The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) recently held its second annual RBC Race for the Kids Runway to 5K Awards, recognizing 10 outstanding alumni.
The hybrid event - powered by RBC Royal Bank - recognized BTVI alumni who have reached significant professional achievements and made impactful contributions in their various trade areas, thus bringing great distinction to the institution’s brand. Further, BTVI hoped the awards piqued the interest of prospective students, while motivating those currently enrolled.
It was a magical event, hosted by BTVI's Associate Vice President of Fund Development, Alicia Thompson and 2021 alum, Kadren Carey. The duo, who were in studio with the awards, helped to make BTVI's first ever hybrid event come alive with their engaging personalities. They entertained attendees who logged in from throughout The Bahamas, Canada and South Florida! Receiving the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award were veteran cosmetologist, Dr. Zelrona Mackey, who gave 17 years of service to BTVI’s Beauty Trades department; Chartered Certified Accountant, Dr. John S. Bain, who studied Electrical Installation and an Accounts course at BTVI; owner of multiple businesses, including Sinclair’s Rent-A-Tool, Sidney Sinclair and owner of Rolle’s Electric, Bernard Rolle. The award was given posthumously to fashion designer, Percy Wallace, who taught at BTVI and was considered among the most talented fashion designers The Bahamas has ever seen, delivering creations that were avant garde.
The Distinguished Alumni Emerging Leader Awardees included Ismella Davis-Delancy, who studied Hotel Training at the then Industrial Training College - now BTVI; Christina Gilbert, a two-time graduate of BTVI, who is a licensed Custom Broker and Purchasing Manager and Buyer for the chain of Bahama Subs & Salads restaurants, and Kenneth Russell, former member of parliament, who is owner of a construction and building services company, and an architecture firm in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
Further, the Distinguished Alumni Scholar Practitioner Awards were presented to Kenton Roker and Dr. Dellarese Taylor. Mr. Roker is Chair of Construction and Mechanical Trades at BTVI’s Grand Bahama campus, who has served the institution for the past 18 years; he is also owner of Roker’s Auto. A cosmetologist with over 35 years of experience, Dr. Taylor is currently an adjunct Cosmetology instructor at BTVI and owner of Tropical Heat Beauty Salon and Tropical Heat Institute. She holds the position of President of The Bahamian Cosmetologists and Barbers’ Association.
Additionally, BTVI alum, Kevin Evans (KE Collection) and Kendi Smith (KendiKain) - who is currently a Fashion student - created styles which models confidently sashayed down the runway during the second annual event, which was described as electrifying.
The alumni awards ceremony was the precursor to the virtual RBC Race for the Kids scheduled for the October 16th and 17th 2021 weekend of which the proceeds will benefit BTVI students.
