Montarsolo & Gibson Earn UWC Placements
The Bermuda National Committee for the United World Colleges announced that Juliana Montarsolo and Nadia Gibson have been awarded placements at UWC Costa Rica and UWC Maastricht.
A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Committee for the United World Colleges [“UWC”] is pleased to announce that Juliana Montarsolo and Nadia Gibson have been awarded placements at United World Colleges.
“Juliana will join two of the 2024 scholars: Taylor Herzog and Juliette Smatt, at UWC Costa Rica while Nadia Gibson will be attending UWC Maastricht.
“As the only UWC in Latin America and the Caribbean, UWC Costa Rica offers a bilingual IB programme, opportunities to learn more about the region’s social, political and cultural history, and options to explore Costa Rica. The country’s long-standing history of peace, democracy, environmental protection and absence of a national military provide the ideal setting to develop UWC Costa Rica’s curriculum.
“Juliana, previously a student at Warwick Academy, has a bright and engaging personality that shone through during the interview process. She has a strong academic record, however the Selections panel was particularly impressed by the extensive hours that Juliana has devoted to her volunteer position as a candy striper at KEMH, which demonstrated her dedication and community mindedness. Juliana is eager to experience new cultures and is determined to learn all that she can from meeting new people during her time at UWC Costa Rica.
“Nadia, previously a student at BHS, submitted a thoughtful essay for her application, which impressed the Selections panel. Her strong academic performance was also balanced by her clear passion for music, with performances in musicals, choir and the band that she and friends have formed. Community service is a key component of the United World College ethos, and Nadia has been committed to mentoring younger girls at her school. She is a self-starter and is determined to contribute meaningfully during her time at UWC Maastrict.
“As a leading International School in the Netherlands, the UWC Maastricht experience is about both understanding and action—deepening awareness of the world’s challenges while embracing the opportunity to contribute to solutions.”
Sean Smatt, Chair of the Bermuda National Committee said, “I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Juliana and Nadia on their achievements. Each of them embodies the values and spirit of the UWC movement, and we are excited to see the impact they will make on the world. The Bermuda National Committee has every confidence that they will represent Bermuda well.
“A UWC education is like nothing else currently available to Bermudian students. It represents an amazing opportunity to explore the world and the cultures within it, while following a challenging IB academic curriculum. Additionally, the UWC movement is partnered with a variety of scholarship programs to help fund university education. It truly is an exceptional opportunity for Bermudian students.”
He continued, “We would like to thank the alumni, friends, companies and foundations who have so generously supported our programme this year. We would like to offer specific thanks to the Bermuda Foundation and Butterfield & Vallis for their generous support as well as The Bermuda National Trust who allowed the use of their Waterville and Verdmont properties for information sessions and award receptions.”
Zayna Foggo, Head of Selections and Vice Chair for the National Committee added, “Both Juliana and Nadia demonstrated strong academic ability, a genuine commitment to their community and embody core UWC ideals. We are excited to see students of their caliber applying for this exceptional programme and are pleased to offer her what will undoubtedly be life-changing experiences in Costa Rica and The Netherlands.” Students selected by the UWC Bermuda National Committee [Charity #346] are offered the opportunity to complete a two-year IB curriculum at one of 18 UWC locations including Costa Rica, Japan, India, The Netherlands, Canada and Singapore.
A spokesperson added, “At present, 1500 students from over 150 countries attend 18 UWCs worldwide.Students are selected on a need-blind basis, with financial support provided based on need.
“Financial support remains key to our ability to continue sending students.
“The UWC movement was conceived by educational pioneer Kurt Hahn in the 1950s, based on the idea that students aged 16-18 would be grounded in their culture, but impressionable enough to learn from each other.
“UWC makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. This is accomplished by providing an international education and exposure founded on a combination of rigorous academics, cultural exchange, tolerance and community service.
“All UWCs combine a rigorous International Baccalaureate academic program with significant community service and cultural exchange requirements.
“**Eligible students are encouraged to learn about the UWC movement and the application process at www.bm.uwc.org and may contact the UWC Bermuda National Committee at info@bm.uwc.org
“**Student scholarships and bursaries granted by the UWC Bermuda National Committee are funded entirely by local donors. If you would like to contribute to this worthy cause, please contact us on info@bm.uwc.org.”
