Kyah Richardson Earns Chess Scholarship
Bermuda College student Kyah Richardson has been named the inaugural recipient of the new Bermuda Chess Association Scholarship, receiving $5,000 annually for two years.
A spokesperson said, “Bermuda College Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the new Bermuda Chess Association [BCA] Scholarship, a two-year scholarship supporting a Bermuda College student whose experience with chess reflects the discipline, strategic thinking, and resilience the BCA seeks to encourage.
“The inaugural recipient is Kyah Richardson; a first-year Bermuda College student enrolled in the Associate in Arts in Business Administration programme and active with playing chess with the BCA. Kyah will receive $5,000 each year for the next two years to assist with tuition, textbooks, and other related fees.”
A graduate of The Berkeley Institute, Mr Richardson reflected in his application essay on the role chess has played in shaping his character and outlook, “Overall, chess has helped shape me into a more thoughtful, patient, and resilient person. It has taught me to approach challenges with confidence, remain composed under pressure, and always look for opportunities to improve.”
John Seymour, Bermuda Chess Association; Kerry Judd, Executive Director, Bermuda College Foundation; Mark Flanagan, Bermuda Chess Association; Kyah Richardson, Scholarship Recipient/Bermuda College Student; Nikkita Scott, Vice President of Student Affairs, Bermuda College; & Adrian Lodge, Bermuda Chess Association.
The spokesperson said, “In addition to financial support, Mr Richardson will receive ongoing mentoring and networking opportunities through the BCA, as well as potential internship opportunities aligned with his chosen career path.”
“We are grateful to Bermuda Chess Association for creating this meaningful new scholarship through Bermuda College Foundation,” says Kerry Judd, Executive Director of the Foundation. “This gift not only helps remove financial barriers for Kyah as he begins his studies at Bermuda College but also recognises the valuable life skills that chess can develop—strategic thinking, discipline, resilience, and confidence. We are excited to see Kyah benefit from both the scholarship and the mentorship opportunities that will support his continued growth.”
Mark Flanagan, representing the Bermuda Chess Association, states, “The presentation of the chess scholarship to Kyah Richardson highlights the ultimate goal of the Bermuda Chess pathway. This journey, integrated throughout Bermuda’s education system, allows students with strong analytical abilities to forge a clear path from primary, secondary, and tertiary education directly into the workplace.”
He continued, “By mastering the game, students demonstrate essential real-world attributes such as critical thinking and effective decision making. The BCA was incredibly impressed with Kyah’s exceptional abilities, particularly his capacity to showcase profound tactical and strategic thinking over the board.”
The spokesperson said, “The new scholarship represents the Bermuda Chess Association’s commitment to supporting education, personal development, and opportunity for Bermuda’s students. Through this partnership with the Foundation, the BCA is helping to invest in the next generation of leaders while demonstrating the lasting value of chess beyond the board.”
