Awards Recipients – 2010
Click image to view handbookThe ABIC Education Awards’ luncheon was held on Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 at the Harbourfront Restaurant.
David Ezekiel, ABIC Chairman, introduced this year’s two speakers Rees Fletcher, President & CEO of ACE Bermuda and Erika Suber, Actuarial Trainee at Ariel Re, both of whom were previous ABIC education award recipients. They debated the motion: This House believes that Education and Opportunities are better today in 2010 than they were 30 years ago in 1980.
They argued their cases, with Ms Suber for the Proposition and Mr Fletcher for the Opposition, to determine whether attending college and entering the workforce was better in Mr Fletcher’s day in the 1980s or more recently for Ms Suber in the first decade of the 21st century.
While they explained their diverse college experiences 30 years apart, they highlighted a very important fact - that when going to college and entering the workplace the same principles of hard work, good grades, work experience and networking are as crucial today in 2010 as they were 30 years ago in 1980. So while their strategies for completing college and entering the workplace may have been completely different, both Ms Suber and Mr Fletcher achieved the same end goal – a successful and rewarding career in international business.
This year, 17 undergraduate scholarships were awarded in addition to 1 post graduate award and a total of $545,200 was raised for the program.
ABIC is grateful to all the international companies who donated to this year’s campaign and a special thanks to those companies who generously sponsored the Corporate Named Awards.
The 2010 Awards Recipients are:
Kian Butterfield
Kian, a graduate of Cedarbridge Academy, received his Diploma in Information System Specialization with Cisco from CompuCollege with an 85% grade. He has also qualified as a Microsoft Systems Engineer, Microsoft Systems Administrator and a Citrix Certified Administrator. Kian has demonstrated his commitment to expanding his knowledge and his passion for his chosen field, both inside the classroom and out in the workforce. For the last three years, Kian has been employed as an eVolution Systems Manager at Independent Consulting Solutions, gaining the reputation as a hard worker. Described as “a good student and very talented athlete,” Kian was very involved in athletics serving as a member of the Warwick Workman’s Club, Cleveland County Cricket Club and Paget Lions. Despite being a “talent” in the local cricket scene however, Kian has remained steadfast in his academic pursuits. In the fall Kian will be attending University of East London to study towards his Bachelor of the Science degree with honors on Business Information Systems. He one day hopes to hold a prestigious IT Management position within an international company and then to one be able to own his own IT Consulting Company.
Amber Clark
Amber recently graduated from the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at Bermuda High School with commendable grades. Highly respected by both the student community and faculty, Amber’s “level headed and hardworking nature” is evident in both the classroom and on the basketball court. Not only did she represent her school on the basketball team but she was selected to the B.S.S.F All Star Team which won the overall title. Amber also had the opportunity to travel to the Cayman Islands with the Under 19 Team for the Caribbean Championships. Unlike many of her peers, after school and during weekends, Amber dedicates her time to assist with a small family business. She is most accurately described as “a conscientious student who takes full responsibility for her own learning and personal development.” Even more interestingly one of her ardent supporters, an English teacher, notes that she is “receptive to positive criticism and is sincerely committed to progress.” These admirable qualities have no doubt provided her with a strong foundation on which to build a successful future. Amber will be attending Acadia University in the fall where she will be studying towards a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration in the hopes of returning to Bermuda to work in the international business industry and to one day run her own company.
Helen Crisson
Helen recently graduated from the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at Bermuda High School with a commendable 3.75 GPA, near perfect GCSE and SAT scores and having notched up all available subject prizes at some stage during her high school career. Helen was awarded an academic merit scholarship on entering the IB Program and has been on the honour roll since Grade 7. An accomplished linguist she opted to write her IB extended essay in French. Helen has been attending the Centre for Talented Youth in Bermuda for four years and it was through them that she was provided the opportunity to attend summer intensive courses overseas to include Global Politics at Princeton, Human Rights and Justice at the Universidad de Vittoria in Madrid and Engineering at Roger Williams. In addition to her academic exploits, Helen is a member of the Menuhin Youth Orchestra and has performed with the English Chamber Orchestra. She has served as a volunteer at YouthNet and at the KEMH. In the fall Helen will be attending the prestigious Johns Hopkins University where she plans to study Mathematics and Statistics with the intention of becoming an Actuary. Helen’s list of accomplishments in academics, language, music, and community service combined with her “approachable and patient nature” will no doubt assist her in her journey in becoming an invaluable asset to the International Business community in Bermuda.
Subira Dill
Subira recently graduated from the Cedarbridge Academy, where she served as a Student Prefect and was named to the honour roll for the last 4 years, earning her a place as a member of the prestigious National Honors Society and the respect from both her peers and teachers. She is described as “articulate, responsible, punctual and assertive in expressing her views in any subject matter.” It was these admirable traits, when combined with her academic strengths and willingness to go the extra mile for those around her, that enabled her to contribute to the student community as both a Tutor and Mentor. Another example of her giving nature is evidenced through her volunteer work at the Salvation Army Food Kitchen where she was part of the ‘Feed the Homeless’ program. Subira’s academic accomplishments and her commendable community involvement have earned her a place at Dalhousie University in the fall, where she will be working towards a Bachelor’s of Commerce CO-OP degree in Business Administration. It is her goal “to pursue a career in international business because of the limitless opportunities it provides young Bermudians.” And her strength of character and ability to succeed is no more evident than in her own words, “Unlike many of my peers, the light bulb has gone off and I get it. I am not seeking to further my education because I am following in someone else’s footsteps; I seek to make my own imprint.”
Jubilee-Ann Edness (Tokio & Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch)
Jubilee-Ann recently graduated from Berkeley Institute where she consistently earned high honours, placing her near the top of her year group. Described by her high-school Principal as one who “is enthusiastic about all aspects of school life,” she earned numerous academic and citizenship awards during her academic career, including a GCSE English Award and Spanish Award. Known for her “good sportsmanship and dedication,” Jubilee-Ann’s leadership and athletic skills are demonstrated through her appointment as House Captain as well as her involvement in both the school’s track and field team and the Mid-Island Striders Track Team. This dedication extends beyond her academic and athletic pursuits. Jubilee has volunteered as a Candy Striper at the hospital for four years, has contributed five hundred and six hours of community service and has served as a loyal member of Devonshire Christ Church where she is an assistant Sunday School teacher. During the past 3 years, Jubilee has held part time employment during the school breaks and served as a relief Administrative Assistant to the Principal. In the fall she will be entering St. John’s University where she will major in Risk Management and Insurance with the intent to return to Bermuda to work within the international business sector as an Underwriter.
Tashae Harvey
Tashaé has been attending the University of Buckingham since the fall of 2009 where she is currently studying for her LLB Law Degree. Despite only being at university for a year, she has done well to immerse herself in the student community through her involvement as an Executive member of The Law Society, in the Music Society, Islam Society, Amnesty International and a respected member of the Debate Team. Prior to her University education, Tashaé attended Berkeley Institute where she was an esteemed member of the Student Government, Gospel Choir and Theatre Club. She served as a Youth Net Student Mentor and as a Student Intern for the Mirrors Program, a government initiative aimed to support and challenge at risk persons between the ages of 15 – 18 years old. Tashaé also participated in the Raleigh International Bermuda 2005 launch program which involved a 10 week long charity expedition in Sabah, Borneo alongside ten other Bermudians and eighty people from various other countries. She was described by one of the organizers as “one of the more solid and committed participants, proving to be a valuable member of the team.” It should come as no surprise then to learn that Tashaé received the Community Service Award for Outstanding Service. Tashaé’s accomplishments in the community, as well as at school, will carry her in good stead as she works towards her goals of becoming a Barrister in England and Bermuda and eventually a partner in a prestigious law firm.
Kayla Johnson
Kayla recently graduated from the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at Warwick Academy, securing 9 near perfect GCSE grades, First Honours and a place on the esteemed Principles List. She serves as an excellent role model to young girls having been elected to several positions of authourity including, Vice House Captain, Prefect and Head Girl. Described as “determined, consistent, tenacious, meticulously organized and an absolutely autonomous learner who is welcomed by the teachers in the classroom,” Kayla received a financial scholarship from the Principal to participate in the Global Young Leaders Conference. She has been involved in all aspects of student life through her involvement in the school orchestra and as a Captain of the Volleyball Team. Kayla is also a keen swimmer having competed both locally and internationally as a member of Dolphin Swim team. Her list of achievements go on to include the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, Piano Grade 4 and Violin Grade 5. Within the community her volunteer works includes work at KEMH and Dolphin Quest as well as raising funds for the Bermuda Red Cross and Nurses Association. Kayla will be entering the University of Western Ontario in the fall where she will be studying towards a degree in Business Management and Organizational Studies with the hope of working within the International Business sector in Bermuda.
Khayriyyah Joyiens
Khayriyyah recently graduated from the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at the Bermuda High School having earned recognition for her dedication by being awarded the Elizabeth Viera Cup for Effort and Progress in Academic Work and a Letter of Commendation for Spanish. Khayriyyah is described by her IB Coordinator as someone who “thrives in an environment of industry and technology.” Her determination and diligence have seen her overcome the learning challenges she faced throughout her high-school career and have spilt over into other aspects of her life. Khayriyyah received her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award and was selected to be the Middleton House Leader Khayriyyah’s commitment to, and participation in the community has gained her the reputation as a “great role model and leader.” She was a YouthNet Mentor and volunteer for Pride Bermuda. Even more laudable is that with all of Khayriyyah’s commitments she was still able to participate in dance and pass her Grade 1 Music Theory Exam in Piano with distinction. She will no doubt do extremely well at Kingston University in London in the fall where she plans to receive her Bachelors Degree with Honours in Business Information Management. Khayrriyah believes that IT “will play a profound role in all organizations now and in the future” and plans to make an impact in that field with the skills she hopes to gain.
Victoria Medeiros
Victoria recently graduated from Mount Saint Agnes Academy where she received top academic honours during all four years of her high school career. Described by several of her teachers as “a pleasure to have in class,” Victoria boasts a near perfect academic record, averaging 90% in her Senior year. She is an active member of the MSA community through her participation in the MSA Ensemble, numerous school plays, the Glee Club as well as the Yearbook Committee. Outside of school, Victoria is actively involved in her Church as an Altar Server and has served as a Youth Net Mentor. Victoria’s academic success and pleasant attitude make her an easy choice for a role model. Her guidance counselor, who was more than happy to recommend her for a scholarship, described her as “a determined, hardworking, and organized student who strives to do well,” adding that “her conduct record is exemplary.” Victoria will be entering Brock University in the fall where she will be studying towards a Bachelors Degree in Honours Business Administration Co-op program. She hopes to pursue a Masters Degree and return to the island to make a valuable contribution to the industry that helped to support her academic pursuits.
Cathryn Minors
Cathryn recently graduated from the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at Bermuda High School with an impressive 3.42 GPA, and several academic awards under her belt including The Student of Excellence Award, the Junior Debate Team Leader Award, Peer Tutoring Award and the Principal Cup for Most Potential for Success in the Future. Cathryn was also enrolled in a language immersion program through the Lingua Maris French Institute and is described by her IB Coordinator as “a determined, driven and gutsy member of our graduating class.” An avid sportsperson, she represented her school on the volleyball, netball and hockey teams and participated in Bermuda’s National Sailing Program as well as the International Round Square Conference as a member of the Bermuda Hockey Federation. Cathryn’s diverse interests and experiences will no doubt assist her when she enters the University of Liverpool in the fall, where she will be enrolled in a duel degree program combining Honors Law LLB and a Bachelor of the Arts degree in History. Cathryn’s future plans are to become a lawyer.
Sierra Petty
Sierra recently graduated from Mount St. Agnes Academy having remained on the Honour roll for 5 consecutive years and often with First Honours, earning her a well deserved place in the National Honours Society as well as the Sandra Johnson Memorial and French Awards. Described as an “outstanding student and a fine human being,” Sierra immersed herself in the student community through her involvement as a member of the Student Council, Glee Club and Yearbook Committee. Her participation on her school’s basketball, volleyball and football teams, along with the Duke of Edinburgh Silver and Bronze award scheme, serve as a testament to the “well-rounded student that she is, whose scope of interest extends well beyond academics.” Despite her commendable list of achievements and extracurricular pursuits, Sierra has been able to manage her time well enough to tutor and serve as a peer mentor to the 7th and 8th graders at Mount St. Agnes. Sierra will be attending St. Francis Xavier University in the fall where she will be studying towards her Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Accounting. In her own words, “my grandmother’s success in the insurance industry has shown me that hard work and perseverance are great assets to have and I am following her example.”
Lamar Richardson
Lamar, an Honors graduate of Berkeley Institute, has been attending the Bermuda College for the last three years. Lamar’s academic potential is evident in his SAT Scores where he earned a near perfect score for English. Described as a “future leader,” it is clear that Lamar is driven to succeed in all areas of his life. He has gained a reputation outside of the classroom as an extremely talented bowler and a precious asset to the bowling association. Currently he represents Bermuda as a Junior Representative in the United States Bowling Congress and as a member of the Bermuda Bowling National Team. Despite his decision at the age of 17 to move up to the adult league, Lamar has not forgotten his younger teammates, offering his assistance to the Junior League on the weekends and coaching younger bowlers. In the words of the Junior Bowling League Supervisor “he always encourages the juniors to do their best and teaches them to maintain their focus in order to achieve their goals.” Lamar also finds time away from the bowling alley to participate on the cricket pitch as a member of the PHC Cricket Team. In the fall Lamar will be enrolling in the School of Business and Management at Temple University to pursue a Bachelors Degree majoring in Actuarial Science. He plans to return to Bermuda and work in international business as an Actuary.
Shakira Richardson
Shakira graduated from the Bermuda College with an Associates Degree in Business Administration with distinction and a 3.7 GPA. Described as “disciplined and intellectual” she finished out her last two years at the top of her class and received the only A grade in her microeconomic class. Despite Shakira’s unwavering commitment to her academic pursuits, she still manages to find time to volunteer for the SPCA, participate as an active member of Swan’s Running Club and even more admirably be a loving, devoted mother of three. Over the years Shakira has held jobs in banking and captive insurance. More recently she has been employed as a Statistical Officer at the Department of Statistics where she is described as a “consummate professional.” Shakira has decided to return to school to broaden her knowledge base and to be able to provide a better future for her children. In the fall she will enter Aston University where she plans to study towards a combined Honors Degree in Business and Psychology, with the intent of improving upon her position and status in the international business sector. In the words of one of her most avid supporters, “I have no doubt that she will meet the academic requirements of the university of her choice and represent Bermuda well.”
Jahniqua Simmons
Jahniqua is a graduate of Cedarbridge Academy and more recently Bermuda College where she earned an Associates Degree in Business Administration with merit. While at Cedarbridge, Jahniqua received four Deputy Principal Awards and maintained this high standard of academic success while at Bermuda College by receiving two Vice President Awards. She earned herself the reputation as someone who “steps up and goes above and beyond the call.” Jahniqua’s academic achievements were recognized through her induction into the prestigious National Honours Society. She immersed herself in the student community as an active member of the Student Government and Girls Club. Jahniqua also demonstrated a high level of athleticism through her involvement on the netball, softball and basketball teams throughout her high school career. In the fall she will be enrolling in the London Metropolitan University where she will be majoring in Management and Human Resources with the intent of becoming an Underwriter or Claim’s Analyst. Described as a “dedicated and highly talented asset to anything that she pursues,” there should be little doubt that she will make a meaningful contribution to the future success of any company she works for.
Krysten Smith
Krysten currently attends Florida International University where she is studying towards her Bachelors Degree in Business Administration having graduated from Mount St. Agnes Academy and Bermuda College with an Associates Degree in Business Administration with merit. Quite commendably, Krysten has consistently remained on the honor roll throughout her academic career. While at Mount St. Agnes, Krysten participated in the Duke of Edinburgh schemes receiving both her Bronze and Silver Awards, serving as a testament to her commitment and leadership qualities. She has demonstrated these strengths in several aspects of her life evidenced by her appointment as Senior Leader of the Candy Stripers at KEMH and through her continued involvement in the Student Government body from high school through to university. Krysten is described as an “exceptional character” and such is her dedication to most endeavours she has chosen to minor in Music Vocal Performance at university to fulfill her passion for singing. Krysten plans to return to Bermuda to become a contributing, esteemed member of the international business community. Heeding her favourite motto; “strive for excellence,” should serve her well.
Terrisa Stewart
Terrisa graduated from Berkeley Institute with a 3.47 GPA and more recently Bermuda College where she earned an Associates Degree in Business Administration with merit. She is heavily involved in her community through her participation as an active member of the Teen Advisory Board. She has served as Junior Leader for the Majorette group, the Hamilton Parish Hot Peppers, where she is described by the leader as having “demonstrated admirable leadership skills” and where her peers “have shared their appreciation for her pleasant and encouraging attitude.” In her application essay, Terrisa describes her eagerness to expand her knowledge about the business world and about dedicating herself to a fulfilling career, proclaiming that “someone with true passion and a humble nature will become a great world citizen.” In the fall she will be entering Spelman College where she will be studying towards a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics with a minor in Management & Organization. She intends to pursue a Graduate Degree before returning to the island to both work for, and to one day own, a lucrative business.
Marquel Waldron
Marquel, a graduate of Saltus Grammar School, will be entering into his third year at the University of West Florida where he is studying towards his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting. His goal is to become a Certified Public Accountant. While at Saltus he was on the Honour Roll, and continuing with his excellent academic record through to university he was named to the Dean’s List and participated as an esteemed member of the Gulf South Conference Academic Team. Marquel is also known for his athletic success, particularly in Football and Cricket, where he has been selected to compete on all of the Junior Squads for both sports. When he captained the Saltus Varsity Football team, it was duly noted that “under his leadership the squad developed into a formidable team on the island and Marquel led by example.” Marquel also served as the Under-20 Cricket Squad Team Captain as well as the Under-20 Football Team’s Captain. Marquel’s athletic accomplishments reached a new height when he was selected to be a part of the Senior National Football Team, a World Cup Program. Marquel is very involved in the community and gives back to the children who consider him a role model by refereeing for youth football games and volunteering as a youth cricket coach. He is best described as someone who possesses an “excellent attitude, dedication, organization, and commitment to improving himself, not just in sports but in all areas of his life.”
Post-Graduate
The Post-Graduate award is the newest addition to ABIC’s scholarship programme for Bermudian students. This new scholarship category is highly competitive, with so few such awards available on the island. This esteemed award is valued at $20,000 per year for a period of two years and those applying for this scholarship are required to have at least two years consecutive work experience, post undergraduate studies. It is intended for those wishing to further their studies in the field of international business with the aspirations of claiming a top level position within the industry. Congratulations to this year’s recipient.
Joanna Dove
Joanna graduated Cum Laude from Bates College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and was named to the Dean’s Lists for the duration of her undergraduate studies. Joanna was selected to be a presenter in the 2006 Society of Behavioral Medical Conference in California and the winner of the Hugh Grant Award intended for Bates College’s best and brightest academic stars to take their research into the pubic sphere. While completing her undergraduate studies, Joanna had the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in Rome, Italy where she not only experienced a different culture but demonstrated her academic diversity by receiving a 4.0 GPA for her course work in Art History and Italian. Joanna, who is described as an “intelligent, caring and confident young lady” and a phenomenal athlete, has a long list of commendable extra curricular pursuits and community service involvement. While attending college she volunteered at the Bermuda Red Cross and was an active volunteer for the “Bates Buddies after School Program for Underprivileged Children.” An avid runner, she has participated in numerous races overseas including the “Brian J. Honan Charitable Run” and the “J.P. Morgan Corporate Charity Challenge.” With the desire to gain practical experience in the business world, after obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree, Joanna has been employed for the last 4 years at Eze Castle Software in Boston. “Adapting well to challenging professional conditions,” Joanna quickly won the admiration and respect of her colleges and supervisors and was promoted from Quality Assurance Analyst to Associate Product Manager. As one would expect from such an ambitious individual, Joanne plans to further her knowledge and experience by studying for her Master’s of Business Administration Degree at the highly prestigious Oxford University with the intent to “build a long term career and expertise in international, financial, risk management.” Joanne is said to “combine the best qualities of academic excellence, athletic ability and winning personality.” It is these admirable traits that leave us with little doubt that she will continue to be successful in life.
