later this month to take part in one of US President-elect Bill Clinton's inaugural events.

The St. George's Secondary student will be one of the lighting technicians for `And Still I Rise' -- a play written and directed by award-winning author Dr.

Maya Angelou.

David was a member of the show's crew during it's two-week run in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, last summer. The play also reunited him with his mentor, former St. George's Secondary performing arts teacher Mr. Art Reece.

The 15-year-old's prowess with theatrical lighting so impressed the show's bosses that he was offered a spot on the world tour crew.

Despite assurances from Mr. Reece that David's education would not suffer during the globe-trotting trip, his family decided it was best for him to return to Bermuda...for now.

David is hoping to join in London this April, and if it reaches Broadway, "(he) will be there''.

The Devonshire resident's love affair with the technical side of theatre began as a student at Devonshire Academy. But the extent of David's lighting talents became evident under Mr. Reece's instruction.

The American theatre technician left St. George's Secondary last July. David's aunt, Ms Simone Barton, said yesterday that Mr. Reece's departure was a "great loss'' for Bermuda, and she felt her nephew's true potential may have never been reached if it had not been for him.

"This all stems from a teacher who saw something in a student and stood by him,'' Ms Barton said.

It was Mr. Reece in fact, who telephoned this week, offering David a position on the inauguration show crew. There was no question in anyone's mind what the answer would be.

David has been involved in numerous local productions including `Aladdin', `Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' and `The Wiz'.

LIGHTS, ACTION! -- David Byrd is seen adjusting the lights at St. George's Secondary's video room. He will soon be off to Washington DC.