In celebration of a spirit that embodies the saying disability is not in ability, first year student in the Division of Fine Arts, Brianna Skeete was recognized for her determination, grit and hard work.

Brianna, who is studying for an Associate Degree in Graphic Design, was awarded the inaugural Edzii Aguiui Edinboro Memorial Scholarship compliments of the Mark District Grand Lodge of South and East Caribbean.

The first year Graphic Design student was chosen in part because of the motor challenges she lives with and for the work she has produced in spite of them.

District Grand Treasurer of the organization, Elson Gaskin says he hopes that the funds will make it easier for Brianna to pursue her passions at the BCC.

Brianna has been interested in the visual arts since primary school and continues to explore her creativity but struggled with her disability and complications arising from her time in hospital.

While the physical aspects of drawing and painting proved to be too painful for Brianna, she discovered that by using her laptop, her imagination was uninhibited by her motor skills and prior complications, providing the new artist with a perfect medium for her skills and an outlet for expression.

Describing her journey as a rollercoaster, Brianna’s mother Julia Skeete, thanked the Masonic Lodge for its generosity, stressing what an honour and help the scholarship was for both her and Brianna.

“She’s really gifted. The way her mind works, she looks at things differently.”

When asked if there’s anything else Brianna needs to succeed in Barbados, her mother asked for acceptance.

“Just give them a chance… people who are differently able but have the ability to do things. Stop being small-minded, open up and let them flourish here in Barbados.”

Brianna has already completed an associate degree at the BCC and hopes to take her skills further, maybe to a Canadian university.

Mr. Gaskin explained that the scholarship was created in honour of one of their late brothers Edzii Edinboro, who also had a passion for digital art.

He explained that every Freemason is taught the importance of charity from the moment they are inducted into the organization and encouraged Brianna to reach out if she’s ever in need of further assistance.

“Charity blesses he who gives it as well as he who receives it,” Mr Gaskin noted.