Hundreds of teachers celebrated at grand appreciation gala

Close to 500 teachers from both public and private schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands were recently recognised for their hard work and indelible contributions to the education sector.

Teachers gathered at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex on the evening of March 30th, 2023 to attend a Grand Gala that was meticulously planned in their honour by the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports & Social

Services.

The event which saw teachers and other attendees treated to a host of performances was held under the auspices of Hon Rachel Taylor Minister responsible for Education, Youth, Sports & Social Services under the theme “Honouring our Human Capital in Education”.

The evening was one of elegance and excellence as the honourees were all decked out in stylish attires, and their faces beamed with excitement, laughter, and appreciation as the night of surprises and entertainment unfolded.

Her Excellency Governor (Ag) Anya Williams, the Minister for Education, Youth, Sports & Social Services, Hon Rachel Taylor, as well as the Minister for Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon Jamell Robinson, brought remarks and presented awards and gifts of appreciation during the National Teachers’ Award segment.

According to a statement from the Ministry, the National Teachers’ Awards Committee tasked the Educators with nominating and voting for the top awardee in various special categories ranging from Principal and Vice Principal of the Year to Unsung Hero and Teacher of the Year Awards, among others.

“In addition, the Lifetime Achievement Awards honoured teachers serving over 25 years and have made notable contributions to their institution and the sector,” the Ministry said.

During the gala, guests were dined, dazzled and entertained by the vivacious MC Super P and other local songbirds, Tess Charles and Mrs Robyn Forbes.

Teachers were also wowed by performances from students and the evening culminated with an exhilarating performance by ProVision Band.

NATIONAL TEACHERS AWARDS 2023 WERE AS FOLLOWS:

▪ Principal of the Year- Primary Education: Ms Earleen Elliott (ISPS)

▪ Principal of the Year- Secondary Education: Mrs Janet Walkin (RGHS) and Mrs Indrani

Saunders (ISTCI)

▪ Vice-Principal of the YearPrimary Education: Mr Temard Butterfield (OGPS)

▪ Vice-Principal of the YearSecondary Education: Mrs Claudell Miller (HJRHS)

▪ Teacher of the Year-Early Childhood Education: Mrs Monique Virgil-Lightbourne (ELSPS)

▪ Teacher of the Year–Primary Education: Ms Wilnide Dorely

(IPPS) and Mr. Keron BrownEllington (IPPS)

▪ Teacher of the Year-Secondary Education: Ms Racquel Simons (HJRHS) and Mr. Randy Ford (CHHS)

▪ Unsung Hero Award: Ms Raquel Simons (HJRHS)

▪ Digital Innovator of the Year: Mr Samuel Lawrence (ALGTHS)

▪ Excellence in Special Needs Education: Ms Everett Green (CHHS)

▪ Assistant Teacher of the Year: Ms Antwinique Forbes (ELSPS)

▪ School Counsellor of the Year: Ms Diane Paul (ALGTHS)

▪ Lifetime Achievement in Education went to several individuals including: Mrs Hyacinth Fulford (ISPS), Mrs Beverly Malcolm (ISPS), Mrs Michelle Been-Williams (ECPS), Mrs Lea Deane (ECPS), Ms Andrea Cope (ECPS), Mrs Vinette Forbes (OJPS), Mrs

Stephanie Thomas (IPPS), Mrs Karlene Cox (IPPS), Ms Lacher Thomas (TLPS), Mrs Robin Cox-Foster (TLPS), Mrs Madiea Traille-Davidson (CHJPS), Ms Degrie Jennings (CHJPS), Mrs Uldean HarrisWright (CHJPS), Ms Laureen Robinson (ELSPS), Mr Nigel Brown (HJRHS), Mrs. Tanya Keize-McAulay (HJRHS), Dr Vivian Otuonye (ALGTH) and Mrs Dhrupattie Khan (CHHS).