Berkeley Institute valedictorian Sherrita Arorash received $1,500 to go towards her tertiary education from the Bermuda International Business Association (BIBA).

The money came with the BIBA Award for Excellence, which Ms Arorash won for displaying high scholastic achievement in the area of business.

Shawnta Simmons, BIBA communications coordinator, was on hand to present the "Excellence as Top Business Student" award.

Berkeley Institute celebrated 111 years of educating students with the commencement ceremony held at the Heritage Worship Centre, on Monday this week.

In the fall, Ms Arorash will continue her studies at St. John's University in Queens, New York, pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Actuarial Science from the Peter J. Tobin College of Business.

BIBA chief executive officer Cheryl Packwood said: "It is vitally important that we encourage and award our students in their academic and personal achievements, especially in the areas of business where there are opportunities available for young people who are willing to apply themselves and work hard.

"Our country needs, and will always need, educated and knowledgeable Bermudian talent."