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The operational arm of the Cayman Islands Government education service.
Under @educationcayman

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Meet Akhila Gooden, now a Year 8 student at John Gray High School!

While only in Year 7, Akhila was named Victrix Ludorum (overall top female athlete) at the 2026 Inter-Secondary School Athletics Championship. This followed two consecutive Victrix Ludorum titles at Inter-Primary Sports in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

Her journey in Track and Field began in Year 4 at Red Bay Primary School, when her coach and teachers noticed her talent and enthusiasm for running during Sports Day and encouraged her to get involved in the sport. Akhila later joined the Falcon Athletics Club, where she has continued to train and develop her skills.

Throughout her journey, Akhila has been encouraged and supported by her coach and parents, especially when training and competing became challenging. Through these experiences, she has learned that she is capable of achieving her goals by working hard, persevering, and pushing through challenges. She encourages other students to give athletics a try, do their best, train hard, and never give up.

Congratulations on your achievements, Akhila!

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Mrs. Lori-Ann Bingham-Street is an exceptional special school teacher at Beacon Learning Center on Cayman Brac. With specialised training in supporting students with profound and multiple learning disabilities, she goes above and beyond to help students from Reception to Year 3 reach their full potential. Her carefully planned lessons transform the learning experiences of her students, meeting their individual needs and creating opportunities for integration and inclusion in mainstream classrooms.

Her commitment extends well beyond the classroom, as she serves as a Team Teach trainer for staff across Cayman Brac and works alongside SENCOs to raise awareness and understanding of autism and special educational needs within schools and the wider community. Above all, she is deeply committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of her students, ensuring that every child feels supported, valued and empowered to succeed.

Congratulations to Mrs. Lori-Ann Bingham-Street on receiving the Outstanding Teacher Award at Beacon Learning Center!

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Meet Jenesia Powell, who earned the only Platinum Award given to a primary school soloist at the 2026 National Children’s Festival of the Arts (NCFA)!

Platinum Awards are rare and are given only for exceptional performances. Jenesia won hers with “Rise Up” by Andra Day while a Year 6 student at Prospect Primary School. She is now a Year 7 student at John Gray High School.

Receiving this award was especially meaningful to Jenesia, as it reflects the hard work, practice, and dedication she put into her performance. She noted how her then music teacher, Ms. Sanchez, encouraged her to get started and recognised her ability and potential from day one.

Although Jenesia sometimes felt nervous performing in front of an audience, she reminded herself to stay confident and keep going. The support of her family, friends, and teachers was a constant source of encouragement whenever she felt nervous or unsure.

Jenesia believes that anything is possible and that she can achieve more than she sometimes realises. She encourages other students not to be afraid to try something new, reminding them that you never know what you are capable of until you take that first step.

Congratulations on your achievement, Jenesia!

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Ms. Natasha Hosein is a Year 6 teacher at Creek and Spot Bay Primary School whose commitment to strengthening students’ mathematical skills extends well beyond the classroom. Through additional mathematics classes offered in the mornings and evenings, she works to strengthen foundational skills and build students’ confidence, contributing to strong Key Stage 2 outcomes for two consecutive years and earning recognition as a strong practitioner during the 2025 OES inspection.

She leads Mathematics Night, delivers in-house maths professional development, mentors colleagues and supports Newly Qualified Teachers. In the wider community, she serves through Turtle Patrol, beach clean-ups and Christmas caroling for the elderly. She has also completed ILM Modules 3 and 5.

Congratulations to Ms. Natasha Hosein on receiving the Outstanding Teacher Award at Creek and Spot Bay Primary School!

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Ms. Miranda Delisa Gayle is a Year 4 teacher at West End Primary School, where she plans differentiated lessons so every learner can succeed. She works closely with parents and enriches learning through guest speakers and field trips. Last year she served as Mathematics Lead. She is now Science Lead, recently led the school Science Fair and leads the spelling bee club. She has also served as Summer School Site Coordinator for the past two years and regularly pursues professional development. Ms. Gayle has served West End Primary for 22 years.

Congratulations to Ms. Miranda Delisa Gayle on receiving the Outstanding Teacher Award at West End Primary School!

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Meet Matthew Anderson, a Year 7 student at Clifton Hunter High School who earned a Distinction in GCSE Additional Mathematics and a B in WJEC Statistics while he was still in Year 6 at Edna Moyle Primary School! These results follow a Grade 1 in CSEC Mathematics and a Grade 2 in CSEC Human and Social Biology, which he achieved in Year 5, making him the youngest person in the Caribbean to attain CSEC passes. Matthew is also the 2025 National Primary School Spelling Bee Champion.

Although Matthew has always enjoyed working with numbers, he found studying more challenging than usual while preparing for his latest exams. However, by adopting a more positive mindset, he was able to persevere and overcome these difficulties. Throughout his journey, his teachers, parents, and other loved ones continued to encourage and motivate him to give his best.

Matthew’s favourite quote is, “The limits of the possible can only be defined by going beyond them into the impossible.” - Arthur C. Clarke

Congratulations on your achievements, Matthew!

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Ms. Dionne Smith is Head of Department at Layman E. Scott Sr. High School, where she carries significant leadership responsibilities while staying committed to classroom teaching. She regularly gives up weekends and school holidays to run extra classes that help students strengthen their understanding, close learning gaps and build confidence. She is calm, patient and approachable, and she makes sure students who need extra support are not left behind. She also takes part in extracurricular activities and works collaboratively with colleagues, always keeping students’ development at the centre.

Congratulations to Ms. Dionne Smith on receiving the Outstanding Teacher Award at Layman E. Scott Sr. High School!

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Mr. Clayton Ingram serves as Head of Year 5, KS2 Mathematics Lead, and Manager for the Sub-Prefects at Sir John A. Cumber Primary School. Alongside these responsibilities, he contributes to the Science, Mathematics, ICT and Sports Teams, demonstrating his commitment to all aspects of school life. His dedication to student achievement, leadership and holistic development is reflected in the support he provides to students, colleagues and the wider school community.

Known for treating students with kindness and care, he has earned the respect and admiration of both past and present students. Dependable and proactive, he willingly takes on additional responsibilities to ensure students have the best possible opportunities to learn, grow and succeed. His passion and professionalism make him a valued member of the school community.

Congratulations to Mr. Clayton Ingram on receiving the Outstanding Teacher Award at Sir John A. Cumber Primary School!

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Mrs. Denise Brown-Hyatt is a Year 3 teacher at Marie Martin Primary School. Her thoughtfully planned, inclusive lessons encourage students to think critically and take ownership of their learning. She builds strong, trusting relationships with students and families, creating a classroom where children feel safe, respected and valued.

As House Leader for Zinnia House, she promotes teamwork and school spirit through sports. She also leads Commonwealth Day Week activities that celebrate cultural diversity and global awareness. Mrs. Brown-Hyatt consistently goes above and beyond in support of student, staff and whole-school initiatives.

Congratulations to Mrs. Denise Brown-Hyatt on receiving the Outstanding Teacher Award at Marie Martin Primary School!

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Ms. Dorothy Ann Chambers is the Subject Leader for Business Studies at John Gray High School, teaching Principles of Business and Principles of Accounts in Years 9 to 11. Her students achieve a 100 percent Level 2 pass rate.

Under her leadership, the department consistently records Level 2 success rates of 80 percent and above. She volunteers with the Cayman Kids Helpline and leads Operation Christmas, which provides food hampers for vulnerable families. She has organised fundraising for students, local causes and staff affected by Hurricane Melissa. She also accompanied UCCI Business practicum students to Panama earlier this year. Ms. Chambers has served John Gray High School for 14 years.

Congratulations to Ms. Dorothy Ann Chambers on receiving the Outstanding Teacher Award at John Gray High School!

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Ms. Susan Poy Fong-Ramkissoon, affectionately known as “Ms. Su,” is a School Inclusion Specialist Teacher with the Cayman Islands Behaviour Support Service, working with Year 3 and 4 students. She helps students grow in confidence, wellbeing and sense of belonging, often giving her own time and resources to meet their needs. She is a steady source of support for families, listening without judgment and building trust between home, school and support professionals.

Ms. Su shares her knowledge readily with colleagues, social workers and partner agencies and is committed to professional development. This year, she is pursuing her ILM Level 3 and Civil Service College opportunities. Her belief is simple: once you become her student, you will always be her student.

Congratulations to Ms. Susan Poy Fong-Ramkissoon on receiving the Outstanding Teacher Award at the Cayman Islands Behaviour Support Service!

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Ms. Nadine Manning-Turner teaches at CIFEC, where she consistently achieves pass rates of 95 to 100 per cent in the subjects she teaches. Her engaging, dynamic and well-structured lessons encourage active student participation, while her strong rapport with students and colleagues fosters positive working relationships.

Beyond the classroom, she leads the school’s environmental club and health and wellbeing activities, demonstrating her commitment to the wider school community. She also actively pursues professional development to strengthen her practice. Her school’s selection panel recognised her professionalism, enthusiasm, generosity and genuine concern for both students and colleagues.

Congratulations to Ms. Nadine Manning-Turner on receiving the Outstanding Teacher Award at CIFEC!

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