St. Kitts-Nevis Graduates Soccer Club Celebrates 19th Annual Awards Banquet in New York, Recognizing Community Leaders.

The 19th Annual Awards Banquet of the St. Kitts-Nevis Graduates Soccer Club unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of cultural pride, community recognition, and sporting enthusiasm. Held at the elegant Eastwood Manor in the Bronx, New York, on April 25, 2025, the event served as a dazzling showcase of the contributions made by individuals of Kittitian and Nevisian descent to their diaspora. The banquet hall, adorned with the vibrant colors of the twin-island nation, pulsed with an atmosphere of celebration as attendees gathered to honor those who have tirelessly championed community development and sporting excellence.

The evening’s spotlight shone brightly on four distinguished honorees: Avril Francis, a dynamic force in community engagement; Vernon Springer, a veteran broadcaster and tireless sports advocate; Larry John, a steadfast pillar of the community; and Glenroy “Mannie” Maynard, a beloved figure known for his dedication to fostering unity and progress. Each awardee embodies the spirit of service and commitment that the Graduates Soccer Club seeks to recognize and celebrate. Their contributions, spanning various fields, have significantly enriched the lives of individuals within the Kittitian and Nevisian diaspora, leaving an enduring mark on the community.

Adding an element of surprise and heightened significance to the occasion was the unexpected presence of New York City Council Member, The Honorable Kevin Riley. Councilman Riley’s attendance underscored the importance of the event and highlighted the awardees’ impact beyond the immediate community. In a particularly poignant moment, he presented a New York City Council Citation to Pelham Warner, President of the Graduates Soccer Club, acknowledging his unwavering leadership and dedicated service to the community. This gesture not only honored Warner’s individual contributions but also served as a testament to the collective efforts of the Graduates Soccer Club in fostering positive change.

The presentation of awards was a moment of profound pride and emotion. The recipients, standing before a gathering of family, friends, and supporters, graciously accepted their plaques, symbols of their years of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to community upliftment. The vibrant colors of St. Kitts and Nevis, adorning the attire of many attendees, further amplified the sense of cultural unity and pride that permeated the event. The awards were a tangible representation of the honorees’ relentless pursuit of excellence and their significant contributions to the betterment of the Kittitian and Nevisian diaspora.

The celebratory spirit of the 19th Annual Graduates Soccer Awards Banquet extended beyond the Bronx, with a second event planned for April 28, 2025, in Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis. This dual celebration underscored the deep connection between the diaspora community and their homeland, highlighting the shared commitment to sporting achievement and community development. Hosting the awards in both New York and St. Kitts & Nevis symbolized the enduring bond that unites individuals of Kittitian and Nevisian heritage, regardless of geographical location.

The annual awards serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating those who dedicate themselves to the betterment of their communities. The 2025 honorees embody the values of excellence, service, and commitment that the St. Kitts-Nevis Graduates Soccer Club strives to promote. Their contributions, both on and off the soccer field, serve as an inspiration to future generations, encouraging them to pursue their passions and make a positive impact on the world around them. The dual celebrations in New York and St. Kitts & Nevis stand as a testament to the enduring power of community, the unifying force of sport, and the unwavering pride of a people connected by heritage and a shared vision for a brighter future.