Committee Of 25 Awards Five Scholarships
The Committee of 25 has awarded $25,000 in scholarships and awards to five Bermudian students — Christopher Jackson, Christopher Bean, Kavwona Richardson, Keimani Trott and Malia Bell — who are pursuing careers supporting children and families.
A spokesperson said, “For nearly 75 years, the Committee of 25 has helped Bermuda families access the care, equipment and support their children need during some of life’s most challenging moments.
“The charity provides needs-based financial assistance to families with children facing medical, developmental and physical challenges, helping with costs including essential medical equipment, overseas travel and related support.
“Today, the charity is investing in Bermudians who will provide that care in the future.
“Five Bermudian students pursuing careers that will support children and families have been recognised following a strong response to the Committee of 25’s inaugural scholarship program.
“The Edna Watson Committee of 25 Scholarship, launched earlier this year, was established as a $10,000 award. With the Committee approaching its 75th anniversary and such a strong caliber of applicants, the Board decided to do more this year – committing an additional $15,000 to support four more students.
“In total, the Committee of 25 has awarded $25,000 to five Bermudian students pursuing careers in psychology, nursing, counselling and psychotherapy, speech and hearing science, and occupational therapy. The inaugural $10,000 Edna Watson Committee of 25 Scholarship has been awarded to Christopher Jackson. Christopher Bean received a $6,000 Committee of 25 Award, while Kavwona Richardson, Keimani Trott and Malia Bell each received $3,000 Committee of 25 Awards.
Miriam Shaya King, Chair of the Committee of 25, said: “We were genuinely impressed by the applications we received. There were so many talented young Bermudians choosing careers that will make a difference to children and families that we felt, particularly as we approach our 75th anniversary, this was a year when we could do more. The Board agreed to commit additional funds so we could recognise five students rather than just one. For us, it felt like a very fitting way to look ahead to the Committee’s next chapter.”
The spokesperson said, “Named in honour of Committee of 25 founder Edna Watson, the scholarship reflects her belief that no child should be denied care because of financial hardship. In 1952, she brought together 24 others to establish what became the Committee of 25. Nearly 75 years later, the organisation she founded continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Bermuda’s children and families.”
Bernadette Wilson, Committee of 25 Board Member and Scholarship Chair, said: “The quality of the applicants really stood out. It was a difficult selection process. We were looking at academic achievement and financial need, but also at why these students had chosen their particular fields and what they hoped to do with them. What really stood out was how many of these young people wanted to bring those skills back to Bermuda and work with children and families here.”
Christopher Jackson, the inaugural recipient of the Edna Watson Committee of 25 Scholarship, said: “Receiving this scholarship means a great deal to me, particularly knowing that I am the first recipient that carries Edna Watson’s name. It will help me continue my studies and move closer to my goal of returning to Bermuda and building a career supporting children and families. I’m incredibly grateful to the Committee of 25 for believing in what I hope to do.”
2026 Scholarship and Award Recipients
Edna Watson Committee of 25 Scholarship – $10,000
- Christopher Jackson – Master of Science in Clinical Behavioural Psychology, Eastern Michigan University
Committee of 25 Award – $6,000
- Christopher Bean – Associate of Science in Nursing, Bermuda College
Committee of 25 Awards – $3,000 each
- Kavwona Richardson – MA, Psychodynamic Counselling & Psychotherapy, University of Essex
- Keimani Trott – BSc in Speech and Hearing Science, Arizona State University
- Malia Bell – Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, University of the West of England
Total 2026 funding: $25,000
The spokesperson said, “As the Committee of 25 prepares to celebrate 75 years of helping Bermuda’s children and families, it is inviting the community to be part of what comes next. The Committee is looking for people with time, ideas and energy to get involved and help carry its work into the next generation. Anyone interested can contact the Committee of 25 directly or become a member through its website.
“To learn more or become a member: committeeof25.org.”
Thank you, Committee of 25.