Gold certificates and pins were handed out last week at a ceremony for eight Duke of Edinburgh International Award winners.

The awardees — Kojo Darrel, Samai Dunn, Taj Lowery, Magnus Ringsted, Joanna Santiago, Maximilian Santiago, Jelani Simmons and Yari Tucker — completed 52 weeks of service.

The awardees included tri-holders who completed gold, bronze and silver, as well as dual-holders who completed gold and silver levels.

Rena Lalgie, the Governor, as patron of the awards, said: “I had the pleasure of awarding eight inspiring young individuals with the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award for their leadership, skill development, community service and physical fitness.”

Ms Lalgie added: “This programme and award highlights their dedication to personal growth, resilience in overcoming challenges, and commitment to making a positive impact on the community and beyond.”

Karen Simmons, programme director of the awards, said: “I have had the privilege of being a part of each of these young people’s lives in one way or another and I am honoured to congratulate these inspirational young people who are truly world-ready.”

She said the awardees dedicated one hour each week for the 52-week programme, developing in fitness, skills and voluntary community service.

Awardees completed their gold-qualifying journeys and residential projects in the Bahamas at Cat Island in 2018 and Lusaka, Zambia, in 2019.

Other portions of the journey were finished at Castle Harbour in 2021, on the Spirit of Bermuda to the Turks & Caicos Islands in 2022 and in Nova Scotia, Halifax, Canada, that same year.

Ms Simmons said the award was designed to be “progressive and challenging as you move from one level to the next”.

Samai Dunn, a gold awardee, said: “The award has nurtured my personal development and has allowed me to engage consistently with my community throughout high school.”

Ms Dunn added: “I am grateful for the practical life lessons learnt and the people I have connected with while being a part of this programme.

“The award is a safe and empowering space for young people in Bermuda.”

Joanna Santiago, another gold awardee, said her organisational and personal social skills were enhanced.

She said she was given leadership roles, including as participant representative on the Award Council on the island.

Ms Santiago said an overseas sailing exercise in 2022 tested her leadership skills as well as sailing, and allowed her to gain employment with U Sail Bermuda as an instructor last summer.

Gold awardee Yari Tucker said camping in Blue Hole Hill Park was his “most memorable” experience.

“The award has greatly enhanced my ability to work with others, fostering co-operation and teamwork.”

He said he was able to “transfer these skills into my work experience”.

Ryan Eve, chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, congratulated the awardees for completing the “prestigious” Gold Level.

“This remarkable achievement reflects their dedication, resilience and commitment to personal growth.”

He added: “Through countless hours of community service, skill development and physical recreation, they have demonstrated an unwavering spirit and drive for excellence.”

He said that by completing the journey, the awardees “showcased their skills in leadership, critical thinking, resilience and ability to work cohesively as a team”.

He added: “By giving back to the local community in meaningful ways, they have left an indelible mark and set a commendable example for others to follow.”

Mr Eve thanked everyone who supported the awardees, saying their dedication to success was “instrumental in making this accomplishment possible”.

• Anyone interested in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award can e-mail fiona@theaward.bm or call 737-8959