The following is a press release from the Ministry of Education:
Education Minister Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly (seated right) greets Miss Teen Cayman Islands Asaiah Thomas (seated left). Standing in the background (l-r) Ms. Teresa Thomas, Miss Teen Cayman Coordinator Lion Andrea Franklin, Lion Donnamarie Williams, MOE Acting Chief Officer Ms. Lyneth Monteith, Manager-Scholarship Secretariat Unit Ms. Shari Smith and MOE Deputy Chief Officer Mr. Joel Francis.
Education Minister Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly(r) observes as Miss Teen Cayman Islands Asaiah Thomas (l) signs her scholarship contract.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) has awarded a four-year scholarship to 18-year-old Asaiah Thomas.
The scholarship, valued at $54,000.00, is awarded annually to the reigning Miss Teen Cayman Islands.
It covers two years of local study and up to two years of study at an overseas university of the recipient’s choice.
“The Ministry awards this scholarship to some of Cayman’s brightest young ladies. In so doing, we hope they will develop their talents and skills and one day use them in the service of the Cayman Islands so that we can continue to grow and flourish as a nation,” remarked Minister of Education Hon Juliana O’Connor-Connolly after the official signing of the scholarship contract on Tuesday (15 February) afternoon.
Asaiah expressed her appreciation for the scholarship. “I am very grateful to the Ministry of Education for providing me with this wonderful opportunity to further my studies,” she commented.
Asaiah is currently pursuing an associate degree in Engineering Technology at the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI). She hopes to pursue a bachelor’s degree in architecture in the UK upon completing her studies at UCCI.