Twenty high achievers have been awarded scholarships from the Bank of Bermuda Foundation, worth a total of $723,000.

Winner Ashley Berry was the recipient of the Sir Henry Tucker University Scholarship, valued at $30,000 per annum for up to four years.

The Warwick Academy graduate will be attending Duke University where she will pursue a pre-med degree in the fall.

She said: "My first reaction was of excitement and honour, as I know the competition was tough.

"The scholarship aid means a lot to me and my parents as it is a great contribution to my educational costs, especially since I am going to the US where costs are much higher. I am glad to help ease the financial burden on my parents.

She thanked the Foundation for the award and said: "I am very grateful for their favourable consideration and I will endeavour to live up to their expectations."

The Bank of Bermuda Foudation scholarships range from $1,500, a one time handout, to awards valued at $30,000, given each year for four years.

The education subcommittee considered each student's community service, academics, extra curricular activity and financial need before deciding on the winners.

Christa Schweizer, who graduated from Spelman College, summa cum laude the highest academic honour, was also awarded.

Miss Schweizer was given $30,000 per annum for up to four years and will be pursuing a master's degree in law at the University of Bristol, in the UK.

Christopher Lee was given $30,000 per annum for up to two years after graduating magna cum laude from Washington and Lee University in 2005.

He attained a bachelor of science degree in business and accounting and this fall will begin an MBA programme at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

The Berkeley Institute graduate Tori Smith was also awarded $30,000 per annum for up to four years. She plans to head to Georgia State University and pursue a degree in Actuarial Sciences.

Students Jordon Saints, Kyle Tucker, and Courtney Woodings all received educational grants of $8,000 per year.

CedarBridge Academy graduate Ebony Brockington received a scholarship valued at $40,000 distributed during the third and fourth year of study.

While Matthew Coelho and Sondai Smith were awarded $12,000 per annum over a period not exceeding four years.

Priscilla Thompson-Tavares was the winner of the Premier Award valued at $15,000, while successful runners up Carolita Joseph, Tia Smith, Ronnelle James, Julia Outerbridge and Subira Dill were handed $10,000 each.

Ashlee Kelly, Jacari Brimmer -Landy, Carolita Joseph, Jahnae Harvey, Malachi Simmons all received $1,500 each after being nominated by their school principals.