Jennecka Stovell has been chosen top student from Warwick Academy -- something she was not expecting, but clearly deserved.

"I was very surprised that I was chosen,'' Jennecka said.

The 17 year old admits that studying can be an asset. It has helped her focus on a number of things.

"I'm attentive in school,'' she added."I do okay in school.'' Jennecka is someone who demands respect. And Jennecka blends her love for music with her school work.

"I like listening to classical music when I study,'' she says, explaining that she finds music soothing.

Jennecka, a grade eight piano player and a grade six cello player, also plays the organ occasionally at her church.

She notes that her most memorable experiences to date has been playing at the Premier's Concert in 1997. She played Brahm's Rhapsody in D minor.

As for life after Warwick Academy and her future career plans -- Jennecka is shooting for the challenging career of epidemiology -- the study of diseases and their distribution.

"I'm very good at chemistry,'' she notes. "My biology is okay.'' Jennecka calls Dr. Karol Sue Reddington, her mentor at the Bermuda Conservatory of Music.

"She's my big sister through the Big Sisters and Big Brothers of Bermuda programme,'' she says. "We do a lot together. We talk about life, how to live life.'' "She has played at concerts all over the world, in Bermuda and the UK,'' Jennecka proudly adds.

In her life outside of school, Jennecka is involved in the army cadet programme where she has earned her third stripe. She is also involved with the Jazz Youth ensemble.

At school she is head girl, on the orchestra, house captain, and is the Warwick Academy Association organ scholar.

She offers this advice to students: "Get to know your teachers. Don't hold grudges, and take advantage of what they are teaching you.'' "I'm definitely looking to continue my education, probably at Howard University,'' says the recent recipient of a Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh medal.

Jennecka Stovell