The Young Caymanian Leaders Foundation last Friday (4) announced the names of the five finalists for YCLA 2015. The YCLA Selection Committee revealed the names after a careful, in-depth review of the 39 nominations that were put forward this year by the community.

Jonathan Tibbetts, Chairman of the Selection Committee, says, “We received a record number of nominations this year, more than in any prior year, making the task of the Committee more challenging than ever. It is so encouraging to discover such a large number of positive, inspiring young people who are eager to serve as role models for the next generation. Narrowing the field to five finalists was a difficult task, but we are now looking forward to introducing them to the broader community.”

Each nominee’s candidacy must be vetted from a number of different perspectives to meet several key criteria, all of which combined describe a well-rounded young person who demonstrates strong leadership skills and the ability to serve as a role model to Cayman’s youth. Among the qualities sought are outstanding moral character, personal and professional achievement, volunteerism and community involvement, and a strong overall commitment to mentoring young people.

The five finalists for YCLA 2015 are below.

Further details about each finalist will be provided to the media in the coming weeks.

Taylor Burrowes-Nixon, 36, of George Town

Robbie Crib, 25, of South Sound

Rebekah Jefferson, 33, of West Bay

Kellie McGee, 27, of Savannah

Stephen Watler, 35 , of Savannah

The recipient of the prestigious award is asked to give generously of their time and talents to meet and speak to young people all over the islands. Kadi Merren Pentney, the 2014 YCLA recipient, has been very busy with speaking engagements and appearances at school events and youth clubs and has spread her message of hope and inspiration to several thousand young students.

YCLA 2015

The YCLA gala celebration will be held on Saturday, 17 October at the Ritz Carlton, and the recipient of the 2015 award will be named during the live, televised broadcast. This year’s special event will mark the 15-year anniversary of the awards programme, making it one of the most memorable and inspiring moments of the organisation’s history in the community.

Says Foundation Director Jackie Hansen, “We would like to thank the community for the tremendous outpouring of enthusiasm for the YCLA, as evidenced by the record number of nominations received this year. It is through the platform of the YCLA, and thanks to the community, that 70 young Caymanians have been recognised over the years as finalists in the programme. These outstanding young leaders are still serving our communities today and demonstrating their concern for our youth. This is the legacy of the YCLA and it is why we do what we do. We are so grateful to our sponsors that we have been able to continue this programme year after year.”

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YCLA Sponsors

Support for the YCLA includes loyal sponsors who have been with the programme for years, as well as new sponsors. Current Major sponsors are PricewaterhouseCoopers and Dart. Patrons include Progressive Distributors; Baraud International; KPMG; Scotiabank; Celebrations; The Ritz Carlton; Appleby (Cayman) Ltd.; Greenlight RE; (JEM) Tibbetts Foundation; and Cayman National Bank.