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Character Day Bahamas Marks 10 Years Fifteen Hidden Heroes featured in “Joy is Contagious” Campaign

Tue, Nov 4th 2025, 01:01 PM
Community/Charity

Character Day Bahamas proudly celebrates its 10th anniversary with the Hidden Hero Campaign, honouring fifteen individuals who spread joy like sunshine under the theme “Joy is Contagious – Catch it, Share it.” These quiet champions uplift others through their everyday actions, inspiring positivity and connection across our communities.

Joy fuels wellbeing—strengthening mind and body, reducing stress, and fostering gratitude, purpose, and resilience. By celebrating joy together, we nurture healthier individuals, stronger relationships, and more vibrant schools, workplaces, and neighbourhoods.

Hidden Heroes of Joy 2025

Mentors & Role Model

Walter Forbes – A dedicated coach and Paint Blaster at Clear Blue Maritime in Grand Bahama, Walter inspires students at Martin Town Primary through basketball, track, and soccer. He teaches teamwork, courage, and respect, raising funds so all can compete regardless of need. Guided by faith and humility, he makes every child feel like a champion on and off the field.

Natara Scott – An Educator and Maritime Instructor at Eight Mile Rock High, Natara’s enthusiasm and professionalism have led students to BJC and BGCSE success. She launched the school’s first Maritime cadet program, becoming a role model for young women. Her positivity and dedication shine brightly in the classroom and community.

Angelo Carey – A Pastor and Pest Control Exterminator from New Providence, Angelo uplifts others through compassion and joyful leadership. He mentors young men through the Power Up program and supports children at his wife’s school with encouragement and godly counsel. Founder of the Beatrice Knowles Food Pantry, he brings hope and help to families in need.

Audrey Dean – A retired public servant and single mother of six, Audrey embodies resilience and compassion. She opens her home to those in need and raised her children with love and discipline. Her legacy of kindness continues to uplift her family and community.

Educators & Corporate Heroes

Sadira Levarity-Cooper – A Spanish teacher at Woodcock Primary for 20 years, Sadira fills classrooms with energy and creativity, even funding cultural days herself. As leader of the Jr. Junkanoo committee and president of J.U.G.S., she empowers women and celebrates Bahamian culture through performance and service.

Nicola Knowles – Posted at Maurice Moore Primary, Nicola is the only sign language educator in Grand Bahama. Nicola is a tireless advocate for the hearing-impaired. She offers free interpretation in courts and hospitals, teaches swimming, and connects communities through kindness. Her joyful presence leaves a lasting impact wherever she goes.

Camy Hanna – An English teacher at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy, Camy’s faith and positivity light up her school. She advises the Eco Club, helps lead the GGYA program, and serves as a youth ambassador at her church. Her joyful leadership and commitment to service make her an inspiring educator and mentor.

Pauline Adderley-Pinder – An educator at Samuel Guy Pinder All Age School in Spanish Wells, Pauline’s compassion and calm spirit inspire teamwork and confidence. Always ready with comforting words, she brings harmony to her school community and embodies “unspeakable joy.”

Shenika Symonette – A Teacher’s Aide at the Marjorie Davis Institute for Special Education, Shenika’s warmth and cheerful energy brighten the lives of special needs students. Her hugs, smiles, and playful care make every child feel loved. Always ready to assist, she brings joy to all around her.

Student Heroes

Skye Moore (4) – A Claridge Primary preschooler, Skye is known for her friendliness, empathy, and resilience. Born premature with a heart murmur, she’s now a lively child who checks on classmates with questions like, “Are you happy?” Her joyful spirit fills every room she enters.

Bethany Barr (9) – A student at Sadie Curtis Primary, Bethany leads with quiet strength and humility. A talented poet, Prefect and newly appointed Head Girl, she inspires peers through creativity, faith, and community service, including carolling for the elderly.

Christina Dean (13) – An Aquinas College student and honour roll achiever, Christina balances academics, athletics, and volunteerism. She founded Peggy’s Pantry to support children at the Ranfurly Home and remains resilient despite personal trials. Her generosity and perseverance exemplify true joy.

Anwar Rolle Jr. (13) – A St. Anne’s student known for kindness and teamwork, Anwar supported a friend in the National Spelling Bee by sharing study tools and cheering him on in person. His selflessness and encouragement highlight the power of friendship and empathy.

Reno Kelly (14) – From San Salvador Central High, Reno excels in academics, music, and leadership. A singer and musician in his church and school, he serves as Prefect and Student Ambassador, winning national contests and uplifting others with his confidence and faith.

Sierra Pratt (16) – A C.I. Gibson Senior High student, Sierra leads by example through community service and creativity. She organizes clean-ups, volunteers locally, and serves as vice president of her school’s Christian Movement and Junior Achievement program. Her compassion and leadership inspire peers to spread joy.

Character Day Bahamas is a project of the PACE Foundation, supported by the Templeton World Charity Foundation Inc. More information is available at www.characterdaybahamas.org.

Character Day Bahamas proudly celebrates its 10th anniversary with the Hidden Hero Campaign, honouring fifteen individuals who spread joy like sunshine under the theme “Joy is Contagious – Catch it, Share it.” These quiet champions uplift others through their everyday actions, inspiring positivity and connection across our communities.
Joy fuels wellbeing—strengthening mind and body, reducing stress, and fostering gratitude, purpose, and resilience. By celebrating joy together, we nurture healthier individuals, stronger relationships, and more vibrant schools, workplaces, and neighbourhoods.
Hidden Heroes of Joy 2025
Mentors & Role Model
Walter Forbes – A dedicated coach and Paint Blaster at Clear Blue Maritime in Grand Bahama, Walter inspires students at Martin Town Primary through basketball, track, and soccer. He teaches teamwork, courage, and respect, raising funds so all can compete regardless of need. Guided by faith and humility, he makes every child feel like a champion on and off the field.
Natara Scott – An Educator and Maritime Instructor at Eight Mile Rock High, Natara’s enthusiasm and professionalism have led students to BJC and BGCSE success. She launched the school’s first Maritime cadet program, becoming a role model for young women. Her positivity and dedication shine brightly in the classroom and community.
Angelo Carey – A Pastor and Pest Control Exterminator from New Providence, Angelo uplifts others through compassion and joyful leadership. He mentors young men through the Power Up program and supports children at his wife’s school with encouragement and godly counsel. Founder of the Beatrice Knowles Food Pantry, he brings hope and help to families in need.
Audrey Dean – A retired public servant and single mother of six, Audrey embodies resilience and compassion. She opens her home to those in need and raised her children with love and discipline. Her legacy of kindness continues to uplift her family and community.
Educators & Corporate Heroes
Sadira Levarity-Cooper – A Spanish teacher at Woodcock Primary for 20 years, Sadira fills classrooms with energy and creativity, even funding cultural days herself. As leader of the Jr. Junkanoo committee and president of J.U.G.S., she empowers women and celebrates Bahamian culture through performance and service.
Nicola Knowles – Posted at Maurice Moore Primary, Nicola is the only sign language educator in Grand Bahama. Nicola is a tireless advocate for the hearing-impaired. She offers free interpretation in courts and hospitals, teaches swimming, and connects communities through kindness. Her joyful presence leaves a lasting impact wherever she goes.
Camy Hanna – An English teacher at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy, Camy’s faith and positivity light up her school. She advises the Eco Club, helps lead the GGYA program, and serves as a youth ambassador at her church. Her joyful leadership and commitment to service make her an inspiring educator and mentor.
Pauline Adderley-Pinder – An educator at Samuel Guy Pinder All Age School in Spanish Wells, Pauline’s compassion and calm spirit inspire teamwork and confidence. Always ready with comforting words, she brings harmony to her school community and embodies “unspeakable joy.”
Shenika Symonette – A Teacher’s Aide at the Marjorie Davis Institute for Special Education, Shenika’s warmth and cheerful energy brighten the lives of special needs students. Her hugs, smiles, and playful care make every child feel loved. Always ready to assist, she brings joy to all around her.
Student Heroes
Skye Moore (4) – A Claridge Primary preschooler, Skye is known for her friendliness, empathy, and resilience. Born premature with a heart murmur, she’s now a lively child who checks on classmates with questions like, “Are you happy?” Her joyful spirit fills every room she enters.
Bethany Barr (9) – A student at Sadie Curtis Primary, Bethany leads with quiet strength and humility. A talented poet, Prefect and newly appointed Head Girl, she inspires peers through creativity, faith, and community service, including carolling for the elderly.
Christina Dean (13) – An Aquinas College student and honour roll achiever, Christina balances academics, athletics, and volunteerism. She founded Peggy’s Pantry to support children at the Ranfurly Home and remains resilient despite personal trials. Her generosity and perseverance exemplify true joy.
Anwar Rolle Jr. (13) – A St. Anne’s student known for kindness and teamwork, Anwar supported a friend in the National Spelling Bee by sharing study tools and cheering him on in person. His selflessness and encouragement highlight the power of friendship and empathy.
Reno Kelly (14) – From San Salvador Central High, Reno excels in academics, music, and leadership. A singer and musician in his church and school, he serves as Prefect and Student Ambassador, winning national contests and uplifting others with his confidence and faith.
Sierra Pratt (16) – A C.I. Gibson Senior High student, Sierra leads by example through community service and creativity. She organizes clean-ups, volunteers locally, and serves as vice president of her school’s Christian Movement and Junior Achievement program. Her compassion and leadership inspire peers to spread joy.
Character Day Bahamas is a project of the PACE Foundation, supported by the Templeton World Charity Foundation Inc. More information is available at www.characterdaybahamas.org.
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