GRAND CAYMAN (GIS) – The public is invited to recognise excellence among young people in the Cayman Islands by submitting nominations to the Proud of Them award scheme. The nomination period, for Round 10, runs from 16 November – 7 December 2018.

Youth ages 10 – 25 who are reaching new heights of achievement in academics, sports, their career, culture, business or community service can be nominated.

“We are pleased to announce the start of Round 10 of Proud of Them. This programme holds an unparalleled place as a means of recognising and applauding outstanding youth in the Cayman Islands,” said Minister of Youth, Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly. “Too often we only hear about youth in a negative light. Proud of Them is a well-needed reminder that our community can take heart from the many hardworking and motivated youth that are outstanding role models for others. This twice-yearly platform recognises talent, dedication and achievement in several areas and we invite the public to help us highlight youth achievement by nominating candidates, she added.

Started in 2012 to highlight exceptional young people, the Proud of Them award also showcases young persons’ initiative and positive attitude. To date 108 young men and women have been recognised.

The Ministry of Youth is again partnering with the National Youth Commission to continue the programme.

“Our youth are our link to the future,” said the Chair of the Commission Reverend Donovan Myers. “As a community, we must invest in our future and to be staunch and enthusiastic supporters of our young people. Proud of Them recipients represent all the excellence we can be justifiably proud of now as well as draw from in future years. Their example will inspire many of their peers to redouble their efforts in achieving both long and short-term goals,” he added.

The 12 successful awardees will be announced at a reception on Wednesday, 9 January 2019. Each recipient will receive a financial award and their photograph will be featured for six months on billboards across the Cayman Islands.

Forms can be found online at www.gov.ky. For more information about the Proud of Them award email [email protected], or visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/ProudofThemKy

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IMAGE 2017 awards ceremony – FILE