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| ARIANN MAYNARD ~ COURAGE TO OVERCOME: PERSONAL DECISION |
Ariann Maynard is a resilient young woman, and her story is a story of strength.
Young girls often grow up with fairy tales and dreams of princes and princesses. “Once upon a time” is the beginning; a promise for a life of romance and adventure, where good overcomes evil and everyone lives happily ever after. Ariann had such dreams, and then she made a mistake.
At the age of 13, Ariann discovered she was pregnant. A child herself, Ariann was frightened and ashamed, and went to her mother for help. Though upset and disappointed, her mother stood by her and helped her navigate the difficult journey of pregnancy and child birth. Adrian dropped out of school and sports, and faced the ridicule and criticism of classmates and community, but she had the support of her family, and that made all the difference.
At age 14, Ariann delivered healthy twin boys, K’vanj and Ticarj. But the birth of her children was not the end of her story, it was yet another beginning.
It is the reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself that determines the direction of one’s life; in overcoming difficult challenges, there is also opportunity to experience personal growth. Those who triumph all share the need to overcome, and Ariann found the strength and courage to do just that.
During her pregnancy, Ariann had kept up with her studies and was able to return to school after the birth of her children. She graduated from Gingerland Secondary School in 2011 on par with the rest of her classmates, sitting eight CXC exams, and earning seven passes and one Distinction. Ariann is currently enrolled in Nevis Sixth Form and plans to follow in her mother’s footsteps and pursue a career in nursing.
Three years-old now, K’vanj and Ticarj are enrolled in pre-school, attending during the day while Ariann is at school. The boys also enjoy spending weekly visits with their father, Ervin, who continues to contribute to their support.
Ariann’s eyes light up when speaking of her sons. “I am amazed when I look at them,” she said. “The special connection they share as twins, the way they communicate with each other. I love watching them discover new things each and every day. I love that they are so happy.”
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| SHAQUILLE GUMBS ~ COMMITMENT TO PERSONAL EXCELLENCE |
Shaquille Gumbs did not start out life as most children do. Before reaching the age of one, Shaquille was abandoned by his birth mother; left at Joseph N. France hospital following an illness, forgotten and alone, until Trudella Davis found him and adopted him. Shaquille is passionate when speaking about Trudella Davis and what she means to him. In relating his early beginnings, Shaquille explained, “I feel blessed to have been adopted by a mother who is a devoted Christian; being brought into this family has made me strong both spiritually and personally.”
Shaquille has never met his birth father, but incredibly, he found him on Facebook last year. It was an emotional discovery that Shaquille said he is very happy to have made.
Shaquille enjoys both singing and songwriting, especially Gospel music. He has written eight Gospel songs, his favorite entitled “Moving Forward”. Shaquille was a member of the Basseterre High School Choir for five years and is now a member of the AVEC school choir.
Shaquille attended Basseterre High School from 2006 – 2011 where he received the award for “Most Respectful Student” from first through fifth form. Shaquille is especially proud of this honor. Being recognized as the most helpful and respectful student did not bring Shaquille esteem from his peers however, and he often found himself the victim of bullying for choosing this path. Shaquille credits his strong sense of values for remaining positive in spite of the taunting and intimidation by classmates.
Shaquille attends the New Testament Church of God and is a member of the Youth Inspiration Fellowship. He also volunteers at the church, helping out with the young children, and serving as a church worship leader with the Pastor.
Shaquille is a busy young man, working as a courtesy clerk at Valu-Mart to earn money for school while at the same time following his other interests. Shaquille especially loves to bake and plans to pursue a career as a pastry chef. He hopes to open his own restaurant one day.
Shaquille Gumbs is an 18-year old student at AVEC, the Advanced Vocational Education Centre, where he is enrolled in hospitality courses. He receives the Remarkable Teen award in the category of Commitment to Personal Excellence.
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| SHANI REID ~ COMMUNITY SERVICE |
Shani Reid is committed to community service. She believes that taking part in volunteerism teaches compassion and understanding, and that it should be an integral part of life skills development for all teens.
“Not everything is about being paid or earning money,” she said, “Volunteering is about taking an active role and connecting to one another. It can have positive and long term benefits that affect each and every member of the community.”
A class leader at Charles E. Mills Secondary School, Shani has served on the Student Council Executive Committee from first through fourth form: first as Treasurer, then Public Relations Officer, and finally, Vice-President. She is also on the Honor Roll and earned three CXC Distinctions in 2012.
Shani has been a volunteer at the Red Cross Society for three years, donating seven hours a week of her time to this service based community organization. Shani also assists the Sandy Point Young Football Association with medical tips at their Saturday morning training sessions, and the Sandy Point Co-Operative Farming Society to harvest and help maintain their farm. In addition, Shani works with three students from CEMSS at her home for two hours a day, every day, year round, as a tutor and mentor.
A congregant of the Sandy Point Methodist Church, Shani enjoys volunteering in the Vacation Bible School too, leading the younger children in camp disciplines, Bible stories, and other fun activities.
Shani believes the greatest barrier to success is fear of failure. “When you think you can’t do something,” she said, “reach up and try harder and you will find you can do it eventually.”
During a class meeting with both parents and students in attendance – a meeting called by the school Principal to address behavior problems among classmates – Shani spoke out about the divisive environment that existed among her classmates because “putting the class back together was important” to her. As a result of taking a stand, Shani became the victim of bullying by her peers. “Classmates cursed me and alienated me,” she explained. “It was a difficult time.”
Learning about the ongoing negativity of students, the school guidance counselor spoke to the class, and planned two activities off campus, hoping that if students spent time together in a social environment, that they would bond. Shani said the plan worked, and during the Beach Day get together, a few of her classmates even apologized to her. The apology wasn’t important though – to Shani, it was the change the class experienced when they connected to one another as a group that made her know she had done the right thing.
Shani plans to pursue a career as a dentist.
Shani Reid is a 17-year old recent graduate of Charles E. Mills Secondary School. She is currently enrolled at Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College taking courses in natural science. Shani receives the Remarkable Teen award in the category of Community Service.
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| AKEEM OMAH HUGGINS ~ CULINARY ARTS |
Akeem Omah Huggins developed his love for cooking as a young boy watching his mother prepare food for family gatherings and community events. He started preparing simple dishes like Macaroni and Cheese and White Rice before advancing to more complex dishes like Macaroni Pie and Scalloped Potatoes.
In 2010, Akeem worked part time at Marshall’s Restaurant where he was able to add technique to his culinary talent. In March 2012, through a program supported by Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College, Akeem worked as an intern at the Montpelier Plantation, and later trained at Carambola Restaurant in Friars Bay with Executive Pastry Chef Cameron Steele, further developing his skills. Akeem continues to assist Lionel Isaac of Chef’s Place with special event catering jobs, and prepares meals for his church and for other community events.
Andre enjoys cooking Italian food the most. “Italian recipes are all about simple foods made with authentic, high quality ingredients,” he said. “The ingredients add to the richness and flavor of the food and the fresh herbs and spices make it taste delicious.”
Akeem is committed to helping others and serves as a mentor for the “Diamonds in the Rough” Program. He has participated as a volunteer in the Youth Department Summer Camp Program, both as a cook and as a mentor, using his experience and his love for cooking to teach younger children. Akeem is also a member of the Rivers of Living Water Christian Center Youth Outreach Program.
Akeem said he experiences “genuine joy when helping people”. He hopes that his selection as a Remarkable Teen will motivate and inspire others to believe in themselves in spite of challenges and setbacks.
Academic success does not come easily to Akeem. He found the block scheduling of classes in high school too intense, and at times found it difficult to concentrate and keep up. But with the support of dedicated teachers, and his tenacious spirit, Akeem prevailed, and in 2010 he received a Certificate of Exemplary Performance for his school work during fifth form.
Akeem plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Monroe College, a culinary school in New York. When he is finished with his degree, Akeem wants to use his culinary talent to support himself while he expands his awareness and explores the world; traveling everywhere and learning firsthand about different people and cultures.
Akeem Omah Huggins is a 19-year old second year student at Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College enrolled in culinary studies courses. He is being recognized as a Remarkable Teen in the category of Culinary Arts.
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| JALEEL HUGGINS ~ YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR: AGRICULTURE |
Jaleel Huggins didn’t need to be convinced that agriculture was the career path for him; he knew it was what he wanted to do the first time he planted a seed. “I love everything about agriculture,” he said, “the feel of the land, using my hands instead of a “machine” to create something that can nourish, taking the product to market, tasting the food my mother cooks from the seeds I plant. I am proud when I see the results of my work.”
Jaleel has been tending a plot of land for three years now: buying the seeds, preparing the soil, watering, weeding, and caring for the plot, harvesting the vegetables when they are ripe, and selling to a regular customer base of stores, teachers, and friends.
Jaleel has learned everything he knows about growing vegetables by hands-on experience and hard work; and he has learned from both his failures and his successes. “Even when something is hard to do, I figure out how to do it,” Jaleel said. “I don’t stop until I get it perfect.”
Sharing one of the lessons he has learned, Jaleel talks about the importance of reconditioning the soil after each crop. “Planning ahead is important,” he said. “You have to prepare a garden bed before you plant. It’s called reconditioning the soil, and it improves the health of whatever you’re trying to grow. It means turning the ground and adding manure and other organic materials to the soil, and rotating what crops you grow.”
Jaleel grows herbs, lettuce, green onions, potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes. He uses some of the money he earns from selling vegetables to reinvest in his business, buying more seeds and whatever else he needs, and the rest of the money he puts in the bank planning to use it to start his own farm, “Farmer J’s”, one day.
Jaleel enjoys landscaping too, and already has one yard he tends twice a month: weeding, watering, and cutting the grass. He plans to make landscaping services part of his future business.
Jaleel likes to keep himself busy. He attends Shiloh Baptist Church for Sunday services, and Zion Chapel on Thursday evenings where he is a member of the Zion Chapel Youth Group and participates in activities such as cooking and Bible study. Jaleel also enjoys fishing and makes his own fishing nets. His favorite school subjects are agriculture, integrated science, and woodwork classes.
Jaleel Huggins is a 15-year old fourth form student at Gingerland Secondary School. He is being recognized as a Remarkable Teen in the category of Young Entrepreneur: Agriculture.
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