To get some insight into the minds of Cayman’s inspiring teens, we asked four of them to explain how their hobbies and passions have positively shaped their lives so far.
Lilly Haug
Lilly Haug, 17, is co-leader of the youth-led environmental organisation Protect Our Future and a youth ambassador at the Alex Panton Foundation.
What is your greatest academic achievement?
Completing the IB Diploma. I certainly challenged myself by taking chemistry, biology and literature at a higher level. I truly poured my soul into those classes and spent a lot of time grappling with my weaknesses.
Why are you so passionate about environmental issues?
Having gone to school next to a dump at CIS for 13 years, I’ve witnessed it catch fire intermittently and grow larger year after year. I believe the Island needs to rethink the value of materials and how they can be used to preserve their worth. Additionally, my love for the intrinsic beauty of nature was fostered by my mom.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
I aspire to have earned either a PhD in epidemiology or a medical degree. Through this, I aim to contribute meaningfully to the field of health and wellbeing. I aim to live as sustainably as possible and contribute to environmental movements. Overall, if in 10 years’ time I am still learning and applying my knowledge, I will be happy.
What more can be done to improve the support offered to children and young people suffering from anxiety and mental health issues?
A society that fosters good mental health should be the ultimate goal. Children need activities and opportunities to develop themselves and have fun without the stress of academics or the risk of falling into substance abuse, both of which can worsen mental health. Focusing on the overall mental health of youth, not just treatment when it falters, is essential to truly support the young people of our country.
What has your work with the Alex Panton Foundation’s Youth Ambassadors Programme taught you?
Speak up! By sharing your experiences and emotions, you validate them for yourself, taking the first step toward healing. The programme has taught me to be okay with things beyond my control, like the past, other people and sometimes even myself. The stages of grief are real and understanding them is incredibly valuable.
Molly Kehoe
Molly Kehoe, 19, plays professional football for Cardiff City FC Bluebirds in Wales and is considered to be Cayman’s top football player of all time.
You have enjoyed playing many sports over the years, who or what inspired you to play football?
I grew up playing multiple sports from a young age, mainly with boys because there weren’t really many girls playing rugby and football. Football was always my favourite, I dreamt of playing football at a high level from a very young age.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement in football to date?
I’d say my greatest achievement in football is not only signing for Cardiff City but winning the Treble in my first season with them. Also, in May 2024, I was one of three players nominated for 'Young Player of the Season' in the Genero Adran Premier league awards in Wales, UK.
How many hours per week do you spend training?
I spend about 12 hours a week training. But we also have to commit to events, photoshoots, school visits and filming for the club.
Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why?
I’ve had a lot of coaches over the years who always pushed me to do better even when I didn’t believe in myself. I never used to believe it when people told me I could get far and go somewhere with football. I am grateful for all the people that inspired me to keep going. Now I can finally believe that I can get somewhere.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
I hope to still be playing football in a top league in England or Europe.
Who is your sporting hero and why?
I'd say my sporting hero is my mom, she plays more sports than me and she is probably fitter than me! If it wasn’t for her always nagging me about staying fit from a very young age, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Laia Swaminthan
Laia Swaminthan, 15, represents the Cayman Islands Chess Federation in national and international tournaments and is currently the Female National Chess Champion.
Who or what inspired you to start playing chess at the age of 5 years old?
My primary inspiration was my father, as he was the first person I saw who played chess and practiced the game, which made me want to learn.
Why are you so passionate about the game of chess?
I enjoy a variety of things, such as the patterns that arise throughout a game, the different endgames and the theory behind them, and the variety of openings and how they affect the rest of the play. My favourite part is definitely the calculations and tactical possibilities in the game, which I like finding and analysing further.
What is one important lesson you've learned from the game of chess?
The value of both looking at the big picture and at the finer aspects of a situation. In chess, while it is sometimes beneficial to focus on a certain area of the board, it is always necessary to examine the whole board in order to come to the best conclusion. This seems to be an important lesson in chess as well as in life.
You set the goal of forming an all-female team to represent Cayman at 2024’s Olympiad in Budapest. Why was this important to you?
There was an all-female team representing Cayman in Budapest in September 2024, which was an amazing accomplishment by our federation. This is important to me because it signifies a big step forward for female chess. The fact our federation has grown so much, investing time and effort in encouraging new talent, means it can send a female chess team, which a great step forward for our Islands. I am really glad that more women are becoming involved in and interested in the game.
Monina Thompson
Monina Thompson studied Psychology at Carleton University and is now working at a law firm in Cayman.
What does being a Proud of Them Award recipient mean to you?
This holds immense significance for me, resonating deeply with my personal journey and aspirations. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer the second time around in 2020, I hoped to fulfil her wish of seeing me on the billboard one day. My mom passed away before she could see me accomplish this, but her dream for me became my own. Moving forward, I see this award as a platform to amplify my voice, champion important issues and inspire others to effect positive change. Ultimately, the Proud of Them Award represents not only personal achievement but also a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
What is an important lesson that you learned from working with the Alex Panton Foundation (APF)?
That sharing my story has the ability to heal others. For a long time, I kept silent about the trauma I've experienced and the struggles with my mental health, mainly due to feelings of shame. However, through my involvement with APF, my passion for advocacy and raising awareness overshadowed that shame.
Did the pandemic affect your volunteer contributions to your school and the community?
The pandemic was where I discovered one of my most significant pillars of volunteering, and it's where my passion for community service truly flourished. Amidst the challenges of lockdowns and restrictions, I stumbled upon the Youth Ambassadors Program (YAP) with the Alex Panton Foundation. It was during their online Zoom calls and presentations aimed at recruiting new members that I found an opportunity to channel my energy into meaningful volunteer work.
What more can be done to improve the support offered to children and young people suffering from anxiety and mental health issues?
We must address the challenge of reaching those who may be hesitant to seek help and find a way to reach the demographic of youth who are at the highest risk. Dropping off brochures or posting flyers on school bulletin boards is not enough; we need hands-on initiatives and increased funding to implement comprehensive support systems.
