The second round of the Proud of Them initiative shone a spotlight on the achievement of 12 new recipients yesterday (Thursday October 31, 2013).

The new awardees are:

Name                          Category                                District          Age

Abigail Stoddart      Academics                            WB                 21

Kimone Chambers  Academics                            WB                 23

Sydonie Barrett       Academics                            GT                   18

Jonassi Swaby          Community Service                        GT                   19

Yentel McGaw          Community Service                        BT                   22

Christopher Eccles Academics                            GT                   18

Ann-Alecia Moore   Community Service                        GT                   17

Anya Belfonte           Academics                           GT                   18

Katlen Bush              Academics                            GT                   16

Madeleine Rowell   Community Service                        GT                   17

Leanni Tibbetts       Community Service                        GT                   17

Zoya Lawrence        Community Service                        GT                   21

During Thursday’s (31 October) press briefing announcing the successful nominees from the second round of the youth recognition programme, Minister responsible for Youth, Hon. Osbourne Bodden stated: “I am pleased that the community has embraced the Proud of Them initiative. Showcasing the positive achievements of our young people demonstrates to them that hard work does pay off.”

He added, “Given the quality of nominees thus far, I am confident that the future of the Cayman Islands is in good hands.”

As of next week, honourees will appear on billboards across the Islands for a period of six months at a time.

Through a public nomination process, the Proud of Them initiative recognises youth, between the ages of 10 and 25 years for reaching a significant level of success in academics, business, sports, culture, community service or their career.

Nominations are encouraged from each district to ensure that young people in each area can identify with those who are selected.

Officials believe that this recognition programme will empower high achievers to continue their efforts, while inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.