Six of Bermuda’s “best and brightest academic stars” were presented with scholarships totalling around $200,000 at a ceremony on Thursday night.

The Bermuda Government Scholars picked up cheques for up to $35,000 each to help pay for overseas education and accommodation.

A further 26 students received smaller Further Education grants, along with three mature students. Three teacher training grants were also presented.

At a presentation ceremony at the XL building, Education Minister Grant Gibbons said he was impressed with the awardees, “who have a clear vision for academic success and future dreams”.

“Your hard work and diligence provide a wonderful example to those students coming behind you,” he said.

“Your achievements reflect the hallmark of a successful educational career. We are proud of you and urge you to remain committed to your academic endeavours. And most of all — continue to dream

Dr Gibbons said the scholarship scheme demonstrated that Government “is committed to facilitating student success, whether you’re part of the rising generation, or a mature student, or a teacher receiving a training award”.

“We understand that our investment today will pay significant dividends in the future as each of you pursue academic success, return home and give back to the Bermuda community in your area of study, whether it be education, health, business, engineering, finance, insurance or politics, to name a few.”

Dr Gibbons said that the Ministry had received almost 170 applications this year from students seeking financial support to either commence or continue their post secondary studies.

“The decisions for the Education Board’s scholarship committee were difficult as funding resources have been really stretched in the last couple of years,” he said.

“We have also awarded an additional year to three current Bermuda Government Scholars who are continuing their academic studies with the aim of graduating next year from the University of California in Berkeley, Penn State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.”

The scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and applicants must have a grade-point average of 3.5 or above.

This year’s awardees are;

Leanna Hall, who has completed her first year at Acadia University where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts English. Ms Hall was Valedictorian for CedarBridge Academy’s graduating class of 2012. She plans to obtain her teaching certification as her goal is to teach students to improve their English skills and develop a love for learning. She spent 2013 in a one-year Spanish immersion programme in Argentina before commencing her studies at Acadia in September 2013.

Rupert Lang, who began his pursuit of a degree in Veterinary Medicine at the Royal Veterinary College in 2011. After completing two years he took a year out from his studies to complete an intercalated BSc in Infectious Diseases and Immunobiology with Basic Veterinary Sciences which he obtained first Class Honours from King’s College. Mr Lang will return to the Royal Veterinary College for the next three years. He is a member of his University swim team and has sailed on the Spirit of Bermuda.

Evan Hughes, who will begin an Economics degree at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill which he feels fits perfectly with his hopes of returning to Bermuda to contribute to the International Business sector. Mr Hughes is an avid sportsman who enjoys tennis, golf and baseball who has represented Bermuda internationally in tennis, rugby and baseball.

Wendy Tuxworth, who will attend The University of Warwick where she will pursue a degree in English Literature. She was awarded the 2014 Outstanding Teen Award for Academic Achievement. She hopes to return to Bermuda and make a contribution to the modernisation of the Education system.

Neville Cave, who is currently pursuing a Biomedical Engineering Degree at Imperial College with a view to ultimately becoming a Surgeon. He was named AP Scholar with Distinction in August 2013 and is an avid swimmer having competed on a National level.

Shi-Vaughn Lee, who has completed her first year at Howard University where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a long-term goal of returning to Bermuda as a urologist. She has carefully researched what the medical community needs and determined that Bermuda’s only urologist will soon be retiring and she will be prepared to meet the need upon graduation.