Nine college students were awarded scholarships at an awards ceremony.

Pembroke Hamilton Club handed over $40,000 in scholarship funds at the eight annual PHC Foundation awards ceremony hosted by sponsor XL Catlin.

“Our commitment to expanding educational access to members of the PHC community continues to grow and with today’s $40,000 disbursement, we can now celebrate a total of over $250,000 in educational scholarships benefiting our community since the Foundations inception in 2006,” PHC Foundation president Rajaee Shakir said.

“The generosity of our sponsors and the hard work of each of the PHC Foundation team members demonstrates the power of a strong, committed community.”

Club president Jonathan Ball added: “At Pembroke Hamilton Club we strive to develop the complete athlete and we commend the Foundation for its tireless work promoting educational opportunities that help provide balance on and off the field.”

XL Foundation Ltd president Patrick Tannock said the group is “pleased to support the ongoing efforts of the PHC Foundation as it endeavours to play a critical role in the development of those participating in the PHC’s programmes.

“The youngsters benefiting from the programmes, including scholarship recipients, represent Bermuda’s future.

“It is therefore imperative that we make a commitment to invest in our young people today in order to allow them to realise their full potential and to secure a successful Bermuda for all of us tomorrow.”

Former recipient and guest speaker Marquel Waldron recounted the challenges he faced during his educational journey.

He advised the audience that in order to succeed “your desire for success must be greater than your fear of failure”.

This year’s recipients included Mikal Simmons, Shaquille Trott, Wendell Tre Ming, Jaeda Smith, Jenico Sealey, Isaiah Taylor, De-Aun Lodge, Marco Warren and Arriek Douglas.

Recipients, their families, PHC officials, the executive of the PHC Foundation and sponsor representatives attended the event.

Scholarship awards were granted based on criteria including need, educational achievement, personal circumstances and interview responses.

The PHC Foundation is a registered charity that partners with PHC on several projects each year.

These have included support with events such as resume workshops, coaching certifications, CPR training, Scars training, the Good Friday Community Day and the Going Home Campaign.