Over 50 young people were awarded Duke of Edinburgh Awards yesterday at ACE, including five people receiving the top Gold award.

Governor Sir John Vereker was on hand to present the students with their prestigious awards ? 34 students received Bronze awards and 16 received Silver awards. Chairman of the Award Council, Andrew Dobson, said: ?The award programme is very active in Bermuda and the community should feel proud of the efforts shown by this group of young people in gaining their awards.

?They are required to develop personal skills, undertake community service, participate in a physical recreation and complete at least two camping expeditions.

?The positive effects of self-discipline, service to others, fitness, learning new skills and teamwork are obviously beneficial to both the individuals and the whole community.?

Akilah Beckles, Alexis Bierman, and Olga French all completed their Gold award by enduring a 50-mile expedition in Snowdonia, North Wales, during a three week Outward Bound course last summer.

Stacee Smith completed her Gold expedition in the mountains of Grenada, while Michelle Lindo did her expedition in Inagua, Bahamas and Barbados.

Ms Beckles fulfilled her three requirements of sport, skill, and community service by being a , and netball player, debater, hospital volunteer.

Ms. Bierman partook in Pilates for her skill, personal fitness for her sport, and was a Young Leader for the Brownie Association for her community service.

Ms French was a member of the Leo Club for her community service, a member of a choir for her skill, and a ballet for her sport. Ms Lindo did art, running, and worked at the Aquarium to help her achieve her Gold award.

And finally, Ms Smith volunteered at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute and partook in Karate and piano.

Yesterday?s recipients, mostly between the ages of 15 and 19, belong to the Duke of Edinburgh?s Award groups from the Bermuda High School for Girls, CedarBridge Academy, the Center on Angle Street, Mount St. Agnes Academy, Saltus Grammar School, and Warwick Academy.