With the 2010 YCLA less than two months away, Elroy Bryan has proven his strong leadership with an ongoing commitment to the youth and future of the Cayman Islands. Elroy, who received the 2009 YCLA earlier this year, has dedicated a large chunk of his personal time to reaching those youth by visiting the school as various age ranges and sharing his words of wisdom on the attributes of leadership. The Journal reports.

Approximately 40 speaking engagements have allowed Elroy Bryan to reach well over 4,000 people, primarily youth between the ages of 8 to 17.  In addition to the schools, Elroy has spoken at several churches, social clubs and at events, including invitations to speak at the Junior Achievement Awards, Cays Foundation and the Golden Apple Awards.

The teachers show great appreciation for Elroy’s commitment and interviews with the students show equal positive affects:

“The things he said really made me understand how important it is to work hard and not give up.”

“He reminds me of someone that I could be related to and he listens to what I have to say and doesn’t just talk and talk.  I can tell that he really cares and that he likes coming to talk to us.”

“I would like to grow up and be good at something and be proud of myself and be the best at what I do, but I think I just have to start working harder too and studying more and listening to my teacher.”

Amazingly, Elroy has been able to effectively connect with Cayman’s youth while being an active father to a young family and responsible for a full time job, a school teacher at the Lighthouse School.  With dozens of requests to speak always coming to him, Elroy has prioritised the requests, putting youth at the top.

Leadership takes commitment; however, Elroy Bryan is also actively displaying that the time one gives back to the community needs also to be the most effective to the group you aim to reach.