Yesha Townsend, Kioshi Burgess and Juanee Verdelle Scott were awarded grants totalling $18,000 to aid their educational pursuits yesterday.The grants, courtesy of the Bermuda Arts Council, were presented by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Patrice Minors.Ms Townsend received $10,000 for her studies in music and creative writing at McNall Smith College of Music, while Mr Burgess was awarded $5,000 to towards his studies at Philadelphia University of the Arts which he starts in January.Ms Verdelle Scott was given $3,000 for her studies in film and television production at the University of Westminster.“Each year we raise the profile of the Arts Council by presenting a series of awards to Bermudians who have made significant contributions to our arts and cultural heritage,” Ms Minors said. “We honour them with the Council’s Long Service Awards, the Patron Awards and the Founder’s Awards.“And we have selected these three students based on their proven record of excellence, commitment and talent.“I am of the view that it is critical that community organisations play an avid role in getting involved in the lives of our young people to ensure that they are unhindered in gaining access to opportunities that will help further their learning and development.“I am also of the view that the most effective impact on the socio-economic issues that we face as a community can only be achieved by ensuring that there is equal access to quality educational opportunities.”