Eight Southampton students continuing their education overseas have received financial support from their parish council.

The eight high school graduates will be studying a variety of subjects, from geography to science, animation and health, at universities in Canada, the United States and Britain.

Corey Butterfield, the scholarship committee chairman for Southampton Parish, said: “In anticipation of assisting more families this year, the council held a fundraising golf tournament in March to boost the scholarship fund.

“Notwithstanding that increase, as this year we received the most applications in recent memory, the committee asked the full council to allocate even more funds.

“We are grateful that council members doubled the fund for 2024 allowing us to assist further students and families in Southampton.”

Scholarship committee member Arnold Todd added: “It is rewarding to support young people who are clever, committed and driven by a higher purpose.

“Every applicant had strong credentials and during our deliberations, committee members agreed that given the perspectives and performances of the applicants, contrary to what is often assumed, we are very optimistic about Southampton’s and Bermuda’s future.”

The scholarship winners are:

Nicholas Hendrickson, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in geography at Wilfred Laurier University, Canada.

Tiffany Smith, an aspiring paediatrician pursuing a bachelor of science degree at Oakwood University, Alabama.

Denver Tucker, who represented the island at the 2024 Carifta Games, is undertaking a bachelor’s degree in physiology at Florida State University.

Rickai Lightbourne Jr., who is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in animation at Southern Adventist University, Tennessee.

Nia Outerbridge, an aspiring forensic pathologist undertaking a bachelor of science at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.

Koa Goodchild, a national team footballer pursuing a bachelor of science at Howard University in Washington.

Sanjayah Allwood, who is taking a bachelor of science in health and social work at University of Bolton, UK.

Noah Hayward, who is taking a bachelor of science degree in forensic science at Ontario Tech University, Canada.