The Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda recognised 75 candy stripers for their commitment and service to the organisation last weekend.

This year’s Candy Striper Awards ceremony, the first to take place since 2020, was held at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital on January 6 and recognised 2020, 2021 and 2022 volunteers.

The participants, who volunteer with HAB between the ages of 14 and 18, earned stripes for completing 50, 75, 100 and 150 hours of service, as well as pins for outstanding service.

HAB president Pat Cerra, vice-president Glen Gibbons and treasurer Diana Downs awarded the stripes and pins at the event, which was also attended by the parents of volunteers, Scott Pearman, chief executive of Bermuda Hospitals Board, and HAB executives.

Other awards were made on Saturday, with Chrishante Dill earning the HAB Penny Ray Achievement Award for head candy striper 2023/2024.

A statement said: “Ms Dill joined the programme in 2020 alongside 29 other students.

“From the group of 30, she was chosen based on her outstanding work commitment, her volunteer hours and her overall excellent attitude in her interaction with her peers, volunteers and supervisors.”

Proficiency awards went to Malaysia Johnson, who completed 153 hours of service, Azaria Greaves for 101½ hours, Jordan Mallory, who completed 98, Azari Kelly for 75, Kemauri Darrell for 70 and Dominique Brown, who completed 63 hours.

Each of these awardees will be considered for the head striper award later this year.

Mr Pearman told awardees: “It is encouraging to see your interest in volunteering, and as CEO of the hospital, I’m even more excited that you’ve chosen to volunteer here.

“I hope this interest stays with you and that the experience you’ve had here inspires you to pursue a career in healthcare.

“I look forward to you returning as future members of our team.”

He highlighted the importance of the programme and HAB and said the organisation’s donations of equipment and funds allows BHB to “improve our service for the entire Bermuda public.

“We have enjoyed this relationship with the HAB for decades and look forward to this continued collaboration for decades to come.”

Interested students can apply to the programme, which accepts 50 students every year and has 40 on its waiting list, by emailing jane.wright@bhb.bm. They must do so before their 14th birthday.