Each year Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, offers the Carleton Williams Scholarship to sixth graders with a 3.0 GPA or above.  Applicants are chosen in rotation between Grand Bahama 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 GPA requirement.

 CBC looks forward to the wave of bright young applicants they meet each scholarship season. Though typically only one student is chosen for the six-year scholarship, each applicant is a testament to the desire for education amongst young Bahamians, and the importance of upholding a strong corporate civic presence, a duty CBC takes seriously.

All sixth-grade students at Garvin Tynes Primary School in New Providence are eligible and encouraged to apply to this year’s application, which closes on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Visit www.cbcbahamas.com for complete details and to access the application. This year’s star scholar will join past winners:  Timothy Kemp, 2023; Leonardo Sands, 2022; Maliyah Edgecombe, 2021; Angela Sands, 2020; Gabriel Hall, 2019; Kennedi Knowles and Anajah Culmer, 2018; Kailena Pinder, 2017 and 2016 inaugural scholarship winners, D’Ron & T’Ron Strapp on their academic journey.

What started in 2016 as a way to honor Carleton Williams CBE, on his retirement as  Chairman of the Board for Caribbean Bottling Company has left a lasting impact on the awardees.

Angela Sands, a graduate of Garvin Tynes Primary School and the 2020 award recipient is an example of the impression this scholarship has made on the student’s lives.

Sands, who is currently in the 10th grade at St. John’s College in New Providence, said earning this scholarship was an answered prayer.

“Not everyone gets an opportunity like this was all I could think about while giving thanks and glory to God. I was really excited and very happy because I knew how much this scholarship would help me achieve my goals.” Sands said.

Philippa Bain, former teacher and now Vice Principal at Garvin Tynes Primary School said the Carleton Williams Scholarship is ingrained into the culture of the school.  “Both our students and parents recognize how this scholarship is an opportunity to obtain a higher education, that’s why it is highly coveted. Many students along with their parents are developing their portfolios from as early as grade four so that they can stand out amongst candidates.” Bain revealed.

Sands credits her mother’s support which inspired her to apply for the scholarship.

“I believed in my dreams, but it was really my mommy who made me realize my potential. She really opened my eyes and that motivated me to apply,” she said beaming as she spoke.

“I really wanted to achieve something and hit my goals so I went for it, I just applied.” Sands concluded.

Once she was notified that she was accepted for the scholarship her life made a 180 degree turn.

“I’m involved in many community activities and I’m very interested in art so this scholarship has given my mommy and I a lot more money and free time to explore those things. Now I’ve been able to join more clubs, participate in more seminars and explore my interests.” she said.

Like the wizard of a businessman her scholarship honors, Sands also wants to own and operate a “thriving and efficient business where my employees trust me to grow.”

Entrepreneurship is a major goal for the 10th grader, however before she makes that leap into business Sands has her sights on university first, where she is currently interested in Psychology and Health & Wellness.

While holding onto her dreams and ambitions Sands said that her primary goal in life is to evolve into the best version of herself spiritually, academically, physically, artistically and mentally, which she believes she can do through the support of the Carleton Williams Scholarship.

For all those interested in applying or know of someone who would benefit from this award visit www.cbcbahamas.com for complete details and to access the application.