Jonathan Mitchell of John Gray High School Crowned RUBiS Top Student 2025

RUBiS Cayman Islands is proud to announce the winners of the bi-annual RUBiS Top Student 2025 Awards, an initiative designed to recognize, reward, and motivate children across the Cayman Islands with financial grants to help them pursue their passions and dreams.

The RUBiS Top Student Awards Program celebrates students aged 7 to 12 years old who demonstrate outstanding enthusiasm and dedication in areas such as Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Sports, STEM activities, and Academic Achievement.

This year, $15,000 worth of prizes were up for grabs, with public voting and a panel of five judges determining the finalists and grand prize winner.

Ten finalists each received a CI$1,000 grant, while one exceptional student was awarded the grand prize of CI$5,000 plus an additional CI$1,000 donation to the school or club of their choice — ensuring the positive impact continues within their community.

In line with RUBiS’s commitment to inclusivity, two special grants were designated for students with special needs.

The 2025 program received 43 inspiring submissions from students across the Cayman Islands. Once entries were received, participants rallied support from their families, peers, and the wider community — generating an impressive 47,000 public votes in total.

The judging panel — representing various industries across the Cayman Islands — faced the challenging task of narrowing down the pool of entries. Over two days, judges carefully reviewed every submission, evaluating each student based on Clear Presentation, Proof of Excellence, and Creativity & Innovation.

Congratulations to the 2025 RUBiS Top Student Finalists

• Aabirah Maham Siddiqui (Age 11) – George Town, Homeschool, STEM & Arts — Poster at Lorna’s RUBiS, Bodden Town

• Alaia Whittaker-Teunissen (Age 12) – West Bay, Cayman International School, Academics — Poster at AA RUBiS Seven Mile

• Arty Clark (Age 11) – George Town, Red Bay Primary, Academics — Poster at AA RUBiS Red Bay

• Silas Ford-Ramoon (Age 10) – North Side, Cayman Prep, STEM & Arts — Poster at Savannah RUBiS

• Chriscent Margaux Joy Lirio (Age 8) – West Bay, Sir John A. Cumber Primary, Special Needs Excellence — Poster at Oasis RUBiS West Bay

• Cyrus Thomas (Age 8) – George Town, Red Bay Primary, Special Needs Excellence — Poster at Eastern Avenue RUBiS

• Daquan Frederick (Age 10) – George Town, Marie Martin Primary, Sports — Poster at Jose’s RUBiS

• Jasmine Bacina (Age 12) – George Town, Cayman International School, Academics — Poster at Walkers Road RUBiS

• Kristiana Salazar (Age 8) – Cayman Brac, Creek & Spot Bay Primary, STEM & Arts — Poster at RUBiS Pit Stop & West End

• Lacie Akers (Age 10) – North Side, Edna Moyle Primary, Sports — Poster at East End RUBiS

Rubis Top Student 2025 Winner: Jonathan Mitchell

Jonathan Mitchell, age 12, from Bodden Town, and a student at John Gray High School, has been crowned the RUBiS Top Student 2025 — earning the title for two years.

Jonathan has demonstrated exceptional dedication across multiple disciplines:

• Football: Trained with Barça Academy (Virginia) and was one of only a few selected from 6,500 applicants to be invited to Barcelona.

• Track & Field: Broke the U12 800m Inter-Scholastics record (2024–25).

• Academics & Leadership: Authored and illustrated his own book, “ABC’s of Dollars & Sense Vol. 1,” teaching children about financial literacy and donating copies to schools.

Jonathan’s poster can be found at the RUBiS Headquarters, where his story will continue to inspire young Caymanians to dream big and stay passionate.

“At RUBiS, we see every young mind as a spark with the potential to light the future,” said Andres Barthel, Managing Director of RUBiS Cayman Islands.

“The RUBiS Top Student Awards are about more than recognition — they’re about encouragement. Each finalist embodies the creativity, determination, and heart that make our islands shine. It’s been inspiring to witness such passion and support from families, teachers, and the wider community.”

The RUBiS Top Student 2025 Awards Ceremony was held in the presence of The Hon. Heather Bodden, MP, and The Hon. Rolston Anglin, MP, Minister of Education, who both delivered remarks celebrating the achievements of the finalists and commending RUBiS for its ongoing commitment to youth development in the Cayman Islands.