Nora Viola Henriques has given a lifetime of professional service in nursing and as a volunteer at the YMCA in Jamaica for more than 40 years. She was the first female to be appointed Chairman of the Board of the YMCA, and served in that capacity from 1985 to 1987 and from 1989 to 1991. She also served as President of the National Council of YMCAs in Jamaica from 1990 to 1991.

Ava Whyte, a Project Supervisor at the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ), believes that, “Challenges will always present themselves, once you have a goal; but, with God, all things are possible.”

 

As someone who “worked” to achieve her tertiary educational objectives, over the years she has used her own challenges to motivate others. A brilliant student, she received scholarships and secured part-time jobs to support her studies.

 

A student leader at the UWI, Ms. Whyte was instrumental in planning health fairs, the Miss Taylor Hall competition, etiquette seminars, and she participated in the Tallawah Performing Arts Competition.  She has also presented motivational speeches at high schools; and participated in a charity fundraiser for the “Dare to Care Home” for children infected with HIV.

 

In her professional life, Ms. Whyte has worked as a Data Entry Clerk at the Pre-University School; a Technician at the Phillip Sherlock Centre; a Teacher, Universidad Nacional de Columbia; Manager, Flawless Productions Ltd.; Teacher, ACRM Evening Institute, University of Technology; and she is currently Project Supervisor at the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ).

 

In her community, Ms. Whyte is an ardent volunteer, serving as Secretary of the Tryall Heights Police Youth Club from 1997-1999; Past President for Youth Development, in the Youth Ministry at New Life Church of God, 1998-2003, where she participated in the Young Evangelistic Service (YES), Labour Day activities and served the sick as well as shut-ins. And, since 2010 she has been a volunteer at the Jamaica Red Cross and the Social Development Commission.

 

In carrying out her community activities, Ms. Whyte learned that, “as a leader, things may not work as planned; however, this should never deter you in the pursuit of your vision and goals.”

 

Ava Whyte, it is with pride and confidence that the members of the Governor General’s Achievement Awards Committee of St. Catherine have selected you as a worthy recipient of the Governor General’s Award for Excellence 2011.

Delano Mighty is an acclaimed whiz-kid, whose  performance of 18 distinctions in the CSEC and CAPE examinations “brought him to national attention” beyond his hillside community of Giblatore, St. Catherine. But, Delano maintains that, “The results, by themselves, aren’t enough, it’s about what I do with them that will count.”

 

The young student loves science, and he aspires to become a chemical engineer; and, in so doing, to “aid and contribute to the advancement of humanity.”

 

The top GSAT performer at Giblatore Primary School in 2003, Delano went on to St. Jago High School where he excelled in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and communication studies; and placed second in Biology in the CSEC Examination, in Jamaica.  Is this over all in Jamaica or the Caribbean?  If so, it should be stated

 

Delano was Secretary of the St. Jago Science Club, from 2007 to 2008 and a member of the Key Club. He has also served as Sub-Prefect, 2006-2007; Prefect, 2008-2009; and was the Head Boy of his high school from 2009 to 2010.

 

An ardent musician and composer, Delano was the recipient of the Shelbourne Johnson Award for Music, 2006-2009. He placed first in the CSEC Music Exams in Jamaica, in 2008. And, he was the recipient of several awards from the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), including: Best Intermediate Recorder Solo, 2008; Best Advanced Recorder Solo, 2009; Best Recorder Play Overall, 2009; and received Ensemble National Trophies and Medals 2006-2010.

 

He also served as President of the Ravensworth Chorale; was a member of the school choir at St. Jago High school; as well as an active member of the Recorder Club. His school song is used by the church; and he also composed numerous tracks for videos.

 

An active Fellowship Member of the Giblatore Baptist Church since 1999, he is a member of the Board, the Youth Fellowship and the Salvation Club. He is also the Youth Coordinator on the Board; Vice President and Treasurer of the Youth Fellowship; Co-founder and Coordinator of the Salvation Club; and is a lay preacher, as well as the church musician.

 

Delano, who is currently studying chemical engineering at the University of Technology, Jamaica says that he hopes to use his skills to “change people’s lives and the world.”

 

Delano Mighty, it is with pride and confidence that the members of the Governor General’s Achievement Awards Committee of St. Catherine have selected you as a worthy recipient of the Governor General’s Youth Award for Excellence for 2011.

 

Since 1991 the GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS has annually identified fourteen persons, one from each parish, who have from modest social and economic circumstances uplifted themselves and shown substantial social and economic upward improvement.  These persons must have never received a national award and must be actively involved in community activities.   Persons are nominated by their communities. Under this scheme The Governor General’s Youth Award for Excellence, an initiative of  His Excellency, The Hon. Kenneth Hall, was first presented in 2006 also been presented in recognition of excellence among Jamaican youths. Sponsored by The Gleaner Company, Jamaica National Building Society, Victoria Mutual Building Society and the Building Societies association of Jamaica the programmes continue to inspire achievement at all levels of national activity.