Maples pays students not to study law

(CNS): Three young Caymanians will be taking up a diverse range of studies thanks to a local law firm but none of them will be doing law as Maples and Calder is one of only two legal firms that offer annual scholarships to students who wish to take other subjects outside the legal field. On Wednesday the firm announced that Leslie-Ann Daley, (right) Duét Berry (left) and Andrea Campbell (centre) are the recipients of its 2009 non-legal scholarship awards. The scholarship programme, which has been in place for over 10 years, provides students with up to US$10,000 per year for school expenses until the completion of their course.

Maples partner, Henry Smith, (far left) said the firm’s partners are, "happy to provide the needed support" to students struggling to find funding for their studies outside the legal profession. The recipients were chosen by the Maples and Calder Scholarship Committee based on their achievements and their commitment to the Cayman Islands community. 

Leslie-Ann graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science from the University of Memphis. Having returned to Cayman and worked for the past two years as an occupational therapy assistant, the Maples scholarship will assist her in furthering her education and obtaining the qualifications needed to become a rehabilitation therapist. Leslie-Ann credits her experiences working with children and adults with disabilities for inspiring her to pursue a profession that would enable her to help others. Leslie-Ann will attend the University of Southampton in the U.K. where she will pursue a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Occupational Therapy.

A graduate of John Gray High School, Leslie-Ann is also an accomplished athlete, having been a member of the Cayman Islands national track and field team from 1997 to 1999. Her athletic abilities earned her an athletic scholarship at the University of Memphis.

Duét will use his scholarship to support his effort to complete a Masters of Science in Finance and Investments at Cass Business School in the U.K. Duét has a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI). A UCCI magna cum laude graduate, he earned a GPA of 3.80, the highest for his major in the 2008 graduating class.  Duét also earned the UCCI Board of Governors Award for his academic achievement.

Andrea will be attending Columbia Union College in Maryland this Fall where she will be studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. Ultimately she hopes to become a cardiologist.  Andrea graduated from John Gray High School in 2008 at which time she was honoured with the Student of the Year and Top Academic Female Achiever awards. Some of Andrea’s many academic and leadership accomplishments include winning the SAGICOR Inter-School Knowledge Bowl Competition and representing Cayman at both the 2008 Global Young Leaders Conference in Europe and the 2007 World Affairs Seminar in Wisconsin. Andrea is also a skilled musician. She plays as first clarinettist in the Cayman Islands National Wind Ensemble.

The Maples and Calder non-legal scholarship is offered on an annual basis and is available to Caymanians who wish to purse an undergraduate or post-graduate degree in any field.  For more information on the firm’s scholarship programme please call 949-8066 or e-mail Michelle Daykin at michelle.daykin@maplesandcalder.com.