University of The Bahamas (UB) introduced a new scholarship, MBE Memorial Scholarship Award, worth $25,000 in honour of the renowned Bahamian preschool educator Helen “Annie” Russell.
The award will fund higher education for a deserving student enrolled in the Early Childhood Education programme at UB.
At the signing ceremony were her children Dr. Barry Russell and Barbara Mullings. Dr. Russell was accompanied by his wife Missy Russell and their two children Logan and Raegan.
Upon reflecting on his mother’s life and impact, Dr. Russell expressed the need to establish a legacy that would not only be sustained by him, but his children as well.
“I felt the need to honour her with partnering with University of The Bahamas in providing scholarships for students with needs who want to study early childhood education – her passion,” Dr. Russell said.
“And so, it gives us great pride and I brought my children with me because I want them to see what I am doing, so that this could be a legacy and they can continue this even after we’re gone because they have to understand that it is important to give back and we don’t have a choice. We are mandated to do so and I wanted them to witness this.”
University President Dr. Rodney D. Smithspoke to the importance of scholarships and the role they play in helping to accomplish the mission of the university.
“Providing greater access to tertiary education is also a part of the mission of the university and donations like this one significantly help to increase access,” Dr. Smith explained.
“I would like to thank the Russell family, led by Dr. Barry Russell, for choosing to partner with us and investing in the University of The Bahamas and its students.”
Helen “Annie” Russell started Annie’s Nursery and Pre-School in the late 1950’s in the Wilton Street area, catering to children from six weeks to five-years-old. She was also the founder of the Miss Hal Jackson Talented Teen pageant and was awarded an MBE by the Bahamas Government in 1996.
Annie’s Nursery and Pre-School remains a pillar in the Bahamian community and is managed by her daughter and her daughter-in-law Jesse Russell.
