodden,16, BT – Academics; Anja van Genderen, BT – academics; Kareem Foster, 17, BT, – Sports; Joshewa Frederick-Charlery, 20, GT –  Sports; Jonathan Key, 18, GT – Academics; Jared McGill, GT –  Community Service; Bradley McLaughlin, 15, BT – Culture; Jenelle McLaughlin, 23, GT – George Town, Academics/Community Service; Isabella Powery, 14, WB – Sports; Janelle Syms, 19, WB – Academics and Ashli Welcome, 22 , BT – Academics.

Although several of the recipients were overseas at college, the event was well attended by Cayman Islands-based honourees along with their family members, friends and representatives of the National Youth Commission.

Nominated in the areas of academics, sports, community service and culture; the ceremony held at George Town Yacht Club was attended by Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, Agriculture & Lands, Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly.

The Minister gave inspirational extempore remarks, which congratulated the finalists and their parents. Having read each of the awardees biographies, Minister O’Connor-Connolly expressed her confidence that the Cayman Islands would be in good hands given the calibre of young people who were growing up to take their places in the society. Acting Head of Youth Services Unit James Myles read out a speech by the chairman of the National Youth Commission Reverend Donovan Myers regarding the dedication shown by the current cohort of awardees to pursuing their dreams.

Each honouree received a Proud of Them certificate and $500. A profile of each awardee will be printed in the local media.