Crowned to Serve: Youth Leadership and Community in Action

Youth Leadership in Action: Empowering Youth & Strengthening Communities

On Thursday, September 25, 2025, the SRC Community Development Live Forum came alive with stories of purpose, perseverance, and powerful partnerships. Under the theme "Crowned to Serve," the session spotlighted the transformational journey of young leaders in Clarendon who are using pageantry, environmental advocacy, and community service to shape a more vibrant and united parish.

Hosted by the dynamic Clevena Brown, the conversation offered viewers an inspiring look into how the Clarendon Parish Youth Council (CPYC), CCAM (Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation), the Bucknor Concerned Citizens Benevolent Society, and local community groups are driving social change through action, not just ambition.

The Queen's Journey: Kadie-Lee Kelly Leads with Purpose

Kadie-Lee Kelly, the newly crowned Miss Clarendon Parish Youth Council Queen, shared her compelling journey from summer camp attendee to pageant winner and CCAM Ambassador. Her story reflected sacrifice, growth, and an unwavering commitment to youth empowerment:

• Inspiration: Sparked by an empowerment camp, Kadie-Lee saw the pageant as a vehicle for self-discovery and service.

• Challenges: She candidly spoke about juggling training, missing family events, and overcoming doubts.

• Support: From the Shalom Tranquility Donating Foundation to her family, her support network stood firm.

• Vision: As Queen and Ambassador, she aims to improve youth involvement and environmental awareness.

"You don’t need the resources to get involved—you are the resource," Kadie-Lee said, offering a standout message for every aspiring youth leader.

Visionaries at Work: The Council and Community Speak

Termario Daniels, President of CPYC, detailed how the pageant was far more than a competition. It was a rallying point for youth engagement, cultural identity, female empowerment, and civic education across Clarendon:

• Created a safe, empowering space for young women.

• Promoted volunteerism, collaboration, and regional pride.

• Strengthened networks among youth leaders, community groups, and parish partners.

• Fostered access to civic spaces, including a formal meet-and-greet with Clarendon’s mayor.

"There is space for everyone. If you have passion, you can start anywhere," Termario emphasised.

The Bucknor Concerned Citizens Benevolent Society, represented by David Thomas, shared the impact of welcoming the pageant contestants into their Back-to-School Fair. For David, it marked a meaningful shift—from being sponsored to becoming a sponsor:

• The society’s first-time partnership with CPYC enabled them to witness young women take on visible volunteer leadership roles.

• Kadie-Lee and the other contestants assisted with registration, guided families through the event’s services, and directly supported logistics.

• David praised their maturity, positive attitudes, and willingness to serve over 100 attendees.

• The experience created new cross-organisational connections, community visibility, and long-term collaboration opportunities.

"They weren’t just there to be seen—they showed what leadership looks like when service is at the centre," David remarked.

Partnership in Action: Environmental Stewardship Meets Youth Leadership

Shajuane Davis, Public Relations Officer at CCAM, emphasised how the pageant aligned perfectly with their mission to build environmental awareness through relatable youth leadership:

• Shared Vision: Both CCAM and CPYC focus on developing young leaders for sustainable community impact.

• Youth Ambassadors: Five pageant contestants were officially adopted as ambassadors for the Portland Bight Protected Area.

• Engagement Strategy: These ambassadors will participate in outreach programmes, school visits, and community projects.

• Upcoming Project: The group will spearhead CCAM’s Beach Cleanup on October 4th, inspiring youth through action.

Shajuane also highlighted the importance of visibility:

• Youth can relate more easily to peers leading local efforts than to distant figures.

• This relatability is crucial to embedding a culture of conservation among the next generation.

• She noted how quickly and passionately the ambassadors embraced their new roles—bringing energy, questions, and commitment.

"Conservation is more powerful when it comes from people you relate to. They’re not just representatives—they’re role models," said Shajuane.

Final Reflections: A Movement, Not a Moment

As the forum closed, guests shared powerful one-liners that captured the heart of the evening:

• Kadie-Lee: "Leadership begins with us as youth. We are the resource."

• Shajuane: "Step into leadership—it means embracing responsibility and inspiring others."

• Termario: "Get involved in whatever way you can. Don’t let fear hold you back."

The collective call? Get involved, take initiative, and serve. Whether it’s a youth club, beach cleanup, mentoring programme, or community pageant—your action matters.

Watch the Full Forum Replay

If you missed this powerful session, you can still experience every moment.

Watch the full forum below:

Be sure to share it with a young leader, parent, teacher, or mentor who believes in the future of Clarendon.

📅 Upcoming: SRC Live Forum & Community Event

Community Events Calendar

• 🧹 October 4th – CCAM Beach Cleanup (Open to clubs & individuals)

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Together, let’s continue to build, serve, and lead with purpose.