After receiving dozens of Bright Minds, Bright Future applications, the Wendy’s & Coca-Cola’s teams faced the arduous task of narrowing the field of exceptional students down to a handful of finalists, in Grand Bahama and New Providence.

The 2018 crop of potential scholarship recipients was exceptional.

They all had amazing grades, glowing recommendations and big dreams for their futures, but after a long deliberation about the talented and bright group of sixth graders, Kennise Major, Jayden Copper and Latrell Saint-Louis walked away with full-ride scholarships to the high schools of their choice.

Kennise Major, the precocious and witty valedictorian and Head Girl of Sadie Curtis Primary, wowed the interview panel with her intelligence, confidence and aspirations of one day owning her own business.

Kennise’s father, Kendrick Major, noted that he “thanks God for this opportunity.” Major added that when his family received the call, they were “completely overjoyed” and “extremely grateful that Wendy’s and Coca-Cola chose Kennise.”

Kennise, who is also a track and field athlete, will attend Queen’s College in the fall.

Jayden Cooper, a bright, mannerly and athletic recent graduate of C.W. Sawyer Primary School, dreams of one day representing the Bahamas at the Olympics. He will attend St. John’s College in September, and notes that he is excited to compete on the school’s track and field team.

Jayden’s father, Jeffrey Cooper, noted that when he got the call that his son would receive a full-scholarship, he “felt like a burden had been lifted off of [his] shoulders.”

He added that he had been “really, truly praying and hoping because [his] number one goal is ensuring that Jayden can get a good education.”

Latrell Saint-Louis, from Grand Bahama, was the third Bright Minds, Bright Future scholarship recipient.

Latrell proved to be a very intelligent, warm and polite young man, with a passion for boating. He noted that his parents are one of his greatest inspirations, and he dreams of one day working in marine engineering.

“We were absolutely blown away by these kids” noted Anne-Marie Romer, Aetos Holdings Limited Marketing Manager.

“It was so hard to make a decision because we were impressed by every single one of our applicants.

Kennise, Jayden and Latrell are superstars, and we cannot wait to see how they will do in high school.”

Kennise, Jayden and Latrell will all receive a full 6-year scholarship to the private high school of their choice, along with an annual book allowance.

Over the years, the program has produced dozens of outstanding young scholars, many of whom have journeyed on to obtain high-level college degrees, and embarked on professional careers in the Bahamas.

“Our team was so impressed with the Bright Minds, Bright Future applicants,” said Nikia Wells, Marketing Manager – Communications.

“This year, we met some extraordinary students, who are not only intelligent, but actively involved in their schools and communities.

We were extremely happy to partner with the Wendy’s team to award Latrell, Kennise and Jayden with scholarships.

We know that these kids will do amazing things in the future.”

During a recent Wendy’s & Coca-Cola Bright Minds, Bright Future Meet & Greet, which included a tour of the Caribbean Bottling Company bottling facility and lunch courtesy of Marco’s Pizza, a number of previous scholarship awardees got the chance to share their experiences about high school and what the program has meant to them.

Recent St. John’s College graduate, Ayoka Seymour, encouraged the newest scholarship recipients to “not be discouraged, and to enjoy high school as much as possible.”

She also noted that the she is extremely grateful for the experiences and opportunities that the scholarship program has afforded her.

The Wendy's & Coca Cola Bright Minds, Bright Future Scholarship Program, was established in 1997.

Through this inspiring initiative Wendy's and Coca Cola are able to consistently invest in the education and mentorship of some of our country's most talented, and brightest young leaders.

The Wendy’s & Coca Cola Bright Minds, Bright Future Scholarship Program is committed to helping children reach their fullest potential, through mentorship, nurturing, and the pursuit of academic excellence.

Applicants are selected based on academic performance, individual financial need, involvement in community and/or civic service, extra curricular activities, and overall leadership potential.

L-R) Chennika Ritchie, Aetos Holdings Vice President Administrative Assistant; Nikia Wells, CBC Marketing Manager – Communications; 2016, Jayden Cooper; Kennise Major; AnneMarie Romer, Aetos Holdings Marketing Manager; and Gabriella Suighi, CBC Marketing Manager – Activations.