Six students interested in improving the health of Bermuda’s people received $80,000 from the Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) this week.The scholarships are designed to encourage study of in-demand health fields such as nursing, nutrition and speech therapy, among others.Included in the figure was $30,000 from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), for two students in pharmacy and psychology.“We are very proud to provide scholarships to this year’s winners, who will one day join the hospital’s team of professionals,” said Venetta Symonds, chief executive officer of the BHB. “BHB is committed to supporting Bermudian students pursuing careers in healthcare. We are competing in a global market with a shortage of medical professionals and we recognise the value these young people will bring to our community when they return here to work. I would also like to pay tribute to GlaxoSmithKline for continuing to provide scholarship funding to our students.”Scholarship winner Britanni Cann-Fubler, who is currently doing a Master’s degree in human communication sciences/speech therapy at the University of Sheffield in the UK, received $20,000 for a period of two years. She said her major had taught her how important communication is to human existence.“Knowing I can help improve someone’s communication skills as a speech and language therapist and positively impacting an individual’s life is highly motivating,” said Ms Cann-Fubler. “I am thankful for this scholarship award and the opportunity it is providing me and I look forward to returning to Bermuda to serve families in my community.”Bermuda College student Regina Dill, received a $5,000 one-time scholarship to continue her studies in nursing.She said: “I regard nursing as a very rewarding career that will make a difference in people’s lives and bring them hope and happiness. This scholarship will allow me to pursue my education and follow my dream of becoming a registered nurse. I look forward to giving back to my country.”Other scholarship winners were:— Allison Outerbridge, Master’s degree, Nutrition/Clinical Dietitian at University of Tennessee, United States- awarded $20,000 over two years— Julesa Robinson, Master’s degree, Physical Education/Physiotherapy at Canterbury Christ Church University, United Kingdom- awarded $20,000 over two years— Shuntee Ford, Associates degree, Radiology at Keiser University, United States- awarded $10,000 one-time payment— Selena Swan, Associates degree, Nursing at Bermuda College, Bermuda- awarded $5,000 one-time payment— Tiffany Smith, Master’s degree, Pharmacy, University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom- awarded $15,000 this year from GlaxoSmithKline— Kelly Savery, PhD, Psychology, University of Manchester, United Kingdom — awarded $15,000 this year from GlaxoSmithKline