The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Education Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

GARVIN Tynes Primary Head Girl Emily Forbes is the 2026 recipient of the Carleton Williams Caribbean Bottling Company Scholarship, giving the high-achieving student an opportunity to pursue her secondary education at Aquinas College with her tuition covered for the duration of her high school years.

Emily, who is also a finalist in the Bahamas Primary Student of the Year Foundation, said receiving the scholarship is both an honour and a privilege, describing it as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

“Receiving this scholarship shows that my dedication, discipline, and hard work have paid off,” said Ms Forbes. “I am grateful to everyone who believed in me and supported me along the way.”

As she prepares to enter a new chapter of her education, Ms Forbes said she is looking forward to discovering new subjects and experiences at Aquinas College.

The scholarship is a fitting recognition for a student who has demonstrated a strong commitment to academics, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and service throughout her primary school years.

During the school year, Ms Forbes participated in a range of activities, including Spelling Bee, Brownies, Pathfinders, Spanish Club, Student Christian Movement, Art Club, and Choir. She plans to continue many of these interests as she begins high school.

Her involvement also extends beyond school activities. Ms Forbes founded the “Emily’s Care Foundation,” an initiative centered on the idea of “children helping children,” which further demonstrated her commitment to giving back and helping others.

It was this combination of academic achievement and character that stood out during the scholarship selection process.

Applicants were assessed on their academic performance, community involvement, character, ambition, and ability to demonstrate a well-rounded approach to school and life.

Debi Williams, daughter of the late Carleton Williams, said Ms Forbes distinguished herself throughout the process, particularly during the face-to-face interviews.

“What I find to be most impressive and intriguing about Emily is her maturity of character and her unwavering commitment to helping others,” said Ms Williams.

She pointed to her foundation as an example of the qualities that made her an exceptional candidate.

“The ‘Emily’s Care Foundation,’ dedicated to ‘children helping children,’ is indicative of the remarkable moral intelligence, passion, and compassion of this young dynamo,” said Ms Williams. “While her academic accomplishments are impressive, it is her character, generosity, and individuality that align to make her exceptional.”

Established in 2016, the Carleton Williams Caribbean Bottling Company Scholarship has supported Bahamian students and their families by providing tuition at select private high schools for the full duration of their secondary education.

Named in honour of Caribbean Bottling Company’s former chairman, the scholarship is awarded to sixth-grade students and rotates between Garvin Tynes Primary in New Providence and public primary schools throughout Grand Bahama.

For CBC, the scholarship represents a continuation of Mr Williams’ commitment to education and the wider community.

His daughter said her father believed that those who were fortunate enough to receive opportunities had a responsibility to help others.

“My father lived by the gifting principle: to whom much is given, much is expected,” said Ms Williams. “He gave generously and 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.”

Ms Forbes now looks ahead to high school with optimism, determined to make the most of the opportunity the scholarship provides.

She also encouraged other students who hope to receive scholarships in the future to remain committed to their goals.

“My words of encouragement to other students are to stay focused, work hard, and never give up,” said Ms Forbes. “Believe in yourself, trust God's plan, and remember that with God, nothing is impossible. Keep doing your best, and your hard work will pay off.”

As she closes the chapter on her primary school years, Ms Forbes carries with her not only the distinction of being a scholarship recipient, but also the lessons of leadership, service, and perseverance that helped earn her the award.

With Aquinas College ahead, the young scholar is ready to continue learning, growing, and pursuing her ambitions — while making her family, school, and community proud.