Bermuda Institute student Vashon Williams has been declared the winner of the 2011 Alpha Beautillion, earning a $5,000 bursary award.The 17-year-old student association president beat out five other finalists after taking part in a six-month programme which saw them involved in regular volunteer work, mentorship programmes and personal development seminars.In an essay, Mr Williams said his faith and his family have helped him overcome the challenges put before him.“As a young black man, I am faced with many challenges as I work toward my future successes,” he wrote. “The very area in which I live is described as unhealthy to my development.“In my neighbourhood, there have been multiple shootings, however I refuse to allow my surroundings to define me. Ultimately, as a productive resident of the Friswell’s Hill, St Monica’s Road area, I stand as a living testimony to the power of a praying mother and grandmother.”Mr Williams wrote that he plans to continue his studies in the United States, and is studying for a career in either the medical sciences or physics.Jordan Osbourne, of the Berkeley Institute, won second place and a bursary award of $3,000, while Jameiko Smith, of CedarBridge Academy, won third and a $2,000 bursary.The three other finalists, Makeem Bartley, of Mount Saint Agnes, Bruce Perinchief, of Warwick Academy, and Jabari Burgess-Robinson, of Impact Mentoring Academy, were each awarded a $1,000 bursary award.All six finalists were selected by their schools to take part in the six-month Rites of Passage programme, organised by members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.The selected “Alpha Beaus” are required and encouraged to volunteer at the Matilda Smith Rest Home and the Bermuda Youth Library and take part in multiple mentoring workshops.An Alpha Phi Alpha spokesman said: “The goal of this programme is to groom and train young men to assume their rightful roles as future leaders and good citizens throughout their communities.”