"I didn't want to be 'Rage' anymore. I wanted to live a life that matters."

Six more stories of remarkable teens demonstrating determination, finding life purpose and triumphing over adversity. 

                   

 Dylan Dias 

Courage to Overcome:  Personal Decision

 

Nominated by both the school counselor and the school Vice Principal, Dylan is described as a student who has not only learned to get his own anger under control by practicing anger management skills, but he is also a young man who continues to use those tools to help others.

Involved with gangs at a young age, Dylan was known by fellow gang members by the moniker “Rage.”  With a self described “quick fuse” Dylan was suspended from school numerous times for fighting.  After an especially violent fight at Verchilds, Dylan was transferred to Washington Archibald High School.  In 2010 Dylan made the decision to change, to leave the life of violence behind.  Driven by an inner voice that demanded more of him, Dylan learned to redirect his energies and walk away from the fighting and negative behavior that was self defeating.

Dylan’s advice to others who are in danger of making decisions that can permanently impact their life in a negative way?  “Don’t give negative peer pressure the power to decide your life for you, be careful who you choose for friends.”  His advice to members of the community on how to help kids feel connected? “Address the issue of missing fathers in the family structure. There are no role models for males, no one there to guide them; kids without that kind of love feel like they have no one in their heart to believe in them.”

It was challenging for Dylan convincing others to give him another chance too.  Dylan credits Mrs. Isaac, the Vice Principal at Washington Archibald, as a prime motivator in his decision to turn his life around.

Since finding the courage to change, Dylan has worked hard to become a role model by encouraging others to making positive choices.  “I didn’t want to be “Rage” anymore,” he explains. “I wanted to live a life that matters.”  Now committed to combating violence in schools, Dylan says that he looks for signs of trouble and for ways to help.  He wants to be an anti-violence activist and a peer mediator.  He hopes that by telling his story he will be able to motivate and inspire others. 

Dylan Dias is an 18 year old recent graduate of Washington Archibald High School.  He is being recognized as a Remarkable Teen in the category of Courage to Overcome:  Personal Decision. 

 Pernelle Abraham

Most Promising Teen

Pernelle Abraham's academic performance is outstanding.  With averages ranging from 97-100, she has consistently held the first place position in every class at the end of every term since kindergarten.  She has been recognized at the school’s Speech Day, the Test of Standards and First Class Honors.  At the end of grade six, Pernelle was awarded the Most Outstanding Student honor and named Valedictorian of the graduating class.

Pernelle is a piano student at Miss Pamela Wall’s Music School and gained distinction in grades one and two Theory and Practical Exams of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music with perfect scores of 100. In light of her excellence in music theory, Pernelle was given an award for the Most Outstanding Student, the first time Miss Pamela Wall deemed it necessary to pick out a student for her remarkable work, in 50 years of teaching music.  Pernelle has also been featured as a soloist in recitals and concerts.

Pernelle consistently displays strong leadership and interpersonal skills too.  In 2009, she was the only primary school student to be commissioned a School Prefect and is now a member of the ICCS Student Council.  She is always asked to represent her class as the Class Speaker and is the youngest Animator in the Catholic Church.  Pernelle is focused, sets realistic goals and constantly excels in all of her endeavors. 

Although Pernelle is aware of her unique talents and abilities, she is humble and kind, selfless and giving.  She is approachable and always willing to lend a hand.  Pernelle spends her Sunday afternoons tutoring a classmate who is weak in math, showing her helpful techniques and explaining difficult areas in an effort to improve her friend’s understanding.  Pernelle also volunteers at Slacks Pre-School every afternoon after school.

When asked how she feels about being recognized as the Most Promising Teen in St. Kitts, Pernelle says, “I am really excited and proud.”

Pernelle hopes to combine her love for children and her love of learning to pursue a career as a medical doctor specializing in pediatrics.

Pernelle is a 12 year old student at Immaculate Conception Catholic School.  She is being recognized as the Most Promising Teen for her combined abilities in leadership, academics, performing arts and community service.

Davon Richardson

Academics

Davon Richardson consistently placed on both the Honor Roll and Principal’s List from first form through fifth form.  Last term, he tested in ten subjects and received nine distinctions.  Davon describes himself as a dedicated student who is a “quick learner.”

Davon is also an outstanding athlete, excelling in both football and track and field.  In 2011, Davon represented Charles E Mills in the 400M event at the Inter School competition. 

Davon’s talents extend even further than academics and athletics.  He is also an accomplished musician.  Davon plays piano, drums and steel pan, but he is most passionate about the piano.  Davon is a member of the Free Generation Ministry band and plays with the group at different venues around the island.  Davon also composes his own music.  Chick Corea, a world renowned jazz pianist, is his role model and jazz is his favorite genre of music. “I use music to express myself,” he says.  “When things go wrong or I’m having a bad day, music is always there to bring me back up.”

Davon is a committed community volunteer, serving as a tutor for classmates needing any kind of academic help or just wanting someone to listen. 

Davon says his motivation comes from his parents.  “They have always been there to encourage me to push myself.  They make me believe that I can do anything I put my mind to.”

Davon is a 17 year old recent graduate of Charles E. Mills Secondary School.  He is currently enrolled in architectural engineering and computer classes at Fitzroy Bryant College where he plans to study to become an architect.  Davon receives the Remarkable Teen award for academic excellence.

Zaiesha Joseph

Performing Arts

Zaiesha Joseph has been taking acting lessons for six years and dance lessons for the past two.  She is involved in all areas of performing arts and since the beginning of high school has entered a number of pageants and contests such as the Silver Jubilee Talented Teen, Miss Labor, and Miss Back to My Roots.  Even when Zaiesha didn’t place, especially in her earliest competitions, she wasn’t deterred.  “It made me work harder,” she says.  “If people say I can’t do something, I show them I can, and I push myself forward until I am successful.”

Zaiesha’s passion extends to both drama and dance; especially ballroom dance.  Zaiesha has a strong and positively vibrant personality and would love to be a professional actress one day. But Zaiesha is not defined by just her involvement in the arts.  She is equally poised and committed to everything she does.  An outstanding athlete, Zaiesha competes in track and field events including discus, shot put and triple jump, high jump and javelin. She is also an active school leader, serving as Verchilds Student Council President and school representative at various community events. 

Zaiesha is a humble and passionate young woman who has earned the respect of both her teachers and her peers. Mrs. Cuffy, guidance counselor at Verchilds High School describes Zaiesha as a “beacon of light for her school.” 

Zaiesha recognizes the challenges of acting as a career goal and has a “Plan B,” just in case.  Zaiesha will continue to focus on demonstrating academic excellence with the hope of pursuing a law degree in the future.

Zaiesha is a 16 year old student at Verchilds High School.  She is being honored as a Remarkable Teen in the category of Performing Arts. 

Sheldon Richards

Leadership

Sheldon Richards is a natural born leader and likes to assume a leadership role whenever the opportunity is there. Sheldon believes that leadership takes commitment and tenacity. “You have to know yourself, but remain flexible and open to ideas from others,” he says “and you have to be willing to take risks.”  Sheldon believes that a good leader must be willing to take responsibility for both project successes and setbacks.  At Saddlers Primary School, Sheldon was Valedictorian of his sixth grade class, Captain of the football team, Class Representative and Class Prefect.

A disciplined and serious student Sheldon excels at academics too, earning a place on both the Honor Roll and Principal’s List.  Sheldon has earned a Gold Honor for achievement and is the recipient of the Social Security Scholarship, a national program that contributes financial aid for promising students from first form through college.  Sheldon describes himself as “purposeful.”

Sheldon is currently the Vice President of the Saddlers Secondary School Student Council and was selected to represent the school in 2011 at a Council Leadership Retreat held in Nevis.  He found his participation in this workshop to be an inspiring experience and is hopeful that there will be more opportunities where young people can get together to share ideas.  Sheldon is also part of the Junior Achievers Entrepreneurial program at Saddlers Secondary and because of his computer skills was asked to take on the job of managing and updating the school’s website. Sheldon remains an avid contributor to the community, believing that being involved is part of every citizen’s responsibility.

Asked to relate an especially inspiring memory, Sheldon shares a moment he had with Mr. Curtis Martin, Speaker of the House. Speaker Martin was making a presentation for the Career Day at Saddlers Secondary School when Sheldon was chosen to give the vote of thanks.  After Sheldon’s remarks, Speaker Martin approached him and complimented him on not just the delivery of his thank you, but also the content of his message.  “I believe you will make a difference as a leader,” Speaker Martin told him. “There is no limit to what you can do, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see you as Prime Minister one day.”  Sheldon thinks about Speaker Martin’s words often, and remains motivated by this especially positive exchange.

Sheldon is a 14 year old student at Saddlers Secondary School who plans on becoming a physician one day, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology.  He is being recognized as a Remarkable Teen in the category of Leadership. 

Renicia McDonald

Spiritual Commitment

Renicia McDonald attends church daily, helping out in any way she can.  She assists the church accountant in record keeping, occasionally leads prayer meetings and assists with the youth groups in whatever way she is needed.  Renicia continues to develop a better understanding of the bible and its basic Christian doctrines attending weekly bible study classes with other young people from her congregation. She also enjoys the opportunity to minister in the community and talks to prisoners as part of that commitment.  Sharing that message of hope and faith is especially meaningful to her.

 Renicia believes it is important to find your purpose in life and to live a life that is admirable. She looks for opportunities to serve, guidance in using her spiritual gifts, and lives to serve others. When notified of her selection as recipient of this award Renicia said, “I am overjoyed at being chosen.  My journey to God has been great and I hope that I can be an inspiration to others.”

Committed to academic excellence as well, Renicia passed ten subjects, seven with distinction.  She is also the recipient of the TDC Scholarship, a six year program which helps students with school costs while also providing a Saturday intern position wherein students are given the opportunity to learn business from hands on experience. In 2011, Renicia chaired the annual TDC Scholarship program banquet, a daunting task, but one which she is proud of herself for taking on.  “It was a lot of work, but a big success.”

Renicia was also involved in the debate club at Washington Archibald High School and plans to continue by joining the debate society at Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College.

Renicia is currently enrolled at CFBC focusing her studies in the area of natural sciences.  When she completes the two years of study at CFBC, Renicia plans to attend a medical school in the Caribbean where she hopes to realize her dream of becoming a pediatrician.

Renicia is a 17 year old recent graduate of Washington Archibald High School.  She receives the Remarkable Teen award in the category of Spiritual Commitment.