ceremony sponsored by the Ministry of Education.

Education Minister Tim Smith spoke to the award recipients and their family members at the Princess Hotel on Wednesday.

Mr. Smith stated: "Investing in education is one of the most important ways to invest in Bermuda's families.'' He said the money awarded to the students totalled more than $1.34 million in scholarships, awards, and loans.

Eight students were awarded $12,500 through the Bermuda Government Scholarship and six students received the Teacher Training Award of $7,500.

The 1998 Bermuda Government Scholars are Cindy Fisher, Morrisa Francis, Timothy Furr, Zakiyah Johnson, Tracey Osborne, Nicole Pinder, Lisa Rodrigues, and Joshua Samuels.

And this year's Teacher Training Award recipients are Keisha Allen, Tona Douglas, Garita Jennings, Daveta Patterson, Wendeisha Phillips, and Sherilyn Wade.

More than 250 students were awarded either an interest-free student loan, a UK fee differential, or a Further Education Award.

Mr. Smith said: "This Government wants you to have access to internationally respected qualifications.'' "And we want you to come home with qualifications that allow you to feel secure in your ability to have a successful future,'' he added.

COLLEGE-BOUND -- Education Minister Tim Smith is pictured outside the Hamilton Princess Hotel with a group of Bermudian scholars and award winners.

EDUCATION ED