A 13-year-old Dellwood student took home top honours in a contest in recognition of Emancipation Day.

Alay Burgess Rocker claimed the top prize in the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport’s Emancipation Youth Creativity Competition with a creative video entitled “The Backbone of My Being“.

The competition challenged young people to create a poem, video or other artwork expressing the theme of “How have my ancestors made me strong”.

Alay won a $100 gift certificate for her victory, while Callahj Simons, a 12-year-old Dellwood Middle School student, won a $75 gift certificate for a video that took second place.

Riley Darrell, a 13-year-old Clearwater Middle School student, won a $25 gift certificate for a poem which came third, while Mataio Cameron and K’ah Seymour were given honourable mentions.

Ernest Peets, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, said he was happy to see young people take part in the contest, which was intended to understand the role of emancipation in Bermuda’s history.

Dr Peets added: “I was impressed and pleased with the submissions shared, and on behalf of the Ministry, I want to commend all of our young people who entered the contest.”