RUBiS announces Finalist for 2019 Top Student Program

After 8 weeks of entries from across the Cayman Islands and two rounds of judging by two independent judging panels, the Top 10 finalists for the RUBiS Top Student program have been announced.
 
Alzavia Goulbourne of Red Bay Primary School, Damoya Fearon of Red Bay Primary School, Hosannia O'Connor of East End Primary School, Jeleah Maize of George Town Primary School, Kai Roberts of Layman E. Scott High School, Kaz Conolly Basdeo of Montessori By The Sea, Kezzia King of Triple C School, Naima Myles of George Town Primary School, Oral Michelin, The Lighthouse School, and Tianna Ebanks, Prospect Primary School, impressed both sets of judges with their passion for various academics, sports and arts. 
 
The program, which first launched in 2015, was open to students ages 7-12 across the Cayman Islands. Students interested in applying were asked to exhibit excellence, passion and enthusiasm in any particular area of interest such as; fine arts, performing arts, sports, STEM activities or academic achievement, in order to be in with a chance of winning a financial grant to support their passion.

Speaking on the 2019 RUBiS Top Student program, Managing Director of RUBiS Cayman Islands, Nicolas de Breyne, said:

“With 70 talented entries for the 2019 RUBiS Top Student program, the judging panels faced a difficult task narrowing down the submissions to top ten finalists. However, the finalists managed to standout through their ability to articulate and demonstrate their passion for their chosen activity and how being selected as RUBiS Top Student would help achieve their goals.”

While the RUBiS Top Student program was only able to recognise 10 students to receive final grants to help support their passions, Mr de Breyne noted that the amount of talent across the youth of the Cayman Islands left all the judges thoroughly impressed.
 
“The talent we have seen from this competition has made a positive impression on everyone involved,” Mr de Breyne said. “Cayman certainly has a bright future ahead.”

“We would also like to say a special thank you to all the parents and schools who have been so supportive of the students getting involved with the RUBiS Top Student program.”

The grand prize winner will be announced at the RUBiS Top Student awards ceremony on June 12th and will receive a $5,000 grant towards developing their talent as well as an additional $1,000 to be donated to a club or school of their choice. The runners up will each receive a $1,000 grant to be used to help progress their passions.