Bermudian Jeoffrey Chisnall has been awarded the 2008 XL Scholarship by XL Foundation Ltd.

The 18-year old, who is the son of Paul and Joanne Chisnall of Smith's Parish and was chosen from 27 applicants, starts his undergraduate degree in Honours Business Administration majoring in accounting at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, next month.

The XL Scholarship will go towards his tuition, travel and living costs.

XL Capital Ltd.'s CEO Michael McGavick said: "Over the years, XL has been committed to identifying young Bermudians who are destined to make a positive contribution to the island's insurance industry. We are pleased to support Jeoffrey as he pursues his studies overseas and we look forward to his future contributions as part of the Bermuda insurance community."

Mr. Chisnall said: "I am extremely honored to be an XL scholarship recipient and for the immense opportunity given to me by the XL Foundation to further my education in university. Thank you to the XL Foundation for this opportunity and their continued support of Bermuda's youth."

Mr. Chisnall attended Mount Saint Agnes Academy between 1995 and 2008, where he was actively involved in various school plays and choirs, as well as on sports teams, including volleyball, basketball and softball.

He was named Most Valuable Player at the 2007 Annual Bermuda Youth Conference and was awarded the Young Teen with the Most Potential at the Bermuda International Business Association's annual College Student Networking Event in 2007.

Mr. Chisnall was a member of the National Honor Society of Secondary Schools, a recipient of the Bishop Hennessey Scholarship, a writer for the Youth News Newspaper and a member of the winning team in the 2005 Bermuda Quiz Competition. In his spare time, he volunteers at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo and has served as an Aqua Camp teacher assistant. Upon completion of his studies, he plans to return to Bermuda to pursue a career in the international business sector as an accountant.

Since the inception of the XL Scholarship (formerly the XL Insurance Scholarship) in 1990, a total of $1.9 million has been provided to help Bermudians prepare for professional careers in the insurance industry. A condition of the award is that recipients be willing to return to the Island on completion of their studies.