JATCI Company Program Closes Out with an Exciting Head-to-Head Finish
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands – “It was a tight, tight, tight, tight race. It was tight-tight-tight-tight!” The sentiments shared by Head Judge Devon Cox of FortisTCI delivered both the anticipation, and light-hearted jubilation that filled the West Caicos Conference Room at Beaches Resort this past Saturday evening.
With the Minister of Education, Hon Rachel Taylor, MP Hon Kyle Knowles, members of the media, corporate sponsors, family members and friends looking on, the Junior Achievers who worked tirelessly for the past 5 months building companies and creating products that would solidify their entrance into the entrepreneurial world waited with bated breath to learn just how successfully they had influenced those who held their fates in hand.
At 10 am on Saturday, February 5th, these 8 groups faced a friendly firing squad in an all-day session of company presentations ending in a rigorous question and answer segment that tested their knowledge of their businesses and their ability to think on their feet. The end result: - a judging panel that was left mesmerized and hard-pressed to decide which among these outstanding groups would be considered ‘best’.
Returning to the picturesque Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa, the Achievers donned their evening finery for an night of celebration, camaraderie, and prize-giving. Remarks of encouragement were delivered to the young entrepreneurs by the Honourable Rachel Taylor, who has openly and vigorously supported the program since its beginning. The Minister delivered a heartfelt message to the young men and women, sharing her pride and amazement at the quality of their work ethic, creativity, discipline, and achievements.
Hosted by co-emcees Almando Rigby and OMEGA, the unforgettable evening was one filled with joy, laughter, and celebration as the Junior Achievers and their supporters enjoyed the bittersweet close to a life-changing experience. An inspiring charge to the Achievers was delivered by Mr. Rigby as he reminded the enterprising teens to always deliver at an exceptional level, to focus on resilience, and to leave those they serve with a positive and memorable experience.
When the final results were revealed, the awards were presented as follows:
Most Profitable Company: Greea Boss Custos (Louise Garland Thomas High, Sponsored by Beaches Resort Villages & Spa)
Most Innovative Product: EverGreen (Raymond Gardiner High, Sponsored by COMO Parrot Cay)
Best Trade Show Presentation: BluExcursions (Wesley Methodist, Sponsored by The Strand)
Best Final Presentation: Island View (Edward Gartland Youth Centre, Sponsored by Do It Centre)
Most Outstanding Company, 3rd place: Greea Boss Custos (Louise Garland Thomas High, Sponsored by Beaches Resort Villages & Spa)
Most Outstanding Company, 2nd place: BlueExcursions (Wesley Methodist, Sponsored by The Strand)
Most Outstanding Company, 1st place: Island View (Edward Gartland Youth Centre, Sponsored by Do It Centre)
Honourable Mention: Accesshellories (Maranatha Academy, Sponsored by Grace Bay Car Rentals)
Special presentations were also given for Best Impromptu Speaker, and an award for the company that had the highest growth through their social media platforms.
In her remarks during the evening, Board Chair Angela Musgrove shared a reflection on the Achievers’ progress from the start of the program to the closing presentations. She expressed her gratitude to the companies that graciously guided the groups and gave invaluable support to the program. She took a moment to pay special tribute to Mrs. Wendy Hill, who had given her time to the Junior Achievement Turks & Caicos since its start until retirement, and shared that Mrs. Hill would forever be considered a part of the JA TCI family.
It was an exhilarating evening and one the Achievers will surely cherish. Many remarked that while they gained immeasurable business knowledge that will be vital to their futures, they also inherited new-found friendships and relationships they will hold dear for the rest of their lives.
The JA TCI Board of Directors extends its thanks to the Turks & Caicos community for encouraging the Achievers throughout their journey, and to the family members who ensured the teens could take advantage of this extra-curricular opportunity.
The Board applauds the time, talent, and commitment extended to these youngsters by Beaches Resort, Do It Centre, Grace Bay Car Rentals, TCI Financial Services Commission, FLOW TCI, The Strand, Projetech, and COMO Parrot Cay, the link teachers at the participating schools, the judging panel, and all individuals who chaired sessions with the teens over these past months.
Undoubtedly, these Junior Achievers can be proud to have taken the initiative to be a part of a program that provides them access to tools, skills, and knowledge that will shape their futures.
The JA TCI organization will now prepare for the next initiative for 2022 and encourages all to stay abreast of what is to come as they continue to pour into the lives of our country’s youth.
ENDS
About Junior Achievement Turks & Caicos Islands
About Junior Achievement Turks & Junior Achievement Turks & Caicos Islands (JATCI) is a nonprofit organization that provides young people ages 14 to 19 with learning experiences designed to inspire and prepare them for success in the global economy. JATCI has established a partnership between the business community, educators and volunteers all working together to inspire young people to dream big and reach their potential. We focus on hands-on, experiential programs that teach the key concepts of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
