Heat waves rippled off Grand Bahama’s Midshipman Road as 17 year-old Stacy Pinder Jr., adjusted his backpack, shifted what felt like swollen ankles in his Nikes tennis and wiped, for what seemed like the millionth time, the sweat pouring down his face.
Although the St George's Jaguar shooting guard was accustomed to pushing through exhaustion, it took every bit of grit and determination he possessed to complete his practice expedition for the Silver-level Governor General’s Youth Award.
“My unit walked about 32 miles over three days and two nights, starting from the entrance to Free Town and ending at High Rock. We traveled through swampland and beaches with the midday sun beating down on our heads, but it was the Midshipman stretch that nearly broke me,” the 2018 graduate recalled.
“Every time I saw a corner, my heart jumped, thinking this was finally the end. I said to myself, ‘I came this far I had to make it to the end.’ I just had to keep pushing and pushing. It’s an indescribable experience when all your planning and perseverance come through and you have an Award to prove it.”
Pinder’s Silver Award was among 91 honors disbursed between two ceremonies last month – 48 Bronze and Silver Awards were presented in Grand Bahama at a May 30, ceremony at Castaways Resort and another 43 in New Providence on May 28, at SuperClubs Breezes.
The journey to an Award is always a challenge. Mimicking the twists and turns of life, it takes participant out of their comfort zone.
A silent testament to its high-level impact, C.V. Bethel teacher Charlissa Miller described how an academically and behaviorally challenged youth remained active in the Award even after he had dropped out of school.
“He withdrew from school because he had not met the national high school diploma criteria, but he would still turn up to GGYA events and remain active in the unit for some time after leaving school,” said Ms Miller who obtained her own Silver Award from the program back in the mid-90s.
“I tell our participants, ‘If I can make it through, you can make it through.’ The achievement of an Award is a big deal for our participants. It is a great accomplishment.”
A goal oriented program, GGYA provides an opportunity for young people between the ages of 14 to 24, to challenge themselves within a safe and secure setting with the benefit of suitable training and supervision provided by volunteers and unit leaders.
Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards go to participants who fulfill requirements in four key areas: skills, community service, physical recreation and adventurous journey (hiking). Each award level requires an increasing commitment of time. It takes six months to achieve Bronze and another six months for Bronze recipients to fulfill the requirements for Silver. It takes an additional 12 months for a Silver recipient to obtain Gold.
“Achieving an Award marks a personal milestone for many participants. For some the various areas of service, skills and physical recreation go on to become ingrained in their lives, continuing long after their time in GGYA,” said Keith Saunders, unit leader at St George's High School.
At Eight Mile Rock High School six participants received Bronze Awards for the first time. They were twelfth graders Toni Bowleg and Chayla Bastian, and tenth graders Summer Jones, Rhonda Bullard, Joscarlyn Pierre and Andreko Rigby.
“Determination is a word that describes these students. One of them has a health issue and did not allow it to serve as a setback. I have personally seen them grow in spirit and strength,” said unit leader Magdalene Mackey-Mills.
“Teamwork, self-confidence, selflessness and school pride were all put on display throughout this journey…These kids are not confident in themselves and have a tendency to shy away because of their socioeconomic status. However, GGYA instilled pride and confidence.”
GGYA Management Council Chairman, The Venerable Archdeacon James Palacious presented the Awards at both ceremonies.
Grand Bahama's Bronze and Silver Award holders were recognized in a brief ceremony on May 30, at Castaways Resort & Suites in Freeport. Pictured, GGYA's Management Council Chairman, The Venerable Archdeacon James Palacious, (left) Ministry of Youth's Grand Bahama Youth Officer, Carla Brown-Roker and Dr. Sophia Rolle, GGYA's Management Council's Assistant PR Executive. Photo courtesy of GGYA.
