Students Kyle Withington and Joseph Hillard have each been awarded a three year bursary by Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management in the Isle of Man to support them through their time at university.
The bursary scheme aims to help two students by offering financial support for three years along with the opportunity to undertake work experience at the wealth management firm.
Kyle attended Ramsey Grammar School and Joseph attended Ballakermeen High School and both started their university courses in September.
Kyle is studying cinema and photography at the University of Leeds. In 2010 he was chosen to showcase his films at a London exhibition and was subsequently sponsored to take part in Apple’s ‘Final Cut Pro Editing’ course in Manchester where he achieved full marks for the course.
He has won eight Young Filmmaker of Mann awards with his own videos and has earned a part-time income filming stage shows and other local events for DVD.
Joseph was offered one of only 50 places to study musical theatre at the Arts Educational School in London. He achieved a distinction in Performing Arts at both AS and A Level and won the title of ‘Young Actor of Mann’ in 2012.
His interests include performing in musicals and plays, singing and playing instruments and his involvement locally led him to receive the Heroes in the Community Award for ‘Dedication to the Arts’ in 2012. Dermot Hamill, head of Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management in the Isle of Man, said: ‘Kyle and Joseph’s applications were extremely impressive.
‘It’s great they have both been so involved in the local community through their love of the arts and as the film industry continues to grow in the island it’s extremely fitting to support these two future contributors to the sector through their degree courses.
‘It’s so important to help local students achieve a high level of education and encourage them to return to the island so I’m pleased to be able to support Kyle and Joseph through their degrees.’