The successes of Bermuda’s schools in establishing lifelong healthy habits in our future generations have been celebrated.Health Minister Zane DeSilva said a lot of people went a long way to ensure schools across the Island were healthy.He hosted the Healthy Schools Awards ceremony saying he wanted to celebrate and recognise schools “for making great strides in promoting health compared to last year.”A total of 34 schools were reviewed, including seven private schools, 26 Government schools and one Government programme.Mr DeSilva said: “Schools have an awesome challenge while they primarily focus on academic achievement, they also know that healthy students have a better opportunity to achieve more in all areas.“All of you work to make sure our students establish lifelong habits to become viable and healthy members of our society. So, for me to stand here before such a noble and distinguished audience is truly humbling.”Mr DeSilva gave out a whole host of awards to schools, as well as individual staff members, at the Bermuda National Gallery on Wednesday.But the Healthy Schools Award, the highest level of compliance to all healthy schools standards, went to Somersfield Academy.Principal Dr Jim Christopher was presented with a plaque for its consistent promotion of health to its students, staff and families.Mr DeSilva praised Somersfield Academy teachers for going above the call of duty to encourage students to take part in health-related activities before, during and after school, while also making sure that healthy food and beverage choices are available at school events.Mr DeSilva said: “This school understands that there is a vital and reciprocal link between health and education, and that school achievement is largely dependent on students’ maintaining good health.“Health promotion has become a natural part of this school’s culture and philosophy during each school day.”The Healthy Schools most improved recognition award went to The Berkeley Institute. The school’s ratings, compared to its own from last year and all other schools on the Island, had improved the most.