Rubis Service Stations recently held their Rubis Top Student (RTS) 2021 Awards Program where they awarded $15,000 in scholarships to 12 students who displayed a strong desire to pursue a personal passion. The ceremony was held on May 19th at the George Town Yacht Club, Cayman Islands.
To enter the competition, private and government school students in the Cayman Islands aged 7-12 had to complete an application and record a 90-second video demonstrating their passion which could span activities such as the fine arts, performing arts, sports, STEM, or any academic endeavors. A total of 96 submissions were received and each of the candidates were narrowed down individually on clear presentation, proof of excellence, creativity, and innovation along with a clear outline as to what they would use the winning funds towards.
60+ video submissions were approved and made open to the public for voting on the Rubis Cayman Facebook page with a total of 78,901 votes received. The judging panel then sat in close quarters over a period of 3 days going through each application, checking supporting documentation, and watching all video submissions.
Ultimately, 9 finalists were selected to receive $1000 each in RUBiS scholarship grants with an additional $500 allocated to two special needs students thanks to the generosity of the Rubis Dealers. The grand prize winner, Victoria King of Prospect Primary, received $5000 in scholarship grants as well as a $1000 donation that she could designate to a school of her choosing.
“The Ministry of Education congratulates the finalists of the 2021 RUBiS Top Student Award programme for their outstanding achievement. We also commend RUBiS Cayman Islands for conceptualizing this programme to encourage our children as they develop their talents and strive towards their goals. We look forward to your continued partnership and support as we work to enrich our children’s lives,” remarked Minister for Education Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly.
Andres Barthel, Managing Director of Rubis Cayman Islands said “Our Rubis team is always looking for inspiring ways to make a difference within our community and this program is a rewarding one for not only our young Caymanians but also for our Rubis members of staff. We saw a great need to motivate and inspire kids between the age of 7-12 years old as we know that the dreams of our youth begin to take shape at this pivotal stage in their lives.”
He added “there are greater grant opportunities available in the Cayman Islands for high school students, and because of that, we continue to believe that the opportunity presented with RTS is an effective way to continue contributing to the future of the Cayman Islands, allowing us to inspire a younger group of hopefuls. Congratulations to all Finalists. You have made us at Rubis Corporate very proud.”
Each student who was awarded a grant will be assigned to a station or to the Rubis corporate headquarters as a ‘Brand Ambassador’ where their photo will be displayed until the next RTS which will be in 2023 and will mark the 10th anniversary of the program. Hopes are that the newly appointed brand ambassadors will motivate more children within the community to strive to achieve their dreams.
The complete list of grant recipients includes:
Finalist - Sammy-Jay Carmola, George Town Primary - RUBIS CORPORATE
Finalist - Benjamin Sawle-Thomas, Footsteps - RUBIS CORPORATE
Finalist - Zachary Austin Mejia West, Homeschool – WOODY’S EAST END RUBIS
Finalist - Jonathan Mitchell, Cayman Academy School – JOSE’S RUBIS
Finalist - Don Padua, Truth For Youth School – EASTERN AVENUE RUBIS
Finalist - Jahniya McCoy, Theoline McCoy Primary School – LORNA’S BODDEN TOWN RUBIS
Finalist - Sirichandana Batta, Layman E. Scott Sr. High School – SEVEN MILE AA RUBIS
Finalist - Celine Bush-Scott, Red Bay Primary School – RED BAY RUBIS
Finalist - Jeton Bennett, John Gray High School – WALKERS ROAD RUBIS
Finalist - Rishona Alethea Chambers, West End Primary School – WEST END RUBIS
Finalist - Zara Majid, First Baptist Christian School - RUBIS SAVANNAH
Grand Prize Winner - Victoria King, Prospect Primary School – RUBIS CORPORATE
