RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd announced today that the 2011 RenaissanceRe Scholarship was awarded to Bermuda Institute student VaShon Williams. VaShon was selected from over one hundred applicants. He will be attending Oaklwood University in the autumn to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree, majoring in Physics.Neill Currie, President and Chief Executive Officer of RenaissanceRe, said: “We were particularly impressed with the calibre of the applicants this year, and it was especially difficult to pick just one recipient.“VaShon is both an outstanding young man and a delightful person. His continual pursuit of excellence embodies what we stand for at RenaissanceRe. We are pleased to support VaShon through his undergraduate education with this Scholarship Award and we look forward to the positive contributions he will make to Bermuda’s workforce when he returns.”The recipient of the RenaissanceRe Scholarship is determined by a committee of Bermudians from across the RenaissanceRe organisation. The Scholarship covers tuition at an accredited institution for a period of up to four years, with no restriction on the field of study. The criteria for selection include academic and personal excellence, demonstrated leadership qualities and a commitment to serving the community.A member of the National Honours Society, VaShon maintained excellent grades consistently throughout his high school career and graduated with Honours from the Bermuda Institute. VaShon was unanimously elected Head Boy of the school by the faculty and held the additional positions of Prefect and Student Association President throughout the year. He was selected among top academic students to attend the MITHS programme, an introduction to the health sciences in California.VaShon is a member of Youth Parliament and helps regularly at a seniors’ home. He is a Teen Leader in the Hamilton Pathfinder Club. An accomplished musician, he has been a member of the Bermuda Institute Steel Band and the ‘United in Christ’ Choir for many years. He plays football for the Crossroad Club as well as for the varsity football team. VaShon headed the winning team for the Bank of Bermuda Challenge this year and was recognised for Spiritual Leadership and Academic Achievement at the Outstanding Teen Awards.