The Lyford Cay Foundations Announce 41 New Scholarship Recipients

6 October, 2025

94 Total Scholarships Awarded in 2025 to Students in Diverse Fields, Promising a Strong Future for The Bahamas

(NASSAU, BAHAMAS) – The Lyford Cay Foundations are pleased to announce the awarding of 41 new scholarships to outstanding Bahamians who will pursue studies at leading institutions in the United States, Canada, England, and Europe. These scholars are preparing for careers in fields that will directly benefit The Bahamas and drive continued national development. With this new list of awardees, The Lyford Cay Foundations total scholarship support for this year alone amounts to 94 students.

The 2025 cohort represents an inclusive cross-section of Bahamian society. This year, 51% of awardees are female. Notably, 44% of the new recipients are the first in their families to attend college, and 27% graduated from public schools in The Bahamas. In addition, approximately 32% of scholars are Family Island students, underscoring The Lyford Cay Foundations’ commitment to ensuring that opportunities for higher education are accessible to young people across the archipelago.

Awardees are pursuing a variety of academic pathways: one toward a diploma, four are working toward associate degrees, twenty-three toward bachelor’s degrees, eleven toward master’s degrees, and two toward doctorates. Their chosen areas of study include actuarial science, organisational psychology, mechanical engineering, aviation maintenance science, hydrogeology, audiology, documentary film, environmental management, dispute resolution, clinical social work, culinary management and more.

Executive Director, Dr. Nicola Virgill-Rolle, noted, “We are excited to see this year’s cohort representing a wide range of students in terms of their studies, and their aspirations. Many are first-generation college students, and many come from our Family Islands. Their determination and achievements underscore the tremendous talent within The Bahamas.”

Through a rigorous and independent selection process, scholars were chosen from among a strong pool of candidates who applied through the Foundations’ Scholarship Portal last spring. Each field of study was selected with a view toward addressing pressing national needs and strengthening key industries.

Chairman of Lyford Cay Foundation Inc., Mr. Basil P. Goulandris remarked, “Lyford Cay Foundations’ vision is that every Bahamian is empowered to reach their full potential. Awarding scholarships annually is one of the most important ways that we make this vision a reality. By investing more than $1.2 million dollars in their education, we are investing in the country’s future.” 

Mrs. Mary Filippelli-Hall, Chairman of The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation expressed, “Each year we are inspired by the drive and resilience of Bahamian students who are determined to pursue higher education. These new Scholars reflect the incredible promise and potential that exists across our islands. It’s an honour to walk alongside them on this journey, ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of their dreams.”

Since the 1980s, The Lyford Cay Foundations have provided partial scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and technical and vocational studies abroad, in areas that directly contribute to the advancement of The Bahamas. Scholarships remain highly competitive, with hundreds of applications received each year. The increasing demand demonstrates both the critical importance of post-secondary education and the ongoing need for educational support.

The Foundations are proud to welcome the 2025 scholars into its growing alumni network of Bahamians who are transforming their communities, industries, and country through knowledge, skills, and service.

The 2025 Lyford Cay Foundation Scholars are:

Graduate Awards

  1. Asia Austin, Master of Science, Clinical Social Work, Florida State University, USA, Sir John Templeton Memorial Scholarship
  2. Selyna Bellot, Master of Arts, Occupational Therapy, Western University, Canada, Thomson Leadership & Innovation Award
  3. Kenya Campbell, Master of Science, Environmental Health – Industrial Hygiene Specialization, Colorado State University, USA, Sir Godfrey K. Kelly Graduate Scholarship
  4. Jada Culmer, Master of Laws, Dispute Resolution, City St. Georges, University of London, United Kingdom, Solmssen Templeton Scholarship
  5. Giovanna Eneas, Master of Arts, Resource & Environmental Management, Dalhousie University, Canada, Thomson Leadership & Innovation Award
  6. Terrance Gaitor, Master of Arts, Forensic Psychology, Monroe University, USA, Loretta Rogers Memorial Scholarship
  7. Dion McKinney, Master of Science, Educational Leadership, The University of the West Indies, Barbados, Sir John Templeton Memorial Scholarship
  8. Lauren Ritchie, Master of Arts, Documentary Film, University of the Arts London, United Kingdom, Thomson Leadership & Innovation Award
  9. Lashante Sampson, Master of Arts, International Relations and Diplomacy, SOAS University of London, United Kingdom, Thomson Leadership & Innovation Award
  10. Kia Simms, Doctorate, Audiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA, Lyford Cay Foundation Graduate Award
  11. Ashton Sweeting, Master of Arts, Financial Economics, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands, Thomson Leadership & Innovation Award
  12. Chelsea Tynes, Doctorate, Audiology, Illinois State University, USA, Lyford Cay Foundation Graduate Award
  13. Wesmond Williams, Master of Science, Geology/Earth Science -Hydrogeology, Baylor University, USA, Sir John Templeton Memorial Award

Undergraduate Awards

  1. Nyahjah Albury, Bachelor of Science, Mechatronics Engineering, Middle Tennessee State University, USA, Oris Russell Memorial Scholarship
  2. Amaya Boodoo, Bachelor of Science, Chemical & Biological Engineering, Calvin University, USA, Estelle Siebens Excellence Scholarship
  3. Angel Carey, Bachelor of Science, Public Health, Hollins University, USA, The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation Undergraduate Award
  4. Isaiah Davis, Bachelor of Science, Geomatics (Land Surveying), Troy University, USA, Rogers Family Scholarship (Edward S. Rogers Memorial)
  5. Johnny Elisee, Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, Jacksonville State University, USA, Lyford Cay Foundation Undergraduate Award
  6. Stefano Fox, Bachelor of Science, Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, USA, Lyford Cay Foundation Undergraduate Award
  7. Nathan Gittens, Bachelor of Science, Physics, College of Saint Benedict & Saint John’s University, USA, Lyford Cay Foundation Undergraduate Award
  8. Valye Neely, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting, University of Toronto, Canada, The J and J Martineau Scholarship for the Advancement of Business and Entrepreneurial Studies
  9. Alexis Johnson, Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Texas Southern University, USA, Rogers Family Scholarship
  10. Deanna Pearson, Bachelor of Science, Marine Biology, Nova Southeastern University, USA, Bahamas Billfish Championship Award
  11. Anthonae Pratt, Bachelor of Science, Architecture, Ball State University, USA, Oris Russell Memorial Scholarship
  12. Alex Rolle, Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering, Kettering University, USA, Bahamas Resilience and Excellence Award
  13. Devon Rox, Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, University of Missouri–St. Louis, USA, The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation Undergraduate Award
  14. Shelby Sears, Bachelor of Science, Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, USA, Contigo Foundation Scholarship
  15. Brion Smith, Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky, USA, Contigo Foundation Scholarship
  16. Dakarai Turnquest, Bachelor of Science, Actuarial Science, Drake University, USA, Lyford Cay Foundation Undergraduate Award
  17. Oral Turnquest, Jr., Bachelor of Science, Environmental Science, University of Western Ontario, Canada, Peter and Melanie Munk Scholarship
  18. Danielle Wood, Bachelor of Science, Chemistry, Howard University, USA, Lyford Cay Foundation Undergraduate Award

Technical Awards

  1. Samiya Adderley, Bachelor of Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Texas State University, USA, TK Foundation Technical Award
  2. Kashantae Buchanan, Bachelor of Science, Dental Hygiene, Midwestern State University, USA, TK Foundation Technical Award
  3. Javon Colebrooke, Diploma, Computer Systems Technician, Seneca Polytechnic, Canada, Bahamas Resilience and Excellence Award
  4. Elchristma Deveaux, Bachelor of Science, Engineering Technology, Arkansas State University, USA, TK Foundation Technical Award
  5. Destinee Hamilton, Associate of Science, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Valencia College (West Campus), USA, Bahamas Resilience and Excellence Award
  6. Rinaldo Johnson, Associate of Science, Diesel Technology, Centralia College, USA, Bahamas Billfish Championship Award
  7. Khaden Lewis, Associate of Science, Culinary Management, Niagara College, Canada, Harold W. Siebens Technical Scholarship
  8. Zander Pilcher, Bachelor of Arts, Film & Television, Savannah College of Art & Design, USA, Lyford Cay Foundation Technical and Vocational Award
  9. Arielle Rolle, Bachelor of Science, Radiologic Science, Georgia Southern University, USA, TK Foundation Technical Award
  10. Nathan Sands, Associate of Science, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Vincennes University, USA, TK Foundation Technical Award

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