THIS year’s Carleton Williams scholar has been named as Emari Knowles - who said the scholarship shows that “my hard work has paid off”.

Since 2016, the Carleton Williams Caribbean Bottling Company Scholarship has helped ten families. Named in honour of CBC’s former chairman, the academic award covers tuition of select private high schools for the full duration of their secondary years. Rotating between Garvin Tynes Primary in New Providence and all public primary schools in Grand Bahama, the scholarship is only available for sixth grade students.

The former deputy head boy at Hugh W Campbell Primary and a 2025 Student of the Year finalist, Knowles is excited to be entering high school at St Paul’s Methodist College.

“I look forward to meeting new people and joining the school’s basketball team. Most of all I’m excited for new adventures ahead.” he said.

Knowles has dedicated time to the Lend a Hand Pantry and Clothing Ministries, and he also partnered with local children’s homes providing birthday cupcakes each month to celebrants.

When Knowles is not giving back to the community, his extracurriculars include school basketball, school softball where he was captain, U12 baseball, Junior Junkanoo, Falcons Boys club, Spelling Bee club and the Science, Engineering, Communication, Mathematics, and Enrichment club. 

Debi Williams, daughter of Carleton Williams, said: “For me, the experience turned resumes into real people. I was impressed by the maturity and confidence of the candidates, and how meaningful this scholarship opportunity was for each of them.”

Ms Williams said of Emari: “This young man who strode with confidence into the room, held court from the moment when he sat down. It quickly became apparent that Emari is quite the overachiever, rising early for community service, and sports competitions, and studying late into the night, all because of his stated ‘commitment to excellence’.”

“Despite very full days, what resonated most with me was the level and devotion of his community service. Poised, intelligent, and thoughtful, Emari came across as an old soul with great purpose,” she added.

Ms Williams said: “My father lived by the gifting principle, to whom much is given much is expected. He gave generously, was extremely community minded. He appreciated the value of a good education and would assist many who would otherwise have been unable to access it.

“The Carleton Williams Caribbean Bottling Company Scholarship continues his legacy beautifully, because seeds are best sown in fertile, curious minds and this scholarship will be life-changing for so many.”

For more details about the scholarship, new products and events, visit www.cbcbahamas.com.