New York, August 2024 (SPBS) — This year’s class of honorees follows the established tradition to recognize individuals who have imprinted their legacy in our communities. “We are especially proud at SPBS to lean into our theme for this year, Our Youth, Gifted for Greatness, and bring this class of distinguished individuals into focus”, said SPBS founder and president, Dr. Stewart Williams.
First, we present Jazarah Claxton, as our Distinguished Leader and Rising Star Award winner. Jazarah needs little introduction as she has rocketed to stardom in the sport of cricket. Few may recognize her versatility in sports and in the classroom. One does not have sustained high-level accomplishments in cricket, soccer and academics without a fierce commitment and dedication to excellence. That is Jazarah! She is moving beyond her MVP Awards, for example, in the 2023 ICC U-19 Cricket Championship to her 2024 performance vs. Pakistan toeing named Captain of the Leeward Islands U19 Cricket team.
- named one of the 25 Most Remarkable Teens by the National Assembly of St Kitts and Nevis
- represented the West Indies Women’s Under 19 team
- represented the Leeward Islands Women’s U19 team
- star forward for Newtown United FC and the St. Kitts and Nevis women's national football team
- present captain of the Leeward Islands U-19 Women’s Cricket Team
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Kimarah Isaac (Educator Award)
Kimarah came to SPBS as the leader of our scholarship committee, and quickly brought Monroe College to us. In 2017, she introduced the then Monroe College President to SPBS where made a significant donation. This was followed by a collaboration resulting in 4 annual SPBS/Monroe scholarships, recognizing students from across the Federation. Through Kimarah’s efforts, Monroe University has offered >25 scholarships to students from the Federation and > 50 students from across the Caribbean. She served as past leader of the SPBS Scholarship committee.
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Jason Rogers (Athletics Award)
Jason is the only 3-time Olympian from St. Kitts and Nevis.
Achievements:
Jason's athletic career is decorated with numerous accolades including:
- 2012 NACAC Under 23 Champion
- Gold medalist at the Pan-American Sports Festival and the Leeward Island Junior Championships
- Silver medalist at the Central American and Caribbean Games and the Leeward Island Junior Championships
- Bronze relay medalist at the 2011 World Championships
- Silver medalist at the CARIFTA Games
- 2021 Tokyo Olympics 100m Semifinalist
Jason has participated in many international meets, showcasing his talent on a global stage. He is not only an accomplished athlete but also a dedicated community member who strives to make a positive impact. Jason was awarded the keys to the City of Sandy Point by the Sandy Point Community in 2022. He has assisted in the coaching of athletes from both the Charles E Mills Secondary School and the Sandy Point
Primary School for the last two (2) years. His achievements and contributions serve as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of giving back and supporting one's community.
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Michelle Amanda French-Nanton (Sports Award)
Michelle Amanda French Nanton, has a storied career in sports and in mentoring. Her athletic prowess took her to significant heights. Ultimately , she was a member of the the West indies Netball Team. Along her journey, she served as Captain of the National U23 team. She wears her commitment to youth excellence on her sleeves daily – today, she serves as a Senior coach in the Departmrnt of Sports. She is a certified coach and qualified referee for basketball and netball. As she puts it, “she mentors young Netballers from Verchilds to Saddlers daily.”
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Gloria Esdaille-Robinson (Culture Award)
Gloria excelled in both sports and culture. She continues to build her legacy as a pagenant coach and speech writer, and also as a Calypso coach and song writer.
- Represented the St. Kitts National Netball team
- Competed and won in the TDC Inter-High School Championships in athletics for CEMSS and the College for Further Education
- Participated in and won numerous local and reginal Teen and Queen pagents
- 2020 Calypso Monarch
Sandy Point Benevolent Society, Inc. (SPBS) will celebrate these outstanding awardees at its Awards Banquet on Saturday, August 31st, 2024. The event will be held at the Villa Barone Manor, 737 Throgs Neck Expy, Bronx, NY 10465.
The gala will be conducted under the patronage of Her Excellency, Dame Marcella Liburd, Governor General of St. Kitts and Nevis. Mr. Crios Freeman, Principal of Freeman Law Services, will headline the event as its featured speaker. Crios is a former SPBS scholarship winner and is eager to give back - a theme consistent our SPBS motto of “We Give Back So Others Can Move Forward”.
Attendees to the 12th anniversary SPBS Awards Banquet can expect an exciting mix of entertainment, giveaways, raffles and prizes. Tickets for the event and our annual Raffle tickets are available online at www.spbsinc.org/tickets.
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