Young Lions are roaring to go at the Berkeley Institute -- thanks to a newly-formed community service club and 22 gung-ho charter members led by fellow student and well-known gospel singer Patrina O'Connor.

Following Warwick Academy students' lead, Berkeleyites expressed a desire to form what is now the second Leo club in Bermuda as an effective means of doing something constructive for the community.

"I see the club as a way of helping the community and a positive activity for us to do,'' its president, Miss O'Connor, said.

"So many young people are involved in a lot of different things, but the Leo Club is really positive and can take us far. The community needs a lot of help, and by Berkeley students getting involved in this organisation it will make us responsible and help us to grow as people.'' Formation of the Berkeley Leo club also met with a positive response from teacher Miss Levyette Robinson, who acts as the school liaison person with the Paget Lions.

"I am very enthusiastic about the club. I think it is the type of thing which helps with relationship skills because the students have to do a lot themselves. It gives them the opportunity to get involved in community work as well, which Bermuda really needs. I am very pleased with them. They are well under way.'' The first Leo club was organised in Pennsylvania, USA in 1957 and clubs can now be found in 106 different nations, with an estimated membership of 110,000.

Leos are the junior arm of Lions and Lioness clubs, and must be jointly sponsored by them. The Berkeley Leos have been jointly sponsored by the Paget Lions and the Somers Lioness Club.

"It is an ideal situation because they complete the `family' of Lions and Lionesses,'' said Mr. Steve Shaw, zone chairman of the Leo Development Committee. Leo clubs are designed to introduce young people to the value of community service, and develop in them leadership skills, positive experiences through community service, and provide an opportunity to serve the community both individually and as a group.

Since Leo clubs are also international, their members are open to new friendships and experiences through conferences, conventions and the like.

The stated aim of Leo clubs worldwide is to provide valuable humanitarian services for their communities -- from blood drives to tree plantings, fund-raisers and the promotion of literacy and culture.

Membership is open to males and females between 14 and 28.

So far, the fledgling Berkeley group is composed almost entirely of females, but Miss O'Connor is confident that will change in time.

"It's hard to get young guys involved,'' she said, "but most times, when girls start things and the guys see how much fun we're having they want to get involved.'' The fact that the Leos have not yet gone through their formal induction ceremony hasn't fazed them one bit. Already, they have held two fund-raisers -- the first, a bake sale, netted more than $80 -- and there are many more events planned.

"We are planning a walkathon from Berkeley to Shelly Bay on March 6,'' Miss O'Connor said. "We also want to have a wakeathon, where we stay up all night, car washes and more bake sales. And we are going to try and have a school dance, but we have to check that with our principal.

Certainly, there is no shortage of enthusiasm in Bermuda's newest Leo club.

Members willingly baked up a storm for their first fund-raiser, with the goodies being eagerly snapped up by fellow students.

While Miss O'Connor admitted her role as president was demanding, she acknowledged that she also had a lot of help.

"The club's a lot of work but I have a good committee. Everybody helps out, so it is not just the executive committee doing everything. I help to bring issues forth and discuss them, but everybody puts their backs into different situations.'' While proceeds of the first fund-raiser were earmarked for the Brangman Home, the president said it was the club's intention to help wherever it could.

"We are going to support different charities because everyone needs our help,'' she said.

OFF TO A ROARING START . . . Members of the Berkeley Institute Leo Club (front row, left to right) Joy Parris (vice-president), Patrina O'Connor (president) and Kashima Swan (secretary) are backed by Somers Lioness liaison officer Ms Angela Frith (back row, left), teacher Miss Levyette Robinson (back row, centre) and zone chairman of the Leo Development Committee Mr. Steve Shaw (right).