The ACE Foundation–Bermuda has revealed this year’s Robert Clements/ACE Scholarship and ACE/Bermuda College Education Award recipients, with Deondre Trott and Eron Woods receiving scholarships, allowing them to pursue their post-secondary educations with a focus on continuing their academic excellence.
Deondre Trott is the 2014 Robert Clements/ACE Scholar; a graduate of Warwick Academy, Mr. Trott was selected from approximately 50 competitive candidates.
He is entering his sophomore year at Georgia State University and is working towards his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Actuarial Science. His decision to pursue this course of study was driven by his desire to return to Bermuda and enter the insurance industry.”
Mr. Trott noted, “It was through the opportunity to work shadow with actuaries at ACE that I realized how exciting the profession can be.”
In his freshman year at Georgia State University, he achieved both the Atlanta Scholar and Georgia State Risk Management awards, as well as making the Dean’s List. During his time at Warwick Academy, he served as a sports house captain, completed the bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and was named to the Honour Roll.
Left to right: Lori Samson, Chairperson of ACE Foundation Bermuda, Nikkita Scott, Director of Counselling & Student Activities, Bermuda College, Samantha Froud, Chief Administration Officer of ACE’s operations in Bermuda, Dr. Mark Van Den Hende, Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs, Bermuda College, Diondre Trott, Robert Clements/ACE Scholar, Eron Woods, ACE/Bermuda College Education Award Recipient, Minister of Education Dr. Grant Gibbons, Shadow Minister of Education Lovitta Foggo
Mr. Trott is also an accomplished athlete. His passion for football is demonstrated through his volunteer work as a coach with the Bermuda Athletic Association’s [BAA] youth teams. He has competed locally and internationally and was selected to play for the BAA’s All Star Team for three consecutive years. In 2013, he was named BFA First Division Young Player of the Year.”
Lori Samson, Chairperson of ACE Foundation–Bermuda, said, “We continue to be impressed with the caliber of applicants and the diversity of academic strength they possess. While Deondre undoubtedly enjoys exceptional academic ability, he is also a creative thinker and dedicated student; a well-rounded individual with strong community and family ties.
“Deondre exemplifies those characteristics that we look for when selecting the Robert Clements/ACE Scholar.”
“Since its inception in 1996, the ACE Foundation-Bermuda, through the Robert Clements/ACE Scholarship and other discretionary awards, has invested in excess of $2 million in support of 25 Bermudians to help them prepare for professional careers in Bermuda’s insurance industry and other fields.
“The Robert Clements/ACE Scholarship is a fully-funded four-year scholarship open to Bermudians studying for an undergraduate or graduate degree in insurance, risk management, actuarial science or other disciplines related to the insurance industry, including accounting, law, and economics.
“The scholarship allows Bermudian students the opportunity to study for a degree without financial worry. As part of this scholarship, students are offered employment opportunities during the holidays to provide them with relevant work experience. A condition of the scholarship is that recipients must be willing to return to Bermuda on completion of their studies to pursue their career.”
Deondre Trott, Robert Clements/ACE Scholar & Eron Woods, ACE/Bermuda College Education Award Recipient
Eron Woods is the 2014 ACE/Bermuda College Education Award Recipient; Mr. Woods graduated with an Associates Degree in Culinary Arts from the Bermuda College. He will commence a Bachelor’s Degree in the Baking and Pastry Food Service Management Program at Johnson & Wales University in North Carolina.
Mr. Woods would like to open his own artisan chocolate bakeshop in Bermuda and employ other aspiring culinary students to practice their trade. He was one of the young chefs selected by the Marcus Samuelsson group for an apprenticeship at the new Samuelsson pop-up restaurant at Fairmont Hamilton Princess.
“He was chosen after his outstanding performance during the Bermuda Hospitality Institute’s event, Plates of Passion – an event that teams Bermuda’s top chefs with Bermuda College’s culinary students.
“This young man has always striven for success both academically and athletically. His successes include graduating from The Adult Education School as Salutatorian of his class. Eron made the Presidents List, being named Valedictorian of Bermuda College’s Class of 2014, and won a bronze medal in the 2013 NatWest Island Games in the Men’s Volleyball team.
“In the community, Mr. Woods volunteers with the Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Youth Group, where he coordinates and prepares meals for about 120 people once a week, and volunteers for the Mirrors Programme. As part of his culinary training at Bermuda College, he participated in the Prospect Room lunch service, where he perfected his culinary skills and garnered exposure within all aspects of the hospitality industry.”
Samantha Froud, Chief Administration Officer of the Bermuda Group and member of the ACE Bermuda College Education Award selection committee, said, “ACE is proud to partner with Bermuda College and provide this education award to such a deserving young man. Eron is the essence of what we look for in a scholarship recipient, an all-around achiever. ACE looks forward to helping him realise his culinary dream.”
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