The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Education Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

SAC graduate earns $140,000 All-Bahamas Merit Scholarship

A St Augustine’s College graduate who earned nine As in his BGCSE examinations has been awarded the 2026 All-Bahamas Merit Scholarship, providing $35,000 annually for four years as he pursues a degree in accounting and finance in the United States.

Jayden Sands, a 2026 graduate of SAC, is now a freshman at St John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, where he is studying accounting and finance.

Education Minister Chester Cooper announced Jayden as this year’s scholarship recipient at a recent press conference. The award provides a total of $140,000 over four years to support his university education.

Jayden sat 10 BGCSE examinations in May, earning nine As and one B. He also achieved a SAT score of 1,480, well above the scholarship’s minimum requirement of 1,220.

Beyond his academic performance, Jayden was involved in student life at SAC, serving as a peer mentor and participating in the school’s INTERACT Club and Student Christian Movement.

He was also named valedictorian at this year’s Alpha Phi Alpha Honours Day Convocation.

The All-Bahamas Merit Scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate strong academic achievement. Applicants must earn at least eight As in their BGCSE examinations and achieve a minimum SAT score of 1,220.

Candidates must also submit an essay and portfolio and participate in an interview with the scholarship committee as part of the selection process.