The following is a press release from Dart:
Aspiring mathematician recognised for academic achievement and community commitment.
12 July 2021 – Aiden Watler is the 2021 recipient of the William A. Dart Memorial University Scholarship. A graduate of Cayman Prep & High School, Watler is pursuing a degree in mathematics at University of California, Berkeley.
“We are thrilled to be able to help Aiden pursue a degree in mathematics as the recipient of this year’s William A. Dart Memorial Scholarship,” said Dart CEO Mark VanDevelde.
“Reason and logic are core values that have guided the Dart family’s business operations for three generations. Mathematics involves logical reasoning, critical thinking and strategic problem solving, which are all key disciplines at Dart.”
The William A. Dart University Scholarship application is a highly competitive, merit-based process. In addition to up to four years of financial support, Dart Scholars also receive summer work placements with Dart and mentoring opportunities that build networks and strengthen professional connections. To eliminate any potential for bias, the application process is completely blind.
As a student at Cayman Prep & High School, Watler excelled academically, achieving outstanding GCSE results – including eight A*s and three As – and a challenging A-Level course load of Maths, Further Maths, Physics and French. Watler regularly featured on the Honours Rolls and has been a frequent recipient of the Principal’s Award for High Achievement.
“It’s about more than learning formulae,” Watler said, explaining his interest in mathematics. “It’s about understanding. I’m ecstatic about exploring both mathematics and its many applications in university.”
A skilled debater, Aiden represented his school in the final of the Conyers Inter-School Debate. He was celebrated as “Best Speaker” and was twice part of the “Best Team” in the debate competition. He recently represented Cayman in the International Debate Championship this summer.
Watler is a familiar face to many in the community thanks to his commitment to the preservation and celebration of Caymanian culture through his involvement in several National Cultural Foundation programmes. In addition to starring roles in the social commentary comedy production, “Rundown,” Watler has also represented Cayman overseas at Carifesta and mentored younger children in National Cultural Foundation summer programmes.
“Dart is extremely proud to welcome Aiden to our scholarship family and we know the best is yet to come as Aiden continues his academic journey at UC Berkeley,” said Glenda McTaggart, Dart’s education programmes senior manager.
Each year, Dart awards scholarships to noteworthy high school and university students – providing them with financial assistance, mentorship opportunities, educational enrichment and meaningful work experience.
The foundation of Dart’s education programmes is the Dart family’s philosophy of promoting education and fostering academic excellence in the STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Dart believes that STEM subjects are the fundamental building blocks for both academic and career success.
For more information on Dart Scholar visit dartscholar.ky.
High School Scholarship
Since 2012, Dart has awarded two four-year high school scholarships annually based on academic excellence with a clear focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). A vigorous evaluation process – initial review of application and documentation, mathematics test and written essay, and a face-to-face interview – identifies the successful applicants. In accordance with Dart’s culture of meritocracy, applications are evaluated using a completely blind selection process.
University Scholarship
The William A. Dart Memorial Scholarship was established in 2013 in memory of Ken Dart’s late father who founded the Dart Corporation. It is awarded annually to a student pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree at an accredited overseas institution and renews annually for up to four years, subject to academic performance.
Both scholarships include bespoke mentoring and enrichment opportunities, designed to further encourage, support and inspire students to achieve their full potential.