Three former scholarship recipients have gone full circle – joining an the organisation that originally offered them grants.

Shannon Davis, Harry Masters and Michael Branco were yesterday announced as the newest members of the Centennial Bermuda Foundation’s scholarship committee.

They will review applications and recommend postsecondary scholarships for young Bermudians.

Ms Davis, who attended Bermuda College to study a degree in education, said she joined the committee because she knew first-hand what difference the fund could make.

“When I was awarded the Centennial scholarship, it served as a stepping stone that I needed on my journey to becoming an educator.

“I am beyond proud to be part of the organisation that serves as a stepping stone for students who are determined to reach their goals.”

Ms Davis, who now teaches social studies at Dellwood Middle School, said that she understood how financial opportunities and learning support could impact a child’s education.

She added that a “college mindset” needed to start at an earlier age to ensure a student’s success.

Mr Masters lives in Nairobi, Kenya, and works for a management and financial advisory firm that helps grow business in sub-Saharan Africa.

He said that the business scholarship he got through Centennial helped him to take a “non-traditional path” throughout business school and working in sub-Saharan Africa’s private sector.

Ms Masters added: “It’s an honour to serve on this committee.

“Knowledge is one of my core values and this role allows me to support others in their pursuit of knowledge.”

Mr Branco was the first in his family to attend university and so understood the importance and necessity of educational opportunities.

He said: “Many years ago when I interviewed for the Eldon Trimingham scholarship, I pledged to the scholarship committee that I would expand my contribution to the community as payback.

“Joining the Centennial Scholarship Committee allows me to continue my commitment to Bermuda and it is an honour to be selected.”

Mr Branco is the chairman of Celeste Ventures, which owns several start-up companies, and serves on the Bermuda College task force that reviews IT infrastructure in the school’s curriculum.

Ms Davis, Mr Masters and Mr Branco will replace Craig Tucker and Tim Marshall as they retire from the committee, as well as Kelly Francis, who is stepping down but will continue to serve on the grant committee.

Allison Towlson, the managing director of Centennial, thanked Ms Francis for her help over the years.

She said: “Kelly has spent countless hours reading scholarship applications, conducting interviews and supporting the selection process.

“We sincerely thank her and look forward to her continued support on the public education grants committee.”