Alexandra Edwards was yesterday named as the XL Insurance (Bermuda) Ltd. Insurance Scholarship recipient for 2002.

Ms Edwards, 18, was selected from 12 applicants and will begin her studies at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario in September.

The scholarship is intended to help her pay tuition, travel and living costs for a four year undergraduate degree within the Faculty of Social Science.

XL president and CEO Brian M. O'Hara said: "XL fully supports young Bermudians who aspire to make a contribution to Bermuda's insurance community. Alexandra demonstrates the qualities. Alexandra demonstrates the qualities of an outstanding young Bermudian and we wish her continued success for the future."

Scholarship committee chairperson Lisa Harvey Swan added: "Due to the number of outstanding applicants, the selection process proves to be more challenging each year. Alexandra's exemplary attributes made her an ideal choice as this year's recipient."

Alexandra will be enrolled in the University of Western Ontario's Administrative and Commercial Studies programme where she will take such courses as accounting and computer science.

After two years, she plans to apply to the university's Richard Ivey School of Business which is regarded as the top business school in Canada.

Alexandra said: "I'm honoured that XL Insurance has chosen me as their scholarship recipient. I have a wonderful opportunity to study business and it's my goal to then pursue insurance. I believe the opportunities XL Insurance has handed me now will only lead to bigger and better opportunities with them in the future."

Since its inception in 1990, the XL Insurance Scholarship has awarded a total of $490,000 to help young Bermudians prepare for professional careers in the insurance industry. A condition of the award is that recipients be willing to return to Bermuda on completion of their studies.