Law firm, Conyers Dill & Pearman (CD&P), awarded $175,000 to 14 local students during its annual scholarship give-away.

But the winner of the grand prize this year is David Stubbs, who received CD&P's 2004 Scholarship Award worth $25,000.

"(The money) will assist him in completing his LLB at Buckingham University then his Legal Practices Course (LPC)," CD&P said.

Mr. Stubbs went to Saltus and in 1990 was the recipient of the Rhodes scholarship to Oxford University.

He graduated from Brown University in 1990 with a BA (Hons) in International Relations and Russian Language and Literature.

"David continued his interest in Eastern Europe by spending eight years in the former Soviet Union working predominantly for humanitarian causes," the law firm said.

Manager of Human Relations at CD&P, Sandra Butterfield, said: "The competition for this year's award was truly vigorous and it is a fine achievement of David's to be topping the list in the final selection.

"David has shown exceptional academic prowess and tremendous strength of character. We wish him all the best for his future education and career," she said.

Their bursary winner's in 2004 include: Jennifer Stervinou, Anna Knapman and Kai Musson who each received $5,000 to read law.

Ms Stervinou studies at the University of Kent, Ms Knapman at the College of Law in York and Mr. Musson at the University of London.

Previous winners of the full scholarship are: Nicholas Pacheco (2003), Jennifer Rhind (2002) and Michelle Ashton (2001). They have all had their yearly awards of $25,000 renewed.

Mr. Pacheco reads law at the College of Law in London, Ms Rhind studies at the University of Kent and Ms Ashton at the University of Bristol.

Vanessa Bean also won $5,000 as the second annual CD&P CedarBridge Academy Leadership Scholar. Ms Bean is on a Rotary exchange in Brazil.

Jamari Douglas, the first ever winner of the CedarBridge Award, received another $5,000 and spent last year in Japan.

Other renewals were awarded to:

Elliot Hubbard ($20,000) ? University of Kent

Michael Roache ($10,000) ? University of Nottingham

Chiara Nannini ($8,000) ? London School of Economics

Lakilah Harrigan ($7,000) ? University of Windsor, Ontario

Heidi Daniels-Roque ($5,000) ? University of Kent

Marketing manager for CD&P, Ross Webber, said: "As one of Bermuda's most established firms, Conyers Dill and Pearman seeks to encourage and facilitate the development of Bermudian talent, particularly in the field of law. These awards are a significant part of the overall contribution CD&P continues to make to the community."

He added: "It is a pleasure for us to present such deserving individuals with these awards to assist in their personal and professional development."