On April 10th, the first Guyanese Girls Rock Scholarship award was presented to Kelly Hyles at the “Bridging the Gap” Millennial Conference in Brooklyn, New York. Kelly, a high school senior, was accepted to the top 8 Ivy League schools in the United States and was honored for academic excellence. She was presented with the Guyanese Girls Rock Certificate of Scholarship and a new Apple MacBook laptop computer by GGR’s Founder, Cloyette Harris-Stoute.
Kelly was born in Georgetown, Guyana and in 2009 she migrated to the United States with her family, primarily for the innumerable opportunities. In 2012, Kelly was accepted to the High School for Math, Science, and Engineering, one of the nine specialized high schools in New York. Her school has provided her with multiple opportunities to explore her unwavering curiosity. As a junior, her love for the Sciences grew as she enrolled in a biotechnology class at Mount Sinai Hospital. Later on, she interned in the Garcia-Ocana laboratory of Mount Sinai’s Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Institute, where she researched the importance of the inactivity of the PRKCZ gene on beta-cell growth in vivo. Biochemistry is the perfect blend of her interests since it possesses the unique ability to both quench and ignite her curiosity. Kelly’s goal is to become a neurosurgeon.
The event, which was hosted by the Women of Mission International (WOMI) organization, served as an opportunity to honor Guyanese women who have achieved success, and who have made significant contributions to their communities. Kelly was one of four honorees who was recognized at the event. Each honoree received a plaque from WOMI and was also presented with a Certificate of Recognition by New York State Senator, Roxanne Persaud. First Lady of Guyana, HE Sangra Granger, and Second Lady Sita Nagamootoo were guests of honor.
The Guyanese Girls Rock technology scholarship fund will supply college-bound young women who are of Guyanese heritage with new laptop computers. Applicants will be selected based on a number of criteria including, academic accomplishments and financial needs. In addition to recognizing Kelly, the presentation provided a platform for the audience to learn more about the Guyanese Girls Rock organization and the GGR scholarship award.
Special thanks go to Dr. Alisha Griffith and Renne Paris, who organized the event, and WOMI’s President, Linda Felix-Johnson, Vice-President, Ismay Griffith for their support.
Update: May 28, 2020
We are proud to report that yesterday, Kelly graduated with the class of 2020 from Harvard University. She shared this beautiful message of gratitude on her Facebook page.
I am who I am by God’s grace, and His grace was not wasted on me – 1 Corinthians 15:10
Today, I graduated from Harvard with a B.A. in Human Developmental & Regenerative Biology (with Honors!!)?This degree is for my parents, who left Guyana 10 years ago and have sacrificed so much so that I could have opportunities like this!
I am beyond grateful for the love and support that I received throughout the years from my amazing brother, family, friends, and mentors. It truly took a village to get me here. Although this isn’t how I imagined graduation, I remain thankful for life and look forward to properly celebrating in person.
I have taken many steps towards actualizing my dreams since 2009 when I first stepped foot on a plane. Looking back to that little girl in Vryheid’s Lust with an undying curiosity, I am so proud of who she’s become.
I am forever thankful for the opportunity to graduate from the finest university in the world and for all of the unforgettable experiences I’ve had throughout these four years. This is only the beginning!
Kelly is the epitome of a Guyanese Girl who rocks and we are proud to celebrate this momentous achievement.
Nice!
Congratulations! !
Congratulations.
Well deserved!!!
Errol Cockfield, we know how to applaud success!!!
I was at this event.
I support Cloyette’s work!…:)
Allison Skeete. Thank you for your continued support. You rock 🙂
Errol Cockfield. Thank you for stopping by!