Scotiabank Bahamas awards $12,000 in scholarships 

through Bahamas primary school student of the year foundation, emphasizing support for family island students

New Providence, The Bahamas – June 4, 2024 - Scotiabank Bahamas has continued its commitment to supporting educational excellence in The Bahamas by providing $12,000 in scholarships through the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Foundation. 

On Saturday, June 1, a $6,000 scholarship grant was awarded to the 2024 Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year fifth runner-up, Nathaniel Pinder from Ginosko Center for Academic Excellence in  New Providence. Three additional scholarships valued at $2,000 each  were also  awarded to exceptional students from the Family Islands who were finalists in the program: Cherish Hollingsworth from Walter Parker Primary School, Grand Bahama; Nyeema Edwards-Josiah from The Harbour Island Green School, Eleuthera; and MiChale Cartwright from St Andrew’s Anglican School, Exuma. These scholarships are part of Scotiabank's broader mandate to support the education and development of young people, ensuring they have the skills and resources necessary for success.

"For us,  it is an honor being a part of the 2024 Bahamas Student of the Year Awards. As a leading financial institution, we are committed to being a strong corporate citizen and investing in nation-building. We saw no better way than to pledge our support to the educational development of the many deserving students in this room today and trust our pledge will assist in the furtherance of the respective child’s educational opportunities," said Rico Russell, Director of Compliance at Scotiabank Bahamas, who presented the scholarships on behalf of the bank.

"This year it was also a priority for us to provide awards to deserving students from the Family Islands, recognizing of course,  the unique challenges that they face. I was particularly thrilled to present a $2000 scholarship to Cherish Hollingworth who attends my alma mater -Walter Parker Primary School – in  Freeport, Grand Bahama. It’s a full-circle moment and a testament to the power of education and community support.”

The Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Foundation also expressed their gratitude. "The Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Foundation is appreciative of Scotiabank’s continued support and commitment to the program. This is the third consecutive year that Scotiabank has poured into the lives of deserving students.

We appreciate that Scotiabank is intentional in recognizing that we are an archipelago and ensuring that their funding also targets family island students as well. Scotiabank is truly planting seeds for our future!" said CC LaFleur, Foundation Vice President Emeritus.

Since 2022, Scotiabank has invested over $30,000 in scholarships through the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Foundation, demonstrating its long-standing dedication to fostering educational opportunities and supporting the bright futures of Bahamian youth.