Golden Apple Awards 2018 Programme Guide

GOLDEN

GOLDEN APPLE AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING 2018

APPLE

AWARDS

FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

2018 Lifetime Achievement Recipient

Nimmi Sekhar

In Partnership with:

GOLDEN APPLE AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING 2018

AGENDA

PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS Paul Byles, President, Chamber of Commerce

MINISTER’S ADDRESS Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, Minister for Education, Youth, Sports, Agriculture and Lands

AWARDS CEREMONY PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER (PUBLIC) Presented by Stephanie Gunby and Daniel Nicholson-Gardner, Dart High School Scholars, Dart PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER (PRIVATE) Presented by Michael Hammer, Chairman and CEO, Armand Hammer Foundation HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER (PUBLIC) Presented by a representative of Caribbean Utilities Company HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER (PRIVATE) Presented by Aleisha Lalor, Branch Manager, Caribbean Alliance Insurance Company PRINCIPAL (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE) Presented by the Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, Minister for Education, Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, Agriculture and Lands LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Presented by Paul Byles, President, Chamber of Commerce CLOSING REMARKS Wil Pineau, CEO, Chamber of Commerce

MCs:

Anika Connolly, Miss Cayman Islands Elroy Bryan, Principal, Lighthouse School

GOLDEN APPLE AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING 2018

PAUL BYLES President of the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce I would like to welcome you to the 2018 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching.

Tonight, we recognise the outstanding educators in our community who work tirelessly in ensuring that students become the leaders of tomorrow.

The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce understands that education is one of the most important aspects of our community, and therefore, as an organisation, we have pledged our support to local schools, colleges, and educators as part of our Advocacy Agenda and Action Plan.

The Chamber runs a number of programmes to support students, including the Mentoring Cayman and Summer Youth Work Experience programmes, and by supporting the High School Graduation Awards every year. But we have noticed that those who support these students every single day are overlooked, and we saw the need to reinstate the Golden Apple Awards.

The work of all finalists this evening is exemplary, and they are invaluable assets to our local education system. They have committed their lives to nurturing others, and it is they who are helping to shape the leaders of tomorrow.

Equally we must not forget the work of hundreds of teachers who prepare our young people for a brighter future everyday. Many of those teachers won’t receive a formal award tonight but we appreciate all of their efforts.

Children spend a significant amount of their early lives in the classroom, so it is important that they have influential, authoritative and strong leaders to look up to. Tonight, all of our finalists meet this criteria. On behalf of the Chamber Council, staff and membership, I would like to congratulate all finalists for being recognised for their outstanding contributions to the education system of the Cayman Islands. Your invaluable work is appreciated by us all, and I hope you have an enjoyable evening.

HON. JULIANA O’CONNOR-CONNOLLY Minister for Education, Youth, Sports, Agriculture and Lands It gives me great pleasure to be a part of the team responsible for bringing back the Golden Apple Awards programme. Our educators, whether in the public or private system, are known for working tirelessly to support the educational development of the children of these islands, often under thankless circumstances. The Golden Apple Awards gives educators in our system the opportunity to be highlighted, thanked and lauded for their efforts, and as Minister for Education I am all too happy to support a programme that takes the time to showcase these selfless individuals.

I want to also commend our partners in this venture, the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce, who were keen to champion the return of this programme and who undertook much of the operational and administrative

responsibilities around organising the awards programme itself, as well as this lovely awards gala. My heartfelt thanks goes out to the Chamber team for their hard work in this regard.

It is my wish for all educators in this country that you find encouragement and motivation through this programme, not because you crave recognition, but because you will be reminded that your time, effort, commitment and sacrifices do not go unnoticed. I thank you all for your dedication to the children of these islands, and hope you will continue what is surely a labour of love.

To each of the finalists, whether or not you win the ultimate awards tonight, your respective communities have recognised your talents, and that recognition is truly extraordinary. I wish you all the best of luck, and pray that you continue to bestow your special gifts on the children of these islands.

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GOLDEN APPLE AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING 2018

WIL PINEAU CEO of the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce On behalf of the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce I would like to thank you for joining us for the 2018 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching.

and who have helped make this evening a tremendous success. Without their generosity this would not have been possible, and we are wholeheartedly grateful for their support.

Educators play an important role in our community, providing essential support and guidance to students who will grow into the leaders of the future.

The Golden Apple Awards are more than just recognising individuals for their achievements. It is about celebrating the Cayman Islands’ education system as a whole.

As such, I would like to thank all of the public and private schools for their outstanding work in educating our students, as well as the Ministry of Education for providing these institutions with the support they need to grow and develop.

To be recognised as a finalist is an outstanding achievement, and I would like to congratulate all teachers with us this evening. I would also like to extend gratitude to the teachers not with us this evening, who equally work hard to ensure that our students get the education they need to succeed.

I would like to thank the corporate partners who have pledged their support to local educators,

I hope that you enjoy what is certain to be a night to remember, and I hope that you will join us for the 2019 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching.

Our Partner in Education (Ministry of Education)

This year’s Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching is brought to you in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, Agriculture and Lands.

The Ministry is committed to supporting initiatives that promote and celebrate local education, as well as those that nurture students and give them the encouragement to develop.

Since its inception in 2002, the Ministry has supported the

Chamber of Commerce’s Mentoring Cayman programme, providing students with opportunities to learn and grow with guidance of business, community and government leaders.

By supporting the Golden Apple Awards, the Ministry of Education demonstrates that it is does not simply provide support for students and institutions, but the educators that are so vital to the education system.

Our Partner in Education (Armand Hammer Foundation) Michael Hammer is a familiar name in the Cayman Islands, with the business leader helping to found the Grace Christian Academy.

Mr. Hammer oversees the Armand Hammer Foundation, which was initially setup by his Grandfather.

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Both Michael and the foundation have donated hundreds of millions of dollars to health and education causes over the years, and this year they have generously shown their support for the Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching.

GOLDEN APPLE AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING 2018

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Caribbean Alliance Insurance Company is an A.M. best rated insurance company offering motor, property, business, personal and marine coverage to residents of the Cayman Islands.

GT Automotive is one of the leading car dealerships in the Cayman Islands, specialising in the sale of KIA Motors automobiles. They are devoted to providing customers with reliable and stylish vehicles at affordable prices.

Caribbean Utilities Company is the most reliable and efficient public electric utility service provider in Grand Cayman, offering 24 hour emergency services.

Kensington Management Group is the largest independent Insurance Manager in the Cayman Islands, and one of the leading Insurance Managers generally, with a diverse portfolio of single parent and member-owned group captives.

DART is a global organisation with its headquarters based here in the Cayman Islands. The portfolio of companies spans a range of industries, including real estate, hospitality, retail, entertainment, finance and biotech.

Broadhurst LLC is a local law firm which specialises in a range of different legal matters including Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Trusts and Estates, Property Law, Corporate Law, and more.

Cayman National is one of the leading banks in the Cayman Islands, providing its customers with a full range of domestic and international financial services.

Through five subsidiaries, it is able to meet virtually all your personal or business objectives.

DHL understands the complex logistical requirements of local businesses, offering tailor-made solutions to meet them. They provide support for a range of different industries, from retail to engineering and manufacturing.

Foster’s IGA is a local supermarket, offering a wide selection of specialty, organic, local, name brand and global products. They pride themselves on quality, convenience, freshness, value and selection, ensuring their customers have the best experience possible.

Kirk Office provides local businesses with the highest quality office essentials and outstanding customer service, and have been operating in the community for over 20 years.

Office Supply is Cayman’s only office superstore and Sharp dealer, boasting one of the largest selections of school supplies in the community.

Yello Media Group offers digital media and marketing solutions to local businesses with their innovative technology and emphasis on user generated content.

Chatterbox provides a range of support services for children and adults, including Speech and Language Therapy, Family Support/Social Work, Pivotal Response Therapy, Special Education, and much more.

LIFE (Literacy Is For Everyone) is a charity focussed on improving the quality of life for residents in the Cayman Islands through literacy programmes.

Cayman Spaces has been producing video solutions in the Cayman Islands since 2007, dedicating their time and expertise to create amazing work for their clients.

Picture This is an innovative photography, cinematography, camera and framing studio that specialises in a range of styles, from weddings and family events, to corporate headshots and more.

Thank you to gift sponsors Kirk Office, Office Supply, The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman and Scotiabank.

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GOLDEN APPLE AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING 2018

PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL

Shakeina Bush

Heather Thompson

As an educator, Shakeina Bush develops positive relationships with all students at Sir John A. Cumber Primary School, and not just those she teaches.

Having only become a teacher four-and-a-half years ago, Heather Thompson has made a tremendous impact as an educator.

Her belief that children will give you their trust if you show them that you care has proven successful, with Ms. Bush being one of the most popular teachers at the school.

The Lighthouse School Primary School teacher was ranked as ‘Exemplary’ on the Teaching and Learning Observation rating scale in 2017, and was recognised with the Cayman First Classroom of the Month Award in March of the same year.

She has developed strong relationships with her students by creating a sense of community both inside and outside of the classroom, understanding their likes and dislikes to better support their educational and personal challenges.

She ensures that each of her students have a voice, and most important, that they can have their voices heard.

Ms. Bush’s dedication to her students also extends to their extracurricular activities. Ms. Bush has engaged with her students in such activities by serving as the Vice President of the Motocross Association, Girls National Team Coach, and CIFA Chairwoman for Female Football.

Whilst Shakeina’s expertise is shared mostly inside her own classroom, she has been able to support other teachers by collaborating with them on innovative tasks. Recently, she worked alongside two teachers from different schools to develop interactive maths learning videos for the Department of Education and Education Services.

Shakeina received multiple nominations from members of the community, and their reasons nominating her illustrate the positive impact she has had.

“Students are eager to learn under her tutorage. Her out-ofthe-box thinking held their attention and brought academic success to many.”

“She is their personal cheerleader in sports, talent shows and academics. She purposefully directs positive attention to them so that everyone notices their potential, which of course lets them feel that everyone has a purpose to shine in their own ways.”

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As a school that caters for students with special education needs, Heather creates individualised learning opportunities that cater for each of her students’ needs, goals and interests.

These unique and varied learning tasks range from in-class activities, to social and communicative practices at local establishments such as Café del Sol. Heather’s work extends beyond the walls of the classroom, and she has dedicated her time and expertise to local Autism initiatives. Every year she helps to organise the annual Autism Awareness Walk, and for the past two years she has organised the Autism Cookie Fundraiser.

She also collaborates with outside services – including Cayman CARE, YMCA, and the Wellness Centre – to share her expertise and to acquire new skills, sharing it with parents and caregivers during regular tutorials.

Heather is a well-respected member of the Cayman Islands education system, and her nominations reflect this.

“Ms. Heather Thompson leads by example, advocates for those who can’t for themselves, and truly believes in learning at all levels.”

“Her communication to parents who have non-verbal children is key and should be commended. She takes the time to ensure parents know what their child has been doing during the day and note all areas positive and challenging where applicable.”

“Ms. Heather is completely dedicated to her students. She goes above and beyond what is required of her to ensure that her students get the best support so that they can be the best that they can be.”

GOLDEN APPLE AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING 2018

PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER IN A PRIVATE SCHOOL

Emily Garvey

Asynthia Lewis

The evolution of technology has revolutionised the way we do almost everything, and teaching is no different.

Emily Garvey is aware of this, and she has embraced these advancements to evolve her teaching methods at St. Ignatius Catholic School.

17 years ago, Asynthia Lewis began her career as an educator. Today, she is one of the hard-working and exemplary teachers of First Baptist Christian School, a role in which she has been for 15 years.

She has used Twitter under the @MissG_DoesTeach username to open discussions around education, sharing her expertise on a global scale. She also uses LinkedIn to share information and advice, which enables her to make a wider impact on the educational sector.

Emily’s impact as an educator has also seen her become an Amazon Bestselling Author, with her ‘How to Open an International School’ book listed as #1 under the Education Theory categories.

In the classroom, Ms. Garvey acknowledges the importance of praise and encouragement, adorning her walls with displays made by her students. These displays not only celebrate their work, but also act as educational tools from which they can learn from.

She also encourages self and peer assessment so that her students can see their successes, using progress boards to provide them with visual evidence of their progress.

Her committed relationships with her colleague, students and their parents is reflected in the testimonials provided by her nominators.

“Ms. Garvey goes above and beyond for her students. You can see she has a passion for teaching and for wanting to bring out the best in her students. As a parent she is wonderful because she communicates both the good and the not so good of our children and assist in helping them get on track.”

“Ms. Garvey makes learning interesting and fun. She helps us if we have problems or if we are stuck. She is patient and kind with us. I love going to school because of her!”

During her time as an educator, Asynthia has understood the importance of developing learning plans that benefit all students, regardless of their learning styles. Her lessons provide students with a variety of methods to acquire information, including auditory, visual and kinaesthetic tasks.

As Head of the K-2 Department, Mrs. Lewis conducts monthly meetings and reports directly to the Principals.

Alongside her academic duties, she engages with her students in their extracurricular activities. For example, she spends time coaching track and field to her students, as well as coaching the netball team. She also conducts and participates in After Care Programmes and Clubs, and prepares students for the National Children’s Festival of Arts.

Asynthia has developed and maintained excellent relationships with her colleagues, her students and their parents. She holds regular correspondence with her students’ parents, keeping them informed of the progress their children are making, and the ways in which they can reach their full potential.

Over her 17 year career, Mrs. Lewis has acquired a following of admirers and supporters, all of whom sang her praises during the nomination process.

“This teacher demonstrates the love for educating and love for children. She is passionate about her work, and it is reflected in the children’s performance.”

“Having recently moved to the Island, I was anxious about my son’s ability to integrate until I met with Mrs. Lewis for the first time. Her passion for the job, her enthusiasm with children, and her years of commitment and experience were clear.”

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GOLDEN APPLE AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING 2018

HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL

Denise Henry-Colquhoon

Patrice Douglas-Hanson

For over two-and-a-half decades, Denise Henry-Colquhoon has dedicated her career to educating others.

Patrice Douglas-Hanson has been an educator for 15 years and has spent over half of that time in the public education system.

Denise spent much of her early life in education herself, obtaining a Master of Science Degree in Literacy and Learning in the Content Area from Walden University, USA. She also earned a Bachelor of Education Degree (with a major in History) from the University of the West Indies Mona and a Diploma in Teacher Education at the Secondary level with a specialisation in the subjects History and Social Studies at the Mico Teachers’ College in Kingston, Jamaica.

Nowadays, Mrs. Henry-Colquhoon serves as the head of the Life Skills Department at Clifton Hunter High School, where she updates the Schemes of Work for Key Stage 3, and develops a curriculum for Key Stage 4.

But Denise’s impact on Clifton Hunter High School extends beyond the development of curriculums. She sees the importance of communication and interaction with her students, especially in regards to extracurricular activities.

She serves as a Student Council Advisor and as a cheerleader coach, helps to prepare Tourism Speak Off and Brain Bowl competitions, and coordinates the Driver Education Programme.

She is an enthusiastic and committed educator who understands what it takes to motivate her students and colleagues, as is apparent in the testimonials provided by her nominators.

“Mrs. Colquhoon has been a patient and congenial teacher of the aforementioned institution for a number of years. She has demonstrated a high quality of teaching in her content areas and has devoted her time and effort to molding the minds of those within her care.”

“She is an excellent and influential teacher, who is caring and competent.”

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Mrs. Douglas-Hanson believes in the importance of connecting homelife with the classroom, and as such has developed strong bonds with her students and their parents.

She maintains close communication with these parents to discuss their children’s progress, concerns, and more.

Her commitment to teaching has seen many of her students sit exams earlier than expected. For example, in the 2015-16 school years, she successfully prepared a group of year nine students to sit their CXC English A and B exams early in the Goal Accelerated Programme (GAP) and will be preparing another group to sit exams in the GAP for 2018-19.

As an educator, Patrice’s work has often been considered exemplary, and she has always been rated in her evaluations as performing above expectations.

Her work extends beyond the classroom, and she has maintained the close bond with her students by organising reward trips for them, cheering them on at their sporting events, and much more.

Mrs. Douglas-Hanson’s work has not gone unnoticed in the community, and she has been praised by many.

“I came to the Cayman Islands at the end of 2017 because my home in the British Virgin Islands was destroyed by Hurricane Irma. Ms. Hanson welcomed me into her class and made me feel welcome, and she quickly became someone I looked up to. It was a difficult time for me, and she made the transition smooth. She is understanding, kind and warm.”

GOLDEN APPLE AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING 2018

HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER IN A PRIVATE SCHOOL

Bill LaMonte

Coaine Richards

For almost two decades, Bill LaMonte has dedicated his career to teaching students the beauty of science.

Since 2013, Coaine Richards has taught Mathematics at St. Ignatius Catholic High School to students ages 11-19, preparing them for their external examinations, including iGCSEs and A Levels.

From general biology to IB chemistry, Mr. LaMonte has taught all forms of science during his time as an educator, teaching in the British, American and International school systems.

His expertise in the field of science has allowed him to obtain a National Board Certification, and his exemplary work at the Cayman International School resulted in him being promoted to Science Department lead.

Outside of the classroom, Bill maintains his love of science by dedicating himself to environmental initiatives. He has collaborated with programmes such as Plastic Free Cayman and Seabin to promote greener forms of living, and (more recently) met with Governor Anwar Choudhury to discuss future educational and environmental programmes for Cayman.

This love of the environment has had positive effects on Cayman International School too. Mr. LaMonte collaborates with the Principal to maintain a school-wide recycling programme, and he also serves as an advisor for the school’s Green Team, which helped propagate the island-wide antistraw campaign.

Bill sees his classroom as a centre of support, not just academically, but also personally. He encourages his students to seek support when they are in need of it, and is always willing to provide advice and encouragement.

Mr. LaMonte has certainly made his mark at the Cayman International School and, as his nominators show, is very popular among the students.

“He takes a subject that could easily be dry, technical and boring, and makes it exciting and interesting.”

During his own education, Mr. Richards acquired a Bachelor of Science Degree in Actuarial Science from the University of the West Indies, later acquiring a Graduate Diploma in Education (speciailising in Mathematics Education) and a Master’s Degree in Educational Measurement from the same institution.

Nowadays, he serves as a Mathematics teacher and the Sixthform’s Mathematics Coordinator. But whilst Mr. Richards' expertise is mostly geared towards the topic of Mathematics, he plays a much larger role at St. Ignatius.

Mr. Richards serves as the Gifted and Talented Coordinator for the school and also as the Assistant Pastoral Head with Academic Oversight for Years 7 and 8. In this latter role, he ensures that all students are taught in manners which best suit them, ensuring underperforming students are given the support they need and that high-achieving students are given provisions to push themselves even further.

Mr. Richards has been labelled as ‘one of the best’ teachers at St. Ignatius by his peers, and the adoration for the Mathematics teacher is apparent in his nominations.

“My son had been diagnosed with dyslexia two years earlier and he struggled in the written subjects. Mr. Richards was the first teacher to identify that he had the potential in Maths, and Mr. Richards encourage and pushed him when he felt he would give up, or felt he was not good enough. Mr. Richards ignored the dyslexia and had confidence in him. He successfully achieved an A in iGCSE Maths in Year 10, and is now pursuing AS Maths.”

“Mr. Bill has been an educator globally, from Tanzania to the Bronx, and we are very lucky to have him here in Cayman.”

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GOLDEN APPLE AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING 2018

PRINCIPAL IN A PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SCHOOL Considering herself a life-long learner, Marcia Rennie is always developing her skills through professional development courses and research on current trends and practices.

Marcia Rennie

The Principal of Edna M. Moyle Primary School (EMPS) has a background in Literacy, beginning her career has a Literacy Coach before moving into the administrative side of education.

Since becoming Principal of EMPS, she has encouraged holistic development of children. Alongside their academic studies, Marcia has seen the importance in providing opportunities to engage in sports and the arts and has developed initiatives to ensure as many of these opportunities as possible are available.

Under her leadership, EMPS has also implemented

With over 25 years of experience as an educator, Mable Richardson nowadays uses her expertise to oversee Triple C High School as its Principal.

First arriving at the school eight years ago, Mable has overseen some dramatic changes and overcome difficult challenges at the school.

Mable Richardson

In 2010, the school had a student body comprised of 283 students, which has almost doubled today to 500, with another 68 on a waiting list.

During her first year as Principal, almost all members of the Primary School faculty departed along with half of the Secondary faculty. Mable retained 100% of the staff by the end of her first year and was able to build a strong and influential team in the process.

She also successfully cleared the school’s significant debt, relieving the institution of any financial

April Tibbetts

Marcia’s performance as Principal of EMPS has been greatly appreciated by those in the community, and she is often praised as an educational leader.

“Ms. Rennie is an outstanding Primary School Principal who is truly committed to excellence and genuinely passionate about education.”

“Ms. Rennie is devoted to ensuring that all stakeholders – including parents, students and teachers – are engaged and actively patriciate in various school events and educational activities.”

pressures. Since her introduction, the school has also successfully partnered with other educational institutions from abroad to receive scholarships to develop new programmes to benefit students.

Mrs. Richardson might not be native to the Cayman Islands, but that has not prevented her from having a significant impact on the community, as her nominators illustrate.

“Mrs. Mable came to our Islands with open arms to give the best she can with high enthusiasm. She brought life back into the Triple C School and has fulfilled more and beyond more for working with our families and the community.”

“Mrs. Richardson is an exceptional leader and an example for all the staff at Triple C School. She leads by example and creates a positive atmosphere for the teachers, students, parents and staff.”

For the past decade, April Tibbetts has committed herself as an influential educator at West End Primary School. Her career with the institution began a decade ago, where she joined the school as a classroom teacher.

Islands has not been limited to the classroom. She served as an Early Childcare and Education Officer for the Ministry of Education, using her expertise as an educator to assist in the development of initiatives and legislation.

April developed her skills over the years, working her way up through the ranks to become Deputy Principal, and currently Principal of the institution.

Principal Tibbetts is well respected among the community, as her nominations revealed.

She has overseen the development of the Primary School over the years, challenging both students and teachers alike to grow and improve.

Mrs. Tibbetts’ dedication to education in the Cayman

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PBIS (Positive Behavioural Interventions and Support), implementing significant positive change in the classroom. Introducing PBIS has created a safer and more engaging environment for all students, and as such improved educational development.

“Mrs. Tibbetts has been an inspiration to both parents and students to always do their very best in whatever they do. She has excellent management skills and is always open to accept feedback from parents and will also allows students to have their voices heard.”

GOLDEN APPLE AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING 2018

Nimmi Sekhar 2018 Golden Apple Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Nimmi’s thirty-three year career as an educator started in India, where she taught in a Junior College for two years having obtained her Master’s Degree in English Literature.

After two years of providing academic support to neighbourhood students in Jamaica, Nimmi volunteered in a government primary school in Cayman Brac for two months. This led to a full-time two year teaching position during which she provided support to special needs students in all three primary schools in Cayman Brac.

She later moved to Grand Cayman, taking up a position at the Lighthouse School where she worked with students of moderate to profound special educational needs.

From 1987-1990, Nimmi served as a substitute teachers for public and private schools, providing coverage for absent teachers both on short-and-long term bases. She also provided support as an invigilator for external exams including PSAT, SAT, GED, etc.

In April 1990, Nimmi joined Dr. Elizabeth Faulkner in her private education practice, assisting with psychological testing, writing reports, adult education and tutoring students aged 2-18 years old.

In 1994, Nimmi joined the Faulkner Academy as an Administrator. The institution would later become the

Cayman International School, where Nimmi currently serves as the Vice-Principal. The 2017/18 academic year marks Nimmi’s 28th year at the school.

Nimmi’s love of teaching and educating others is unparalleled, and her outstanding commitment to the world of education has had a significant impact on the community, as her supporters have made apparent.

“Ms. Nimmi founded Cayman International School 25 years ago when she first moved to Grand Cayman with her husband. The school began with 10 special needs students, but through Ms. Nimmi’s dedication and hard work, it flourished and became the school that it is now.

Ms. Nimmi is deserving of this award because she has humbly and graciously dedicated so much of her life to promoting education for the youth of our island.”

“Cayman International School has become a wonderful school under her guidance and watchful eye. Ms. Nimmi is very kind-hearted and selfless. She is understanding and is always on hand to hear your concerns and provide support. She is very determined, and refuses to give up when things get rough.”

For her invaluable contributions to education for the over three decades, Nimmi Sekhar is this year’s Lifetime Achievement recipient.

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Unit 4-107 Governors Square 23 Lime Tree Bay Avenue West Bay Road PO Box 1000 Grand Cayman KY1-1102 T 345 949 8090 E info@caymanchamber.ky www.caymanchamber.ky