2013 Bermuda Government Scholars announced

Statement by Education Minister Nalton Brangman

Good afternoon,

It is always a fantastic opportunity when we can come together to celebrate the good that our young people are doing.

And, this impressive gathering of awardees, contrary to the belief of some, represents the majority of the young people in our community.

However, before I speak about their achievements, I must take this opportunity to commend the scholarship committee for all of its hard work in overseeing this annual event – and a special thanks to Ms. Darlene Hartley for her focus and dedication to the Board and this event in particular.

Each spring, the Scholarship Committee sifts through hundreds of applications from persons seeking the recognition of being a Bermuda Government Scholar and from those seeking financial assistance with their continued education.

And while we would love to be able to assist every applicant, the reality is that we have finite financial resources, particularly in the present climate, and hence our assistance is limited. However, in-spite of our budgetary constraints, in the upcoming academic year, we will be funding a total of sixty-one students.

To all of you who were fortunate enough to be selected, we are delighted that we are able to recognise you and provide you with that much needed monetary boost which I am sure will assist you all greatly.

Today we recognise our new Bermuda Government Scholars, recipients of Further Education Awards and the Mature Student Award.

These scholarships and awards recognise the brightest talents in our community.

Each of you represents an investment for this Government. We understand that the important studies that you will undertake over the next few years will serve this community well upon your return home.

You are an impressive group, you are the future leaders of this Country and you are a testament to what can be achieved with hard work, focus and determination.

The Bermuda Government remains committed to assisting you and those who come behind you in your educational pursuits.

Providing these Scholarships and Awards is a source of tremendous pride for the Government and it is our aim to continue supporting this programme for many years to come.

Thank you and Congratulations to you all!

At this time, I will acknowledge the four Bermuda Government Scholars of 2013.

Bermuda Government Scholars 2013

Rachel Leah Ball is currently a Health Science Pre-Med student at Columbus State University pursuing a goal of becoming an Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon.  She volunteers for YMCA to address the need created by the lack of funding for health care and enjoys mentoring aspiring medical students.  She achieved the President’s List for Spring 2013 in recognition of superior academic performance – Ms. Ball has already left to begin her classes.   

Jesse W. Marshall is currently in his second year at the University of Southampton pursuing a degree in Natural Sciences which he feels fits perfectly with Bermuda and his hopes of returning to Bermuda focusing on Oceanography.  He is an avid sportsman who enjoys tennis, golf and soccer.

 Xiaoyu “Yuki” Sun is a 2013 Saltus graduate who achieved the Headmaster’s prize for GCSEs and is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honors.  She will be pursuing an actuarial science designation at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland.

John Russell has been invited to join the University of Exeter to pursue a Mechanical Engineering degree commencing September 2013.  He has achieved the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards and wants to help drive Bermuda towards a more energy sustainable country.