XL Group plc yesterday announced that the 2011 XL Scholarship has been awarded to Saltus Grammar graduate Rowan Border.The XL Scholarship is a four-year full scholarship open to Bermudians working towards a degree in insurance-related studies.Eighteen-year-old Rowan, the son of Alistair and Karen Border of Warwick, was selected from a field of 40 applicants for the scholarship.XL’s Director of Human Resources in Bermuda, Leah Dean, said: “Each year the XL Scholarship Committee is faced with the pleasant dilemma of choosing one of many impressive applicants. This year was no different.“The quality of students who applied was very high. Along with his academic, leadership, and community service credentials, Rowan’s passion for and knowledge of computers really resonated with the committee, particularly in light of XL’s focus on talent, technology, and innovation. We wish him well in his studies and look forward to his future contributions to Bermuda and the industry.”Rowan, who received the Saltus Headmaster’s Award for GCSE Excellence and later attended Sevenoaks School in the UK where he obtained his International Baccalaureate and was a Senior Prefect, is scheduled to begin studies in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at Edinburgh University this Fall. He is interested in pursuing a career in catastrophe modelling.In addition to his academic achievements, which include receiving the GlaxoSmithKline Science Award at Saltus and the “Creative Tie” Award for Yearbook at Sevenoaks, Rowan is a participant in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Programme.He is due to complete the Gold Award with an expedition in Germany this summer. He was also a senior member of the Bermuda Boys’ Brigade, where he was heavily involved in supervising younger members and assisting in community and fundraising projects. He continues to assist the Brigade with IT matters.Since the inception of the XL Scholarship (formerly the XL Insurance Scholarship) in 1990, approximately $2 million has been provided to help Bermudians prepare for professional careers in the insurance industry. A condition of the award is that recipients be willing to return to Bermuda on completion of their studies.