Winning the Carleton Williams scholarship is an indicator that my hard work has paid off. It has given me a boost in confidence to know that if I’m willing to work hard, there is nothing I can’t achieve. I am also grateful that because of this amazing scholarship I can help my parents pay for my education,” expresses Emari Knowles, the winner of the 2025 Carleton Williams Caribbean Bottling Company Scholarship.
Since 2016, the Carleton Williams Caribbean Bottling Company Scholarship has been impacting the lives of 10 Bahamian families. Named in honor 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.
In addition to new adventures, Knowles looks forward to continuing his philanthropic work in high school. He 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, he is occupied with many extracurriculars. These 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.
Throughout the application process, including the face-to-face interviews, judges looked for a student with exemplary grades, a solid involvement in the community, well rounded and ambitious.
Debi Williams, daughter of Carleton Williams spoke about her experience participating in the scholarship recipient process this year.
“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,” she shared.
Williams shared her initial impression of Knowles, sharing that she imagined her dad being the same as Knowles at that age.
“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”. She revealed.
Williams proceeded to share what segmented Knowles as her pick for the 2025 scholarship.
“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 concluded.
Knowles looks optimistically at the new school year and offers words of encouragement to hopeful scholarship applicants.
“Be confident. There will always be someone who has better grades or is more active than you but continues to strive. There is nothing you can’t achieve without hard work and perseverance. And above all else put God first because he can do all things,” he enthusiastically expressed.
Williams also shared similar sentiments with Knowles for next year’s applicants.
“I would encourage them always to strive for their highest and best selves, and to use their talents to help others as they are able. If each one helps even one, our community would be stronger and better for it,” she shared.
CBC is proud to hold this scholarship in Carleton Williams honor for his years of dedication. A legacy his daughter is proud to be a part of.
Williams expressed how this scholarship honors her father’s life.
“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,” she said.
"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,” Williams concluded.
Emari Knowles Profile:
Extracurricular activities: GB 12U Baseball League/ School Softball Captain / School Basketball Team / L.A.H.P.A.C (Lend a Hand Pantry and Clothing) Ministries / Junior Junkanoo / Calvary Bible Youth Choir / Falcons Boys Club / S.E.C.M.E (Science, Engineering, Communication, Mathematics, and Enrichment) Club.
Notable achievements: Deputy Head Boy / 2025 Student of the Year Finalist /Hugh Campbell 2025 Spelling Bee Champion / Bahamas 10U National Team / 3 times GB All-Star Baseball Team.
