Former Lyford Cay Scholar Awarded Rhodes Scholarship

FORMER Lyford Cay Foundation scholar Christian Campbell has been named this year's recipient of the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship Award.

A top student, activist, artist and athlete - Campbell served as captain of the swim team while at Macalester College in Minnesota - the 22-year-old was chosen over 300 applicants, becoming only the second Bahamian and the first male to gain selection. The annual award, established in 1903 by British statesman and empire builder Cecil Rhodes, offers 90 of the world's best and brightest students the opportunity to study at Oxford University.

Campbell, who graduated from Macalester College with honours, top awards for creative and critical writing, a Presidential Leadership Award, and is now in his third year at Duke University, North Carolina pursuing a PhD in English, says he will use his time at Oxford to earn a M.Phil degree. Also an accomplished poet - at the age of 18, Campbell's poem "Paradise" was published - he is currently completing his first collection of poetry, "The Biggest Sound."

Campbell attributes much of his academic success to his family's strong focus on education. He also thanked the Lyford Cay Foundation, for their support in helping many young Bahamians achieve their academic and personal goals.

"Christian's honour is a wonderful reminder of how successful young people can be when they work hard and are in a strong and supportive learning environment," says Jimm Crowder, International Admissions Officer at Macalester College.