Eight young Bermudians are closer to achieving their academic dreams thanks to $156,000 in scholarships awarded by the Bank of Butterfield.

Bank of Butterfield's President & CEO, Alan Thompson, said Butterfield's Medical, Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships, two Overseas Education Bursaries, and two Visual Art Awards were just a part of Butterfield's overall Corporate Social Responsibility.

"So far, 2009 has been a year of unprecedented global challenges," Mr. Thompson said.

"That's why it's more important than ever to ensure the next generation has all the skills it requires to succeed. No matter what the current economic conditions are, Butterfield knows the most valuable contribution we can make to Bermuda is to invest in its young people."

The 2009 Dr. James A. C. King Medical Scholarship recipient was Shammah Williams of Pembroke. He graduated from Oakwood University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Bachelor of Science in biology. He currently attends Loma Linda University where he is studying medicine with an intended specialty in cardiology.

The 2009 Sir A. Dudley Spurling Postgraduate Scholar was Michelle Mitchell of Southampton. She graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and sociology. She plans to obtain a degree in law and return to Bermuda to practice.

The 2009 Sir Harry D. Butterfield Undergraduate Scholar was Eleanor Gardner of Smith's Parish. She completed her education at Bermuda High School for Girls. She will attend John's Hopkins University this year where she will be studying for a BA in international business. She plans to pursue a career in international business and politics.

Kascia White of Devonshire received the 2009 Butterfield Overseas Education Bursary. She graduated from the Bermuda Institute and has been accepted into St. Mary's University in Nova Scotia where she will study to be a marine biologist.

Meliseanna Gibbons of Warwick also received the 2009 Butterfield Overseas Education Bursary award. She graduated from Saltus Grammar School and is currently attending La Sierra University where she is majoring in psycho-biology. She plans to become a pediatric surgeon.

Butterfield's 2009 Special Education Award recipient is Neil Cattell of Hamilton Parish. He graduated from New York University with a BA in biology and is currently attending Hull York Medical School. He desires to return to Bermuda to practice.

Samantha Gosling won the 2009 Butterfield Visual Art Award. She is studying illustration at Rhode Island School of Design.

Jessica Dismont won the second 2009 Butterfield Visual Art Award. She is studying jewelry techniques at L'Ecole de Joaillerie de Montreal.