Cayman Islands Proud of Them Bios – Kayla Ramos and Isaiah Robinson

Kayla Ramos – Academics – 23 – West Bay

Kayla Ramos has a passion for working with children, so it is only fitting that she is on the path to become a teacher. Her niche, and self-proclaimed calling, is in special education. The 23-year-old is set to graduate this May with a dual bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from the University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL). After that, she will begin her Master’s degree in Special Education.

During her four years at UNL, Kayla made the Dean Lists, and is maintaining a 3.8 GPA. She was chosen to participate in the University’s undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience Programme, which supports undergraduates to work with faculty mentors in research. Kayla is the only student from the Caribbean to be given this opportunity.

She has gained valuable, practical in-class experience. Teachers who have mentored Kayla note that she is a reflective teacher, who creates positive interactions in the classroom. She plans engaging lessons, and utilises the latest technology, to meet the needs of all learners. She is also praised for her desire to build relationships with her each of her students. Enthusiastic, open-minded, positive, calm and patient are also descriptors used to illustrate Kayla’s teaching style.

Kayla not only has a heart for her students, but for the community as well. She has volunteered for several non-profit organisations both in Cayman and in the United States. Some of those organisations include the Lincoln Children’s Museum, the Kit & Dick Schmoker Reading Center Tutoring Programme, and her university’s student council. Back at home, Kayla serves as a softball coach with the Cayman Islands Little League. It is clear that whether in the classroom, or through community events, Kayla is making a positive impact on the youth.

Isaiah Robinson – Academics – 17 – George Town

Anyone who attended the 2016 John Gray High School graduation is sure to be familiar with the name Isaiah Robinson. The 17-year-old was one of the many students recognised for their academic excellence, walking away with a number of awards and accolades, on the night of the ceremony. One of those awards is the EY Achievement Award for academic excellence. It is an award that is given to just one student at each high school.
He received the Angela Martins plaque for excellence in English. He also was the recipient of the Sportsmanship of the Year award, for representing Cayman on the national and international level in two sports: squash and track & field.

Isaiah was one of 13 students, out of a class of 166, who was awarded a Level 2 High School Diploma with High Honours. He achieved 12 passes with grades of one and two, with merit and distinction. Isaiah’s success on graduation day came as no surprise, as he has consistently excelled at academics throughout his school years, regularly receiving the certificate for best report.

Those who know Isaiah best describe him as a well-rounded and mature young man. His polite and well-mannered demeanour served him well in his role of school prefect. He has also been heavily involved with his church’s Vacation Bible School, assisting the programme in a variety of capacities, and serving as an example to the young attendees. Isaiah’s success in academics, sports and community service is an excellent example of a young person reaching for new heights.