The Tribune

Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) has hosted an award ceremony during which 30 students were recognised for academic excellence.

The event was part of the ‘Fidelity Pays for A’s’ educational programme, in which the children of Royal Fidelity Merchant Bank & Trust and Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) staff members received financial awards for A grades earned in academic subjects on their end-of-year report cards and in National Examinations.

The programme was established in memory of Phillippa Ferguson-Wilson, a former assistant vice-president of corporate finance at Royal Fidelity Merchant Bank & Trust, who passed away in September 2013.

Her pursuit of scholastic excellence throughout her life inspired Royal Fidelity Merchant Bank & Trust executives to implement this programme. Its objective is to encourage Fidelity staff members to become active participants in the academic success of their children, and to reward the children of staff members for their achievements.

“Phillippa Ferguson-Wilson’s academic achievements spoke to her belief that education is important. We agree with Phillippa and are happy to have a programme in place that supports this idea. We thought it was fitting to start at home with our Fidelity family,” said Michael Anderson, president of Royal Fidelity Merchant Bank & Trust.

Fidelity staff members were required to submit report cards at the end of the 2013-2014 school year. Students were rewarded based on their final grades, with some students receiving as many as 10 A’s.

“The response to the ‘Fidelity Pays for A’s’ programme has been spectacular. Parents are very proud that their children’s efforts throughout the school year have been recognised by the company,” said Anwer Sunderji, chairman of the Fidelity Group of Companies.

“We plan to increase the frequency of issuing rewards, and expect a greater monetary pay out this school year because we anticipate that parents and students will push harder to achieve more A’s knowing the rewards that await them.”