Girls’ High School wins RBTT Young Leaders competition

The Girls’ High School (GHS) Young Leaders could not contain their emotions on Wednesday, when they were announced the winners of the Award of Distinction in the 2017 RBC/RBTT Young Leaders programme.

The girls’ screams of excitement echoed across the Peace Memorial Hall, while some even cried tears of joy, at the news that they had moved up from last year’s fourth place.The last time the school won the competition was in 2014.

Under this year’s theme ‘I am WE…Volunteering for Impact’, the Georgetown Secondary School had to settle for the second place, Award of Excellence, after taking the first position last year.

The St Vincent Grammar School (SVGS) received the third place, Award of Merit, while the Bethel High School and the Emmanuel High School Mesopotamia tied for the fourth place, Award of Honour.

The Intermediate High School received the Judges’ Award, while SVGS student Delaan Nedd was this year’s Most Outstanding Young Leader.

This year, barrister-at-law and solicitor Julian Jack of Regency Law Chambers delivered the feature address. Jack, who commended both RBC/RBTT and the Ministry of Education for their joint effort in this year’s programme, focused his speech on the benefits of being a Young Leader.

He assured students that although they may not see the immediate gains, the programme awards them certain tools that they would benefit from in and outside of the classroom.

The lawyer, who described the programme as invaluable, added that the experiences derived from it may be used in the future, as it relates to their career goals. He also encouraged young people to become involved in the Young Leaders programme.

RBTT Bank Caribbean Ltd country manager Fleur Nichols, in brief remarks, said that the projects that made it to this year’s awards ceremony demonstrate the creativity, passion and talent of Vincentian youths.

Nichols stated that the youths were challenged to demonstrate that through volunteerism, they could seriously impact the lives of others.

“Volunteerism is key in nurturing… engagement, collaboration, self-giving and unity,” she commented.

The bank manager said each group had a unique and creative perspective and insight on volunteerism to make a substantial, lasting difference to a group or a community.

She noted that RBC/RBTT is committed to helping young people find their paths to success with confidence, which ultimately makes for a stronger and better SVG.

“We intend to continue to support the formation of a generation of Young Leaders and change agents in a more profound way.”

Senior education officer Dr Keith Glasgow, who described becoming a Young Leader as taking on the mantle of leadership for the future, delivered brief remarks. He also proposed to the youths present that the programme is an opportunity to establish friendships, as they learn to collaborate and cooperate with others and increase their civic knowledge.

The 2017 RBC/RBTT Young Leaders programme saw participation from some 413 students from 13 Schools. (AS)