Junior Achievement Awards Reception 2025: Shaping Tomorrow’s Business Leaders

The ballroom of the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort came alive with applause and celebration on Friday, 8 August, as the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2025 Junior Achievement (JA) Company Programme Awards Reception. The annual event recognises the creativity, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills of high school students who took part in this year’s JA Company Programme.

The JA Company Programme gives students a hands-on introduction to the business world — from forming and managing real companies to developing products, marketing them, and earning profits — all under the guidance of dedicated volunteer advisors.

This year, seven student-led companies participated, generating more than $12,000 in total revenue while supporting local charities and demonstrating values-driven leadership. Products ranged from eco-friendly tote bags and recycled accessories to handcrafted jewellery and vibrant tie-dye apparel.

Top Company and Individual Honours

• Company of the Year – Tote_AllyKY (sponsored by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority) for its eco-friendly tote bags celebrating Caymanian heritage.
• President of the Year – Adonai Rochez (Tote_AllyKY) for exceptional leadership and vision.
• Female Achiever of the Year – Sarala Moore (Tote_AllyKY).
• Male Achiever of the Year – Tarick Douglas (Koastal.KY).
• Salesperson of the Year – Jaelon Hodson (Tuft and Tyes). 
• Public Relations Officer of the Year – Logan Wilson (Koastal.KY).
• Human Resources Officer of the Year – Lars McLean (Charmed).
• Finance Officer of the Year – Daniel Suico (Koastal.KY).
• Marketing Officer of the Year – Jonathan Grandage (Koastal.KY).
• Production Officer of the Year – Brianna Fischetti (Charmed).
• Pat Randall Award for Personal Growth – Max Griffin (Tuft and Tyes).
• Product of the Year – Koastal.KY for accessories made from recycled coconut shells and denim.

Celebrating Innovation and Resilience

• Tuft and Tyes (sponsored by Cayman Airways) exceeded its sales target by 944%, impressing with its tie-dye shirts and tufted rugs.
• Cro-Ky (sponsored by DART) sold handmade crochet goods and donated profits to charity.
• Brac & Beyond (supported by Rotary and former MP Moses Kirkconnell) achieved break-even with handcrafted accessories and home goods.
• Charmed (sponsored by MUFG) generated over $2,300 in net profit while donating to Inclusion Cayman.
• Clear Coast (sponsored by Logic) produced ocean-inspired epoxy resin coasters with a strong sustainability message.

Chamber CEO Wil Pineau praised the participants in his welcome address:

“You didn’t just build companies — you built confidence, community, and the courage to lead. The skills you’ve developed will serve you for a lifetime.”

Programme Coordinator Jada Ramoon closed the evening by thanking sponsors, advisors, and families for their commitment to youth development:

“This programme is more than an educational experience. It’s a launching pad for Cayman’s future business leaders.”