Spirits were high last week when the Prisons Department launched this year's recruit class, the last of the 20th Century.

Chief Officer Ella-Grace Goodchild was eloquent in her praise of the new officers, calling them an "excellent class''.

The ceremony was kicked off with the recruits marching onto the parade ground at Westgate Correctional Facility in Dockyard. The pride and relief were written plainly on their faces.

Friends and family were present in full force armed with camcorders to record the precious event in their loved ones' lives.

The Ven. Arnold T. Hollis, who is the prison Chaplain, gave the prayer.

Acting Commissioner of Prisons, Marvin Trott and Chief Officer Goodchild then inspected the eager recruits as they stood in precise formation.

Mr. Trott, in delivering the address, spoke encouragingly to the recruits, calling them the best class ever.

He advised them to value their sense of humour.

Praising their diversity and uniqueness and strength of character, he included a warning to family, friends and spouses to be as supportive as they could toward the officers and their commitment to their career.

"Learning is eternal, we must always strive to keep learning,'' he said.

He ended the address by congratulating the class and wishing them good luck with their careers.

The presentation of certificates was eagerly awaited by the recruits as well as family and friends and there was much applause as the recruits marched forward to claim their certificate.

There was much applause for female officer Heather Dill who topped the class by scoring a stunning 97 percent.

Two case workers, Heidi Ben-Aviel and Vera Lynn DeShields, also received certificates.

"It was wonderful,'' officer Adrienne Mouchette said of the six-and-a-half week training. "It was a great experience, great training and great teachers.'' Another officer, who declined to be named, said: "It had its ups and downs, but on the whole it's been good.''