On Tuesday, March 31, 2009, The Rotary Club of Montego Bay had its Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Ceremony at its weekly Luncheon meeting at the Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island. Guest Speaker at the Ceremony was Mr. Michael Williams from the University of the West Indies, Mona, Western Jamaica Campus.
The Club and its guests also had the distinct pleasure of being treated to a poem written by Muschett High School student Miss Lamoya James.
Dr. Vernella Fuller presents RYLA winner Shane Malcolm with his Certificate as the
Club President, Kay Reuben (Third Left) and Club Secretary Conrad Grant (far left) look on.
The winner of the Award, Mr. Shane A. Malcolm is a student at the Cornwall College High School in Montego Bay. Wrote Mr. Malcolm in his entrance essay, "Voluntarism is a fundamental tenet upon which I will strive to exhibit a positive impact upon individuals." And that he has done! A member of several clubs at his school, including the Award winning Dance & Speech Groups and the Choir, he was the youngest ever member of Cornwall College Science & Environment Club. He has been an Environment & Literacy Ambassador, President of the Peer Council, Secretary and Treasurer of the Student Council and is currently his Sports House Leader and Deputy Head Boy. Mr. Malcolm also volunteers at the Montego Bay Marine Park and is one of the Founders of the Cornwall College Voluntary Service.
Rotarian Dr. Vernella Fuller presents Runner-Up in the RYLA Programme,
Karelle Richards with her Certificate
Karelle Richards, Runner-Up in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Programme is a teacher at the Harisson memorial High School. "My entire Life has been centered around helping others", she wrote in her essay. "In order for one to be an effective Leader he/she has to be a good servant." Ms. Richards has dedicated her life to service and voluntarism. At Merl Grove High she was a trained Peer Counsellor, Student Counsellor and was elected Deputy Head Girl. While pursuing further studies at the Northern Caribbean University she was elected President of the NCU Science Students Association, was a member of the Student Senate and was active in reviving the Science Club in which she played a pivotal role in organising events geared towards educating fellow students and the local community on several scientific matters about which she holds an undying passion. While at NCU, Ms. Richards was also the producer of a Programme on NCU TV, in which she was able to further share her passion for science. She currently is a member of Organisation of Strategic Development in Jamaica.
Dr. Vernella Fuller presents Malike Keller with his Runner-Up RYLA Certificate
Malike J. Kellier, Runner-Up in the RYLA Programme wrote in his application essay, "I have a Passion to serve my fellow men and believe that Leadership is Action not a Position". Mr. Kellier has put this belief to work. As a student at the Cornwall College High School in Montego Bay, he has served as Peer Counsellor, President of the Spanish Club, Sports House Leader, Sub Editor of his School's Newspaper, Senior Literacy Advisor. In 2006 he served as Junior Councillor and General Secretary for Junior Council of the Saint James Parish Council where he had responsibility for the Junior Council's Parish Project- a Book Drive. A student in the Lower Sixth Form, Mr. Kellier currently serves as a Prefect at his School and Advisor to the Junior St. James Parish Council.
L-R: Malike Kellier, Karelle Richards, Guest Speaker -Michael Williams, Guest Poet & Muschett High Student- Lamoya James and RYLA winner- Shane Malcolm
Congratulations to all the Participants in this year's RYLA Awards Programme! The Rotary Club of Montego Bay wishes each of them all the best!
As part of the 50th anniversary of Rotary in Jamaica, the Rotary Club of Kingston is spearheading a one day RYLA event for some 500 young people between the ages of 17 and 30, to be held at the Courtleigh Auditorium, St Lucia Avenue, Kingston 5 on Saturday, 16 May 2009. The conference and awards is a part of the Flow/Rotary Youth Leadership Initiative, a leadership training programme which recognises young people who have demonstrated positive leadership qualities. Find out more on this Facebook Page.
UPDATE: Zonya Pryce of Holmwood Technical High School, is the Flow/Rotary National Youth Leader, 2009. Read more here.
Since then it has expanded to 7 main centres and 8 Outreach Stations islandwide. Since 1991 the WCJF operates as a Limited Liability Company under the auspices of a government Ministry. 
