Joanna Clarke Excellence in Education Award Committee members (L-R) Joanna Clarke, Lydia Warren, Don Seymour, Tanya Marie Dwight, and Anne Briggs. Mark Scotland is missing from photo.

Organisers of the Joanna Clarke Excellence in Education Award said responses have been “strong” for the 2008 accolade.

DMS Organization said last week that 13 applications were received for the award, which celebrates the exemplary service given to education by veteran educator Joanna Clarke.

“I commend DMS for its endeavours; they have set a good example of corporate responsibility. I am truly touched and honoured to have been selected as the namesake for this award,” said Ms Clarke, patron of the award.

“My purpose is, and always will be, to enhance the education of Cayman’s children as they are our future citizens.”

Chairperson of the Joanna Clarke Awards Committee, Ms Clarke said private sector investments could pilot the success of education.

“With the leadership of the Cayman Islands Government, the educational system has made good strides and there are plans in place for continued improvement. However, there is great opportunity for funding from the private sector to help drive greater success,” she said.

“We are delighted with the response from schools and organizations, it’s humbling to see so many worthy applicants making a concerted effort to improve schooling here in Cayman. The application review process is underway and the committee certainly has a tough decision ahead of them.”

The 2008 Joanna Clarke Excellence in Education Award applicants include Cayman Brac High School, East End Primary School, John A. Cumber Primary School, John Gray High School, Kids Adventures Preschool, Nadine Andreas Foster Home (operated by the National Council of Voluntary Organisation), North Side Primary School, Pace High School, Prospect Primary School, Savannah Primary School, Shauna’s Early World of Learning Center, St Ignatius Catholic School, and Tiffany’s Preschool and Childcare.

“On behalf of the committee, I’d like to sincerely thank all individuals and organizations for taking the time to submit their applications,” said President of DMS Organization Don Seymour.
“On behalf of the committee, I would like to sincerely thank all individuals and organizations for taking the time to submit their applications.”

The applicants presented specific project proposals to the Joanna Clarke Excellence in Education Award Committee. The submitted applications will be reviewed and compared to the award’s set criteria by the committee members, DMS Organization said.

It is anticipated that the 2008 winner(s) will be announced this fall. If several worthy projects are identified, the committee may provide grants to multiple organizations up to $12,000 in total. Committee members are Joanna Clarke; DMS President Don Seymour; Literacy Education Specialist Tanya Marie Dwight; Red Bay Primary School’s Anne Briggs; President of Savannah Primary School’s PTA Mark Scotland; and John Gray High School’s Lydia Warren.

The call for 2008 award applications began with an island-wide advertising, publicity and promotion campaign entitled “12,000 Reasons” in June.


Applicants for the Excellence in Education Award

Cayman Brac High School has requested funding for “improving teaching and learning through interactive technology”. This initiative’s aim is to further engage students in the learning process with the use of additional Smart Boards and software.

East End Primary School wishes to use potential funds for a full complement of musical instruments in the string, woodwind, brass and percussion family. These instruments could provide the opportunity to instruct a group of students with varying abilities and diverse backgrounds.

John A. Cumber Primary School hopes to launch “Technology, Shaping our Future” with award funding. The aim of this programme is to increase student attention and improve student achievement and retention through the introduction of Promethean Boards. The boards would be interactive, colourful, vibrant, and provide easy access to information.

John Gray High School proposed the initiative “Blueprint for Literacy”. Its aim is to ensure that all high school students, upon graduation, will be able to perform at their grade levels and pass at least four external exams.

Kids Adventures Preschool PTA has applied for funding for outdoor equipment and indoor furniture that was not replaced following Hurricane Ivan. Because of other repairs taking priority, many items from textbooks to playground equipment are still required.

Nadine Andreas Foster Home requested funding for a computer room. The home is converting the upstairs attic into a computer room that could be utilized by its residents to complete homework and accommodate educational programmes. Renovations have already begun, however a dual staircase is required to complete the project.

North Side Primary School requires funding for “Read it! Rate it! Release it!” – a programme that aims to help children develop a passion for reading. It includes skill development and structured classroom lessons, as well as exposing students to great books through both shared and independent reading.

Pace High School located at George Hicks Campus applied for funding for its “Work Education Project”, which aspires to have year nine students thinking about career options. The project will consist of a Work Education Conference and the Pace Apprenticeship Programme.

Prospect Primary School hopes for future funding for “Passport to Peace”, a character education programme that helps children develop positive social attitudes. The programme, which has been operational for five years, promotes these attitudes through interaction and learning, in doing so the students learn to resist negative and/or violent behaviour.

Savannah Primary School has applied for future funding for its “Enrichment Programme: The power to think, the will to act”. An existing programme for eight years, it has given students who are gifted, the opportunity for challenging and differentiated learning support. Throughout the year, gifted students develop their research, question and problem solving skills in a safe and nurturing environment.
Shauna’s Early World of Learning Center hopes to raise funding for one scholarship for a child in need. In addition, they require a new computer and equipment for a recreational room.

St Ignatius Catholic School has requested funding for “Improving ICT (Information Communications Technology) across the Curriculum”, a programme created to have a direct impact on the teaching and learning process. The objective is to increase the use of ICT by acquiring interactive whiteboards and educating teachers in the proper use of them.

Tiffany’s Preschool and Childcare requires funding for playground equipment. The preschool places emphasis on play being important in a young child’s development; therefore it hopes to create a safe and attractive play area in which children can learn and grow.

For further information on the Joanna Clarke Excellence in Education Award, visit www.joannaclarke.ky, email glowe@dms.com.ky or call 345-814-3252.