Marching into the crowded ballroom at the Melia Resort with their signature fraternity stroll and remarkably dapper attire were 50 young men who represented the strength of those who completed the 16-week Gentlemen’s Club programme.

Soon after they arrived, their escorts graced the ballroom wearing beautiful gowns to dance with the gents; truly it was a high spring fashion affair, polished with glitz and glamour.

It was also a time of recognition for hard work and commitment as more than $250,000 dollars in scholarships were awarded to participants of the Gentlemen’s Club during the youth programme’s 23rd annual ball that was held on Saturday night.

Walking away with a $12,000 dollar donation for any school of his choice and winner of the title, ‘Gentlemen of the Year’ was Travis Robinson, Head Boy and twelfth grade student at C.R. Walker Senior High School.

“Firstly I want to give my upmost thanks to my heavenly father Jesus Christ who is and will always be at the head of my life, going through the process of Gentlemen’s Club wasn’t easy but I kept the faith, stayed strong and persevered until the end,” he said.

“I believe that the Gentlemen’s Club is indeed one of the most prestigious organisations not just inside of The Bahamas but around the world. Often times we say that young people in the country are lost so I would recommend this club to the other young boys so we can show the world that the youth are not lost.”

Robinson plans to study and gain a bachelors degree in tourism management at the College of The Bahamas (COB).

Thereafter, he aims to go off to England to study maritime law.

His parents Samuel Robinson and Ianne Bain both expressed how proud they are of their son and touted the youth programme.

“I think it’s fantastic, it goes to show how hard work truly pays off, since primary school he has always showed potential and I’m happy to know that he kept along the same road, I wish him all the best,” Mr. Robinson said.

“I’m very proud of him, he is one of a million, I didn’t except anything less so I just want to say congratulations to him and of course he knows that I’m looking forward to great things in the future,” Ms. Bain said.

Robinson is also active beyond his various school responsibilities, he is currently the outgoing youth Minster of Tourism, outgoing youth Ranger’s Commander and member of the Youth Against Violence, a programme designed to bring peace to the streets.

Founding president of Youth Against Violence and Robinson’s mentor Carlos Reid said that Robinson was once a troubled youth and that his achievement is a testament to the fact that anything is possible.

“I’m just proud of Travis, he has been making tremendous strides and made a major accomplishment in this country, and it just goes to show what can happen when you invest in the young people of our country.”

Lincoln Mullings, 16, of St. Johns College was the first runner up for the Gentlemen of the Year title and received $10,000.

The director of the Gentlemen’s Club, Lamon Stubbs said the programme aims to empower young men to positively change the country.

“Education is the key to empowerment, and in many respects, change. It is the path to having a successful life,” he said.

“We try to teach them to be productive members of society, not only do we assist with academics but we try to teach them how to budget, how to treat a young lady, how to communicate, how to survive in society and how to be a real man, a leader, potential husband and father. We also encourage them to use the knowledge they have learnt and to impart it, to empower their younger brothers, to empower their younger cousins and that’s how were going to change this nation.”

He added that over $6 million dollars in scholarships were awarded to young Bahamian males through the program since 1992.

Receiving a full four-year scholarship to Morehouse University was 17-year-old Donnovan Innis.

Innis is a twelfth grade honors student at the St. Augustine’s College who plans to study neuroscience.

“I am elated, I’m overall happy, it’s a very good school, it has the programme I’m looking forward to and I believe that it is the school that can get me to my ultimate goal of being a surgeon,” he said.

“I just thank God for the great opportunity and the blessing he gave to me.”

Scholarships were also awarded to students from Fisk University, Toastmasters, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Archdeacon William Thompson Award.

The gents were also awarded for their talents in fine and performing arts.

The Bahamas Beautillion Committee hosted the annual ball under the theme, “Empowering Young Men To Change The Nation.”