Recipients of the Dart Minds Inspired Award for Excellence in STEM 2026 announced
During this year's graduation season, the Dart Minds Inspired STEM Awards for Excellence were presented to exceptional students across the Cayman Islands for their outstanding achievements in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Ceremonies held at Cayman International School (CIS), Cayman Prep and High School, St. Ignatius Catholic School, Triple C School and University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) celebrated the next generation of local thinkers, innovators and leaders.
Glenda McTaggart, Dart’s senior manager of education programmes, commended the graduates for their hard work and dedication.
"At Dart, we believe that STEM education creates opportunities not only for individual success, but for the future growth and innovation of the Cayman Islands," McTaggart said. "As these graduates step into a world increasingly shaped by technology and science, success will be defined by those who remain curious, adapt and think differently. On behalf of Dart and Minds Inspired, we extend our warmest congratulations to this year's award recipients."
Dart Minds Inspired Award for Excellence in STEM 2026 recipients:
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Cayman International School: Laia Swaminathan
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Cayman Prep and High School: Sean Higgins (Year 11) and Jake Fagan (Year 13)
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St. Ignatius Catholic School: Lance Ch'ng (Year 11) and Mikhail Fedenev (Year 13)
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Triple C School: Amiya Tahal
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University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI): Ashley Ebanks Powell
For many recipients, the award represents years of passion and collaborative learning.
"It is an incredible honour to be a recipient of the Dart Award of Excellence in STEM,” said Ashley Ebanks-Powell, this year’s recipient from UCCI. “This recognition is a significant milestone that reflects resilience and dedication throughout my academic journey. This award will help fund my educational and professional development in the STEM field. I’m truly grateful for the support and opportunity to continue pursuing my goals."
Minds Inspired congratulates all the 2026 graduates, their families and the educators who have supported them along the way.
The STEM Award winners from Clifton Hunter High School, John Gray High School and Layman E. Scott Sr. High School will be announced in October to align with their graduation ceremonies.
Minds Inspired is a Dart initiative that encourages curiosity, creativity and problem-solving by providing students with hands-on STEM experiences both in and outside the classroom - from robotics competitions and mathematics challenges to internships and workplace learning opportunities.