On Thursday 11th July, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Bermuda, and Her Excellency the Governor, Ms Rena Lalgie, Patron of the Award, awarded eight young participants with their Gold certificates and pins.
Kojo Darrell – Dual-Holder
Samai Dunn – Tri-Holder, Emerging Leader, Award Leader/Assessor and current Participant Representative on the Award Council
Taj Lowery – Direct Entrant
Magnus Ringsted – Tri Holder
Joanna Santiago – Tri Holder, Emerging Leader and Participant Representative on the Award Council (2022-2023)
Maximilian Santiago – Tri Holder, Emerging Leader
Jelani Simmons – Tri-Holder, Emerging Leader
Yari Tucker – Dual Holder, Emerging Leader
Front Left to right: Joanna Santiago, Her Excellency the Governor, Ms Rena Lalgie, Patron of the Award and Samai Dunn
Back Left to right: Sean Ringsted (accepting for Magnus Rinsted), Jelani Simmons, Kojo Darrell, Taj Lowery, Maximilian Santiago and Yari Tucker
As Patron, the Governor stated, “I had the pleasure of awarding eight inspiring young individuals with the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award for their leadership, skill development, community service, and physical fitness. This programme and award highlights their dedication to personal growth, resilience in overcoming challenges, and commitment to making a positive impact on the community and beyond.”
Programme Director of the Award, Karen Simmons, said, “I am very pleased to be able to celebrate these young individuals who have worked hard to complete the Gold Level of the Award. These eight Gold Awardees have invested in developing themselves in all three of the individual activities: physical fitness, skill development and voluntary service in the community for 1 hour a week, 52 weeks of the year. They completed their Gold Qualifying Journeys and Residential Projects in Bahamas and Cat Islands in 2018, Lusaka, Zambia in 2019, Castle Harbour, Bermuda in 2021, on the Spirit of Bermuda to the Turks and Caicos Islands 2022 and Nova Scotia, Halifax Canada in 2022.”
“I would also like to highlight the new Gold Level Awardees as they transitioned through the Award levels offered here in Bermuda. The Award is designed to be progressive and challenging as you move from one level to the next.
5 are Tri-Holders (who earned their bronze, silver, and gold levels)
2 are Dual-Holders (who earned their silver and gold levels)
1 is a Direct Entrant (completing 1 hour a week for 78 weeks)
3 became members of the Award Council as Participant Representatives
5 completed the Emerging Leadership Programme (and still volunteer for the Award when available)
1 travelled overseas as an Emerging Leader on the Spirit of Bermuda to support the 2022 Gold group to the Turks & Caicos Islands
6 participants are enrolled in University/College overseas and 2 are working full time in Bermuda
1 has risen through the ranks from a Private to Corporal in the Royal Bermuda Regiment
Karen Simmons concluded by stating, “I have had the privilege of being a part of each of these young people’s lives in one way or another and I am honored to congratulate these inspirational young people who are truly #worldready.”
Gold Awardee, Samai Dunn, said, “The Award has nurtured my personal development and has allowed me to engage consistently with my community throughout high school. Committing myself to organizations, like the Eliza Dolittle Society, Paradise Hitters, and Hurricane’s Basketball Academy, helped me to complete my requirements for the award in Physical Recreation, Skill, and Service. In addition, it helped me to expand my outreach and make a positive impact on those around me. I am grateful for the practical life lessons learned and the people I have connected with while being a part of this program. The Award is a safe and empowering space for young people in Bermuda.”
Gold Awardee, Joanna Santiago, said, “Having completed all three levels of the Award I have seen how I have grown in my organizational and personal social skills. I was afforded the opportunity to be the Participant Representative on the Award Council in Bermuda and as an Emerging Leader who accompanied a Gold level group on an overseas sailing voyage in the summer of 2022. This tested my leadership skills and enhanced my sailing skills which allowed me to gain employment through one of the Approved Activity Providers - USail Bermuda as an instructor during the summer of 2023.”
Gold Awardee, Yari Tucker, said, “My most memorable Award experience was staying at Blue Hole Hill Park. Living in the park, without the comfort of my own bed, cooking food and taking showers there was a unique experience. The Award has greatly enhanced my ability to work with others, fostering cooperation and teamwork. I have been able to transfer these skills into my work experience. One particularly exhilarating experience during the adventurous journey was windsurfing, an activity I had never tried before. Additionally, If I had not participated in the program, I would not have gained skills in gardening, which I now enjoy, as well as cooking more frequently.”
Chair of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, Ryan Eve, said, “On behalf of the Award Council I would like to congratulate the 8 Gold Awardees for completing the prestigious Gold Level of the Award. This remarkable achievement reflects their dedication, resilience, and commitment to personal growth. Through countless hours of community service, skill development and physical recreation, they have demonstrated an unwavering spirit and drive for excellence. Completing the Adventurous Journey showcased their skills in leadership, critical thinking, resilience and ability to work cohesively as a team. By giving back to the local community in meaningful ways, they have left an indelible mark and set a commendable example for others to follow.”
Ryan Eve concluded by saying, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the volunteer Award Leaders, Assessors, staff, parents, and generous donors who have supported our Gold Awardees throughout their journey. Special thanks to The Centennial Foundation, The Bermuda Foundation, The XL Foundation, Deloitte, and Appleby, as well as the many individual donors, for their invaluable contributions to the Gold Award Programme. Their support has empowered these young individuals to achieve their fullest potential, and their dedication to their success has been instrumental in making this accomplishment possible. Thank you for investing in the next generation of leaders and changemakers.”
The Award in Bermuda strives to assist all young people with discovering, developing, and achieving their greatest potential. If you are interested in getting involved or would like to donate, please email fiona@theaward.bm or call 737-8959.