Several math whizzes recently received $200 scholarships and certificates in recognition of their academic excellence.

The awards were presented during the first Annual Casualty Actuaries of Bermuda (CABER) Secondary School Mathematics Awards Luncheon held at the Harbourfront Restaurant on Wednesday.

CABER president, Ralph Rathjen said: "One of CABER's goals is to encourage the study of actuarial science by interested Bermudians and to promote awareness of the actuarial profession and the actuary's role in the Bermuda insurance industry.'' Guest speaker Brian R. Hall, chairman of the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance studies (BFIS), said there were great opportunities in the insurance industry.

"I looked at a manpower survey on the insurance industry about four or five years ago and the industry was growing by 40 people a year,'' Mr. Hall explained.

"The insurance industry is still growing rapidly and we must build a foundation to develop skills in local students to meet its demands.'' Receiving awards were Patrice Brown of Berkeley Institute, Jenia Thompson of Bermuda High School, Allan Fox of Bermuda Institute, Kacie Fishenden of CedarBridge Academy, Rebecca Stevens of Mount Saint Agnes Academy, Trevor Leitch of Saltus Grammar School, and Ryan Spring and David Roache of Warwick Academy.