Nassau, Bahamas -- Since 1947, Ambassadorial scholarships have been made available through the Rotary Foundation where more than 40,000 men and women have had the opportunity to study abroad. Today, it is one of the world’s largest privately funded international scholarship programs and last year, almost 700 scholarships were granted totaling approximately US$16.2 million. The recipients made up about 70 countries and studied in more than 80 nations.
In the past 2 years, two Bahamians, Angelique Sawyer and Embri Stuart were chosen from Rotary District 7020 that is made of The Bahamas and 10 other countries in the Caribbean. The Rotary Club of East Nassau sponsored Angelique and the Rotary Club of Eleuthera sponsored Embri.
“The Ambassadorial Scholarships are different from others,” said Yvette Bethel, Rotary Bahamas’ Scholarship Co-Chair. “The students who are awarded the scholarship serve as ambassadors of The Bahamas and they must select a school in another country they have never lived.”
While abroad, scholars make presentations to various Rotary clubs, conferences, schools, and other forums. They will also participate in community projects. They are welcomed by a Rotary host and will be emerged into the new Rotary families during their study year. Upon their return home, the scholars will enlighten local Rotarians of their experiences in their host countries.
For the 2009-2010 academic years, St. Gregory’s University in Oklahoma in the United States was the choice of Angelique Sawyer who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree before moving onto a law degree. “The scholarship provided me the financial springboard that I prayed for and required to continue my education in the United States,” said Angelique. “It covered most of my academic expenses for one year and was a wonderful help towards achieving my scholastic goals. This was a true blessing that I will forever be thankful to the Rotary Organization.” Rotary has been a part of Angelique’s life from the time she was a student at Aquinas College where she led the winning team at the Rotary’s MUNS (Mock United Nations) event. Later, she visited the United Nations in the US with the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Fred Mitchell. Angelique said that the Ambassadorial Scholarship allowed her to experience the “universality of the Rotary Organization” since she was embraced and welcomed into a foreign community and became part of the Rotary family there and at home.
Embri Stuart, also a high achiever is no stranger to Rotary. In June 2008, she graduated from SAC in the top 20% of 135 students in her class, continued her studies at COB and graduated on the Dean’s list in 2010. Embri’s roots are from Eleuthera and she has had interaction with the Rotary Club of Eleuthera that was formed two years ago. Today, at the University of KEELE in the UK, one of the top law schools in the UK, Embri continues her studies in law but this year will focus on Maritime and Environmental law.
“The reason I chose to apply for the Rotary Club Ambassadorial scholarship was because I think a degree in law will help me assist The Bahamas and Bahamian citizens to be better protected from a legal standpoint.” Embri explained that there are not many lawyers specializing in maritime law as well as the fact that maritime operations play an important role in The Bahamas.
Earlier this year, Embri attended a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar Seminar in Tampa for Outbound Scholars where she received information about Rotary’s expectations of her as a scholar. “I also got to know a great group of fellow Scholars who will serve as a community of support for me during my Rotary year, and may become lifetime friends!”
Assistant District Governor for The Bahamas, Charles Sealy II said that “Generous contributions from Rotarians worldwide represent a continued faith that today’s Ambassadorial Scholars will be tomorrow's community and world leaders. We are proud to have supported two future leaders like Angelique and Embri.”
The Bahamas Rotary Scholarship Committee looks for young leaders who can balance their studies and the demands of being an Ambassador for The Bahamas. The applications for the 2013 academic year will be available online at www.rotary.org in January 2012.
Rotary is a humanitarian organization, made up of professionals who are dedicated to “Service Above Self.” There are 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide and almost 400 in The Bahamas, comprising of 9 clubs, (does not include Grand Bahama) who serve in New Providence, Abaco, Eleuthera and Cat Island. For more information, visit www. clubrunner.ca/7020
Angelique Sawyer Rotary Ambassador Scholar
Embri Stuart at RCSEN
