Two Bermudian students yesterday received scholarships in an awards ceremony hosted by the Ace Foundation — Bermuda.

Jacqueline Riley Correia was unveiled as the 2015 Robert Clements/Ace Scholar, while Shannon Davis was the 2015 ACE/Bermuda College Education Award recipient.

Ms Correia, graduate of the Saltus Grammar School, will be attending the University of British Columbia in the fall as a designated chancellor’s scholar to pursue an undergraduate degree in mathematics.

She has maintained consistent academic success throughout her years, achieving Principal’s List for five consecutive years, receiving an IGCSE History Award and being placed on the Head Teacher’s Honor Role for 2015.

In addition to her academic achievements, Riley is also a passionate and accomplished equestrian both locally and on the Ontario Circuit where she has competed since 2012.

Her volunteer work has included Youth Net, Windreach, Ettrick Animal Hospital, and numerous Bermuda Equestrian Federation Events.

Lori Samson, chairwoman of Ace Foundation-Bermuda, said: “Riley’s academic and athletic achievements demonstrate both her natural ability and her unwavering desire to succeed. It was her determination and resourcefulness that stood her apart from the competition.” Since its inception in 1996, the ACE Foundation-Bermuda, through the Robert Clements/ACE Scholarship and other discretionary awards, has invested more than $2 million in support of 25 Bermudians to help them prepare for professional careers in Bermuda’s insurance industry.

The Robert Clements/ACE Scholarship is a fully-funded four-year scholarship open to Bermudians studying for an undergraduate or graduate degree in insurance, risk management, actuarial science or other disciplines related to the insurance industry including accounting, law and economics.

Shannon Davis graduated from Bermuda College this past May with an Associates in science (education). She plans to continue her studies at Mount Saint Vincent and pursue a degree in history. Her goal is to teach social studies at secondary level in Bermuda.

“Teachers have the biggest impact on their students’ lives; after all they do spend eight hours, five days a week with them,” Ms Davis said. “Therefore, it is critical to engage and connect with students. My main reason for wanting to become a teacher and return to Bermuda to teach, is so that I can give back to my community and give future generations an opportunity to fulfil their dreams and aspirations.”

Ms Davis has been a teacher’s aide at both CedarBridge Academy and Sandys Secondary. In addition, she has volunteered at Victor Scott Primary and as a Peer Mentor at Prospect Primary. In 2013, she also achieved her Youth Net Completion Certificate, Homework Helper Student Certificate, and an Outstanding Student Award.

Samantha Froud, chief administration officer, Bermuda operations, and member of the ACE Bermuda College Education Award selection committee said: “I am always impressed with the talent and potential of the candidates we receive from Bermuda College. Shannon demonstrated a strong commitment to giving back to community and a passion for making a difference in education. We are extremely pleased to recognise and support Shannon’s dream of becoming an educator.”

The ACE/Bermuda College Education Award provides $15,000 a year for two years to the successful Bermuda College graduate to assist them with the continuation of their undergraduate studies overseas. Since inception, seven Bermudian students have benefited from the Education Award.