Nassau, Bahamas – FirstCare Medical Plan in association with R.E.A.C.H. Bahamas and The Ministry of Education awarded three students with prizes valued at more than $1k at a press conference this morning announcing the winners of the first-ever Autism Awareness Essay Contest. More than fifty students submitted 300-word essays on the topic “Autism in The Bahamas: Building Relationships Through Understanding.” Junior and high school students from across the Bahamas through their essays, recounted experiences with autistic peers and family members and advocated for unified efforts to promote autism awareness from the government, schools, private and public sectors.
“I am particularly happy that we had more than thirteen schools involved in the essay competition which means that students from at least thirteen schools gained knowledge about autism,” stated Mr. Lionel Sands, Director of Education. Mr. Sands outlined the government’s intent to expand its support of special education with plans to open a center on the eastern end of New Providence designed for special needs students. Garvin Tynes Primary School and Anatol Rodgers High School both located in the west, currently offer programs for students with autism spectrum disorders.
“It has to be a community effort rather than just one organization trying to do this massive work, admonished Mr. Sands. “When we come together, the public and private sector, we can do so much more.” Christa Lyons, a twelfth grade student at Queen’s College penned the winning essay and recounted her bonding experience with her cousin Ryan after learning he was diagnosed with autism. In her essay, Lyons outlined the importance of empathy in making meaningful connections with those who have autism, “through understanding comes acceptance of those with autism,” wrote Lyons. “We must not focus on their shortcomings, but rather their talents.”
Lyons received a $300 cheque from FirstCare Medical Plan, a $250 gift certificate from AML Foods, a $100 gift certificate from John Bull and an electronic gift from Custom Computers. Two runners-up were selected. Temple Christian eleventh grader Lonelle Sweeting, first runner-up for the senior division wrote, “We are all in this thing together. Autism can be conquered but it will take a team effort.” Sweeting received a $200 cheque from FirstCare Medical Plan and a $150 gift certificate from AML Foods. Petra-Marie Edwards, an eighth grade student of Lyford Cay International School was awarded the first runner-up prize for the junior division.
On her relationship with an autistic classmate Edwards wrote, “He was not a misfit or weirdo who could not be part of a school environment but a truly special friend who needed respect, compassion and acceptance.” Edwards received a $200 cheque from FirstCare Medical Plan and a $100 gift certificate from AML Foods. AML Foods Ltd. donated gift cards with a combined total of $500 to the contest winners. “As a corporate citizen we welcome the opportunity to give back and recognize the importance of autism awareness in the community,” stated Renea Knowles, Marketing Manager, AML Foods Ltd.
Fifteen students from the family islands submitted essays, including students from Grand Bahama, Acklins and Exuma. Naomi Farrington, a ninth grade student at Eight Mile Rock High School in Grand Bahamas received honourable mention for her essay. “FirstCare is elated at the overwhelming response received from the students throughout the Bahamas,” stated Corinna Neely, President, FirstCare Medical Plan. “We salute the work of R.E.A.C.H. Bahamas and thank the Ministry of Education and our corporate partners for coming together to ensure that more of our junior and high school students are sensitized to the needs of their autistic peers.” Due to the positive response, FirstCare Medical Plan, R.E.A.C.H. Bahamas and the Ministry of Education plan to make the essay contest an annual campaign to be held during April, internationally recognized as autism Awareness Month.
