Senovia Smith does not have the ability to leap incredible distances, nor does she possess the gift of super speed, or incredible strength. The ability to fade in and out of view or project force fields also aren’t skills she can boast of, but in the eyes of Baha Mar officials, Smith is a hero. And it’s this educator, as well as 39 other people, who have gone above and beyond over the course of the past year, that have been selected as home town heroes, for the super human lengths they’ve gone to, to ensure the well-being of their fellow man during a pandemic.
When she got the call that she had been selected as a Baha Mar Hometown Hero, Smith could not believe it.
“This is the first thing I’ve won. I never felt what winners feel, but now I know what that feeling is,” Smith told The Nassau Guardian.
According to Smith’s nominator, the educator excels in the virtual world of education, and during this time, didn’t want her students to suffer.
“As a result, she has turned her home into a virtual center with proper lighting, green screen, web cam headset, etc. Her efforts have been acknowledged by the Ministry of Education, and she is now the [ministry’s] virtual school, early education teacher; this allows her to teach subjects to students across The Bahamas. She also advised parents of techniques to keep their little ones focused during virtual learning. She is deserving of the award because she adjusted to the changes due to COVID-19 and helped persons along the way,” wrote Smith’s nominator.
“I was not surprised because they’re always cheering me on and saying I’m their favorite teacher. They’ve been to my house and watched me work, and seen how I go all out – out of my pocket for my students. I have told myself I am deserving of this and my hard work is acknowledged. I don’t do it for acknowledgement and recognition, but it’s good to be praised every ‘blue moon’,” said Smith.
Smith was one of 40 people recognized by the Baha Mar Resort Foundation in the initiative to highlight and celebrate those people who stepped up to support and assist others in challenging times in significant ways.
The public was invited to nominate a “hometown hero” who contributed to their well-being or the well-being of others in a selfless way via email with a short explanation as to why an individual was their “hometown hero” and why the nominee deserves a long weekend to recharge and relax at the Baha Mar resort.
Also selected as “heroes” were Likita Austin, Roslyn Gibson, Khandi Gibson, Sadira Levarity-Cooper, Georgette Gardiner, Shanandor Andrews, Antoine V. Duncombe, Lavita Thurston, Gillian Curry-Williams, Sherrylyn Fowler, Dr. Jessica A. Edwards, Joshua Sands, Cassa Clarke-Russell, Sharon Clarke, Mitsyann Burrows, Linda Armbrister, Denaj Seymour, Neulessa A. Lundy-Major, Walter Ferguson, Latoya Pennerman, Waynisha Saunders, Delano Lamar Munroe, Naima Nixon, Krista Burrows, Andrea Sweeting, Dr. Juana Rodgers, Dr. Yvonne Bethel, Deanne Cunningham-Johnson, Artemissia N. Zervos, Juliette Storr, Antoinette Seymour, Tanya and Trevor Kelly, Jennie Deleveaux, Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis, Sharmon Frazier-Williams, Amanda Knowles, Rita Noel, Terez Curry and Sean Brennen.
When the Baha Mar Foundation initiative was announced, it was with the thought of recognizing 25 peer-nominated “heroes”, but after receiving so many amazing stories, the Foundation decided to go above and beyond their initial number and recognize 40 “heroes”.
“We originally were going to honor 25, but we’ve increased the numbers, which we are happy to do at this particular time,” said Robert Sands, executive director of Baha Mar Resort Foundation and Baha Mar senior vice president.
Each “hero” received a three-night stay and a $350 food and beverage resort credit.
“What a good way to say thank you to these individuals who have been working very hard during this period of time, to give them the opportunity as we have reopened to have the opportunity to come and stay at Baha Mar and relax and refresh for all the efforts they have done in the last nine months. Baha Mar wants to thank all of those hometown ‘heroes’ – those nominated and those not nominated – for just going above and beyond the call of duty, and for fulfilling the needs of individuals during this particular time. This is our way of giving back and to say thank you,” said Sands.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has been very significant in the world and in The Bahamas. Many organizations and individuals stepped up to the plate to bring relief to countless Bahamians and citizens of this country. The Foundation decided it would be a good thing to recognize those individuals, at this time, and we came up with this program called ‘Hometown Heroes’ and we had tremendous support and nominations for individuals who just went above and beyond to bring relief, comfort, needed meals, food items to many individuals who found themselves in a most unfortunate position during this time.”
Likita Austin was recognized for her selfless acts in assisting the children of Eneas Street. Her nominator wrote that when she does things, she does so not expecting anything in return.
Roslyn Gibson, a nurse, her nominator wrote, has worked long, unwavering nights during the pandemic, and has sometimes gone weeks without a day off, and ongoing shifts, unable to go home.
Sadira Levarity’s nominator describes the teacher as a caring individual who believes in giving her all to develop people, relationships, community, country and career.
Khandi Gibson, the founder of F.O.A.M. (Families of All Murder Victims) according to a nominator, is the kind of person who takes groceries out of her cupboards to give to someone in need, and would give a person the shirt off her back if it would offer comfort to someone else.
Antoine V. Duncombe, an educator at the North Andros High School, is said to go above and beyond his duties, according to his nominator, who he taught at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).
Jennie Deleveaux was described as a selfless person who is always tending to others’ needs, without hesitation.
Lavita Thurston’s nominator described her as a strong and benevolent person who performs charitable acts such as offering free counseling, food drives, and donations of school supplies for the less fortunate.
Shannador Andrews of the Each One Help One organization collects donations and gives to those in need. His nominator described him as a person with a “big heart.”
Gillian Curry-Williams’ nominator described her as a selfless individual, with a willing attitude and loving spirit, having devoted her time and efforts to support and provide assistance to cancer patients and survivors.
Dr. Jessica Edwards, a medical microbiologist, was nominated for the work she did around the clock as all COVID testing goes through her and other health officials. Her nominator said she often sees the tiredness in Edwards’ face, but that does not stop her, even when she has to go to the lab day and night.
Cassa Clarke-Russell, a radiology technologist, who had to work up close and personal with suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients, works very hard, risking her life to try and stop the spread of this infectious disease, according to her nominator.
Sharon Clarke, a speech therapist, was recognized by her nominator for her passion for her job, and effort to bring the country’s education system to some type of normalcy.
Sherrylyn Fowler was nominated for the love and support she has shown and her loving and nurturing support.
Mitsyann Burrows, an employee with Lend a Hand Bahamas, worked tirelessly since March to feed the country during a difficult time. According to her nominator, she has gone the extra mile in her thankless role to make sure people were fed.
Linda Armbrister’s nominator said despite the fact that Armbrister was unemployed since March, she devoted her time, energy and resources to the children in her community – helping the marginalized who lacked guidance in virtual schooling.
Denaj Seymour, according to his nominator, went out of his way to keep the youth engaged, and despite the pandemic, helped people to realize they could still be their brother’s keeper.
Neulessa A. Lundy-Major’s nominator described her as a selfless, giving person who has contributed to the growth, development and well-being of people in the Abacos.
Walter Ferguson’s nominator said he is an amazing man who has dedicated his life to helping others, and dedicated his efforts to help people affected and devastated by Hurricane Dorian.
Dr. Juliette Storr and Antoinette Seymour, who have been friends since they were primary school-aged, were dually nominated for their efforts to continue to touch the lives of youngsters who are academically, but financially challenged.
Tanya and Trevor Carey were nominated by a family member for their assistance in stepping up and supporting them when he was unable to support his own family due to being furloughed.
Latoya Pennerman’s nominator said she was a “hero” because when her family was at their lowest, Pennerman stepped in to assist.
Waynisha Saunders, the founder of Girls in Faith and World Changing Women Organization was nominated because her organizations empower young ladies and women to be the best they can be.
Delano Lamar Munroe was nominated because throughout the pandemic, Munroe, through his organization, Youth Empowerment Program, ensured that young people had access to mentors and the YEP curriculum.
Naima Nixon, 15, was nominated because of her conservation efforts, as she does her best to ensure beaches in Exuma remain as clean as possible.
Krista Burrows’ nominator said the morgue worker has been one of the many who have been on the front lines, risking her health and safety, day in and day out.
Andrea Sweeting, president of Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, despite having gone through her own medical challenges, is said to have remained an inspiration to the team she leads and everyone she comes in contact with.
Vanessa Christie, director of public relations, Baha Mar, had the honor of playing “Santa Claus” to the “heroes” selected on Tuesday, December 22 and delivering the news of their selections, just in time for Christmas.
The post Baha Mar selects 40 ‘heroes’ appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.
source https://thenassauguardian.com/baha-mar-selects-40-heroes/
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