Nicholas Kessel has won the 2023 EY Gil Tucker Bermuda Scholarship.

The award is valued at up to $30,000 per year until the recipient has completed the minimum educational requirements to pursue their public accountant, actuarial or other designation based upon their field of study.

Mr Kessel has been studying business administration at the Bermuda College and this autumn transitions to the University of Guelph for a bachelor’s degree focused on business and economics.

He has also begun working towards his Associate in Reinsurance designation.

He was shocked by his win and said: "This scholarship is allowing me to focus entirely on my post-secondary education and laying the foundation for my future career. I feel so honoured that I was selected as the recipient of such a prestigious scholarship."

The award provides students, who have shown academic excellence, the opportunity to attain higher education degrees and begin building careers in the professional services industry.

It also includes a summer internship to gain practical experience and an offer of full-time employment at EY Bermuda upon successful completion of the student’s university studies.

Kent Howard, EY Bermuda partner and regional student programmes committee leader, called Mr Kessel an exceptional young man. He said that his commitment to excellence and his focus on building a better working world was an inspiration to those around him.

“We look forward to teaming with Nicholas as he begins his journey into professional services and as he develops into a future leader within our industry and the broader community,” she added.

Bill Bailey, EY Bermuda country managing partner and regional tax leader, remarked that the next generation was our most important resource.

He said: “Supporting the development of the next generation of Bermudian talent has a positive and empowering social impact. This aligns with EY’s purpose of building a better working world.”