A special educational award programme being launched by the Save Our Youth Foundation was recently boosted with the generous support of Cayman National.

The SOY Achievement Medallion Award Programme aims to recognize those students who work hard every day in school, show respect to their classmates and teachers, display community spirit and are positive role models. To date, 20 public and private primary and secondary schools throughout Cayman have signed up to take part in these awards and will be nominating deserving students to receive their medallions at the end of the school year.

Acting SOY President Iris Stoner explained that the programme offers an important opportunity to recognise those students who may not be the highest performers but whose positive attitude and work ethic should be publicly praised.

“The highest academic achievers get acknowledged every year, and rightly so, but we want to encourage those students who may not be at the top of their class but deserve to be rewarded for their efforts. Through these awards, we hope to motivate these young people to stay on a positive path.

“Corporate sponsorship of the program is vital for its success and we thank Cayman National for their generous contribution and for recognizing the importance of this programme. Their willingness to support it is greatly appreciated,” she said.

Claudia Welds, Cayman National’s Senior Executive of Corporate Communications, said the corporation is committed to helping Cayman’s youth. “Cayman National is pleased to support initiatives geared to preparing our youth for the future, and believe that the Achievement Medallion Awards will serve as an incentive and motivation for our young people to strive to give of their very best and will acknowledge their efforts and accomplishments in spite of the various challenges they may face.  We applaud the SOY team for their commitment to our youth,” she said.

Stoner added that the foundation is looking for further corporate support for the Achievement Medallion Awards. “SOY is also appealing for additional sponsorship within the corporate community to help make this important initiative a success. We need to support our young people any way we can so they grow into contributing, positive members of society.”