The Association of Bermuda International Companies proudly announced the 14 recipients of the 2015 ABIC Education Awards.
ABIC is one of the largest scholarship providers offered in Bermuda. Now in its 38th year ABIC is very pleased to offer scholarships to those wishing to pursue undergraduate or graduate studies in an international business field. Supporting over 500 students, ABIC continues to help educate individuals that might not have had the opportunity to study abroad.

Award sponsors:


KATHERINE ARNFIELD
Katherine Arnfield is studying Business Administration at the University of Kent in Canterbury, England and has just completed her first year. Katherine is passionate about Bermuda and her business studies and wishes to return to Bermuda to work in International Business. She is taking extra non-mandatory classes to assist her with this goal and has also enrolled in the CII Foundation Insurance course. In March 2015 Katherine was selected to participate in the Paul Dyer Leadership program held at The University of Kent. She has spent the last 6 years involved in voluntary work in Bermuda and continues to volunteer in Canterbury. In 2013 Katherine was crowned Miss Bermuda and spent a year representing the Island at various tourism and charity events. In September, 2013 she represented Bermuda in The Miss World Competition held in Bali, Indonesia. Katherine is hard working and determined and believes that some of the challenges she has had to face in the past year have made her even more determined to succeed and that with hard work, anything is possible.

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ANTONIO BAILEY
Antonio is a graduate of the Bermuda Institute and was Student Association President. He initiated the “Stuff the Bus†drive which collects and provides families with food during the Christmas season. Antonio will attend London Metropolitan University majoring in Information Technology and Computer Science Networking. Antonio is an avid sportsman who holds the Middle School 400m track record. He has represented Bermuda in track on two Carifta teams and anchored the winning Under 18 400m relay team at the 2014 East Coast Invitational Track meet. Additionally, Antonio is a qualified sailing instructor and has represented Bermuda internationally in OPTI sailing. He plays soccer for Dandy Town, on the PDL and Premier teams, was a member of the Bermuda Under 15 National squad and has represented Valencia FC in Spain. Without a doubt Antonio is a well-rounded and ambitious young man.

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ASHLEY BENTO
Ashley graduated from the Bermuda College with Distinction obtaining the Most Outstanding Arts and Science Graduate Award. In the Fall, she will attend the University of Greenwich to obtain the LLB degree in Law. Ashley continuously strives to be her best self and is a determined and focused student. She refuses to let obstacles stand in her way and deter her from the goals she has set for herself. Ashley has been passionate in giving back to the community through volunteer work at KEMH completing over 300 hours, as an Altar Server at St. Patrick’s Church and helping to clean up the environment. Ashley has represented Bermuda overseas at the UNESCO Conference and Youth Summit in Scotland and won the Business Bermuda Breakfast Essay in 2012. Upon attaining her degree she is committed to return to Bermuda to practice law and make a difference in the community, no matter how small.

Award sponsor:

CIARA BURROWS
Ciara Burrows attends the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada where she is working towards a double major in Legal Studies and Economics. Ciara graduated from Saltus Grammar School as Head Girl and Valedictorian. Her commitment and dedication to her academics were recognized when she received four subject prizes: Biology, Economics, English Literature and Psychology. Similarly, her active contributions to school life and extracurricular activities were acknowledged when she was awarded four special prizes: for academic achievement, active contribution to School debate and Public Speaking, House Spirit and for fulfilling an outstanding role in the Saltus Graduate Programme. After tackling a total of eight Advanced Placement Exams and earning 11 GCSE’s, Ciara also gained the title of “AP Scholar”. Through debate and public speaking, Ciara has represented Bermuda internationally in Canada, the Czech Republic and South Africa. Outside of school, Ciara enjoys playing the cello and basketball. When available, she jumps at the chance to enjoy her favorite sport, sailing, often serving as a crew-member on the Bermuda Sloop. Ciara is pursuing a career in the Corporate field of Law and maintains interests in Psychology, Sociology and Economics.

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CLEVON CUNNINGHAM JR.
Clevon is a graduate of The Berkeley Institute. Throughout his four year tenure he was on the Principal’s List and was the top student for his year. Clevon has been recognized for taking his Mathematics GCSE two years early passing with an A. During his senior year at Berkeley he was a part of a Dual Enrollment Program at Bermuda College. Clevon was a full time student taking both college level and high school classes concurrently. He has successfully obtained his first year of an Associate’s degree of Science in Actuarial Science, finishing with a 3.6 G.P.A. Clevon will be attending St. John’s University this fall where he plans to obtain a Bachelor of Science in the honours program. In his spare time, Clevon is an avid viola player and a dedicated member of his Church.

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ALEISHA HOLLIS
Aleisha will be attending the University of Essex to study Law and will pursue a career as a corporate lawyer in the insurance and reinsurance industry. She graduated from the Bermuda High School International Baccalaureate Program where she was Head Student and Deputy Games Captain. Aleisha was very active in the BHS school community as a volunteer for the Autism Play Group and was a Youth Net Mentor and she played on the Netball and Softball teams. Outside of school Aleisha has been a volunteer Candy Striper at KEMH, Deputy Opposition Leader of the Youth Parliament and a member of the Ravens Hockey Club. Aleisha has achieved the Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards and she was recently nominated for the Outstanding Teen Award for Leadership and Sports.

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SHANE HOLLIS
Brought up through the public school system, Shane graduated from The Berkeley Institute and subsequently attended Seneca College, Bermuda College and on to Georgia State University where he is currently a senior. As a child, Shane always knew that the way he thought about and approached certain situations was distinctly different from others. He would consistently find himself not only looking for answers to problems but also looking for better or novel ways of solving problems with a simplified approach. This trait coupled with Shane’s natural comprehension of mathematical application has guided him to pursue a career in Actuarial Science. He plans not only to attain an outstanding career in his field but also to create jobs. Shane wants to be an inspiration to those who share his abstract thinking and let them know their thinking is not a flaw but rather a true gift. Shane feels certain that the next internationally renowned industry leader can be an ABIC scholar.

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NICK MOULDER
Nick will be attending the University of Huddersfield to attain a Business degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications. He aspires to grow and learn new skills in preparation for obtaining a challenging position in a fast pace industry where he can apply his skills to enhance company production whilst meeting the needs of clients. Challenges excite him and he enjoys the dynamic nature of the marketing and advertising industry and the opportunity to continuously learn about and use new technology in communications. In addition to excelling academically, Nick is an accomplished and passionate sportsman having played football at Varsity level during college. Through sport he has learned to communicate effectively and the joy of working cohesively as part of a team.

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EMILY OSBORNE
Emily has completed her first year at The University of Western Ontario where she studies actuarial science. She is an active member of the Actuarial and Statistical Undergrad Association of Western. Her passion for mathematics began at Bermuda High School which she attended until she was thirteen. She then moved to Nova Scotia where she completed the International Baccalaureate Programme at Charles P. Allen High School and received academic high honours. Emily was the captain of her high school swim team and volunteered often with charities in Nova Scotia. She has continued to volunteer at university as a tutor for underprivileged children with Frontier College. Next year, Emily will be living with incoming students as an orientation volunteer. After university, Emily plans to spend a summer traveling and volunteering in India before starting her actuarial career in Bermuda.

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JORDAN PAYNE
Jordan will be attending Thomas College in Maine to attain a Bachelor’s degree in International Business, whilst also playing college soccer in the NCAA 111 league. Upon completion of his studies, Jordan intends to return to Bermuda to pursue a career as an Insurance Underwriter. Jordan is a passionate and highly motivated scholar. He has received academic honors throughout his academic career. Jordan also has demonstrated strong leadership qualities during his time as Berkeley Institute House Captain and during his involvement with the KPMG Young Investors Challenge. Teachers and peers describe Jordan as being highly personable, focused, dedicated and inspirational. Jordan was one of the seven public school students to sit and pass the AIN SS Personal Insurance Exam, a qualification which provides key insurance foundation skills for the CPCU insurance designation prior to entering college.

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CHELSEA SMITH
Chelsea has successfully completed her second year at the University of Western Ontario, where she is pursuing her Bachelor in Management and Organizational Studies with a Specialization in Accounting. Upon receiving acceptance, she was awarded the Western University Admission Scholarship of Distinction. Chelsea graduated from Bermuda High School, where she obtained her IB Diploma. During her time at BHS, she completed over 450 hours of community service and extracurricular activities as a part of her CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) hours; a component of the IB program. Additionally, Chelsea attained her Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards. At Western, Chelsea is an active member of the Pre-Business Student Network as well as the DAN Management Student Association. Chelsea feels that she has become a better-rounded student through her volunteer work at the Ronald McDonald House, The Boys &Girls Club and KEMH. Upon completion of her degree she plans to return to Bermuda and choose from the many career opportunities presented by a degree in Business.

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AARON TRIMM
Aaron will be attending the University of Sheffield where he plans to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Economics. He has always been very passionate about science. Whilst at Mount Saint Agnes, Aaron received two standards of excellence in Biology and Chemistry as well as the highest grade in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Aaron can be described as a focused and well-rounded student, who is not only a diligent student but an active member of the community. Over the years, he has been involved in numerous volunteer activities both in Bermuda and abroad including the Salvation Army soup truck, St. Vincent de Paul Loaves & Age Concern. Aaron has completed the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver award and is on track to complete his Gold award. He has been described as an individual who, “is not deterred by hard work and will go above and beyond in order to succeedâ€. Aaron believes that an economics degree will provide him with the foundation needed to have a successful career and play an integral part in Bermuda’s future.

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CHELSEA WARREN
Chelsea is entering her junior year at Oakwood College pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. To date, she has set a high standard for herself and has been on the Dean’s List every semester. This summer she is working with the Compliance department at KPMG. Chelsea views herself as a leader and has fulfilled several leadership roles at her University such as Social Vice President of her class and the International Senator for 2015. She is full of energy and her bubbly personality will help lighten up any atmosphere. She enjoys being involved in community service and event planning. Chelsea has been a Candy Striper and also has created her own community service project called D-Drive. The Dorm Drive is created for girls who lack materials and accessories for their dorm room. This initiative helps young girls feel comfortable in the first year of school with their new dorm room. Her motto for life is Exemplify Excellence, Exceed Expectations, and Embrace Eternity.

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Post-Graduate
T’DEANA SPENCER
T’Deana obtained her Bachelors of Law Honours at Kingston University London in 2012. She was afforded the opportunity to undergo a mini pupilage at 18 St. Johns Chambers in 2013. Whilst there, she gained a wealth of experience and exposure in various areas of law including criminal, commercial and immigration. T’Deana thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity. During her time at Kingston University she was a student representative for the law school liaising closely with staff and students on issues presented. T’Deana dedicates much of her spare time to various community service programs. She is an executive member of the Bermuda Law Student Association, and acts as a mentor for young aspiring law students. T’Deana is now looking to pursue the University of Law’s dual Masters of Law and Legal Practice Course. T’Deana is described as hardworking, dedicated and always up for a challenge. Her goal is to return to Bermuda and obtain pupilage with an organization that will support her through training growth and development.