By Fay Simmons

Tribune Education Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

Selena Cartwright, a sixth grade graduate from Garvin Tynes Primary School, has won the 2024 Carleton Williams Scholarship.

The scholarship programme was established in 2016 to honour Carleton Williams CBE on his retirement as chairman of the  board for Caribbean Bottling Company.

Selena now attends her dream school, Bahamas Academy; a reality she said would not be possible without this scholarship.

“The teachers made me feel confident when I took my entrance test, and I love that feeling. I want to be successful so I knew I wanted to attend that school, but I also knew I could not go without receiving financial help.” she said.

Selena participates in numerous extra curricular activities including Drama Club, choir, and spelling club and participates in philanthropic activities such as school supply drives and reading to students in kindergarten and Grade 1.

Her drive to be her best self was instilled in her from an early age and applies to other sectors of her life.

“Being the oldest, we told her to push herself and she just did it. But what always amazes me about Selena is her desire to give back to her community and inspire others,” said her mother, Tonya Cartwright. 

Ahead of the new school year, Selena said she was looking forward to taking on new subjects such as biology and literature in high school.

“I’m looking forward to the new subjects and new curriculum. I like writing in my free time and how the body operates is so interesting to me, I’m excited to learn more in those areas in school. Overall, I’m just excited to build on my learning experiences.” she said.

Applicants for the Carleton Williams Scholarship are chosen in rotation between Grand Bahama primary schools and Garvin Tynes Primary School in New Providence. 

The winning scholar is awarded a full scholarship to a local private school for the full six years of high school, subject to a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.

As the scholarship committee narrowed down their choices, Selena’s application remained compelling. 

Her extracurricular activities, grades, passions, recommendation letters and character that was beautifully displayed during the scholarship interview solidified her candidacy for the award.