At a press conference, Mr. Andre Heyliger, chairman of the International Companies Education Award programme, introduced three past winners who have gone on to achieve professional success.

They were Ms Kim Wilkerson, ICEA Hopewell scholar 1983, Mr. Rees Fletcher ICEA scholar 1979, and the Hon. Jerome Dill, Hopewell scholar 1978.

Ms Wilkerson, who is an assistant vice president, brokerage, is now in her eigth year at Sedgwick, a world leader in risk consultancy.

Mr. Fletcher is celebrating his fifth year at ACE Insurance, where he is assistant vice president, underwriting.

Human Affairs Minister the Hon. Jerome Dill is a partner at the law firm of Appleby, Spurling and Kempe and has been described as one of the United Bermuda Party's brightest young members.

"We believe it is critical that we give Bermuda students every opportunity possible to succeed and excel in their chosen professions,'' Mr. Heyliger said.

"The ICEA recipients here today reflect the incredibly high calibre of Bermuda talent and we are proud to have played a small part in their success.'' Mr. Martin Smith, who chairs the Hopwell scholarship fund, said that it was important that Bermudians know that International companies donate money for scholarships which provide excellent opportunities for students.

He said that he had been involved with the Hopewell Scholarship Fund for some 20 years and he encouraged more Bermudians to apply.

The ICEA is one of the largest scholarship programmes in the island, which has helped over 200 Bermuda students.

PAST WINNERS--Former International Companies Education Award receipents pose with scholarship committee members, from left, former scholar Mr. Rees Fletcher, Mr. Andre Heyliger ICEA chairman, former scholar Ms Kim Wilkerson, former scholar the Hon. Jerome Dill , Mr. Craig Walls representing the education committee, Mr. Martin Smith, chairman of the Hopwell Scholarship Fund and current scholar Mr. Brian Holdipp.