2025-2026 Proud of Them Honourees Announced

A seasoned golfer, chess champion, top swimmer, football stars, academic achievers, talented musicians and dancers comprised the latest 15 Hounourees of the Proud of Them Youth Awards Programme. The annual Proud of Them Gala celebrated their contributions on Wednesday, 19 November, under the theme “Inspiration in Action.” For 13 years, the programme has recognised youth achievements across the awarding categories of: community service, business, academics, career, sports and culture.

The 2025-2026 Proud of Them Honourees include: Isiah Allen, Zachary Allen, Keira Bodden, Sierrah Broadbelt, Ajani Carnegie, Connor Childs, Emily Ch’Ng, Elexa Cotterell, Tyler Dykstra, Jaden Ebanks, Dez Graham, Gianna Gregory, Aaron Jarvis, Molly Kehoe and Isaiah Myles. Two (2) Rising Stars were also identified as Alejandra Bustos and Makennah Wright.

To recognise them as outstanding examples of positive youth representation, each Honouree received a $1,000 cheque and a certificate. Additionally, Honourees are featured on billboards across the Cayman Islands; while Rising Stars receive $500 each, in addition to their certificates.

The Proud of Them programme is coordinated annually by the Cayman Islands Youth Services Unit, an entity of the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage (MYSCH). Two (2) silver sponsors: Greenlight Re and McAlpine Ltd. Cayman, have provided substantial and ongoing support for its activities. In 2025, Caribbean Utilities Company Ltd. (CUC) has also provided support to the programme. Head of Youth Services Unit Mrs Mellony Bryan-Waugh noted: “Our public-private partnerships make it possible for us to present these inspiring stories that speak to the ingenuity and resilience of our islands’ youth.”

MYSCH Minister, Hon. Isaac Rankine, who gave remarks and presented awards, said: “Proud of Them is a platform to highlight the impressive strides our youth have made here at home and abroad. I look forward to watching them continue to excel and inspire others with their commitment, passion and drive.”

Hosted at the Kimpton Seafire ballroom, the annual awards ceremony shared the biographies of its Honourees and Rising Stars. Ceremony attendees included their families, some proxies, invited guests, numerous youth organisations and agencies, in addition to government officials.

The event was hosted by Proud of Them alumna Ms Mariah Tibbetts. Performances were delivered by singer Ms Colindra-Rodericka McGarvey Sterling-Blair, and by Spark! School of Music performers: Ms Addison Sifers, and Mr Aaron Perera Jr.

CARICOM Youth Ambassador (2025-2027) and Proud of Them alumna Ms Ashley Gooden was the evening’s keynote speaker and shared her message of taking “action” to inspire the next generation. Delving into her journey as a primary school educator, and her motivations for supporting Cayman’s youth, she provided insight and words of encouragement to the newest Honourees and Rising Stars.

In December 2025, Honouree videos are scheduled to launch the Proud of Them campaign, highlighting their individual contributions across the award categories. The public is invited to visit the Proud of Them webpage to learn more about these outstanding youth at www.youthservices.ky/honourees.