The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) National Competition. This year, BREEF received powerful submissions in the form of articles, podcasts, videos and photos from students across The Bahamas tackling the theme of “Ecosystem Restoration.”

Dejanique Turnquest, age 22, a student at the University of The Bahamas, earned first place for her compelling article titled “Polluted Blue: Bahamas’ Blue Holes at Risk.” In her work, she explores the environmental, economic, and cultural significance of blue holes and warns of the dangers of ongoing marine pollution.

“The blue holes of The Bahamas are priceless natural beauties that assist locals through tourism and freshwater supplies, while also providing ecological advantages and scientific discoveries,” she writes.

Courtney Thomas, age 14, from Lyford Cay International School, captured second place for her thoughtful podcast titled “The Harmful Effects of Climate Change on Mangroves,” in which highlights the importance of environmental stewardship in the face of a changing climate with her classmates, Azariah Sweeting and San’aa Demeritte.

London Knowles, age 11, of Hillcrest Academy, secured third place with a long-term reportage video titled “Polluting Our Marine Sea Life,” which calls on the public to take responsibility for protecting our oceans.

Prizes include an iPad for first place, an iPad Mini for second place, and an underwater camera for third place. Runners-up will receive BREEF merchandise and ocean-themed gear, with select participants also receiving prizes from The Sports Center and Heatwave, who generously supported this year’s YRE competition, supporting active and eco-friendly lifestyles.
This year’s runners-up are:
● Victor Cartwright, age 22, University of the Bahamas
● Kaylee LaRoda, age 17, St. Anne’s School
● Makayla Kerr, age 19, University of The Bahamas
● Matteo Davies, age 13, Bishop Michael Eldon School, Grand Bahama

All winning entries and runner ups will be forwarded to the YRE International Competition, where they will compete with top entries from around the world, representing The Bahamas on the YRE global stage. Links to their submissions will be shared on BREEF’s social media platforms. In addition, Hillcrest Academy will receive a Junior Science Weather Kit for their Eco-School Club having submitted the highest number of entries from a single school.

Special thanks to our partners and sponsors for making the 2025 YRE National Competition a success: Moore Bahamas Foundation, The Sean Connery Foundation, Primat Foundation, and the Sports Center/Heatwave.

The Young Reporters for the Environment programme empowers students ages 11–25 to investigate environmental issues, propose solutions, and share their findings through journalism, photography, and videography. The age categories were segmented into college, high school and primary school divisions.

BREEF serves as the National Operator for this global programme, inspiring youth to become environmental stewards and amplify their voices for change.

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