Hassell And Edwards Win Thunhurst Award

Bermuda Education Network [BEN] and Platinum Underwriters announced the winners of the second annual Christian Thunhurst Award which provides grants for overseas study to students who have previously participated in BEN’s programs.

This year’s winners are Ryan Hassell and Stephen Edwards who took part in the 2011 Math Springboard completing work shadow assignments at reinsurance and investment firms.

The award was set up in 2012 to honour Christian Thunhurst, a Casualty Underwriter and a former chairperson of Under 35s reinsurance association. Christian died suddenly in Bermuda on January 26, 2007 at the age of 34. The award is made possible by a multi-year grant of $5000 from Christian’s former employer Platinum Underwriters Holdings Ltd.

Robert Porter CEO at Platinum Underwriters said, “Christian was an exceptional person whose life continues to inspire us. I’m happy that this year’s award will go to two outstanding young men, Ryan and Stephen, both exceptional sportsmen with great potential.”

Stephen Edwards pictured at Platinum Underwriters [photo by Ann Spurling] and Ryan Hassell pictured playing soccer for the Western Reserve Academy in Ohio.

Ryan Hassell, a former student at The Berkeley Institute, now in his Junior year at Western Reserve Academy in Ohio, is training to become a professional footballer but also wants to get an accounting qualification. After finishing S2 in the Bermuda public school system he won a scholarship to the U.S. boarding school and hopes in the future to secure a place at a top university in the U.S.

Stephen Edwards, a recent graduate of The Berkeley Institute is now at Bellerbys College in Oxford, UK. Described as an excellent young man and a tremendous talent for Bermuda Rugby, Stephen Edwards is planning to take a law degree in the UK but first needs to complete a law foundation course in order to secure his place.

Both receive grants of $2500 towards the costs of taking pre-college programs overseas.

Louise Legg, Vice President at Platinum Underwriters and one of the original committee members of the Math Springboard program added, “Ryan and Stephen have both set their sights on ambitious professional pathways and we commend them for their determination and hope that this award will encourage them to keep pursuing the best educational opportunities available to them.”

Becky Ausenda, Executive Director of BEN said, “The aim of the Christian Thunhurst Award is to give opportunities to young Bermudians and to honour our friend and colleague. To date, the award has made a difference to six students who came to us through the public education system. These students have benefitted not only from financial assistance, but also through the mentorship and work experience provided by members of the reinsurance industry. This is Christian’s continuing legacy in Bermuda and our plan is that it will continue for many years to come.”

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