“Proud of Them” Celebrates Fifth Awards Round

A dozen dynamic young people received recognition for their efforts, achievement and potential last Wednesday, 18 February, 2016, during the latest “Proud of Them” (PoT) awards.

Youth Minister Osbourne Bodden presented this year’s recipients with their certificates and $500 cash stipends.

The young people, and the areas for which they are being recognised, are: Jessica Ebanks-Academics, Brett Mobley-Community Service, Chauntol Hylton-Academics, Ned Miller-Culture, David Lee-Academics, Kory McLean-Academics/Sports, Marika Scotland-Academics/Community Service, James Geary-Sports/Community Service, Jacie Mascarenhas-Academics/Community Service, Cole Morgan-Sports, Ileann Powery-Sports and Arin Taylor-Sports.

This is the fifth round of PoT, which shines a spotlight on outstanding young people. Since its inception in 2012, the initiative has highlighted a total of 60 young men and women.

Applauding their focus and hard work, Minister Bodden said, “They are a fantastic, committed group of young leaders. I congratulate them, their parents and extended family for producing young citizens of such calibre.”

Relatives also attended the event, held at George Town Yacht Club. The faces of the young honourees will soon grace the “Proud of Them” roadside billboards around Grand Cayman.

This is an initiative of the National Youth Commission which, in addition to monitoring the implementation of the National Youth Policy, has an advocacy role for and on behalf of young people. Now headed by Rev. Donovan Myers, the Commission is set to open a new office in the near future.

Photo: (L-R) Ned Miller, Kory McLean, Chief Officer Dorine Whittaker, Minister Osbourne Bodden, James Geary and Cole Morgan; and (seated L-R) Chauntol Hylton, Ileann Powery, Jacie Mascarenhas and Marika Scotland. (Some awardees were unavoidable absent).