Trinidad and Tobago Cultural Association of Delaware

2023

Scholarship Recipients

Anthony Osasu James Guobadia was born in New York City to Trinidadian and Nigerian parents. When he was five he was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system called Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO). In high school, he figured out he had a passion for the medical field. In the future, he wants to be a pediatric doctor for children with chronic illnesses. He wants to be a doctor because, with a background of being in and out of hospitals, he’ll understand his patients better. His goal is to be an orthopedic doctor. Anthony is a freshman at Wake Forest University on his way to making his dreams a reality.

Cameron Jordan Ridgley is the son of Peter and Jacqualine Santiago and Daniel Ridgley. Cameron attended Middletown Highschool in Middletown, Delaware where he was a honor student. Cameron was a leader and member of various student run clubs and organizations in his school, including Dungeon & Dragons Club, the school newspaper, National Honor Society, the National Society of High School Scholars, and the Guitar Club. Cameron also plays the clarinet and the piano. Cameron currently attends Hampton University majoring in Cybersecurity. Cameron has recently received an award from Lockheed Martin for receiving the best coding project in the summer program.
Cameron has been part of the New Castle County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc. since 2009. He is currently teen corresponding secretary, and has served as chair of the Teen Conference Scrapbook and a member of the Regional Teen Advisory Task Force and has previously served as the Corresponding Secretary and Chaplain. Additionally, Cameron has participated on many committees – Fundraising, Community Service Teen Conference Apparel, to name a few.
Besides actively serving his school community, Cameron is engaged in community service in his own neighborhood through volunteering at the Food Bank of Delaware and the Safety Town camp of New Castle County.
When Cameron is not busy with his academic, service, and Jack & Jill commitments, Cameron participates in the Omega Mentoring program, Twenty20 Focus Mentoring program, the National Society of Black Engineers junior program, FAME summer program, and Teen Sharp academic excellence program.
Some of Cameron’s hobbies and interests include playing video games, photography, and graphic design.

Kiera Bourne-Bey, born in Wilmington Delaware, is a 17-year-old freshman attending Delaware State University majoring in agriculture with a pre-vet concentration. Kiera is a dedicated worker who strives to give back to her community and be a role model for her peers and other young people around her. In the future, she hopes to own her veterinary practice and create safe places for youth within inner-city communities to explore and nurture life skills and hobbies needed in life.

Jamison Delaine is the proud daughter of Alonzo Delaine Jr and Dr. Judith Passley-Delaine. She hails from Middletown, Delaware and is a proud citizen of the United States of America and Jamaica. Jamison currently attends the University of Miami, where she is pursuing a degree in Broadcast Journalism & Public Relations. She hopes to add both Spanish and Portuguese minors, as well. Jamison is passionate about educating the public on various topics such as different social justice issues. Jamison has a published article and podcast series with the Stanford Daily. When she is not studying, she enjoys volunteering in her community. Her high school accolades include being a member of the National Honor Society, delivering the commencement address for her graduation, earning the title of 12-sport athlete & receiving an all-conference award for her performance in field hockey. In college, Jamison will continue her work volunteering and inspiring younger generations.

Michael is the youngest child of Marlene and Willie Pollins of Jamaica and Philadelphia. Having been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at a young age, it was difficult for him to communicate with others. But that didn't stop Michael from succeeding. With a lot of support from family and friends and perseverance, Michael completed the Gifted and Talented Program at P.S. duPont Middle School, became a valedictorian of Concord High School, and became an Eagle Scout in Troop 70 Peacemakers. Michael attends the University of Delaware and participates in the Honors College, with a major in electrical engineering. He plans to use this degree to work on autonomous systems to help make lives easier for people, like improving driverless cars for people that may be blind, for example.

Nicolas Brewington is a first-year student at DCAD – Delaware College of Arts & Design. He graduated this spring from Newark Charter where he attended from the age of 5 matriculating with a reputation as “the mayor”. He really enjoyed school and the relationships with his peers, teachers, and academic leaders on the campus. Nicolas has a very strong family core of Family Reunions meeting distant family and traveling. Immersing himself in his Puerto Rican culture learning another language and understanding the colors and energy he has grown up with. Becoming part of the Children’s Organization, Jack & Jill of America, Inc., and the culturally rich setting allowed for diverse experiences and traveling to various diversions throughout the country. Now, as he looks towards the future, encountering new challenges and experiences, Nicolas is excited to share who he is, what he has to offer and what else he can learn.