By GENEA NOEL

Freeport News Reporter

One lucky student is the recipient of a two-year scholarship from the Grand Bah-ama chapter of the Intern-ational Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA).

At a press presentation yesterday, local attorneys joined together to present 17-year-old Destiny McKinney with a $2,000 two-year scholarship to assist in her studies at the College of the Bahamas as she pursues a law degree.

Jethlyn Burrows, director of FIDA, said McKinney was most qualified out of the six candidates who applied for the scholarship and is truly deserving of such an award.

"I am excited that persons still want to pursue law in the country," Burrows said. "Th-ere is so many different aspects of the law and if you need representation in a particular area you have to decide who you want to represent you."

McKinney graduated from Sunland Baptist Academy in June of this year and commenced studies at The College of the Bahamas in September.

Burrows applauded McKinney for stellar academic achievements and cited her as a well-rounded individual who was president of Junior Achievement in 2007; president of the U.C.G Youth Group 2008 and was a top achiever from 2005-2008; and is the secretary of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority.

The award is available for Bahamian citizens and Grand Bahama residents who are recent graduates from a high school on the island.

Burrows said that all candidates who applied for the scholarship must have at least five B.G.C.S.Es at grade "C" or above, including mathematics and English, and a minimum grade point average of 3.0 from high school.

Burrows added that al-though most might say that the law profession is overpopulated in the country, there is still a strong need for lawyers.

"Many like myself were discouraged from the profession, but persons still need representation in every arena," said Burrows.

She added that she remembers the words of Sir Orville Turnquest, former Governor General of the Bahamas, who said, "Cream always floats to the top so if you are good at what you do, you will succeed."

McKinney said she always felt that she should be in the law profession and plans to further her studies in England or in New Providence.

Her parents, Daniel and Hazel McKinney, were also in attendance and said they are grateful for the financial assistance, which will go a long way in helping Destiny follow her dreams.

FIDA is an international non-government organization in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. The group was organized in Mexico City in 1944 to promote the principles and aims of the United Nations in their legal and social aspects. it also works to establish friendly international relations on a basis of mutual respect and equality to promote the welfare of women and children.

The FIDA Scholarship co-mmittee members include: Dr. Coralee Kelly, assistant vice president of the College of the Bahamas; Petra Weekes of Weekes and Co.; and Charisse Brown of the Grand Bahama Development Company.

This is the third year that FIDA is presenting a deserving student with this award. Other students who meet the criteria are urged to apply at the College of the Bahamas.