Marlee Poitier and Kenique Ferguson are the newest Wendy’s & Coca-Cola Bright Minds, Bright Future Scholarship recipients. Marlee and Kenique each received a full six-year scholarship, covering tuition, books, and essential academic support.
Marlee, a graduate of Palmdale Primary School, New Providence, will further her education at Queen’s College in the fall.
Kenique is a graduate of Central Abaco Primary School, Abaco. She will be heading to the home of the Big Red Machine, St. Augustine’s College.
Paul Christopher Tsavoussis, Aetos Holdings Limited, chief of staff, said Marlee and Kenique “represent exactly what this program was created to support: young people who excel academically, lead with integrity, serve others, and show the promise to make a meaningful difference.”
“Marlee distinguished herself through academic excellence, leadership, and confidence,” said Tsavoussis. “With a 3.95 GPA [grade point average], she serves as president of Kiwanis K-Kids, participates in choir, is a member of the academic honor society, and is a competitive golfer. She was also named Student of the Year for 2025–2026 for Palmdale Primary. Her recommendation letters describe her as a student of exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence, and her mother lovingly describes her as a ‘little giant.’
He said Kenique was equally inspiring.
“With a 3.91 GPA, she is active in choir, Kiwanis K-Kids, spelling bee club, drama club, national arts, and Junior Junkanoo. What stood out most was her heart for service — she tutors her peers in mathematics and reading, and has been described as a model student with exceptional maturity and selfless dedication to others.
“Beyond financial assistance, this program offers something even greater: belief, opportunity, and pathway to success,” said Tsavoussis.
Kenique and Marlee were selected out of an applicant pool of 82.
Jayde Wells, Wendy’s Bahamas brand representative, said the naming of the new scholarship recipients marked “the beginning of new opportunities, new aspirations, and new journeys toward academic and personal success.”
Cara Douglas-Adderley, CBC marketing director, told Marlee and Kenique that they were “impressive.”
With Marlee and Kenique accepted into the program, two students were completing their journey — Robynn Smith, who graduated Queen’s College on Friday, June 12; and Alice Kristina Clare, who graduated St. John’s College on Tuesday, June 16.
Tsavoussis said Wendy’s and Coca-Cola are committed to investing in the next generation of Bahamian leaders.
Since 1997, the Bright Minds, Bright Future Scholarship Program has helped talented young Bahamians pursue their dreams through education. For nearly three decades, the program reflected Wendy’s and Coca-Cola’s commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders.
Every other year, the program is open to sixth-grade students graduating from a government primary school. Up to four qualifying students receive a full six-year scholarship to attend a participating private high school in New Providence or Grand Bahama, along with an annual book allowance. Over the years, the program has produced dozens of outstanding young scholars, many of whom have journeyed on to obtain high-level college degrees and embarked on professional careers in the Bahamas.
The Wendy’s & Coca-Cola “Bright Minds, Bright Future Scholarship Program” is committed to helping children realize and reach their fullest potential, through mentorship, nurturing, and the pursuit of academic excellence. Applicants are selected based on academic performance (3.0+GPA), individual financial need, involvement in community and/or civic service, extracurricular activities, and overall leadership potential.
