The Bermuda International Long Term Insurers & Reinsurers (BILTIR) has awarded its first scholarship worth $30,000 to an “outstanding” student.

Imani Smith, 18, will receive $15,000 each year over a period of two years to put towards further education at Kingston University in Surrey, England and will be studying for a double bachelor’s degree in actuarial mathematics and statistics.

She recently graduated from Berkeley Institute, achieving six GCSEs with grades ranging from A to B, sat advance placement examinations in calculus AB and English language and composition, and served on the school’s first prefect council.

While completing her senior year, she was the first person to ever attain an Associate Degree in General Insurance (AINS) professional designation after undertaking independent studies.

Her leadership has also become evident in her role as the only junior coach with the Bluebirds netball teams.

In a press release, Ms Smith said: “I had an amazing time at the Association of Bermuda International Companies luncheon with the representatives of my corporate sponsor and I truly feel as though I can never fully explain how honoured I am to be the 2016 recipient of BILTIR’s scholarship.

“I am sincerely grateful and blessed for your organisation’s contribution to my commitment on furthering my academic endeavours.”

The BILTIR scholarship targets Bermudians studying insurance-related subjects such as mathematics, actuarial science and underwriting. It also supports the ABIC Education Awards, whose mission is to enable qualified Bermudians in financial need to pursue their undergraduate or graduate educational goals in areas related to international business.

The organisation was created to serve as a formal association representing the long-term insurers and reinsurers in Bermuda. The primary focus of BILTIR is to act as an advocate for Bermuda’s life and annuity industry, providing “a consistent and coherent voice for concerns of the long-term reinsurance sector.”

“ABIC welcomes BILTIR’s support for the ABIC Education Awards, our students depend on this support to pursue their careers in International Business,” said Richard Winchell, ABIC’s executive director.

“Thanks to donors like BILTIR, we are celebrating 39 years of the awards with more than 560 students receiving support for their college studies.”

BILTIR corporate secretary, Wendy Outerbridge, added: “We are extremely proud to award our first scholarship to such an outstanding young Bermudian. BILTIR is providing a mentor to Imani throughout her scholarship term and we look forward to following her progress over the next two years.”