Outstanding Bahamian Students Awarded Scholarships by Lyford Cay Foundation, Inc. and The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation

(NASSAU, BAHAMAS) – Twenty-three outstanding students have been awarded scholarships by Lyford Cay Foundation, Inc. and The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation in the 2026 scholarship cycle. The awards support students enrolled in programmes at institutions in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Among the awardees, several popular areas of study emerged, with engineering-related programmes representing one of the strongest concentrations. Students are pursuing civil, electrical, computer, structural and biomedical engineering technology; aviation maintenance science, and airframe and powerplant technician training. Health sciences also feature prominently through studies in respiratory therapy, speech-language pathology and occupational therapy, while business, finance and economics are also reflected, underscoring the breadth of talent supported by both Foundations.

Lyford Cay Foundation, Inc. undergraduate recipients:

• Aaron Dean — LCF Undergraduate Award; Bachelor of Science in Economics-Philosophy, Columbia University.
• Chelsy Hall — Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board Award; Bachelor of Arts in Film, Hollins University.
• Kahmani Laing — Contigo Foundation Scholarship; Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Juniata College.
• Rhan Miller — LCF Undergraduate Award; Bachelor of Science in Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Leeds.
• Celina Petersen — Peter N. Thomson Family Scholarship; Bachelor of Science in Biology, Texas State University.
• Layla Sands — LCF Undergraduate Award; Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, University of Central Florida.
• Ziana Vilsaint — Abaco Award; Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, University of Missouri – St. Louis.

Lyford Cay Foundation, Inc. technical and vocational recipients:

• Bobbye Bethel — LCF Technical and Vocational Award; Diploma in Biomedical Engineering Technology, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.
• Arthur Bostwick — TK Foundation Technical Award; Airframe & Powerplant Technician certification, George T. Baker Aviation Technical College.
• Nyesha Ferguson — LCF Technical and Vocational Award; Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
• Sameya Munnings — TK Foundation Technical Award; Associate of Science in Construction Technology Management, Fanshawe College.
• Kageon Neilly — LCF Technical and Vocational Award; Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy, Central Piedmont Community College.
• Antonio Smith — Harold W. Siebens Technical Scholarship; Associate of Science in Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Houston City College.

Lyford Cay Foundation, Inc. graduate recipients:

• Darreatte Pinder — Sir Godfrey Kenneth Kelly Graduate Award; Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, Dalhousie University.
• Brianna Pratt — Sir John Templeton Memorial Award; Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, Western University.

 “Lyford Cay Foundation, Inc. is proud to support these fifteen talented students as they pursue studies in fields that are vital to the future of The Bahamas and the wider global community,” said Basil Goulandris, Chairman of Lyford Cay Foundation, Inc. “Through these scholarships, the Foundation is investing not only in individual achievement, but also in the leadership, technical expertise and innovation these students will bring to The Bahamas.”

The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation undergraduate recipients:

• Jaxon Bethel — Edward S. Rogers Memorial Award; Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Economics, McGill University.
• Pedro Cepeda — Bahamas Resilience & Excellence Award; Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, University of New Brunswick.
• Keyara Jennings — Rogers Family Scholarship – Loretta Anne Rogers; Bachelor of Arts in International Business, University of Prince Edward Island.
• Jaa Rolle — William Birchall Scholarship; Bachelor of Arts in Finance, Saint Mary’s University.
• Georgia Saddleton — Edward S. Rogers Memorial Award; Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science.

The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation graduate and specialized recipients:

• David Albury — Thomson Leadership & Innovation Award; Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, specializing in Energy and the Environment, University of Calgary.
• Yoshi Moxey — Thomson Leadership & Innovation Award; Master of Arts in Financial Insurance, University of Toronto.
• Samina Castillo — Tim Unwin Memorial for Specialized Legal Studies; LLM Bar Training Course in Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence, BPP University.

“The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation is honoured to help open doors for eight students whose academic paths reflect ambition, resilience and service,” said a Mary Filippelli Hall, Chair of The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation. “We congratulate each awardee and look forward to seeing the meaningful contributions they will make through their studies, careers and community engagement.”

Together with these new recipients, Lyford Cay Foundation, Inc and The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation will support a total of 81 students at a combined scholarship value of $1,345,278 in 2026.

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About Lyford Cay Foundations

Lyford Cay Foundations are comprised of two distinct charitable entities: Lyford Cay Foundation, Inc., a United States registered 501(c)(3) public charity established in 1969, and The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation, a registered Canadian charity established in 1977. Each Foundation is independently governed and administers its own charitable programmes in accordance with applicable laws in its jurisdiction. United by a shared belief that increasing educational attainment is essential to a prosperous, healthy and peaceful Bahamas, the Foundations invest in learning opportunities that expand access and strengthen national development.

Through the generosity of donors, Lyford Cay Foundations support children, young adults, families and communities through scholarships, educational programmes and strategic partnerships with nonprofit organisations. Their work supports students from early education through tertiary studies in The Bahamas and abroad, while strengthening organisations that provide meaningful learning opportunities nationwide.

Lyford Cay Foundation, Inc.
Federal I.D. #23-7025275
State Registration: 041714-00

The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation
CRA BN/Registration #11921 9301 RR0001