Edu. Minister urges awardees to be ambassadors
Eight young persons were announced as recipients of the Virgin Islands Emerging Fellows award during a ceremony hosted at the Maria’s By the Sea hotel earlier today, March 17, 2014 under the theme: Empowering the future of the Virgin Islands. Six fellowships were awarded in 2013.
“Emerging Fellows, past and present, I remind you of the investment this entire community is making in your success. While I do not want to pressure you all, I remind you that as fellows, through this national award, you are ambassadors of the Virgin Islands. As such we expect many great things from you,” Hon. Walwyn said.
The Emerging Fellows Award, Hon. Walwyn explained, is a competitive national prize that is a funding opportunity to young people in the Virgin Islands between the ages of 10 and 20 who show exceptional promise to achieve in academics, the arts and sports.
He stated that the award provides fellows with the opportunity to enhance their skills and develop their craft through advanced training, exposure and mentorships.
Meanwhile, Premier Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith applauded the recipients and added, "In some ways, you are responsible for helping yourselves to grow. We can provide the avenues where we can and when we can, and it is you who must take the next step, and show interest in your own development."
Increased funding
Hon. Walwyn noted that while the Government has committed $50,000 a year to the initiative since 2013, it is expected that the amount would be raised next year to $75,000 to offer even more young persons opportunities to enhance their skills and develop their craft through training, exposure and mentorships.
He said while fellow Ministers have the opportunity to work on immediately seen aspects of development, he has the honour of working on government’s policies and initiatives to give young people, the future of these Virgin Islands, an opportunity to achieve.
“In education and youth development, investments made are often not immediately noticed, and even when they are seen, it usually takes another decade for us to understand and realise their significance,” Hon. Walwyn said.
He added, “I believe the informed investments we are making in developing our young people today, will secure our Territory’s place as we navigate the unknown waters of the future.”
According to Hon. Walwyn, those informed investments include, encouraging a greater level of patriotism, understanding and appreciation for the Virgin Islands by implementing a Virgin Islands History course in our high schools; a National Citizens Service for our senior students that is intended to have them foster a greater connection to our community and help them find their place in its advancement.
He also encouraged parents to continue to support their children and be on the lookout for summer camps, training sessions and other opportunities to help build their child’s talent.
The 2014 Emerging Fellows are:
• Tia-Racquel Modeste - fourth year student at Bregado Flax Educational Centre will be utilizing this fellowship to attend Interlochen Arts Academy to study Art.
• Shane Liburd – an Assistant Drama teacher at Elmore Stoutt High School will be attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts
• Ariq Flax-Charles – a fifth year student at Bregado Flax Educational Centre, who is also the Territory’s junior chef, will be undertaking a culinary career exploration at Jonson and Wales University in North Miami.
• Nia Douglas - a fourth year student at CEDAR International School who has an interest in pursuing a career in journalism will be attending Columbia University’s Summer Programme for high school students
• Tahj Malone - who is presently attending Montverde Academy will be attending the Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament in Florida this summer for basketball training
• Kerstin Gordon - a fifth year student at CEDAR International School will be participating in the Elm City Sports Club Summer Squash Camp at Yale University
• Sara Smith - a fourth year student at St. Georges Primary School will be studying dance at the University of Los Angeles
• Tariq Maduro - a fifth year student at Elmore Stoutt High School will be attending Berkley University’s Five Week Summer Performance Programme to study music.
The 2013 Emerging Fellows were: Trevia Gumbs, Tynelle Gumbs, Makayla Maduro, Kalinda Collins, Devika Ramcharitar, and Maisha Henry.
14 Responses to “Edu. Minister urges awardees to be ambassadors”