Opt. Emma Ferguson
On 28th June 2016 Anguilla’s Optimist delegation travelled to Quebec City, Quebec, Canada under the care and supervision of the President of the Optimist Club of Anguilla, Ms. Avon Carty. Accompanying her were Optimists Venis Simpson and Director Emmica Thompson also of The Optimist Club of Anguilla and Junior Optimists Kashamar Lewis from Progressive Youth Octagon Club, President Tiandra Carty from Kids For The Future Junior Optimist Club, Iyesha Carty from Brilliant Minds Junior Optimist Club and Director Steven Connor from Superstars Junior Optimist Club. The Optimists represented their clubs, island and the Caribbean District in Quebec, at the annual Optimist and Junior Optimist International Conventions.
The convention went off without a hitch, with the young Optimists participating in workshops on effective use of social media; fun ways to fund raise; teamwork and leadership training and several others. An event featured in the Junior Optimist Convention was a talent show in which the three young female representatives; (Tiandra, Kashamar and Iyesha) culturally enriched their audiences of various clubs by singing part of the PVI song, “Paradise”.
While in Quebec City, The group ventured on many historic tours throughout the city and was able to benefit from the ‘culture shock’ and exposure of a much different country than their own little paradise. President Tiandra, from Kids For The Future said “I embarked on a beautiful and insightful adventure and that’s an experience I will never forget.”
The local delegation was also pleasantly surprised when the International Junior Optimist Board presented them with the 2016 “Advisor of Excellence Award” for diehard Optimist, Advisor Emma Ferguson at the President’s Banquet, recognising her for her sterling support and devoted mentoring of children.
All in all, Team AXA was proud to represent Anguilla at the 98th Optimist Convention and the 24th Junior Optimist Convention this year, and as Optimist Kashamar said, “I’m so grateful for those who helped me to get there, I simply cannot wait for the next convention in New Mexico!”
– Contributed
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
