The Bermuda Zoological Society [BZS] has awarded the BZS Steinhoff Scholarship to Caroline Alexander, Isabella Murdoch, and Treiana Zuill, while Freyja Kermode was the recipient of the Pye award.

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Zoological Society has awarded three students the Steinhoff scholarship and one student the Pye award. The scholarship and award provide educational opportunities for Bermudian students pursuing degrees in the environmental sciences at accredited institutions.

“The recipients this year of the BZS Steinhoff scholarship are Caroline Alexander, Isabella Murdoch and Treiana Zuill, and the recipient of the Pye award is Freyja Kermode.

“Mr. Bob Steinhoff, a former BZS president, established the scholarship in 2009. Since then, more than $150,000 has been awarded to deserving students, many of whom are already giving back to Bermuda through conservation and research programmes. To be considered, students must be either in the final two years of a bachelor’s degree or working towards a master’s or doctorate in their chosen field.”

Mr. Steinhoff said, “I am excited with our outstanding scholarship recipients this year. They will make excellent future stewards of our environment.”

The spokesperson said, “Caroline Alexander is pursuing a MSc in Climate Change at University College London this September after graduating from the University of Bristol with a BSc in Geography this summer.”

Ms. Alexander said, “It is an honour to be awarded this scholarship and I am extremely grateful for the financial aid it provides.

“I would like to thank the scholarship committee for selecting me, as climate change is a very important global issue. I hope to use these degrees to be a part of positive change in Bermuda with regard to our carbon footprint as well as adaptation and mitigation to the impacts of climate change on island.”

The spokesperson said, “Isabella Murdoch is currently pursuing an Honors degree in Environmental Governance at the University of Guelph. This year she goes into her sophomore year, where she will be furthering her knowledge on how to play an active role in making the best decisions about our environment through policy and societal choices. After completing her first year of university online, she was able to achieve the Dean’s Honors list for both semesters.

“Isabella looks forward to being on campus this year so that she can take part in more hands-on learning, whilst being able to take part in the unique opportunities that her degree offers.”

Ms. Murdoch said, “This has not been an easy year for anyone; thus, I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to hold this award.

“Being able to earn financial support means that I have the chance to go further in my educational endeavors. With this acknowledgment from the Steinhoff Scholarship Committee, I am excited to learn more about Environmental Governance to make meaningful change when I return to Bermuda. I want to thank the Scholarship Committee again for this generous award.”

The spokesperson said, “Treiana Zuill is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in coastal environmental science at Flagler College and will be graduating in May of 2022 with plans to continue studies in graduate school.”

Ms. Zuill said, “I am indeed grateful and honored that I was chosen to receive the Steinhoff scholarship.

“This donation will be of significant assistance towards my last year of studies. I would like to thank the scholarship committee for this as it will lighten my financial worries and allow me to focus on my schooling. I look forward to someday returning to Bermuda and give back to my community.”

The spokesperson said, “The Pye award is granted in memory of John and Karen Pye and is normally awarded in the form of financial support for a summer internship at BAMZ for either a Canadian or Bermudian student. This year it was decided to again award the monies to assist a Bermudian Student with their overseas expenses and fees. A representative of the Pye family remarked that this year all the candidates were outstanding and deserving of their awards.

“Pye recipient, Freyja Kermode, is currently planning to finish her last year of university and graduate with a Master’s degree in Marine Biology.”

Ms. Kermode said, “I intend to come back to Bermuda and contribute to educating our youth about the ocean through outside-classroom, interactive learning.

“I am very grateful to BZS and PYE to receive this award. I have been involved at BAMZ since I was a JV at 15, and their continued support in my final year of university and into my future endeavours makes a huge difference!”

Mr. Colin Brown, BZS President, said, “We greatly appreciate the work of the Steinhoff Family and the Pye Family, and their support of environmental education. Without them this scholarship and award would not exist nor the opportunity to assist scholars who are dedicating their post-secondary education to environmental causes.

“All four of our recipients this year are exceptional and impressed the committee in their academic excellence and perseverance towards their goals. We wish them every success in their coming year.”

The spokesperson said, “The shared mission of BZS and BAMZ is to inspire appreciation and care of island environments, and as the support charity for BAMZ, the BZS is an example of a highly successful non-profit/public partnership.

“Each year the BZS provide more than 8,000 free educational experiences through our Stempel Foundation BZS Schools Programme in addition to popular community programmes for all ages, development of BAMZ exhibits, and conservation and research programmes. Each year, BZS Volunteers contribute over 10,000 hours of valuable husbandry support to the Aquarium and Zoo with all programmes being accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.”