The first recipient of a new scholarship for aspiring chefs has been announced.

Rip Crockwell Laurent received the Dr James King Culinary Arts Scholarship — and could be the first of many Bermuda College students to receive it by the new school year.

Mr Crockwell Laurent met Dr King’s widow, Lauren King, in honour of his success.

Mrs King, who was a Bermuda College faculty member between 1976 and 1993, said: “Cooking was my husband’s passion.

“Having had the chance to meet and speak with Rip, I believe that he would be pleased that Rip is the recipient of the inaugural Dr James King Culinary Arts Scholarship.”

The scholarship was named after James King, a Bermudian surgeon with a passion for cooking who chaired the Bermuda College board between 1994 and 1997.

The bursary has been funded by a private donor and offers $5,000 annually for four years to first-year Bermuda College students registered in the Associates or Diploma in the Culinary Arts Programme.

It requires applicants to have a 3.0 grade point average.

Garry Madeiros, the chairman of the Bermuda College Foundation, called hospitality a “cornerstone of Bermuda’s economy”.

He added: “We are grateful to the generosity of our donor and to Mrs King for working with the foundation and the college to set up this scholarship to honour all that Dr King provided during his leadership of the college, while also recognising his personal culinary passion.”

David Sam, the president of the Bermuda College, said: “Bermuda College is delighted and deeply grateful to the donor and the King family for establishing this culinary arts scholarship in Dr King’s name.

“The scholarship will provide invaluable support for Mr Crockwell Laurent, as the first recipient, in pursuing his passion in this vital industry.”

Dr Sam added: “Culinary arts play a crucial role in Bermuda’s hospitality sector and this generous contribution underscores the importance of investing in the next generation of talent.

“We also extend our sincere appreciation to the Bermuda College Foundation for its dedication in seeking and securing the scholarship, further strengthening opportunities for our students and the industry as a whole."

Students who hope to apply for the Dr James King Culinary Arts Scholarship can find the bursary on the Bermuda Scholarships website and apply between April 1 and June 30.

• For more information, call the Bermuda College Financial Support Services Team on 239-4018 or e-mail financialsupportservices@college.bm