The Kohn Foundation

Current Students
Graduates
Students by Year

Bionka Pedican
Bionka Pedican is a senior at the College of the Bahamas, Northern Bahamas Campus. She is currently pursuing a Bachelors in Business Administration (B.B.A) in Accounting, with a minor in Tourism Management. Ms. Pedican is also the Division Vice President of the College of the Bahamas Union of Students, Northern Bahamas Campus (COBUS, NBC) for the 2015 - 2016 academic year. She has the auspicious task in speaking, representing, and fighting on the behalf of her fellow colleagues. Additionally, she is expected to graduate from the College of the Bahamas in June 2016.

After graduation, Bionka will be seeking employment within her respective field(s) of study. Furthermore, she will be making provisions to further her education in a Masters degree program in Human Resources Management. After completing her Masters degree, she will be aiming towards her Doctorate degree. Taking the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination (in four parts), will also be an objective for Ms. Pedican. In the future, Bionka's dream is to open up her own accounting firm. Moreover, she will like to become the General Manager (GM) of her own five star resort one day.

Rashad Russell
My name is Rashad Russell, and I am attending Florida Memorial University as a sophomore. With aspirations to earn a degree in finance and becoming a financial manager. By setting these goals, I must use the process of hard work, dedication and persistency to achieve this all.

Khalil Knowles
My name is Khalil Knowles and I am from West End, Grand Bahama, Bahamas. I am a sophomore majoring in Finance at Florida Memorial University. I am currently on the dean's list and continuously working diligently in my studies. I just want to encourage everyone to stay focused and dedicated to whatever you are doing and never forget to put God first.

Gladys Latisa Cooper

Hello! My name is Gladys Latisa Cooper. I was born, on September 25, 1981 at the West End Clinic and am currently at the tender age of 32 years old. I live in West End, Grand Bahama, Bahamas. I have a beautiful 2 year old daughter name Calvinae. I attend Success Training College and am majoring in Medical Assisting. But, my goal is to further my education to become a registered nurse. Ever since I was five years old my ambition has been to become a nurse. I never gave up on this goal in life and now I am one step closer to accomplishing it. I thank you so much for sponsoring me with a scholarship in my time of need. I will be forever grateful.

Anquiel Hanna
My name is Anquiel Hanna. I am currently a 4th year student at the University of Prince Edward Island pursuing a BA in Business Administration with Accounting and Marketing specialization. Upon graduation I will pursue a CPA designation as it is my goal to become a Certified Public Accountant. I am grateful to be a recipient of a scholarship for the Kohn Foundation as it has assisted me with my fees for this current semester and essentially has bought me one step further to completion of my degree.

Rashae Demi Rolle
My name Rashae Demi Rolle and I am a proud Warrior 2014 graduate of Bishop Michael High School I am a resident of West End Grand Bahama ,where I am a member of St. Mary Anglican Church . I am 18 years old and currently studying to obtain my Bachelor Degree in Business majoring in Accounting at the College of the Bahamas.

I graduated from high school with special credits with 8 Bahamas General Certificate of Seconday Education (BGCSE]. I was involved in sports volleyball, soft ball, basketball and track and field and I enjoyed dancing. I also was a member of the Bishop Michael Eldon school choir. I was a part of the junior achievement program and attained a bronze medal in the Governor General’s Youth Award (GGYA). I volunteered at the old folk’s home where I often read to them and took donation to the children home.

Because of my passion for mathematics I will eventually transfer to the University of South Florida, in Florida to pursue my Master’s degree in to obtain in forensic accounting and then to become Certified Public Accountant.

I plan to come back to the Bahamas and offer my service to our Law enforcement department and take them to a higher level when it comes to criminals breaking the law with embezzlement and money laundering. I would one day own my own business and give back to the community in order for others to obtain their dreams.

Thanks to Mrs. Kohn and the Kohn Foundation my dreams are being realized to this point, and with their future help along with my favourite scripture Ephesian 3:20 to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.

Ian Hepburn

My name is Ian Hepburn, and I'm a 19 year old resident of West End, Grand Bahama. As my major at The College Of The Bahamas I chose Biology, Minor in Chemistry. Growing up, I've always had a love for the environment and the creatures living in it, which resulted in my career choice of wanting to be a zoologist. With the aid of the Kohn Foundation scholarship I received, now I'm one step closer to realizing this dream of mine. If successful in my endeavors, I'd like to give back to not only my community, but the entire Bahamas by informing them on their surrounding wildlife. My main goal is to establish national parks and research centers on every island in the Bahamas to create awareness, and also economic growth in tourism. Receiving a Bachelors Degree in my major will be the first piece to this puzzle of meeting the numerous goals I've set for myself in life.

Sanyu Alia Kemp

My name is Sanyu Alia Kemp, I am 18 years old, a proud resident of the West End community and a current student at Success Training College, Freeport, Bahamas where I am studying Medical Assistant, and would obtained an Associates Degree at the end of my two year program. I enjoy social networking, baking, reading, and public speaking. I am excited about learning and preparing myself for the future. After obtaining my Associates Degree I will be pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Radiology abroad. For the past two summers I was given the opportunity to work in our health care facility in the Radiology Department, so I am more than confident that my choice of study in Medical Assistant will eventually lead me to my career path.

Isaiah Rolle
My name is Isaiah Rolle and I am 24 years old and a native of West End Grand Bahama. Since the commencement of my education in 1994, it has always been my main priority and I have made a continuous effort to be and remain academically outstanding. As a result, I excelled throughout primary school and high school. In 2006, I graduated from Eight Mile Rock High School, with distinction and at the top of my class, and also won numerous awards for my academic excellence. Consequently, I was awarded a scholarship to attend the College of the Bahamas in the fall of 2006. Once again, I worked diligently and excelled in my courses and also participated in a few extracurricular activities. I was a member of the Environmental Pride Club, the vice president of the Animal Awareness Society and also did some volunteer work at Bilney Lane Children’s Home. In June of 2011, I graduated with distinction at the top of my class, earning a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. My college years were very rewarding and transformative and I would not trade my experience for anything else in the world. Ultimately, my dream is to one day become a doctor and now I have the opportunity of making that dream a reality. In the fall of 2013, I was accepted into the University of the West Indies Medical School’s Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme in Jamaica. I look to the future with great expectations because I am more than ready and more than determined to finally realize my dream of becoming a doctor.

Theo Strachan
Theo Strachan is a 25 year old resident of West End, Grand Bahama, who currently serves as Police Constable # 3514 on the Royal Bahamas Police Force. He passed out of the Police Training College, Freeport Campus, with distinction after having received the Commandant’s Award for outstanding academic performance. Prior to his enrollment as Police Constable, he attended Saint Mary’s University in Halifax Nova Scotia, Canada, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with a minor in Psychology. Theo is a strong believer in the power of education after seeing how it has transformed his life and given him great opportunities to improve his family and country. In 2004, he graduated as Headboy of the Eight Mile Rock High School with eight (8) B.G.C.S.E passes and a dream of becoming a doctor. Through hard work, the support of his family members and the West End Community he has remained steadfast to his ultimate goal. Persistence has paid off and, now, he has been accepted into the University of The West Indies Medical School’s Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery programme. Mr. Strachan has a passion for youth development and has been an avid member of the Y.M.C.A Family Center where he has established a Youth Empowerment Program geared towards at- risk youth. He has represented the Y.M.C.A internationally and, two years ago represented the community of West End as a Junior Member of Parliament. He enjoys public speaking, science and takes pride in helping others and being an ambassador for the community of West End.

Chaunse Willis

In 2010 I graduated from Bishop Michael Eldon High School and enrolled into The College Of The Bahamas with aspirations of being a civil engineer. While studying at The College of The Bahamas I was awarded the Kohn Foundation scholarship which aided greatly with the cost of my education. It took only one semester to realize that Engineering wasn't the career choice for me however I fell in love with Mathematics and excelled in my mathematics classes at COB. I was quickly identified as the mathematician in my classes and as a result happily assisted anyone who approached me in need of a little clarification. My love for the subject made me seek a career that was more math based which resulted in my stumbling upon the field of Actuarial Science. After a little research about the schools that offered the major, in the winter of 2011 I applied to various schools in Canada and in the Spring of 2012 I was offered admission into The University of Toronto, where I am now pursing a Bachelor's of Science in Actuarial Science.

Rashawn Burrows

I have chosen Civil Engineering as my major in college. Coastal engineering would benefit the Bahamas, strengthening the beaches and helping water resource management. Structural engineering is part of my program, allowing me to design and analyze buildings, roads and towers. I will be able to work out the best structural designs for hurricane protection. I also plan to make changes in West End, my community. I hope to donate some of my earnings to youth programs such as Boy Brigade and Boy Scouts, which are no longer available in my settlement. I would like to build a library to help young Bahamians learn to read.

Portia Rolle-Spence

My name is Portia Rolle-Spence and I'm 26 years old a high school graduate of The Grand Bahama Catholic High School . I am currently enroll at the College of the Mainland in Houston Texas where am pursing an associate degree in Nursing (ADN). After the completion of my two year program I'm hoping to transfer to The University of Houston to obtain my Bachelors degree (BSN) in nursing . I am determine and focus and is willing to work hard towards accomplishing my goals, and strive for success.

Ranaldo Burrows

I am Ranaldo Burrows and I am currently attending Terreve College seeking a Associate of science degree in Business Administration. After the completion of my degree, I intend to farther my education and obtain a B.A in International Business, and Accounting. Ever since I can remember the inner workings of a business has always been appealing to me. Also, I have long visualized owning my own shipping company and making my company a global success. Therefore perusing degrees in Business and Accounting is the most appropriate route to take.

Samuel Brown
Samuel Brown is a nineteen year old student from West End, Grand Bahama. Before graduating Grand Bahama Catholic High School in 2008 with honours, he obtained six Bahamas General Certificates of Secondary Education (BGCSE’s), namely distinction in History and Religion, special credit in English language, and credit in Mathematics, Chemistry and Spanish. During this time Samuel was also an active member of Junior Achievement, causing him to receive the award for the Most Distinguished Achiever for The Year, the highest honour attributed to a student by the organization. Samuel was also an accomplished debater. He was a member of the winning team in the National Debate for the year 2007, receiving the award for “Best Speaker Overall’ and “Top Debater.” Additionally, he became the first Bahamian in the history of Junior Achievement to win the National Speech Competition for three years consecutively. Upon graduation from high school, Samuel attended Saint John’s University in Minnesota for two years, where he majored in Philosophy and minored in Sociology and Political Science. In January 2011, he will commence studies at the University of Buckingham, London England, to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and Politics. Samuel is committed to being a positive example for other young people, speaking on various issues from crime to road safety. He hopes that upon completing his tertiary education, he can help to give back to the community of West End and by extension the Commonwealth of the Bahamas for decades to come.

Cardia Rolle
Cardia Rolle is aspiring to become a professional Civil Engineer. In her journey to become an Engineer, she has completed two years at the College of the Bahamas and is transferring to the University of Arkansas to complete her Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering. She decided to pursue this field in Engineering because it is in high demand in the Bahamas and she would like to take part in the restoration and rebuilding in infrastructure in his country. More specifically, she wants to be apart of the revitalization of his hometown West End. She wants to spearhead or partake in any structural project which seeks to empower community members by way of helping to construct buildings such as a library; create more jobs by means of helping to expand the hotel which is present today and even add to the tourism industry by helping to hopefully construct an airport right here in West End. She listened to her mom and her friends talk about a major hotel which existed many years ago by the name of Jack Tar. She feels that one day given the chance, she can be apart of team which can bring a hotel like this one back to reality.

Alexis Nairn
Alexis Nairn is a past recipient of the Kohn Foundation scholarship program. She graduated Summa Cum Laude (GPA 3.6) in 2008 from Florida Memorial University in Miami Florida with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration. She also holds an Associate of Science Degree in Hospitality Management from Florida Metropolitan University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. After college, She moved back home to West End in December 2008 and began working for Austin Thompson Outdoor as the administrative assistant in February 2009. In August 2010 she was promoted to Office Manger and to present she is still working for the company. Austin Thompson Outdoor is a landscaping company currently responsible for the up keeping of the Old Bahama Bay property as well as some of the home owner properties located at Old Bahama Bay in West End. It is also responsible for the maintenance of the Ginn Sur Mer Golf Course in West End & other parts of the Ginn project. From time to time we venture out of West End and perform work for other companies throughout the island. When asked or needed, she assists other young members of the community that are trying to get into college by answering questions they might have about applying for college, documents needed, and other questions that arise. She also lets them know that the Kohn Foundation has a scholarship program for those that qualify and she provides them with information on how they can go about obtaining a Kohn Foundation scholarship. She is very grateful for the opportunity that the Kohn Foundation has given to her and the community and she hopes that this foundation will continue because it gives the young members of the community the little help that they need and the opportunity to reach one step closer to their educational goals and pursuits.

Silia Woodside
Silia graduated from Sunland Baptist Academy at 17 years old in the year 2009. She also participated in the Junior Achievement Program, serving as the VP of Marketing, which allowed her to experience owning a business and working its executive board. Silia also participated in the Governor General’s Youth Award and received her Bronze and Silver award. This taught her the value of teamwork and survival skills. She learned never to take anything, no matter how insignificant it may seem, for granted. In her home community of West End, Silia serves around the altar of St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church as a member of the Altar Server's Guild and also as a member of the Christian Youth Movement. Silia is currently a student at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, going into her second year of study. She hopes to graduate in April 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and then to attend Graduate School to receive her Masters and PhD in Marine Biology. She is dedicated to conserving the future of her community by educating the youth of West End and encouraging them to pursue tertiary education, also by enlightening the people of her community and letting them know how important it is to conserve the natural resource that is our beautiful ocean and the diversity of life that thrives from it.

Sasha Williams
Sasha is 20 years old, a senior at Bethune Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida. She is majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Pre-Med. Sasha plans on attending Medical School next year to begin her studies in Cardiology. Shasha is hoping that she will be offered a scholarship. Her three top choices for medical school are: Ross University in New Jersey, The University of the West Indies in Jamaica, and Georgia Medical School in Savannah, Georgia. She is a member of many organizations such as Bethune Cookman’s famous Concert Chorale, F.O.B.S (Federation of Bahamian Students), and F-GAM, a science club that gives students the opportunity to travel to other universities to compete for graduate school scholarships. She is also a member of the national honor society. Sasha is an honor student, making the Dean’s list every semester for three years.

Maressa Hanna Maressa Michelle Flora Hanna
After Maressa received a B.A. in History from the College of the Bahamas, she went to Cuba for 6 months to study Spanish as second language which in the end she did achieve. Presently, she is residing in New Providence where she is working at Antiquities Monuments and Museum Corporation which is responsible for preserving Bahamian history for the future. They are in charge of the Forts, and some Museums here in the Bahamas, one being the Pompey Museum which recently experienced a fire that destroyed some of the artifacts as well as the interior of the building. At the moment she is working with a research team in the effort to help gain some of information on slavery for the new exhibited that will be featured in the Pompey Museum when it is restored.

Kathy McQueen

My name is Kathy McQueen and I’m a local resident of the West End Community in Grand Bahama. I completed my Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education at Success Training College and I’m currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science Degree program in Early Childhood Education at Terreve College. I have a passion for kids, learning and helping others & it is with that passion why my career choice is a perfect fit for me. When I’m not in school, I help out in various community volunteer programs as well as programs at my church. I want to complete me degree and put it to use preferably in my community of West End because I would like to educate and empower our younger generation to help build a better community. The journey has not been easy for me, I have encountered a few obstacles but I’m glad that I was able to overcome them and continue pushing forward towards my goals. I’m very thankful for the Kohn Foundation’s support not only to me, but to other members in my community as well. They have allowed us to pursue our educational dreams that will benefit not only our personal goals but our community as a whole.

Sherelle Laing
Sherelle is passionate about imparting knowledge into the lives of young children. Despite her financial situation, in August 2011, she enrolled in Terreve College to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She knew that she couldn’t afford to pay for classes and would need financial assistance, so she worked as hard as she could to achieve a 4.0 G.P.A, and it gave her great satisfaction when she did. Once she had received her desired G.P.A, in December 2011, she applied to the Kohn Foundation for a scholarship, and she received it. Oh what joy it was to become a recipient of the Kohn Foundation Scholarship Program. Finally, she is in the position where she can achieve her dream of becoming an Early Childhood Educator, thanks to the Kohn Foundation. So far, the experience at Terreve College has been great and she loves the challenges the courses have given her. Throughout each semester, she has continued to successfully maintain a 4.0 G.P.A. After completing the Early Childhood Education program at Terreve College, she plans to make a difference through committing time to enhancing the education, development, and well-being of young children not only in her community but throughout the entire Commonwealth of the Bahamas. She would like to share with others, the importance of education and ways of make learning fun, but effective; by using modern technology, which is becoming an efficient means of delivering a lesson, and providing the most appropriate assignments that will reinforce the lesson while staying on target with imposed standards.

Moses Moxey, Jr.
The Kohn Foundation has been one of the greatest things to ever happen to West End. It has helped me in more ways that one by allowing me to become a Bridge Watchman and it gave me the opportunity to receive a first class education in a Canadian School where I graduated at the top of the class. I am currently attending the University of Nebraska, Kearney, where I am maintaining an A average. I am working hard, gaining the respect of my professors, and proving to myself that I can do this on my own. I have also gained a close bond with the founder who as taught me what it truly means to love, by her willingness to help animals all around. I am currently trying to go and build the knowledge that I have now by going into college so that later on I may become a sponsor to some young child that mirrors my life. Though the times are tough, this foundation is tougher and is committed to helping the young people of this community. I can't wait until I can finally say that final thank you to this foundation and I no longer need to be a supportee but a supporter and help to perpetuate the vital cycle of Education. Until then I encourage every one out there that is able to give to do so, because by giving it is giving us a chance to give.

Baronnique Duncombe Barronique Duncombe
Barronique graduated from Sunland Baptist Academy, Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas in 2007. She is a talented 20- year old and is currently enrolled at East Texas Baptist University, Marshall TX. At ETBU Miss Duncombe majors in Mass Communication and minors in Psychology. Her future plans are to become a science Journalist and work as a writer for National Geographic. At school Miss Duncombe stays involved because she loves fellowship with others. She works on staff as a writer with the school news paper the Compass, is an active member in the on campus Christian organization .COM; she sings in the chapel choir, is involved in a poetry exhibition in Marshall, TX and just recently joined “The Big Read” movement to encourage reading in America. Barronique comes from a six person family in the small community of West End, Grand Bahama. She is the eldest of sixteen grandchildren, and one of the first in her family to go off to school for college. With the help from the Kohn Foundation, Miss Duncombe can be well on her way to achieve her goals.

Romal Russell
Romal is a graduate of Freeport Anglican High School. He is a 21 year old honor roll student at the College of the Bahamas in Freeport. He is majoring in accounting and international relations and is at the beginning of his junior year. After completing the Bachelor Program at COB he plans to transfer to Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia to pursue his Master's. Romal is also employed with Saybolt LP Bahamas ltd., where he is a petroleum inspector. He serves as the Assistant Treasurer and Director of Grounds & Facilities in The College of The Bahamas Union of Students (COBUS). He is also a member of the Altar Server's Guild of St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church, and is past president of that church's Christian Youth Movement. Romal is a former Scout leader and certified first responder. He also worked for the West End Urban Renewal Program, which was organized after the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005. In that capacity, he served as Assistant Team Leader and trained in disaster shelter management through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Rashelle Lightbourne
Rashelle is 18 years, the oldest of seven children. She attends the College of the Bahamas in Nassau, where she is studying chemistry and plans to become a pharmacist. Rashelle excelled in high school, where she earned many awards, including Honor Roll, and certificates of Merit in Biology, Geography, Math, Spanish and Computer. She graduated with Distinction from Freeport Anglican High School in 2005. Rashelle also participated in Key Club, Cheerleading, Volleyball and Soccer. She plans to excel in Pharmacology while in pursuit of her career.

2014

2013

Gladys Latisa Cooper

Ian Hepburn

Sanyu Alia Kemp

Chaunse Willis

Rashawn Burrows

Kathy McQueen

Portia Rolle-Spence

Ranaldo Burrows

2012

2011

Elleena_Thomas Elleena Thomas
Elleena Thomas has a passion for learning, teaching and helping others in any way that she is capable. As a striving, young woman she intends to finish her Associates of Arts in Early Childhood Education. Later on she plans to go ahead and get her Bachelors in Education. Despite of all the negativity around her in this world, she will always do her best in everything. The sky is the limit for her and she believes she can do anything through Christ who strengthens her.

2010

2009

Prior to 2007

Marquita Cooper
Marquita has received her Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Business Studies at the Carlos Raphael Rodriguez University in Cienfuegos, Cuba. Marquita had to learn and become fluent in Spanish in order to attend class at the University. She took seven subjects per semester and her program was six years. Marquita was the “residential manager” of her dormitory, and was elected to serve as the Bahamian Representative for Cuba in the International Youth Conference which was held in Venezuela in 2005. She has pursued and obtained a Masters Degree in Business Management at the University of Camaguey in Camaguey, Cuba. Her family was one of those which were severely impacted by Hurricanes Jeanne and Frances in 2004. She would not have been able to return to college in Cuba had TKF not helped with a scholarship.

TKF Scholarship Profiles

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

Prior to 2007