Dozens of students were given a helping hand towards their career goals after being named as recipients of scholarship awards.

Education Minister Randy Horton gave out Government scholarships, teacher training awards and mature student awards in a ceremony at Camden House in the Botanical Gardens yesterday.

"Even though you may be returning to Bermuda upon completion of your studies, never lose sight of the fact that you will be competing with the rest of the world for positions in whatever is your chosen field," the Minister told the recipients.

"To use the language of the young people, you must therefore represent and represent well. Show that this country, despite its size relative to other larger countries, is capable of producing individuals of the highest quality. The Ministry of Education, Sport and Recreation, as well as the Government and people of Bermuda, celebrate your success, and proudly consider you ambassadors of this country. Make us proud."

Kristen Douglas, 17, who is heading off to La Sierra University in California to study math, psychology and actual science, said she screamed with joy when she found out she was going to receive a Government scholarship.

She said: "It will take off the financial burden from my mom and it feels good that your country will invest in you."

Government scholars: Alison Bolton, Kristina Crockwell, Kristen Douglas, Thomas Foster, Promila Gonsalves, Lisa-Jayne Metschnabel, Donita Stevens, Ciara Talbot.

Teacher training award recipients: Maura Almeida, Tarick Bean-Darrell, Shawnette Brangman, Shantel DeShield, Vernon Lambe III, Jenny Palmer, Vernee Proctor.

Mature student award recipients: Valirie Akinstall, Theresa Caines, Ugene Godfrey, Tammisha Francis-Wainwright, Alfreda Hughes, Thomas McKittrick, Danvers Seymour, Natasha Shabdeen, Keita Swan.