Denairo Samuels-Lashley made waves in the Barbados Community College (BCC) Fine Arts Division this month after being announced as the winner of the Edzii Edinboro Memorial Scholarship in Arts.

Samuels-Lashley, a second-year Game Art and Animation student, was selected by his tutors and the District Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of South and East Caribbean for his commitment to his craft and demonstration of potential throughout his classes.

The artist said that drawing is his purpose and that deciding to pursue his passion at BCC was an easy choice. He plans to attend a university in Canada once he completes his studies at the college but stressed that right now he’s focusing on what’s immediately in front of him, committing to doing the best he can right now.

Samuels-Lashley was surprised by the achievement, saying that the call came suddenly one morning. His tutor, Matthew Clarke, told him he had been chosen for the scholarship, and all he had to do was say yes.

“That got me out of bed immediately, and I got really excited... I was not looking for anything close to it,” Samuels-Lashley said.

Speaking at the presentation, BCC Game Art and Animation tutor Matthew Clarke expressed his pride in his student.

“Here is one of our young and promising upcoming students, and I'm very happy to be part of the shepherding of his career path and this young man's future,” Clarke noted proudly.

The scholarship was created in honour of the late Edzii Edinboro, a member of the District Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of South and East Caribbean, who also had a passion for digital art.

This is the second time this year a BCC student has been awarded the scholarship, and the college anticipates further collaboration with the Lodge.

Samuels-Lashley concluded the presentation by thanking everyone for the scholarship, later revealing that the funds had gone directly towards his tuition.

Perhaps even more valuable than the funds, however, is the motivation that the scholarship provided. The upcoming artist explained that the support was a boost to his confidence and made him excited for the future.