Minds Inspired, Dart Cayman Islands’ education initiative, has selected its 2015 high school and university recipients: Jade Wilkinson and Christian Dyer, both of Cayman Prep and High School (CPHS); and University Scholar, Chloe DaCosta.

Jade and Christian, both aged 14, have excelled academically with A and A* grades in all core subjects.

Jade’s goal for the next academic year is to achieve A* grades across the board while also continuing to compete in a wide range of sports such as track and field, sailing, tag rugby and soccer. She has also competed competitively in tennis for the past three years. Jade has participated in the Middle School Model United Nations (MUN) Club since September 2014 and, in March, travelled to New York City to debate world issues, where she is proud to say that her resolution on gender violence was passed.

Christian wants to maintain A and A* grades in the upcoming academic year and to win subject prizes in Mathematics, History and Geography. Outside of the classroom, Christian also participates in a number of sports, including tennis, football and track and field. Christian represents his school in the under-18 football team – something he hopes to continue in the next school year, and he also invests time giving back to the Cayman community through his work with the humanitarian foundation, Cayman’s Ark.

When asked what future profession they aspire to, Jade and Christian, who both have an interests in sports and sciences, gave similar answers. Jade hopes to “… combine her passions by pursuing a degree in a field such as Sport Science, Sports Management, Sports Psychology or Sports Analytics”, while

Christian is considering the field of Sports Psychology, which aligns his passion for sports with his interest in the way the human mind works.

“The 2015 Minds Inspired applicants were of an incredibly high calibre,” said Mark VanDevelde, Chief Executive Officer for Dart Enterprises Limited. “We are encouraged and delighted by the range of accomplishments they embody: from academia to sports, and from the liberal arts to community service; and we are pleased to welcome Jade, Christian and Chloe to the Minds Inspired family.”

University scholarship recipient, Chloe, aged 18, graduated from St. Ignatius High School with honours and a GPA of 4.17 with recognition on the Honour Roll and Effort Honour Role with distinction. Chloe was also involved in a variety of school initiatives, sports, extra-curricular activities and charitable giving. Thus far in her academic career, Chloe has participated in the Builders Club, Key Club, annual drama productions, concert band and choir and served as a student council representative. She participated in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, participated in inter-school football activities and competitions as well as interscholastic swimming and track meets, helped organise annual fundraisers for the school and volunteered at the Catholic Church.

Chloe plans to pursue a double Bachelor of Arts in the fields of Jazz Dance and Body Sciences at Marymount Manhattan College in New York, combining her interests in physical therapy and sports medicine with her passion for dance.

The Minds inspired high school finalists: Trey Milgate from Cayman Prep and High School, Maia Thompson from Montessori by the Sea and Alexander Cummer from Cayman International School, were also recognised and applauded on their achievements. Each finalist attended a meeting with members of the final selection committee who offered their personal congratulations to the three and presented them each with a CI$600 Camana Bay gift card.

In addition to the four-year high school scholarship, based on academic excellence with a focus in the areas of mathematics and science, the Minds Inspired high school scholarship programme also provides its scholars with a mentoring programme with Dart employees and enrichment activities intended to further inspire and expose students to multiple opportunities. Previous years’ enrichment activities include attending SuperCamp at Brown University (supercamp.com) and visiting the Dart NeuroScience in San Diego (dartneuroscience.com), where the scholars met with scientists and engaged in a variety of maths- and science-related activities in the San Diego area.

The recipient of The William A. Dart Memorial university scholarship receives funding to attend an accredited university, the mentorship of Dart employees and the opportunity to work within Dart’s diverse group of companies for work experience.

The Minds Inspired high school scholarship programme was first launched in 2012, and in 2013 it was joined by the William A. Dart Memorial scholarship, which provides funding, mentorship and support to Caymanian students with exceptional academic records attending, or about to attend, university. The education programme includes an annual Mathematics Challenge and showcases its support for the development of Cayman’s youth, with a particular focus in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education on island. Events supported by Minds Inspired include the Chamber of Commerce Careers Expo, the STEM conference held at UCCI and the Rotary Central Science Fair.

The Minds Inspired Education Programme supports the Dart family’s philosophy of promoting education and fostering academic excellence in math and science. The Dart Group believes that mathematics and science are fundamental building blocks for both academic and career success.

Visit mindsinspired.ky for details on this year’s programme, the initiative’s various events, latest news and applications for next year.

Dart Cayman Islands encompasses a number of businesses that operate in Grand Cayman and is also the developer of the Town of Camana Bay. For more details, visit www.dartenterprises.biz or www.camanabay.com.