Photos: Football Legends Scholarships Awarded

Today [July 22, 2010] The Bermuda Football Association awarded seven exceptional young people educational scholarships, all named after legendary football figures from the past.

Kascia White
Kascia White, the only female winner, is the recipient of the Dr. Gerard Bean Scholarship valued at $15,000 per year. A former graduate of the Bermuda Institute, Kascia is currently studying at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Kascia is studying for an undergraduate degree in Science and Commerce with a career goal to become a Marine Biologist. Locally, Kascia has represented PHC Zebras and the North Village Rams and has been on several Bermuda National Women’s Football Teams at all levels. Her younger brother William also received a scholarship today, and their mother Brenda-Lee White was understandably beaming with pride. Ms White, who raised her three children as a single parent, was thanked by her daughter who said her mom did a great job “even if I say so myself”.

Ryan Purnell
Ryan Purnell is the recipient of the Carlton “Pepe” Dill Scholarship valued at $15,000 per year. Ryan applied his studies at Lynn University before transferring to Philadelphia University where he is currently studying for a degree in Marketing. As a playing member of the Devonshire Colts, Ryan is also a stalwart on the Philadelphia Men’s Varsity Soccer team having been voted as the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference or “CACC” Rookie of the Year as well as being voted to the ALL-CACC 2nd Team and is one of the top performers on every statistical category for his football team. His mother, Shawnette Somner, was unable to attend and Ryan used his cell phone to call his mother prior to accepting his award, so that she was able to listen in.

Jair Minors
Jair Minors is the recipient of the Calvin “Bummy” Symonds Scholarship valued at $15,000 per year. A former student of Saltus Grammar school, Jair is also studying at the Darlington Preparatory School in Rome, Georgia with a graduation date of 2012. Locally he represented St. Georges Cricket Club and the Somerset Eagles Football Academy. He was also unable to attend today as he is with the National U-17 team competing in the FIFA World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Bahamas.

Shakeem Albouy
Shakeem Albouy is the recipient of the Joseph Ferreira Scholarship valued at $10,000 per year. Shakeem currently studies at the Darlington Preparatory School in Rome, Georgia with a graduation date of 2013. He plays for the PHC Zebras and is a member of the BFA’s National Academy Program. He was unable to attend today as he is with the National U-17 team competing in the FIFA World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Bahamas, however his proud dad accepted on his behalf.

Rieko Trott
Rieko Trott is the recipient of the Kenny Cann Scholarship valued at $10,000 per year. A former student of the Berkeley Institute, Rieko is currently enrolled at Lees McRae College in North Carolina pursuing a degree in Business Administration / Sports Management with a graduation date set for May 2013. Reiko is currently registered with the Boulevard Blazers and is also a member of the BFA National Academy Program. Rieko thanked his parents, saying much of the credit goes to them.

William White
William White is the recipient of the Charles Marshall Scholarship valued at $5,000 per year. William has concluded his studies at the Bermuda Institute and will continue his academic pursuits at St. Andrews College (Preparatory School) in Ontario, Canada and is expected to graduate in 2013. William is a talented athlete, in particular, an excellent football player. He also excels in hockey, cricket and track and field having represented Bermuda in each one of these disciplines. William previously played for PHC Zebras and currently represents North Village Rams. He is also a member of the BFA’s National Academy so was unable to attend today as he is with the National U-17 team competing in the FIFA World Cup Qualifying Tournament in the Bahamas, however his sister Kascia White [who also won a scholarship] accepted on his behalf.

Jalen Trott
Jalen Trott is the recipient of the Earl “Townsey” Russell Scholarship valued at $5,000 per year. A former student of Saltus Grammar School, Jalen currently attends the Brewster Academy and is expected to graduate in 2011. He is a member of the Brewster Academy Varsity Soccer team for the past two years and has been a great asset to his team. Prior to leaving Bermuda Jalen played for North Village Rams, Somerset Eagles Football Academy and Bascome FC. According to his School coach, Jalen is a leader on and off the field. He was elected captain of the team by his team mates last season.

Click to enlarge images:

Update July 26: Opening remarks from BFA President Richard Calderon:

Distinguished guests, members of the press, ladies and gentlemen. Good afternoon.

On behalf of the Bermuda Football Association it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to our 4th Legends Scholarships Awards Presentation. The Legends scholarship programme was created for the sole purpose of supporting young, talented Bermudians with aspirations to further their academic studies overseas, through the sport of football. In doing so, we are proud of the fact that since 2007 we have provided $250,000 in scholarship awards, assisting 26 student athletes fulfill their dreams.

In the face of diminishing funds, forcing several changes to our business plan, the BFA executive and staff were resolute in our decision to maintain the same level of funding to this very important programme. Once again the BFA has committed $75,000 to this initiative assisting another 7 student athletes realize their education goals. The BFA Legends Scholarship Programme is just one of several initiatives implemented under our Strategic Plan which marries football and education; with the sole objective of assisting our players reach their full potential.

On behalf of my colleagues I would like to acknowledge and thank our sponsors as without the continued financial support of the Bermuda Government, our corporate partners Appleby, Capital G-Bank and the Bank of Bermuda, none of this would be possible. And last but not least, I would like to thank the dedicated teachers, parents, guardians, club and national coaches, who provide their time and support to each of today’s recipients. To all, we say “Thank you”.

Before concluding, I would like to pay tribute to the 2010 Legends namely:

• Dr. Gerard Bean
• Carlton “Pepe” Dill
• Calvin “Bummy” Symonds
• Joseph Ferreira
• Kenny Cann
• Charles Marshall
• Earl “Townsey” Russell

All of these Legends conducted themselves throughout their careers as they do today with discipline and respect, perseverance and hard work. Each one of them believes in the value of a good education and therefore endorsed the Legends Scholarship Program.

Finally, I wish to thank each one of our Legends for their contribution to football over the many years and for allowing the BFA to associate their names to these valuable Scholarships. We know that the eventual recipients of these scholarships will do them and us very proud.

Thank you!

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