Some of Bermuda’s top students’ talents have been recognised with scholarship awards presented at a ceremony held by the Ace Foundation yesterday.The 2011 Robert Clements/Ace Scholarship was awarded to Andrew Fleming. Mr Fleming, a 17-year old CedarBridge Academy graduate, was selected out of 51 candidates for the award.With a near perfect grade point average of 3.98, the highest GPA in the school’s history, he will commence a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Economics at Mount St Vincent University in September. On completion of his degree, Mr Fleming plans to return to Bermuda to pursue a career in the insurance industry as an underwriter.Mr Fleming has achieved a number of academic accomplishments, including earning principal’s honours throughout his time at CedarBridge Academy, the highest honour status given to students. He also received the Principal’s Cup, the most coveted and prestigious award given to the student who exemplifies excellence in academics, leadership, service, school and community involvement.As a result of his academic performance, Mr Fleming gained membership into the National Honour Society. He was also named Valedictorian for the 2011 graduating class.In addition to his academic achievements, Mr Fleming held various positions of leadership as prefect, head boy, PTSA executive student representative, section leader and public relations officer for the CedarBridge Academy chamber choir, and as a mentor to younger students at the school. He was a member of the debate team and participated in the Bermuda Business charity challenge for high school students.Lori Samson, trustee of the Ace Foundation - Bermuda, said: “As you can imagine, with so many talented candidates, choosing a single scholar was a difficult process for the scholarship selection committee. Andrew is an accomplished individual and has proven to be an outstanding ambassador for CedarBridge Academy and role model to fellow students.”Since its establishment in 1996 the Robert Clements/Ace Scholarship has provided financial support to more than 20 Bermudian university students enabling them to complete their studies in insurance-related degree programmes and to pursue careers in the international insurance industry. The fully-funded scholarship is awarded to qualified students studying full-time towards an undergraduate or graduate degree in insurance, risk management, actuarial science or other disciplines related to the insurance industry. The 2011 Ace/Bermuda College Education Award was awarded to Teleza Pitcher. Ms Pitcher graduated from the Bermuda College in May with an Associate of Science Degree in Biology. She entered Bermuda College as its Corange Science Book Award recipient, which rewards excellence in the sciences and mathematics.Ms Pitcher has been accepted into Howard University and plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. Her career goal is to “become a dentist and return to Bermuda to make a difference in the smiles of many”. Ms Pitcher has spent the past two summers as an intern dental assistant and took advantage of work shadowing opportunities while at school to ensure it was the right career choice for her to pursue.During her free time Ms Pitcher volunteers as a Pink Lady for The Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda, she has been an active member of Bermuda Girl Guiding Association for more than 10 years, and she achieved the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award while a student at the Berkeley Institute.Samantha Froud, chief administration officer, Bermuda Group, and member of the Ace Bermuda College Education Award selection committee, said: “I was extremely impressed with the calibre of the candidates we interviewed this year. They were all passionate, determined and focused on their goals. Teleza has already shown her commitment to the field of dentistry and we are delighted to be able to assist her in pursuing her career goals.”Ace Group and Bermuda College formed a partnership in 2008 with the goal of helping students understand the connection between their studies and the workplace. One component of this partnership is the ACE/Bermuda College Education Award, which offers Bermuda College graduates an opportunity to continue their undergraduate studies overseas. The Education Award of $15,000 covers tuition and fees for up to two years. Since inception, four Bermudian students have benefitted from this education award.