As part of its expanding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, The National Bank of Dominica Ltd. (NBD) has successfully wrapped up its first-ever Growth and Impact Award, a youth-focused initiative launched during the 2026 graduation season that honors graduating students who have driven positive change across their local schools and communities.
Designed to celebrate well-rounded achievement rather than just academic excellence, the new award program aligns directly with NBD’s long-term ESG commitments. It spotlights graduating students who have stood out through demonstrated leadership, consistent community service, intentional environmental stewardship, and active engagement in both school and local community organizations.
The pilot launch of the initiative drew broad participation from 32 educational institutions spanning every tier of Dominica’s education system: three preschools, 16 primary schools, 11 secondary schools, and two tertiary learning institutions. Per the program’s structured framework, each participating school was invited to put forward one graduating student for the award through an open, transparent selection process that prioritized tangible, meaningful contributions to campus and neighborhood life over grades or test scores.
In an official statement accompanying the announcement of the award’s completion, NBD Marketing Manager Michelle Joseph explained that the program was crafted specifically to elevate young people already working to build a more prosperous, equitable future for Dominica. “Through the Growth and Impact Award, we sought to recognize the young people who are actively shaping a brighter future for Dominica through service, leadership, and social responsibility,” Joseph said. “These students represent the values that inspire sustainable development and strong communities, and we are honoured to celebrate their achievements.”
Each of the 32 selected student recipients received a custom plaque or commemorative trophy to mark their achievement, alongside a gift certificate from local retailer Jays Ltd. to cover the cost of school supplies as they advance to the next stage of their educational journeys. Beyond recognizing individual students, NBD also allocated direct financial contributions to all participating educational institutions to help offset rising graduation-related operational costs.
The full list of 2026 Growth and Impact Award recipients includes: Chervelle Maximea, Jenesis Durand, Kezia Challenger, Jacquelle Frederick, Sherlana Euzebe, Shane Sango, Raj Joseph, Keyantay Martin, Hubert Bernard, Desmond Casimir, Shanica Edwards, Kaidy Baron, Kaiden Williams, Kenzym Letang, Harmony Henry, Dejanni Maximin, Adia Durand, Yemi Matthew, Seanna Fingal, Melianna John, DeAndre David, Jhace Jno Baptiste, Ashtel Alfred, Caleb George, Lina Smith, Rivaldo Charles, Danica Gabriel, Madleah Fontaine, Kurdez Simon, Kalee Marie, Micha Alcendor and Jaidyne Francis.
All recipients were selected for their consistent, demonstrated commitment to leadership, service, and positive impact within their respective school and community contexts. NBD extended formal congratulations to all honorees, wishing them ongoing success as they advance to further study and grow into the nation’s next generation of leaders, innovators, and social changemakers.
Program organizers noted that the inaugural initiative received widespread, enthusiastic support from educational institutions across the island, a response that reflects NBD’s decades-long investment in Dominica’s education and youth development sectors. Unlike traditional student recognition programs that prioritize academic outcomes, the Growth and Impact Award centers non-classroom achievement, elevating leadership, volunteer work, environmental advocacy, and local community engagement.
For NBD, the successful launch of the new award program marks a meaningful milestone in the bank’s ongoing investment in Dominica’s future. Following the positive reception of the pilot, bank leadership confirmed it is already evaluating strategies to expand and strengthen the initiative in coming years. “The overwhelming participation and support from schools across the island demonstrate the value of creating opportunities to celebrate well-rounded student achievement,” Joseph added. “We thank every participating institution for partnering with us to recognize and encourage the next generation of leaders.”
Per NBD’s official overview, the Growth and Impact Award is more than a one-off recognition program—it is a tangible reflection of the bank’s broader organizational commitment to advancing educational progress, strengthening local communities, upholding environmental responsibility, and empowering young people to grow into active, engaged citizens.