A former Bermuda College student has been named as the first-ever winner of a scholarship through a scheme in honour of former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith.

Bermudian Omejae Goater will receive financial backing from the Dame Jennifer Smith Scholarship Programme as he embarks on a two-year graphic design course at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh this month.

The award was created by the Art Institute in conjunction with the Bermuda National Training Board (NTB) to honour the career achievements of one of its most distinguished alumnae, Dame Jennifer Smith, who is now Deputy Speaker of the House.

Mr. Goater said: "I am honoured to be the first recipient of the Dame Jennifer Smith Scholarship.

"I aspire to work in the field of graphic design in Bermuda once I have completed my studies. I am also looking forward to leaving the Island to go to school."

Dame Jennifer said: "I'm very pleased that we have our first scholarship winner and I'm even more pleased that he is a Bermuda College student and an artist.

"I'm hopeful that Mr. Goater will find his passion challenged at the school and that he will thrive and excel and be the torch bearer for a number of other Bermudians who can take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and the NTB."

NTB chairman Herman Tucker said: "The NTB is committed to supporting Bermudians in their endeavours to receive further technical and vocational training.

"We are very proud that Mr. Goater is the first recipient of this scholarship. It has been in the works for two years and hopefully this year's award won't be the last."

Mr. Goater will receive the scholarship at the rate of $10,000 per calendar year. This will be subsidised at the rate of $5,000 per year by the NTB.

For more information about NTB funding assistance, visit www.ntb.bm.