Learning in a
diverse community is not an educational fad: it is an educational
imperative. Collaborating with peers of different cultural backgrounds not only
enriches the schooling experience, but it also provides a modern day
requirement in the form of awareness of other cultures, perspectives, and
experiences. At Lyford Cay International School (LCIS), a robust financial aid
program helps ensure cultural and economic diversity and makes LCIS a reality
for a greater number of qualified Bahamian students.
The Scholarship
Fund at LCIS was institutionalized in 2002. Prior to that, many Bahamian
families received financial aid in a less formal manner. “LCIS families have
always generously supported financial aid, in an official capacity or
otherwise,” explained Principal Stacy Bobo. “In 2002 we decided to set up a
program that was managed by a specific set of policies and guidelines,” she
added. Since the inception of the financial aid program more than 3 million
dollars has been raised. The school has a one million dollar endowment, which
is generously managed by the Lyford Cay Foundation. Interest earned each year
on the endowment is added to donations to the Scholarship Fund, and those funds
are distributed as financial aid to qualified Bahamian families.
The percentage
of tuition paid by financial aid ranges from 5%-55%, and since 2008, an annual
average of just over $7600 has been awarded to each qualified Bahamian student.
Distributing on average more than $218,000, the
program supports approximately 29 students yearly and, since 2002, has helped
51 different families and 76 individual students over a range of 2-13 years of
their schooling. “This financial help, has enabled students to engage in their
passions, beliefs and matriculate to some of the best universities in the
world,” said Ms. Bobo.
To ensure that there is
always money to be distributed, LCIS raises money for financial aid over a year in advance of the time it will be needed.
At the school’s recent Annual Gala Dinner and Auction, more than $312,000 was
raised to secure financial aid for the 2015-16 school year. The tremendous
support of the Scholarship Fund was thanks, in part, to a moving speech given
by LCIS Head Girl, Davina Adderley, a recipient of
financial aid
through both the LCIS Scholarship Fund and a private donor. She spoke on behalf
of all students benefitting from financial aid and impressed the importance of
having an opportunity to attend LCIS, which made all the difference in her life
after the sudden loss of her father.
“Family
and education were his top priorities for his children,” Davina said of her
father. “With that value instilled in me, I realised that the only way to
achieve my dreams was through education. So one year after my father’s death, I
applied to Lyford Cay International School,” Davina shared. “I am forever
grateful to every family and individual who has enabled and encouraged me to
take advantage of this opportunity, to dream big and to make every moment
count.”
During her time
at LCIS, Davina travelled to Boston and Montreal for the Model United Nations,
participated in numerous community service projects, achieved the silver
Governor General's Youth Award, engaged in the Interact Club, and took
advantage of amazing sporting opportunities and state of the art technology at
LCIS. She stated, “As a passionate learner, I have been engaged in a
challenging and student-centered curriculum known as the IB. I never felt too
far away from home thanks to the wonderful student-teacher relationships and
welcoming school environment. I felt most appreciated after being elected Head
Girl by the students and teachers,” she added. “Thanks to LCIS, I am not only
qualified, but I’m prepared to attend some of the most prestigious universities
in the world. And tonight, I can proudly announce that I have received a
scholarship, valued at a quarter of a million dollars, to attend the University
of Richmond!”
Davina also
offered a special word of thanks to the staff of LCIS who supported the
Scholarship Fund with 100% participation, raising more than $11,500. “Thank
you! “ she said, “Your 100% participation demonstrates your unwavering passion
and commitment to Bahamian students. I am proud to be part of the LCIS family.”
Davina’s
grateful words were echoed in a recent letter to LCIS by a past recipient of
financial aid; Janice Maura. Mrs. Maura wrote, “My daughter’s continuing
education would not have been possible without her success as an IB student at
LCIS. Her life has been touched by so many at LCIS, and this scholarship gift
encouraged her to be the best student she could be. By choosing to give a
scholarship gift, you became a partner in her life and future life as she
continues to work to fulfill her academic aspirations.”
LCIS accepts
financial aid applications from Bahamian families whose personal and family
resources are insufficient to meet the cost of full tuition. Students that are
offered financial aid are expected to be in good academic standing at all
times. All applications for financial aid are confidential and name blind and
all are reviewed annually. “We want everyone to know that financial aid is
available,” Ms Bobo stated. “A great education is expensive,” she added. “But,
at LCIS, there is help available.”