Three young Bermudians were awarded scholarship grants from the Bermuda Arts Council to continue their arts studies.Malachi Simmons, who is studying for his bachelor of arts degree in dance at Edgehill University, was awarded a $10,000 grant.Performing arts student Rory Wilson and bachelor of fine arts student Sarai Hinds were given $5,000 and $3,000 respectively to continue their studies.Mr Simmons, who is currently going into his third year of study, has been involved in numerous stage productions on the Island, including several pantomimes, Animal Farm and Blood Brothers.While he said he initially intended to focus on acting, his love of dance changed his direction.Once he finishes his studies, he said he hopes to join a postgraduate dance company and travel before returning to the Island.“I want to support the community here and really try to bring the performing arts as a whole, as well as other arts, to a professional level,” he said.“The way I see it is already at that level, but it’s about getting other people to recognise that.”Ms Hinds said she decided to further her education in Boston after studying for a year at Bermuda College.“I’ve chosen now to minor in child development, which will help when I come back to get my teaching degree here and further the community,” she said.Mr Wilson was unable to attend the presentation because he was in Eastern Europe working on a film project. However in a letter, Mr Wilson said the grant would help him continue his studies in acting and directing.“My early passion was for football, where I won awards, travelled and played for Bermuda,” he wrote. “However pneumonia at 14 disrupted my training and I finally heeded the pleas of my drama teacher to act.”After graduation, he said he hopes to return to the Island and work to create a film development group to advance film in Bermuda.Bermuda Arts Council chairwoman Tona Symonds praised the winners, saying: “We are proud of you and being able to support you for your dedication, your commitment to Bermuda and improving the arts in the future.“Bermuda has extraordinarily talented young people, and it is our privilege and our pleasure to assist in their development, and I think that in the future we have a lot to look forward to, a new industry to look forward to.”Culture Minister Wayne Scott said all three students were highly deserving.“I am pleased to say that in Bermuda we do have a thriving arts community because of the efforts made by dedicated community organisations to showcase the extraordinary artistic talent of our residents,” he said.“The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs will continue to work in partnership with these organisations to promote and support the arts in Bermuda.”