DCFS and the Duchess of York recognize 14-year-old hero

(CMR) Trevor Carmola Jr, the teen who saved a man from a house fire last month, was recognized by both the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Duchess of York at the Child Month’s church service on  Sunday, May 2.

Trevor, a student of Clifton Hunter High School, was named the Child Month 2021 (High Schools) awardee during the service, which marked the opening of Child's month celebrations.

Given the month’s superhero theme: My C.A.P.E – Challenges are Passable for Everyone, attendees at Red Bay Church of God (Holiness) were surprised to learn that Trevor had actually saved a life in April 2021. The Clifton Hunter High School student had not only rushed into a burning house to rescue an elderly man but had promptly called 911.

Before receiving the award, a video message was shown from Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, congratulating the Lower Valley teenager on his heroism and his latest award.

Trevor was also presented with a plaque and laptop by Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Director Paulinda Mendoza-Williams.

In calling Trevor “an exceptional young man,” the Director qualified the statement with a glowing testimonial. The recipient’s impressive bio was read out to the congregation.

The honor roll student, who was the youngest ever Proud of Them recipient (Community and Academics) at just 11 years old, is a Cayman Islands Cadet Corps sergeant. He was also the Most Outstanding Overall Recruit and Most Outstanding Clifton Hunter High School Recruit (2018).  He was awarded the Cadet of the Year in 2019.  On winning that accolade, he was chosen to greet and welcome the Duchess of York.

When not undertaking community work with the corps, Trevor plays the flute in the Cadet Band and sings for his school and the Church of God Universal youth choir. He also attends the Red Bay Church of God (Holiness) Youth Group.

Other highlights of the service included remarks by Minister for Social Development, the Child Month Welcome address by DCFS Deputy Director Rayle Roberts, and the “Let the Children Come” Matthew 19:13-15 sermon by visiting Pastor Kim Evans. The child-affirming event also included two baby dedications.

DCFS will present Samaya Ritch (9) with Child Month’s first-ever Primary Schools award at its closing Child Month church service in Cayman Brac, on Saturday, May 29.

Attendees included His Excellency the Governor, Martyn Roper; Deputy Governor, Hon. Franz Manderson; Premier  Wayne Panton and Minister for Financial Services & Commerce (FSC); and Investment, Innovation & Social Development (IISD), Andre Ebanks.

Minister for Health & Wellness, Sabrina Turner; Parliamentary Secretary (Social Development) Heather Bodden; Parliamentary Secretary (Financial Services & Commerce) Katherine Ebanks-Wilks; and IISD Chief Officer, Eric Bush also attended.