Kaija Hedger received the Dodie Ebanks Humanitarian Award in front of the school body and invited guests during assembly Thursday morning.
Kaija’s work ethic, compassion for people, commitment to CIS and strong leadership skills made her the best candidate for the award.
Presenting the award, Ms Ebanks said she was both humbled and touched to be presenting the award to the special student who has demonstrated exemplary works.
The Dodie Ebanks Humanitarian Award was established a year ago for students in grades 6-12, enrolled at CIS for one year, who demonstrate a commitment to others through strong work ethic, display positive attitude toward schoolwork and community, inspire others and show leadership.
Ms Ebanks was well-loved when she worked at CIS as a receptionist. For her dedication and commitment to the school the award was named in her honour when she retired.
Before coming to CIS, Ms Ebanks who originates from West Bay, worked at the Sunrise Adult Training Centre in West Bay for 15 years.
There she also made a difference and is well loved by everyone.
Despite her illness, which she said started from the age of four, Ms Ebanks well-liked personality and perseverance for life has gotten her many friends and community residents who admire her courage.
After much treatment in the United States Ms Ebanks said she returned to Cayman despite warnings from her doctor that the Cayman sunlight would kill her.
Twenty one years later, and very much alive, Ms Ebanks is enjoying her homeland and the people with which she has formed a loving bond.
Never one to give up and always encouraging others to do the same, CIS Principal Greg Hedger said Ms Ebanks served the community of the Cayman International School for four years,
During that time she stood out for her dedication to the school, to the community, and, most of all, to the students of the school. She brought with her, no formal qualifications, as she would constantly point out, but she brought something far more valuable – a wealth of life experiences, patience, endurance and kindness. In all of her interactions with the children, staff, students and members of the public she has shown her tremendous compassion and understanding for others. Everyone quickly came to know and trust her caring, loving ways.
Although life has dealt her a difficult, and at times, unfathomably painful hand, she has strived to overcome these challenges, capitalizing upon them to stand out as a shining example to all who have come to know and love her.
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