On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, KPMG proudly hosted the 12th Annual KPMG Brain Bowl Academic Tournament at Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman.
All high schools across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac were invited to participate in the Jeopardy-style event. Thirteen schools competed, with approximately 90 students in attendance.
The students delivered outstanding performances. Special congratulations go to John Gray High School, who secured first place. Cayman International School and Triple C School earned second and third place, respectively.
The Brain Bowl, a longstanding academic tradition for over a decade, aims to unite local schools and inspire students to strengthen their academic skills, collaborate effectively, and sharpen their critical thinking. Under timed conditions, teams were tested on subjects including Mathematics, English, Science, Caribbean History, spelling, and current events.
The 2025 theme, Celebrating our Cultural DNA, honoured Cayman’s rich heritage and highlighted how far our community has come. The event placed a strong focus on Caymanian history, traditions and identity, with the National Trust and the Cayman Islands Cultural Foundation engaging students and attendees through educational experiences centred on Cayman’s culture. This celebration was further brought to life through a special steel pan performance by Danielle Roberts, offering a vibrant showcase of Caymanian music and reinforcing the importance of preserving and celebrating our cultural roots.
Each school entered a team of five students from various high school grade levels. KPMG provided academic resources, guidelines, and study tools to help teams prepare.
First-place winners received Beats wireless headphones, and their school was awarded a $5,000 gift voucher for educational supplies. Second-place students received Mini portable photo printers, while third-place winners were gifted Smart LED corner lamp.
Distinguished guests included Hon. Isaac Rankine, Minister of Youth, Sports & Heritage; Hon. Kenneth Bryan, MP, Minister for Tourism & Ports; Mr. Elroy Bryan, Acting Deputy Chief Officer for the Ministry of Education; Mr. Mark Ray, Director of the Department of Education Services; and Mrs. Kimberly Kirkconnell, Senior Customer Services Manager at the Department of Education Services.
KPMG’s leadership was well represented, with Managing Partner Wanda Mellaneo in attendance. Yuri Williams, Local Career Development Partner, served as the tournament moderator, and Gretchen Hammes, Partner, acted as Master of Ceremonies. Many KPMG team members volunteered as judges, scorekeepers, and event staff.
Parents and guests were invited to support the students during the final rounds in the afternoon. The event was also livestreamed on the KPMG in the Cayman Islands YouTube Channel, allowing family and friends to cheer on the teams throughout the day.
The following schools participated:
- John Gray High School: 1st place
- Cayman International School: 2nd place
- Triple C School: 3rd place
- Calvary Baptist Christian School
- Cayman Academy
- Cayman Prep School and High School
- CF School
- Clifton Hunter High School
- Grace Christian Academy
- Layman E. Scott High School (from Cayman Brac)
- St. Ignatius Catholic School
- Wesleyan Christian Academy
- Year 12 Dual Enrollment
