HAB Presents Annual Candy Striper Awards
Six Candy Stripers were honoured at the Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda Candy Striper Award Ceremony, with Starr Bowen being named Head Candy Striper and Mackenzie Heaney, E’mari Ingemann, Antwanae Simmons, Dae’Jon Smith, Isis Tucker, and Chaya Lambert-James all earning Proficiency Awards.
A spokesperson said, “On Monday 29th December 2025, Glen Gibbons, President of the Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda [HAB] presented the following awards.”
Starr Bowen – Head Candy Striper
“I would like to congratulate Starr on being selected as our Head Candy Striper for the 2025/2026 year. Starr was awarded the Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda Penny Ray Achievement Award together with a medallion.”
Starr started with the HAB in 2022. She received a Proficiency Award in 2024 and out of that group of 5 was selected as our Head Striper to receive this award. Starr was chosen based on her outstanding work commitment, the number of hours volunteered and her overall excellent attitude and interaction with her peers, volunteers and supervisors. In addition, Starr was one of the 2025 HAB scholarship awardees and has volunteered 318 ½ hours with the HAB.
Proficiency Awards
Six Proficiency Awards were handed out for 2025. The award is given to those who demonstrate outstanding work commitment and hours to the program. Those receiving these awards started in the year group 2023. The award selection was made in August 2025 and was based on hours to that date. Mr. Gibbons presented badges and congratulated the following young men and women on their commitment and service to the hospital:
- Mackenzie Heaney – 171 hours
- E’mari Ingemann – 168 hours
- Antwanae Simmons – 150 ½ hours
- Dae ‘Jon Smith – 143 ½ hours
- Isis Tucker – 140 hours
- Chaya Lambert-James 133 hours
Each of these young people will be considered to receive the Head Striper Award which will be presented in 2026.
The HAB accepts fifty students each year. Currently 126 Candy Stripers are in the program. Interested young people can apply in writing to join the program. Students must apply before their 14th birthday. To apply email sonja.paulos@bhb.bm.
