The Save Our Youth (SOY) Foundation has recognised community leaders for their outreach efforts on behalf of the local young people, noting a variety of 2011 accomplishments and looking forward to the new year.
The awards presentation came in an end-of-year ceremony at the offices of the National Drug Council in North Sound Way, honouring a range of personalities including Minister for Community Affairs Mike Adam, head of Solomon Harris law firm Sophia Harris, Fosters Managing Director Woody Foster and Deputy Governor Donovan Ebanks.
Six plaques were offered in recognition of the “support, commitment and dedication to the community and the youth of the Cayman Islands”, according to SOY founder George Roper.

“They have earned this recognition for service to both the community and the organisation.,” he said. “I applaud their efforts, and hope they will inspire others to do the same, making contributions to the well-being of the Cayman Islands and our young people.”
In an exclusive iNews Cayman interview, SOY Acting President Iris Stoner explained the organisation’s efforts:
“The main mission of our organisation is to ensure a better future for our young people by motivating them to become positive leaders and contributing members of society,” she said.
“One initiative we are particularly excited about is implementing the SOY Achievement Medallion Award program, which will recognise those students who may not be the highest academic achievers but work hard every day in school, show respect to their classmates and teachers, display community spirit and are positive role models,” she said.

“To date, 20 primary and secondary schools have signed on to nominate deserving students to receive this award at the end of the school year. Through these awards, we hope to motivate these young people to stay on a positive path,” Ms Stoner said.

Mr Roper congratulated the 4 recipients: “They have earned this recognition for service to both the community and the organisation.,” he said. “I applaud their efforts, and hope they will inspire others to do the same, making contributions to the well-being of the Cayman Islands and our young people.
“With everybody working together, we can do something about such social problems as violence, drugs and the like that have afflicted us,” Mr Roper said.

Both thanked SOY sponsors Cayman National, which “has generously donated funds for this worthwhile program and we are appealing to others in the corporate community to step forward to support this initiative,” Ms Stoner said.

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