Awards Recipients – 2006
Click image to view handbookThe awards luncheon was held on Wednesday, July 6, 2006 at La Coquille Restaurant. The awards are now in their 27th year and over 50 applications from students were received.
Roy Fellows , ABIC Director and Chairman of the ABICEA, introduced Mr. Gregory Slayton, U.S. General Consul to Bermuda, who was the guest speaker for the event.
The number of scholarships awarded this year was 21 and a record total of $540,000 was raised for the program. ABIC is grateful to all the international companies that donated to this year's campaign and a special thanks to those companies who generously sponsored the Corporate Named Awards.
The 2006 Awards Recipients are:
Rickai Binns
Rickai will be attending Pennsylvania State University in the fall, where he will be majoring in Finance. Recently Rickai completed his Associates Degree in Business Administration from Erie Community College where his GPA warranted him a place on the Dean’s List and served as a testament to his hard work and dedication. Described as both a scholar and successful athlete, Rickai represented the Island at the international level for 12 years as a member of the National Bowling Team. As a result, he was nominated for the Teens Services Sport Award. He recently enlisted in the Corporal Carters Division of the Bermuda Regiment, which represents a group of soldiers who have volunteered to undergo a barrage of physical and mental tests in the hopes of being promoted to the position of Lance Corporal. A positive role model for young black males, Rickai is a well-rounded individual whose ultimate focus is “to return to my island home, whereby I will be able to make a positive, professional and civil contribution to my country and the community in which I was raised.” Rickai hopes to pursue a career as a Financial Consultant.
Justin Brangman
Justin, a Rotary Exchange Student in France, was offered admission to the Atkinson Faculty of Liberal & Professional Arts at York University where he will be studying towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management. Justin graduated first in his class in high school and as a result earned congratulations from past Senator Rev. Dr. Leonard Santucci during a Senate meeting. He is a very active member of the Bright Temple African Methodist Church, having received a certificate acknowledging his achievement and contribution. Justin is also a very accomplished student in the performing arts having achieved Grade 6 and Grade 5 in Organ and Piano respectively. He also served as a member of both the Bermuda National Youth Jazz Ensemble and Menuhin Youth Orchestra. Justin, who plans on taking bi-lingual business classes while at University, says that “Spending a cultural year abroad has not only opened my eyes to another culture but has also helped me to realise how fortunate we are to live in such a great place as Bermuda. I intend to keep Bermuda that way for future generations.”
Alexander Butterfield
Alexander will be attending Georgia State University where he will be pursuing a degree in Actuarial Science. Alexander has proven himself to be a well-rounded individual who has excelled both academically and in the sports arena, having participated on numerous sport teams. He was an honour student in high school and recently graduated from the Bermuda College with an Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration, while maintaining his commendable Dean’s List status. While pursuing academic success, Alexander has also found time to give back to his community with over two years of volunteer service at Agape House. An avid sportsman, he hopes to remain involved in sports whether it be playing, coaching or organising. Alexander wishes to become an Actuary because he “enjoys the concepts used to make predictions for the future in managing and assessing risks,” and he believes that “accomplishments and awards only mean so much, because what truly matters is the character of an individual and the effect they have on others.”
Ronnell Darrell
Ronnell will be attending Acadia University in the fall where she will be pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and Finance. A single mother who prides herself in keeping involved in her son’s community activities and a part-time employee, Ronnell managed to maintain a high standard of academics while at Bermuda College, where she recently graduated with distinction and an Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration. She is well liked by her peers and teachers, who have nothing but praise for “the positive leadership qualities which she possesses in such a quiet and unassuming manner.” The focus and determination she brings to her academics is also evident in her role as Student Government Senator, where she helped implement a penny drive to fundraise lunch provisions for primary school students in need within the public school system. Ronnell’s future career goal is to become a Chartered Accountant or a Certified Financial Analyst. She lives her life with no regrets believing that “everything I have experienced in my life has made me more focused, determined and prepared for this exciting journey called higher education.”
Jennita Deshields
Jennita will be entering Mount Saint Vincent in the fall where she will be pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with a focus in Accounting. Committed to furthering her education after graduating from high school, Jennita enrolled in Bermuda College courses while maintaining a full time job as a Junior Bookkeeper. This summer she graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration and earned the praise of her Accounting Lecturer who described her as “a very bright, mature and focused individual.” These attributes will serve Jennita well as she pursues her goal of becoming a Chartered Accountant and an asset to the international business community. She understands that the career she has chosen is very demanding but she is “willing to take the challenge,” which will ultimately see her fulfill her desire to one day teach accounting at Bermuda College where she can “share the knowledge I have learned with young Bermudians.”
Ebony Fray
Ebony will be attending Saint Mary’s University in the fall where she will be pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce Degree majoring in Business Management. She recently graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration Degree from Bermuda College where she was elected Vice-President of the Student Government Council. Ebony also serves as a Bible Teacher for the Word of Life Olympian Club and her pastor, in whose congregation she was raised, describes Ebony as a young lady who “has exhibited a strong stance in positive moral conduct, mentoring skills and public speaking, influencing young people toward positive behaviour. With the understanding that the Island’s students are being prepared for careers in business as early as middle school, Ebony aspires to one day become a teacher so that she can “help shape some young minds and positively impact some people’s destinies,” and ultimately help “in whatever way possible to ensure the success of Bermuda’s students.”
Merissa Gabriel
Merissa will be entering Notre Dame University in the fall where she will be pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in Business Studies with a minor in Media Studies. An honour roll student throughout high school both locally and abroad, Merissa has been recognised internationally as a gifted student. Most notable is the fact that at the age of 16 she is attending university in September two years ahead of her peers. Actively involved in several extra curricular activities while lending her time to volunteer work, Merissa is an accomplished pianist and a solo lead singer for her Church. Described as an athlete with a strong swimming background, she was a Junior Olympic qualifier for three years with a top ten finish. Merissa plans to apply for Summer internships to gain experience in various sectors of international business in order to help her to determine which best suits her talents and interests. Her keen interests in the arts may also lead her to lend her services to an Arts/Charitable organisation. She plans to “use this scholarship as a pedestal towards my ultimate goal of graduating from university as an honour student with a degree in international business and to make a significant contribution to Bermuda.”
Kyle James
Kyle will be attending the University of Waterloo in the fall where he will enroll in the Bachelor of Commerce (Hons), Management and Information Systems program, minoring in Chinese. Kyle spent a year in Taiwan as a Rotary Exchange student. Such was his fascination with both the culture and the language, he chose to spend his senior year at a college in Ontario where he could continue his study of Mandarin. He is described by one Head Teacher as a “first class young man, who is honest and trustworthy and can be depended upon to get a task done.” Kyle is a keen soccer player and such is his personality that when an injury sidelined him for a year he volunteered to be team manager, spending the season sorting out uniforms and getting water, all with a smile on his face. Kyle’s career aspiration is to “use my technological knowledge and Chinese language skills to build international relationships that will bring jobs, professional networking, trade products and financial gain for the country. I have a passion for Bermuda and the desire to see it prosper economically and be a social model to rest of the world.”
Murricea Johnston-Iris
Murricea will be attending Acadia University in the fall where she will be pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree majoring in Finance. Currently Murricea serves as the Treasurer of Future Business Leaders of Bermuda and is on the Board of Directors for Resolu Corp. She is also a mentor for Youth Net and has volunteered at Teen Haven, PRIDE and Dolphin Quest. While at high school, Murricea assumed the respected role of Student Leader of The Berkeley Institute. According to one of her teachers, she is “a vibrant and mature young lady who has endeared herself to her peers and teachers alike.” Murricea’s career goal is to become a Financial Advisor. Having recently lost her father, Murricea is living out both their dreams by paying for her way to attend university in order to pursue this goal. “I feel in my heart that by keeping my dream alive I will always be keeping a piece of my father alive because I know it was his dream to see his little girl make something out of herself.”
Sharmaine Landy
Having graduated from Bermuda College with an Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration with merit, Sharmaine is currently attending Oakwood College where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree majoring in Marketing. Characterised by one of her teachers as a “proficient writer, a knowledge seeker and a perfectionist,” she has proven that she is a true academic with a near perfect GPA which has earned her a place on the Dean’s List. No stranger to performing, Sharmaine was 3rd runner-up in the Miss Teen Bermuda Islands Pageant, was elected by her peers as Miss Cedarbridge Academy and was a student of the In Motion School of Dance. After completing her higher education, Sharmaine plans to “build a name for myself that will be known both locally and overseas. It is through my creative talents and business savvy, that I will leave my mark on the world, just as international business has imprinted itself within Bermuda’s environment.”
Gladwin Omar Lodge
Omar will be attending Saint Mary’s University in the fall where he will be pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce Degree majoring in Global Business Management. While in high school, Omar served as President of the Young Men’s Association and as a representative at the United Nations Conference in New York. After graduating from high school, Omar spent a year in Brazil as a Rotary Exchange Student where he received a Certificate in Advance Level Portuguese. He currently serves as a volunteer for the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade and makes special visits to an elderly lady, for whom he provides both assistance and companionship. Impressed with his performance after watching him participate in the Premier’s Concert, then Premier Sir John Swan introduced himself and continued to follow his achievements over the past several years noting that “without question, Omar will make a valuable contribution to this community and continue to be an example to others who will be inspired by his accomplishments.” Omar intends to become multi-lingual in preparation for the global business arena, with a career focus in insurance and marketing. Gladwin lives by the motto, “Perfection is the key; Excellence will not be tolerated.”
Arion Mapp
In the fall Arion will be pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from the University of Buffalo, where competition for places in the freshman year is rigorous. While in high school, Arion was an esteemed member of the National Honours Society, served as Speaker of the House in Government’s Youth Parliament and last summer participated in the Global Young Leader’s Conference. Described as an “enviable leader who has won the respect of both Faculty and the student body,” Arion served as a Prefect, Student Association Sports Minister and Captain of the Basketball Varsity team. Understanding the importance of service and giving back to the community, he volunteered as a basketball coach for a youth group and offered his services as a Youth Net Mentor, which afforded him the opportunity to mentor an elementary school student from a local school. Arion’s academic goal is to study law and he believes that “To advance in life, one must push themselves to be the best and my persistence pushes me daily.”
Jevon Matthew
Jevon will be attending Columbia Union College in the fall where he will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree, majoring in Accounting. While in high school, Jevon was awarded a certificate for Excellence in Academic Achievement and so impressive were his grades that he was awarded a partial scholarship to attend university. Jevon has received certificates of recognition for his numerous hours of volunteer work at KEMH as well as for his participation in the Community Service of Bangkok, Thailand. With a keen interest in accounting and actuarial science, Jevon has spent some time this year shadowing an accountant in a local business firm and intends to study to become a Chartered Accountant. Described as a “young man who is interested in doing his best and achieving something in life,” Jevon believes that, in providing him with this scholarship, “ABIC will receive the satisfaction of knowing that a product of their investment will help make Bermuda a better place.”
Andrew Mendonca
Andrew will be entering Saint Mary’s University in the fall where he will be pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce Degree majoring in Accounting. An outstanding academic student, Andrew was the top honour student in his year and was so well respected by both his peers and teachers that he was elected Head Boy, responsible for managing 20 prefects. Having achieved the highest GCSE results in his year, Andrew received an International Baccalaureate Scholarship to the 6th Form. He has volunteered his time as a Sunday School assistant and was part of the school basketball team that entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest game ever played. Andrew is described by the Deputy Head teacher as “a rare find; a serious talented academic, a hard worker and a thoroughly well rounded young man.” With an interest in business studies and mathematics and a MBA under his belt, Andrew plans to return to the Island “to play my part, in not only contributing to international business, but also to the community by becoming a mentor to a young person in need of guidance.”
Jessica Palmer
Jessica is currently attending Mount Allison University where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in International Relations with a double minor in Economics and French. While in high school, Jessica consistently obtained First Honours and was ranked at the top of her class. She spent two weeks in a French immersion camp in Quebec, a prize awarded to her through an island wide student French competition, and spent a year in France as a Rotary Exchange student. While at university, she played the lead role in a multi-lingual rewriting of Shakespeare’s “Antony and Cleopatra”, and according to her drama teacher, is a “shining light on the Mount Allison University campus.” Her participation in the Leo Club, Random Acts of Kindness and her dedication to Candy Striping and Meals on Wheels are evidence of her volunteerism. One teacher describes her as “having greater empathy than almost any student he has known in his 21 year career.” Well disciplined in the Art of Karate, Jessica is also an accomplished violinist. She is aspiring to become a Corporate Attorney and believes that “Life is what you make it and determination, despite raw ability, is a necessity. If one can consider giving up, then they are fighting themselves half the time.”
Teron Ratteray
Teron will be attending the University of Western Ontario in the Fall where he will be enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Administration Degree programme. While in high school, Teron had the opportunity to live and study in Spain, gaining a greater knowledge of both the culture and the language. He has taken part in Young Enterprise (Bermuda) in order to broaden his understanding of the business world and has accomplished a work shadow at ACE where he furthered his knowledge of the reinsurance field. Teron has volunteered his time to the youth programmes offered at the Aquarium and SPCA. He is described as a “person of integrity with a brilliant attitude, great work initiative and sense of fearlessness.” Teron’s career interests are in the insurance industry and risk management, with the understanding that “there has always been a high demand for skilled Bermudian insurance workers,” and as such feels that “I should take full advantage of this opportunity, especially as it interests me.”
Justin Robinson
Justin is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce programme at the University of Guelph where he is majoring in Marketing. While in high school, Justin was elected Senior Prefect and graduated with honours. Commendably, he has remained on the Dean’s List since entering university. Impressively able to balance his academics and his athletic pursuits and interests, Justin has represented his country in the Junior Caribbean Squash Championships and in the US Junior Olympics, whilst also contributing to his school’s soccer team winning the Canadian Association of Independent Schools Tournament. Justin’s National Squash Coach describes him as an athlete “with a great competitive spirit, excellent sportsmanship and charisma.” His past Principal believes that “any financial investment that can help him achieve his academic endeavours will show abundant returns in the future.” After achieving his MBA, Justin hopes to gain some work experience in Canada “learning business acumen.” He believes that it takes a “serious stick-to-it attitude in order to overcome your challenges and be successful.”
Ashleigh Simons
Ashleigh will be attending the University of Tampa in the fall where she will be pursuing studies in international business. She is described as someone who “possesses a quiet determination and inner strength that is underlying to her success in whatever goals she sets herself,” and is regarded by her peers as “a dependable source of support.” Ashleigh has held several positions of leadership through out the years including prefect, class leader, deputy house leader, Head Girl and peer mediator. A well-rounded individual, she also has a long history of participation in team sports and track and field events, both in and outside of school. Ashleigh’s academic achievements include several honor and merit awards and such is her dedication to furthering her knowledge of the business world that she has worked for 3 years in the international arena as a summer intern. Currently undecided as to which area of international business she would like to focus on, she believes without reservation that “whatever career I choose I will be successful.”
Zenika Simons
Zenika is currently on the Dean’s List at Andrews University where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree, majoring in Management. She was an honour roll student throughout high school where she served as Deputy Head Girl, Prefect, President of the National Honour Society and Vice President of the Student Association. During her senior year, Zenika founded the Bermuda Institute Leaders Charity, an organisation that encourages student leaders to raise funds to assist families in Bermuda and around the world. Zenika is described as “an exemplary student, who is admired by everyone she meets, with the innate ability to see a need and fill it without being asked.” Her career focus is to be a multi-lingual Corporate Attorney, working for “a prestigious international company in Bermuda, handling their international affairs.” In her words she “desires to be more than the inevitable and dreams to accomplish the impossible.”
Sophia Stephanato
Sophia is currently on the Dean’s List at the University of Tampa where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree majoring in Business Management. While in high school, Sophia was elected a Senior Prefect, won the prize for Spanish and commendably achieved both a high average and top class ranking. She made her mark in sports, particularly in swimming, and was involved in the music programme. Sophia is described by one teacher as a “most likeable, stable young lady with a healthy self-image and a well developed sense of responsibility and integrity.” Her community service extends to volunteering her time at the Physical Abuse Centre. Unsure of her career plans, Sophia would like to leave her options open and explore the various areas within both international and local companies. Sophia describes herself as “a conscientious student throughout my life thanks to my mother who has always made education a priority.”
Tylise Tear
Tylise is currently attending North Carolina A&T State University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree, majoring in Accounting. Prior to attending university, Tylise graduated from Bermuda College with an Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration Degree with Merit. Described as a person “who, when faced with a challenge, applies herself to the fullest until it is achieved,” Tylise’s current Dean’s List status serves as a testament to her hard work and dedication. Currently she is both a member of the Caribbean Culture Club (CCC), which lends its services to charitable causes, and the Sandy’s Healing Centre Dance Ministry. With an MBA under her belt, Tylise intends to become a Certified Public Accountant. Tylise believes that “education is an ongoing experience and there is no limit to the knowledge that one can gain.”
