Speaking of Remarkable Teens...

XIAOYU HARRIS ~ SOCIAL CONSCIENCE

Xiaoyu Harris has a unique social awareness for one so young.  Her sensitivity toward important issues, especially in the area of girl’s empowerment and teen pregnancy, has imbued a sense of responsibility in her to create the social change she believes is critical to the healthy development of girls.   One of the ways she has accomplished this is with the Nubian Queen’s Youth Group, a club she co-founded with her mother two years ago.  The group tackles issues of interest to the girls and focuses on self-esteem, decision making, and character development, while also building confidence by providing a network of support and peer fellowship.  The 12-member group meets weekly at Dieppe Bay Community Center.

Xiaoyu served as Student Council President at Saddlers Secondary School in 2011 – 2012.  As President of the council, she worked diligently with the rest of the members to create opportunities that would benefit the needs of the school.  She and the other council leaders organized all-school fundraising activities, including Wacky Thursday, Garbage Bins, and the Fun Fair.  

Xiaoyu is also involved in drama, dance, and athletics.  As a member of the Saddler Secondary School 2010 Interschool Track Team, Xiaoyu received a Gold Medal in the 100m U13 event. In 2011, Xiaoyu entered the Miss Talented Teen contest and though she didn’t place in the competition, she’s glad she participated. “I wanted to do it for experience and to try something different,” she said, “and it is an experience I really enjoyed.”

On learning that Xiaoyu had been selected as a recipient, nominator Daryll Lloyd said, “Xiaoyu is a determined young girl, well supported by family, and driven by purpose.  I am delighted to hear that she has received the Remarkable Teen award and I am confident she will live up to the standards the honor represents.”

Xiaoyu plans to pursue a career in medicine and would like to become a physician one day specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. When asked why she made this career choice Xiaoyu said, “I love babies and I want to be the one who brings them into the world.” 

Xiaoyu Harris is a 13-year old third form student at Saddlers Secondary School.  She is being recognized as a Remarkable Teen in the category of Social Conscience.

ANDRE TYRELL ~ SPIRITUAL COMMITMENT

Andre Tyrell is on a spiritual path.  Profoundly connected to God from within, Andre believes that God is his constant companion in life; and his faith, the essence of who he really is.

 “My life has basically been about church ever since I can remember,” Andre explained. “And church is where I learned most of the things I believe in today.”

Baptized in 2011, Andre has been an active member of the Antioch Baptist Church for many years.  He credits Pastor Lincoln Connor as his mentor and spiritual guide. 

President of the Youth Ministry, Andre spends eight hours a day at the church during the summer and as much time as he can during the school year.  He organizes and leads youth activities, including debating competitions, sports, singing, arts and crafts, tutoring, and mentoring. One of the activities Andre enjoys most is organizing a community Christmas Caroling evening for the youth group. Andre volunteers scores of hours in areas such as Sunday School teacher substitute, Vacation Bible School leader, bus driver, church secretary, photographer, and maintenance worker – wherever he is needed, Andre lends a hand. 

When asked to talk about his devotion to God and to service Andre said, “Faith is the first factor in a life of devoted service.  Without faith nothing is possible, with faith nothing is impossible.”  Andre’s journey of faith has been a long one. During high school, Andre said he felt troubled about whether or not to be baptized, he wasn’t sure if he was ready, but once he made the decision to take the step, all doubt was gone.  Throughout the course of his efforts, Andre has developed a solid foundation of strength: mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. He is devoted to realizing a positive impact on his peers and the community in all aspects of his life.

Andre is committed to continuing his academic endeavors and hopes to further his education abroad.  He plans to pursue a career in economics.

When told of Andre’s selection as a Remarkable Teen, nominator Marlon Bristol said, “I couldn’t be happier for him.  He’s hardworking, industrious; a model young man.  Hopefully his selection will inspire other young people involved in youth fellowship programs, not just at Antioch Baptist, but island-wide.”

Andre Tyrell is an 18-year old recent graduate of Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College.  He receives the Remarkable Teen award in the category of Spiritual Commitment.



JONELLE IRISH ~ LEADERSHIP

 “A leader is ingenious, not because he has a Ph.D., but because he has a heart and a passion that drives him.”  Emerging Global Leaders Conference 2010

Jonelle Irish is a true leader.  She has high expectations for her future and is committed to excellence both academically and personally. In 2012, Jonelle was ambitious as she tackled 13 CXC exams.  She recently learned this effort had earned her 11 Distinctions.

Jonelle was elected President of the newly formed Immaculate Conception Catholic School Student Council.  As President, Jonelle worked closely with other members of the Executive Committee to establish governing rules, and in formalizing policies and procedures for future elected councils.

In 2009, Jonelle placed second in the Imelda Wilkin NAAP Effective Speaking Competition, and in 2010 she was selected to represent her school and her country at the Emerging Global Leaders Conference in Barbados.

Jonelle is also a lover of poetry, both writing and dramatizing her pieces.  A member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic School Poetry Club, Jonelle entered the Island Xpressions Project Poetry Competition in 2011 and received first place for her submission.

As a member of the Drama Club at Immaculate Conception Catholic School, Jonelle has performed in several school plays.  In 2008, wanting to venture out of her “safety zone”, Jonelle participated in the Miss Urban Development Corporation Talented Teen Show and placed second.

A congregant of the Basseterre Church of God, Jonelle represents her church community too, both by serving as a church Usher and as a member of the Youth Fellowship group where she volunteers her time participating in community service activities planned by the group.

Jonelle believes that a good leader should be informed, and possess the ability to educate, influence, and build consensus among various factions.  She is passionate about leadership: goal oriented, organized and approachable.  Her wish for others is that they might find the “one thing that captures their heart and then pursue it as if their lives depend on it”.

Jonelle enjoys public speaking and hopes to join the debate club at Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College.  She plans to continue her post secondary education and to pursue a career in International Relations.

Jonelle Irish is a 17-year old recent graduate of Immaculate Conception Catholic School. She is currently enrolled in the general studies program at Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College.  Jonelle receives the Remarkable Teen honor in the category of Leadership.

RAYNALDON BARTLETTE ~ CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION

Raynaldon Bartlette is gifted with both creativity and talent.

‘X-Ray’ to his radio listeners, Raynaldon has a great love for the music industry, and as a radio disc jockey he has developed a unique style of presentation that has captivated listeners both young and old, while continuously increasing his popularity.

In his nomination of Raynaldon, CHOICE station manager Ali Jordan-Guilbert wrote, “Raynaldon’s drive and ambition sets him apart.  Looking for a job with CHOICE in the summer of 2010 while still in fourth form at Charlestown Secondary School, Raynaldon was told there were no jobs available.  Instead of accepting this answer, Raynaldon was insistent that he would be satisfied with an internship and said that he would actively recruit sponsorships for his own program.  He accomplished this admirably and is now, two years later, Assistant Music Director for the station.”

Raynaldon is not just a creative talent; he is an academic leader.  Raynaldon launched his D.J. career while attending Charlestown Secondary School, and in 2011 graduated, earning passes in 11 CXC subjects, including six Distinctions. 

Raynaldon is also civic minded and is actively involved in trying to change the rules, regulations, and discipline policies of Nevis Sixth Form to less rigid standards; standards he feels should be more in touch with the present day needs of the students.

Raynaldon is an innovator, too. Skilled in technology and recognizing the value of social networking in marketing and public relations, Raynaldon has made significant improvements to the CHOICE website, and has been given the responsibility of Social Network Administrator.  He also enhanced the music department at CHOICE, adding over 2000 new songs, selected and edited for all audiences.

Raynaldon’s discipline is extraordinary for one so young; his motivation and enthusiasm are driven by his desire to bring value to the radio industry, an industry he does not believe will ever grow old. By recognizing new ways to listen to the radio, Raynaldon has become a pioneer, and a young man committed to creating change.

Raynaldon is also a person who respectfully stands up for what he believes in. He does not cut his hair, wearing it in plaits instead, as a tribute to both his uncle, who was murdered last June, and to his African roots, a cultural connection Raynaldon strongly identifies with.

Raynaldon is a 17-year old student at Nevis Sixth Form College.  He receives the Remarkable Teen award for Creativity and Innovation.

KIMI-LEE KNIGHT ~  WRITING

Kimi-Lee Knight has been writing since she was eight years old.   With both poetry and music as her passion, she devotes much of her creativity and energy to self-expression using these mediums.  “It is a way to express my feelings and emotions; to share my inner soul with others.”

When asked which genre of writing she prefers, Kimi-Lee said, “I think music, writing songs.  Music has a broader audience reach while accomplishing that same release of emotions I experience when I write poetry. Music is a way to connect people to common experiences; to share dreams, memories, love and life.”

Writing helps Kimi-Lee cope with the daily challenges and pressures of life.  Through writing, she has come to understand emotions, realize weaknesses, discover purpose, and experience both creative and positive personal growth.

Kimi-Lee has been invited to speak on writing to students at Bronte Welsh Primary School, and to present her rap poem “As the Wind Blows” at the Immaculate Conception Catholic School final day school assembly.  In 2011, Kimi-Lee presented a dramatization of her poem “My Darlings” at the 28^th Independence Anniversary Gala.  The following day, the Prime Minister quoted lines from her poem, calling her work, “inspired”.  Accompanied by other performers from Basseterre High, Kimi-Lee sang her original song, “Valentine” at the 2012 Project Purple Peace Rally at Warner Park. 

Awarded second place for her essay about the effect of media on youth in the 2011 ZIZ 50^th Anniversary Essay Contest, and first place as the local winner in the 2011 Florida Caribbean Cruise Association Essay Contest, Kimi-Lee is a recognized writer.   She has been featured on the program “On the Art with P. Clayton Huggins” broadcast on WINN FM. 

Kimi-Lee is also committed to academic achievement earning a place on the Basseterre Honor Roll in third form. To challenge herself academically, Kimi-Lee enrolled in after-school Information Technology and Computer Science courses and at the end of the term sat for the 2012 CAPE exams, passing both exams for those subjects.

As an extra-curricular activity, Kimi-Lee joined the “LEAP” drama program in 2011 where she has enjoyed expanding her dramatic skills. Last year the group performed “How Miss Finch Stole Christmas”. 
Kimi-Lee has also become a regular at the Island Xpressions “Xpress Yourself” poetry readings.

Combining her creativity and love for technology, Kimi-Lee plans to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts and to pursue a career as a software designer.

Kimi-Lee Knight is a 13-year old fourth form student at Basseterre High School.  She is being recognized as a Remarkable Teen in the Category of Writing.