But now the rest of Bermuda knows it too -- Mrs. Maria Davis and Miss Shanda Simmons are special.

The pair have scooped the Bermuda Junior Chamber's two outstanding young persons awards.

They were chosen from five finalists at the chamber's VIP 40th anniversary banquet at Elbow Beach Hotel on Saturday night.

Each received a special plaque to take pride of place in their living rooms.

Mrs. Davis, 33, a teacher at Prospect Primary School, carried off the prestigious moral and environmental leadership category.

The judges were swayed by her 12 years of hard campaigning against drug abuse.

As coordinator of Listen, the international drug-prevention magazine for young people, and executive officer of the Business Against Drugs group, the achievements spoke for themselves.

She hopes her concern will be picked up by local businesses in fighting drugs.

Her friend Miss Simmons, who teaches at Devon Lane School, came away a winner in the children and human rights category.

The 29-year-old can boast being chairman of the Women's Resource Centre (formerly RAPE), and a hot line counsellor.

The resource centre helps female victims of sexual or physical assault.

Yesterday the two winners spoke of their thrill at carrying off the awards.

Said Mrs. Davis, of Hamilton Parish: "It's a tremendous honour and a tribute to what I've done.

"It is also a terrific encouragement for me to dedicate myself more fully to what I'm doing.

"It is the first time I've ever been nominated for the award, which makes it doubly exciting to have won.'' Miss Simmons, who teaches youngsters with learning difficulties, also pledged even more commitment to her community work.

"I think for me the award shows that people appreciate what we are doing for the community.

"It also gives me an added bit of motivation that we need to keep pressing forward.'' Around 50 people were originally nominated for the outstanding person's awards.

Tribute was paid to the five finalists, who also included Messrs. Anthony Lightbourne, Albert David Simons, and Ms Neleatha Butterfield.

Among VIPs at Saturday's banquet were Acting Premier and Environment Minister the Hon. Mrs. Ann Cartwright DeCouto, who came with her husband Roderick.

The master of ceremonies was Mr. Alan Cooper, and the mistress of ceremonies Miss C. Gail Simmons.

WINNING SMILES -- Mrs. Maria Davis (left) and Miss Shanda Simmons show their delight after carrying away the Bermuda Junior Chamber's outstanding young persons awards on Saturday.