Somersfield Highlights Four Equity Scholars
Somersfield Academy students Dezirae Darrell, Keniae Burgess, Kritik Rangta and Aniah Tucker are this year’s Equity & Merit Scholars.
A spokesperson said, “Four Somersfield Academy students are showing what it means to be socially conscious, independent thinkers, from standing up for human rights and supporting younger students to pushing past personal challenges and discovering new strengths.
“Dezirae Darrell ’27, Keniae Burgess ’26, Kritik Rangta ’29 and Aniah Tucker ’30 are this year’s Equity & Merit Scholars. Their experiences embody what the scholarship is all about: giving students the opportunity to pursue their interests and make a difference in our school and wider community.
“The Equity & Merit Scholarship provides financial assistance to eligible Bermudian students who demonstrate academic excellence, a commitment to personal growth, and the potential to contribute to global issues locally. For these four scholars, a Somersfield education means access to a community that encourages them to explore their interests, take on new challenges and grow into the people they want to become.
Keniae Burgess, Aniah Tucker, Tanisha Edwards [Director of Student Life], Dezirae Darrell, and Kritik Rangta
“Their experiences speak to Somersfield’s mission of inspiring socially conscious, independent thinkers and its vision of preparing learners to succeed with confidence, awareness, and compassion.
“For Dezirae Darrell ’27, an interest in human rights and international law informs her academic work and her interest in the wider world. Her Global Politics Extended Essay explores questions surrounding cultural relativism and human rights, while her commitment to mentoring younger students reflects the importance she places on helping others.
“During her three years as an Equity & Merit scholar, Dezirae has made significant contributions to student life through leadership and community engagement. She previously served as Student Council President and has participated in We Speak and the BUEI Youth Climate Summit, taking opportunities to represent her peers, engage with important issues, and contribute to her community.”
Reflecting on the opportunities she has had at Somersfield, Ms. Darrell said, “Being an Equity & Merit Scholar has given me so many opportunities that I might not have had otherwise.”
She added, “A lot of the things I’m involved in now started with an opportunity I was given at Somersfield.”
The spokesperson said, “Keniae Burgess ’28 has embraced opportunities to become involved in school life and community service. In her first two months at Somersfield, she has become a general member of the Student Leadership Council, serves as secretary of the Junior Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion [JEDI] Committee, and has joined Interact Club [Rotary International].
“Outside the classroom, Keniae has a keen interest in forensic psychology and archery. She has begun training with Gold Point Archery Bermuda, with aspirations of further developing her skills, progressing to the National Archery Association of Bermuda, and eventually representing Bermuda in international competitions.
“For Keniae, being a scholar means approaching different aspects of school life with genuine commitment.”
“It means putting your all, your true, genuine effort into everything you do at school,” Ms. Burgess said, highlighting the importance of effort in academics, volunteering, and other activities.
The spokesperson said, “Kritik Rangta ’29 demonstrates leadership through his willingness to contribute and set a positive example for others. In his second year as a scholar, he helps with Somersfield’s After School Programme once a week and recognises the value of being someone they can look up to.
Mr. Rangta said: “You have to set the example, even if it’s not fully on display. You hold yourself to a high standard.”
A spokesperson said, “A keen basketball player with an interest in art and manga, Kritik brings a range of interests to his Somersfield experience. His approach to leadership reflects the school’s emphasis on responsibility, and respect for others.
“Aniah Tucker ’30, who has been part of Somersfield since Primary 3, is a first-year Equity & Merit scholar and is continuing to explore her interests through academics and sport.
“Aniah plays football with KR Football Academy and is part of Somersfield’s volleyball team this year. For Aniah, the opportunity to continue her education at Somersfield has been meaningful.”
Ms. Tucker said, “The Equity & Merit Scholarship gave me the opportunity to continue here, and I feel the opportunities I have at Somersfield will help me in the long run.”
The spokesperson said, “The Equity & Merit Scholarship was established to empower students in Bermuda to become global leaders who can make a positive difference locally and internationally. The programme provides full or partial tuition assistance to eligible students who demonstrate academic ability, strong character, ambition, and a commitment to Somersfield’s vision, mission, and values.”
Tanisha Edwards, Director of Student Life at Somersfield Academy, sees these qualities reflected in the way students engage. “Each student brings something different to Somersfield. Their unique gifts and talents add to the richness of our school culture.
“They’re getting involved, trying new things, and finding ways to contribute to our school and wider community. It’s been great to see them make the most of the opportunities available to them, and I look forward to seeing how they continue to grow and contribute, both during their time at Somersfield and after they graduate.”
The spokesperson said, “Somersfield Academy acknowledges Sompo International and Oakley Capital Investments for their support of the Equity & Merit Scholarship. Their contributions help scholarship recipients make the most of their Somersfield education, providing opportunities to explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and contribute to their communities.
“Applications for 2027-28 are now open and families interested in learning more about eligibility and the application process can visit mysomersfield.com/equity-and-merit-scholarship or contact admissions@somersfield.bm.
“Families interested in learning more about a Somersfield education are also invited to attend the Secondary Open House on Tuesday, November 3, from 9:00 to 10:00 am. This is an opportunity to learn more about Somersfield’s Middle Years and Diploma programmes and the opportunities available to students.”
