The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) and the Department of Education Services (DES) hosted an evening of recognition and appreciation for almost 500 public school educators and staff at the Educators’ Gala on Saturday, 10 October.
Thirteen teachers from across Grand Cayman received Outstanding Teacher Awards in recognition of their exceptional work and commitment to education. In her welcome remarks, Chief Officer Ms. Cetonya Cacho congratulated the award recipients and highlighted the important role every educator plays in supporting student achievement and well-being.
“Each of you contributes in your own way, through the knowledge you share, the standards you uphold and the care you bring to your role.
An award is one way of recognising your excellence, but it is not the only way to measure it. The value of your work is reflected in the lives you transform every day
,” Ms. Cacho said. Recognising educators’ contribution to the development of the Cayman Islands, Hon. Rolston Anglin, Minister for Education and Training said, “No economy can develop to its maximum without good people. You have the single biggest impact in helping us produce good, qualified people, inquisitive learners and resilient children.” The Outstanding Teacher Awards recognise educators whose work demonstrates exceptional professionalism and commitment to creating positive learning experiences for students across the public education system. Teachers were nominated by their colleagues, after which principals deliberated and selected the final award recipients.
The 2026 Outstanding Teacher Award recipients for Grand Cayman are:
• Behaviour Services Support Unit: Susan Poy Fong-Ramkissoon • Cayman Islands Further Education Centre: Nadine Manning-Turner • Clifton Hunter High School: Kashena Powell-Bennett • East End Primary School: Thrica Brooks-Rookwood • Edna Moyle Primary School: Danielle Troupe-Buchanan • Joanna Clarke Primary School: Nickesha Watson • John Gray High School: Dorothy-Ann Chambers • Lighthouse School: Carolyn Powell • Marie Martin Primary School: Denise Brown-Hyatt • Prospect Primary School: Marcia Oxilly-Walker • Red Bay Primary School: Marlene Samuels • Sir John A. Cumber Primary School: Clayton Ingram • Theoline McCoy Primary School: Nashanda Maitland-Ebanks Educators in Cayman Brac will also be recognised for their outstanding contributions at a separate ceremony. The Cayman Brac recipients are: • Beacon Learning Centre: Lori-Ann Bingham-Street • Creek and Spot Bay Primary School: Natasha Hoisen • Layman E. Scott Sr. High School: Dionne Smith • West End Primary School: Miranda Gayle The MoET and DES congratulate all award recipients and thank educators and education staff across the Cayman Islands for their continued dedication to students, families and communities. Those interested in making a difference in students’ lives are encouraged to explore current opportunities at careers.gov.ky.