Go-cart racer and powerboat pilot John Carreiro Jr. was awarded a full year scholarship to Bermuda College in the Going For the Gold Excellence Award scheme.

Only four weeks into his post secondary education John, 17, can see college is a new world.

"It's a lot different (than high school) -- you get a lot of freedom to deal with.

"It makes you responsible.'' said John, noting that unlike high school, no one hounds students to finish work.

"If you don't do it, you fail.'' As well as graduating from Berkeley Institute with Honours this year, John in involved with church life, cart-racing and power boating.

He drives in the 100cc and 125cc cart-races for the four-man Loyal Racing team and also co-pilots for his father in the powerboat races.

In the church, John is an active participant in Life Teen Youth Group centred at St. Teresa's in Hamilton.

"It isn't bad -- you get hooked pretty easy. It helps go-carts, powerboats and in school.'' He explained that church makes him calm and helps him keep a clear mind to concentrate.

As as a business administration student, John looks forward to his time at the college and hopes to continue his education aboard once he completes the programme.

John said after winning the award: "All my hard work seemed to make sense.'' John Carreiro