Aspiring track and field athlete Ayla Stanisclaus, 17, overcame challenges she faced due sporting injuries and poor academic performance within the last year to receive the award for Youth Triumph last evening (Thursday October 31st, 2019) at the Tobago Youth Awards 2019. Stanisclaus pushed through her obstacles to earn five CSEC subjects and a full athletic scholarship.
In its continuing efforts to promote the advancement of young people, the Division of Sport and Youth Affairs recognised the accomplishments of youth and youth organisations in 14 categories. The annual awards serves as an investment in the future of the island by championing the development of the youth and providing positive reinforcement. This year’s event was held under the theme, “Créme de la créme” (best of the best) and was held at the Magdalena Grand Beach Resort.
Sharing her feelings after copping the award Stanisclaus noted, “For me this award is a sign that I can push forward. I feel really good. This is helping me to see how far I really came. It’s proof that I can do anything, so I’ll keep going.” Meanwhile, winner of the award for the Performing Arts, recording artiste Xavier Edwards highlighted, “It’s an honour to be honoured by my fellow Tobagonians. It feels good to be sitting alongside other people who have done really inspiring work.”
During his remarks, Secretary of Sport and Youth Affairs, Assemblyman Jomo Pitt emphasised, “Tonight is another example of why we should be proud of our youth in Tobago. Too often the spotlight seems to be on the negative things that youth do. To the nominees and winners, the reason why you are here is because someone or some entity believes that what you have contributed to the landscape of Trinidad and Tobago is worthy of acknowledgement. Continue to set a benchmark of high achievement.” The Secretary also reiterated the successes of Tobago’s youth at the recently held National Youth Awards 2019 and challenged those present to keep reaching for the stars.
The full list of awardees at the Tobago Youth Awards 2019 is as follows:
Agriculture: Jabez John
Performing Arts: Xavier Edwardz
Youth in Media: Shaquille Sylvester
Entrepreneurship: Shantelle Dillon
Youth Service Aneisia Taylor
Youth Triumph: Ayla Stanisclaus
Youth Leader: Tyreek Mhabal
Education: Treverra James and Kelisha Parks
Health Wellness: Tricia Guy
Youth Mentor: Alana Alleyne
Most Outstanding Youth Org: Charlotteville Police Youth Club
Most Improved Youth Org: Mt. St George PYC
Most Effective Youth Programme: Canaan Bon Accord PYC
Student Leadership: Raie Ann Beckles (Scarborough Secondary School)
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