helping him balance the demands of school with his love of sport.

The 18-year-old Saltus Grammar School head boy who has represented Bermuda in soccer while also taking part in basketball, track and field and cross country, told The Royal Gazette that it was the biggest award he had ever won.

"I am most grateful to my parents and family for their guidance and moral support,'' he said, "And to my physical education teacher Jon Beard who always made me aware of my potential.'' DeVon won the Outstanding Teen award at this weekend's Bermuda Teen Conference in addition to winning the scholar-athlete award which is given to the student who maintains an above average academic standing while at the same time playing a broad mix of sports beyond soccer and cricket.

DeVon, a keen musician, having reached Grade Six in musical examinations for the trombone, said going to Saltus had exposed him to a wide range of sports and solid academics.

After graduating from the fifth form, he spent one year in France on Rotary Exchange where he became fluent in French and was exposed to another country's culture.

While in France he also played for a local soccer team and finished as their leading goal scorer.

"I learned more French in two months than I did in the entire five years I had been taking French at Saltus,'' he added.

Though proud of his numerous achievements both in the classroom and on the sports field, DeVon admits it was never easy as he had to deal with peer pressure constantly.

He recalls numerous occasions when people have tried to get him to smoke and drink, but he said he's proud to be drug free and intends to stay this way forever.

"When I started my fourth year I can remember getting intimidated when my teachers began to tell us how important the GCSEs were to our careers. The work became ten times harder. But I persevered with a lot of encouragement from my parents and passed eight of them.'' After graduation from Saltus' Post-graduate year this May, DeVon, who also works as a volunteer at the hospital, wants to continue his education and plans to become a dentist.

Winning the award has given him a greater desire to live his life positively, and to be an example to other teens -- a responsibility he takes seriously.

"I've always looked up to people like Dr. Ewart Brown and Dr. Vincent Bridgewater because they are professional men who speak with confidence.

"I want younger people who look up to me to see someone they can respect. I may have this award for one year, but I intend to be a role model for the rest of my life.'' DeVon Binns.