Ayanna Davis-Eden

 Twelve-year-old Ayanna Davis-Eden is the youngest PoT recipient ever – and for good reason!

Ayanna has always had a natural curiosity for learning, as well as an aptitude that is already enabling her sweet successes.

According to family, she taught herself how to walk by watching her sister’s dancing recitals. When she was four-years-old, the precocious child served as the keynote speaker at her preschool’s leaving ceremony. Following, her natural gift for learning led to academic success in primary school.

At Prospect Primary School she was on the Principal’s Honour Roll each year. She also became a Prefect, Deputy Head Girl and a Hall Monitor. She was also involved in Rainbows, Brownies, Film Club and football. In addition, she entered the Department of Tourism’s “Cayman Through My Eyes” film competition; placing second and winning the People’s Choice Award.

Upon graduation from primary school she walked away with nine diverse awards: in sports, social studies, science, mathematics, language, Spanish, art, as well as academic excellence and citizenship.

Ayanna undertakes high school studies at Triple C School. During her first year she made the Principal’s Citizenship Honour Roll, Academic Honour Roll, and was awarded for perfect attendance. She was also named the most outstanding student in art, social studies, science, English and study skills.

Ayanna continued to show great results in her recent high school year, again landing on the Citizenship Honour Roll and Academic Honour Roll. She is also her school’s “Save Our Youth” club president, a member of the choir, band, swim team, and the “Youth Experiencing Salvation Club”.

Ayanna also stays very busy outside of school. She is co-host and musical director of the Youth Flex Show; a joint initiative of Radio Cayman and the Youth Services Unit that provides teens with opportunities to share their views.

She is also involved in “Missionettes”, which helps younger children learn and encourages them to work hard to reach their goals. In her spare time, Ayanna likes to research the Bible, and cultures from around the world. She has a keen interest in the Mayan culture.

In addition to her love of learning, Ayanna has a passion for culinary arts, which was inspired at a young age by her parents, aunt and grandmother. She put her skills to the test in 2015 when she claimed the top spot in the “Teen Chopped Competition”. She also placed second in her school’s “Cupcake War”, and third in the “Home Gas Thanksgiving High School Cook-Off”.

Inspired by this exposure, the enterprising young lady has teamed up with her elder sister to create a business called “Gloria Rose Delights” – selling baked goods.

 

Diarra Hoyte

A talented, intelligent and thoughtful young man, Diarra Hoyte excels in academic pursuits, as well other special interests.

The 18year-old graduate of Clifton Hunter High School was a member of the “Gifted and Talented” mathematics class, and – ahead of schedule – gained a Grade 1 Distinction in his external exams. He attained 16 passes in GCSE and CXC exams. Named the Most Outstanding Student in his graduating class, he achieved high-distinction in mathematics, English, and science. He also received awards for ethics and technology.

At Clifton Hunter High School, Diarra’s aptitude for science was showcased when he placed first on three occasions in the Rotary Science Fair; in 2009, 2010 and 2012.

Following his graduation from high school, Diarra undertook an associate’s degree in engineering technology at the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI). He attained this degree in April 2016 with high academic standing.

Diarra’s goal is to become a mechanical/electrical engineer, and has received hands-on-experience through internships at Corporate Electric, Electra Tech and Caribbean Utilities Company.

Later this year he will attend the Florida Institute of Technology to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.

Science and mathematics aren’t Diarra’s only skills, as he is also musically gifted. He passed the Trinity College London Grade 5 clarinet exam, and has received awards for performances in the National Children Festival of the Arts.

In addition to playing the clarinet, he plays the steel pan and was a member of UCCI’s “Pademix” band. He is also a member of the Cayman Islands Marching Band and the Cadet Band.

Diarra also lends his technical know-how at his church, First Assembly of God, where he is a videographer. He also conducts the church’s junior choir and was Lead Camp Counsellor.

Other extracurricular activities include being on his school’s Flight Club and STEM Club, as well being a participant of the Toastmaster’s Youth Leadership programme.

(GIS) IMAGES:

Photo captions:

Proud of Them finalist Ayanna Davis-Eden

Proud of Them finalist Diarra Hoyte

NOTE:

These are another two bios from the Proud of Them (PoT) reception held earlier at the George Town Yacht Club.  Youth Minister Osbourne Bodden and Education Minister Tara Rivers presented the 12 young people with certificates as well as $500 cash stipends.