FRIDAY, JULY 6: Ryan Whiting has been awarded the XL Scholarship.
Mr Whiting is an honours graduate of Somersfield Academy and Bermuda High School’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
The XL Scholarship is a four-year full scholarship open to students who are Bermudian or hold Permanent Resident Certificate status and are working toward a degree in (re)insurance-related studies.
Ryan, 18, is the son of David and Debbie Whiting of St. George’s. He was selected from a list of 41 applicants for the scholarship.
Vanessa Robinson, XL’s human resources manager in Bermuda and who chairs the XL Scholarship Committee, said: “This year, as in previous years, we received applications from high calibre students so it was not easy selecting a winner. “However, Ryan stood out not only based on his academic performance but also due to his level of maturity and his exemplary demonstration of leadership and dedication to the community.
“We know that he will remain focused during his years at university and we eagerly anticipate his return to Bermuda and future contributions to the industry.”
Mr Whiting is scheduled to begin studies at New York University Stern School of Business this year. He is pursuing a major in finance and economics and is interested in becoming a property casualty actuary.
Mr Whiting’s academic achievements include receiving first and second prize for his performance in an Intramural Speaking Competition in March 2011, the Senior Academic Achievement Award for English, and the Junior and Senior Academic Achievement Award for Technology at Somersfield Academy.
His extracurricular activities include playing the piano, tennis, golf and practicing martial arts.
In 2008, Mr Whiting also spent a week onboard the Spirit of Bermuda where he performed numerous duties as a member of the crew.
In addition to this, Mr Whiting has engaged in volunteer activities for various charities throughout the island including PRIDE Bermuda, Windreach Recreational Facility, the Bermuda National Trust, the Bermuda SPCA, the Bermuda Feline Association Bureau and the National Museum of Bermuda (formerly the Bermuda Maritime Museum).
Since the inception of the XL Scholarship (formerly the XL Insurance Scholarship) in 1990, more than $2 million has been provided to help local students prepare for professional careers in the (re)insurance industry. A condition of the award is that recipients be willing to return to Bermuda on completion of their studies.