Cheers erupted from the crowd at the graduation ceremony at CedarBridge Academy last week when a young Bermuda student was last week given a new scholarship for thousands of dollars from Conyers Dill & Pearman.

The award, which was presented to Jamari Douglas at the graduation ceremony, was given out as part of the firm's 75th anniversary celebrations in a bid to forge closer links with the community - and in particular with the CedarBridge Academy Student Government Association (CBASGA).

This scholarship, the CD&P Leadership Scholar, will be awarded annually to a CedarBridge Academy student who has contributed to the Student Government Association and demonstrated strong leadership qualities. The first to get this was Mr. Douglas, the outgoing president of the CBASGA. All applicants had to be a member of the CBASGA and needed to present a lengthy portfolio which contained a leadership essay, resum? and recommendation letters. They also went through an interview process with the selection committee.

Ross Webber, Marketing Manager for CD&P said: "The rapturous ovation that greeted the announcement of the award, coupled with Jamari's reaction - stunned and then jubilant - was further reinforcement of the role that corporate Bermuda needs to play in the development of our youth." Sandra Butterfield, manager of Human Resources for CD&P, said: "Jamari's application and his letters of recommendation, supported by his interview, showed us that he is a very deserving and diligent student who has dedicated a lot of his time to better himself, the Academy and the community."

Mr. Douglas, 18, is the second of a set of twin boys born four minutes apart. He attended Prospect Primary School and was said to be "a very keen student" who excelled in reading and spelling.

Mr. Douglas then went to Sandys Secondary School in 1996, where he continued to be a good student and then went to school in Atlanta, Georgia where he was voted by his peers as the most likely to succeed. He returned to Bermuda and got a place in the enrichment program at CedarBridge Academy in 1999.

Mr. Douglas also works part-time as a waiter at the Ascots Restaurant and if you go to Horseshoe Bay in Southampton this summer he may be the person who serves you ice-cream at the snack bar.