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Introducing Adam Kiki-Charles, Bermuda's 'Outstanding Teen'

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Outstanding Teen Award winner Adam Kiki-Charles walks through the City Hall Theatre amid thunderous applause.

Adam Kiki-Charles, 17, wowed a sell out crowd at City Hall last night as he was named the country's Outstanding Overall Teen for 2007.

Even the presenter seemed to run out of breath as she read the young man's long list of accomplishments.

After the awards ceremony his parents were asked if they worry about the weight of his responsibilities.

They answered quickly and in unison: "Everyday, yes. Everyday."

Adam has seven A grade GCSEs, is a Grade 5 proficient musician, has completed all Duke of Edinburgh Awards, volunteers as a role model for kids, is a track athlete and was the lead in last year's school play.

He's a student at Saltus Grammar School. He beat out seven other exceptional students to take the top prize.

Adam's father Rodrigue Charles recalled a recent conversation. He said: "We told him you have got to slow down because it's a little bit difficult on us also. But we're very proud of him and very happy that he has accomplished a lot."

Both of Adam's parents say they don't even really need to push their son, he just takes on the added responsibility by himself.

After being presented the award Adam spoke to the room — about 400 people were in attendance.

He said humbly: "I'm very honoured to have been chosen for the overall award. There were many other very capable and honourable applicants and I'm just very lucky to have the opportunity to have been chosen."

He also thanked his parents.

There were plenty of beaming mothers and fathers in the crowd last night. More than a dozen awards were presented by Bermuda Teen Services, an organisation that pays tribute to teens from all public and private secondary schools on the island. There are ten categories that salute accomplishments in areas such as sport, community service, spirituality, and leadership.

Adam Kiki-Charles also won the Leadership Boy Award for 2007.

His parents have diverse backgrounds, Chantal Kiki-Charles is from Benin in West Africa and Mr. Charles is originally from New York.

They've been in Bermuda almost four years, and clearly, their son is excelling. He dreams of becoming a doctor.

When asked what she'll tell relatives in Africa, Mrs. Kiki-Charles said: "I will tell them to be proud of their grandson. That he has accomplished a lot. I am so proud."

High honours also went to Antionay Tankard who won the Leadership Girl Award.

Glenn Jones offered the night's keynote address. He was the Teen Services Leadership Award recipient in 1994.

Education Minister Randolph Horton was the evening's distinguished patron. Comedian Nadanja Bailey served as emcee.

Overall winner Adam Kiki-Charles with Education Minister Randy Horton and Keynote Speaker and Royal Gazette Senior Reporter Glenn Jones.
Outstanding Teen Award winner Adam Kiki-Charles gets a shove towards the podium by host Nadanja Bailey who says "with all those acomplishments, I just want to hear this guy speak!"