Seven high school students have been honoured for their volunteering work and community spirit.

The young women, all aged 17 to 18, were presented by communications company Logic with Community Service Awards at a function in The Hamilton Princess, Bermuda yesterday morning.

The students recognised for their achievements were: Zaji Smith, from Saltus Grammar School, Chanara Smith-Rookes, from Berkeley Institute, Kayleb Butterfield, from Warwick Academy, Alison Lamb, from Bermuda High School, Salina Maiato, from Mount Saint Agnes Academy, Sihle Sharrieff-Hayward, from CedarBridge Academy and Ashe Trimm from the Bermuda Institute.

Each was handed $500 along with their award.

Gary Phillips, chairman of Logic’s parent company KeyTech, praised the “exceptional” students and their dedication to community service.

“We are here today to recognise some of Bermuda’s unsung heroes — students who not only apply themselves academically, but also spend significant time helping others through their volunteer efforts,” he said.

Attending the ceremony to present the winners with their gongs were Nandi Outerbridge, the Junior Minister of Social Development and Sport, and Dr Freddie Evans, the Acting Commissioner of Education.

Here’s what the students had to say on their awards:

Zaji Smith, 18, Sandys

“I’m planning on going to university in Britain, either at Nottingham Trent or Leicester. I enjoyed volunteering when I was younger and just continued with it.

“My ambition for the future is to become a clinical psychologist and help people to overcome their adversities.”

Chanara Smith-Rookes, 17, St George’s

“Giving back is humanitarian, it’s just something you have to do.

“I want to travel after I graduate, just picking somewhere on the map, and then I plan on continuing school and then going into marine science.”

Kayleb Butterfield, 17, Warwick

“It feels good trying to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

“Even the smaller initiatives seem to make a difference in someone’s life.

“I’m going to the University of Western Ontario to study actuarial science, and then I want to become an actuary. It’s nice that someone’s taken the time to recognise those that take part in community service.”

Alison Lamb, 17, Southampton

“It’s an extreme honour to win this award, and definitely surprising.

“I’m going to study political science and international affairs at the University of Georgia, but I don’t have any specific career plans yet.”

Salina Maiato, 17, Warwick

“It’s exciting but overwhelming to get this recognition.

“I plan to go to Mount Royal University in Calgary and get an English education degree. I’d like to work teaching English in high school.”

Sihle Sharrieff-Hayward, 17, Devonshire

“I love to give back to my community. It’s great to feel that people recognise your efforts, although I don’t do this for the recognition.

“I’ve been accepted into Sheridan College in Ontario to study early childhood leadership.

“I’d like to become a preschool to primary schoolteacher, and then open up my own school and become principal.”

Ashe Trimm, 17, Hamilton Parish

“I really enjoy St John Ambulance, which I do on Monday nights, and I’ve done missionary work in Atlanta, Miami and Trinidad.

“After I graduate, I’m going to St Mary’s University in Halifax to study finance and economics, then I’d like to move into the business world.”