As a mother of two teenage girls, Roberta Simmons might not have had the chance to pursue her medical degree in speech therapy.

However the $20,000 Dr. Barbara Ball Public Health Scholarship has put her one step closer to achieving her dream. The scholarship, which she has earned two years in a row, allows recipients to focus more on their studies than their financial commitments.

"I would like my daughters to see it is never too late to change your career as a mature individual. Because the sky is the limit, the only limit," she told The Royal Gazette. "I am just honoured. It shows that others are also investing in my future as well as myself including the Department of Health."

As a speech therapist Ms Simmons will be able to assess, diagnose and treat disorders related to speech, language, swallowing and fluency. According to Acting Minister of Health Walter Roban there is currently a need in the system for these types of professionals. In total, $105,700 was awarded through the scholarship and in addition to Ms Simmons, Vinisha Saltus, Jonae Jervis, Lindsay Lodge, Cheykun Smith, Rene Baisden, Keira Hill, Roberta Simmons and Daryl Masters were given bursaries.

The scholarship, in honour of medical pioneer Dr. Ball, requires all recipients to work within the Ministry of Health after graduation or pay back the monies received. It means that Bermuda directly benefits, explained Acting Health Minister Walter Roban.

"These are all recipients that plan to come and work in Bermuda, so this is money invested in Bermuda that comes back to benefit the people. That's a great investment. Well spent public money".

At a luncheon and awards ceremony on Wednesday Mr. Roban took time to talk about the many contributions 84-year-old Dr. Ball has made to the Island.

He said: "She led the way in race relations, she led the way as a female, she led the way as a physician and she led the way as a labour leader. Her name now leads the way for those interested in the health care professions."