With over $68,500 in monies made available this year, the awards went to nine local students who are pursuing careers in the nursing field.

Eight of this years recipients are currently working towards their credentials in nursing, primarily in the US and Canada, while another recipient is studying for a degree in dietetics.

Ms Carmelita Francis, Ms. Johnette Basden, Mr. Eric DeSilva, Ms Andrea Aberdeen, Ms Nadirah Shakir, Ms Shaunae Smith, and Mrs. Suzanne Smith are this years award recipients.

Two of the more prestigious awards went to Mrs. Marshallene Iris who received the Glaxo Wellcome Scholarship and Mrs. Royce-Ann James who received the Lady Swan Scholarship. Both are mature students who are returning to school to advance their nursing careers.

On hand for the presentations were Lady Swan, Chairman of the Hospital Board Mr. Raymonde Dill, as well as Ian Fox President of Glaxo Finance in Bermuda.

Mr. Fox said. "We are proud to assist Marshelene in her education.'' "We are particularly impressed that she took this on as a mother of a son and a daughter, taking the time off to go back to college.'' Mr. Dill commented on the fact that there was only one male in the group. He said that he would like to see more men taking roles in the health sciences field.

"The Board is committed to attracting young males and they should be encouraged to follow in your footsteps.'' he said. "We need to continue to bring Bermudians into this field.'' Mr. Dill congratulated the scholarship winners and told them: "I look forward to welcoming you back.''