A keen horsewoman, Jay Lynn Hines, the Head Girl at Bermuda High School for Girls, rides two horses every day, and has been riding daily for the past ten years.

She is so committed to her equestrian pursuits, that she spent seven weeks this summer honing her show jumping skills — in Germany. In fact, when asked what her favourite pastimes were, she replied, "Besides riding horses? That's kinda difficult," before adding, "I guess spending time with family and friends and travelling overseas either to compete or just for leisure."

Despite her preoccupation with all things equine, Jay Lynn is a well-rounded individual, playing a number of sports.

She is a member of her school's netball team and plays for A Division Co-Ed Softball team Tuff Dogs.

And in school? Without hesitating she declared GCSE Physical Education her favourite subject, with Geography, English and 'probably' Business Studies following. "I've always been good at sports, ever since I started at BHS, and have been in various sports teams since Year Four," she declared.

She started at BHS in Year One, and comparing her school experience to that of students who have experienced three different schools, during their school years, she said: "It's a very sheltered environment.

"You're used to the curriculum and there isn't the difficulty of switching curriculum and getting used to new systems, and you create friends.

"Most of my friends I've had since I was five years old, so they're very strong friendships."

Commenting further on the education she has received in the preceding ten years, Jay Lynn noted: "BHS gives a global view which is nice. They definitely fulfil their mission statement."

And she proceeded to quote the statement by heart.

The role of Head Girl Jay Lynn explained was to carry out tasks assigned by the staff, which she was happy to do, and to supervise her fellow prefects.

"Because I don't have a class to prefect or particular administrative duties, I assist other prefects and see things are running smoothly. "Every morning I raise the Bermuda flag and the Round Square flag and I represent the school at any events the school is involved in."

Reflecting on key issues facing young Bermudians, the 15-year-old stated that one was maintaining respect for elders when they continually raise an issue that has little relevance to today's youth: racism. Acknowledging the importance of being aware of the past, she continued: "I don't think the youth are bothered with racism so much.

"We wish to feel respect towards the older generation, but the problem is that the older generation are continually stressing the issue when young people are wanting to move on, but we can't if adults keep bringing racism of the past up and causing it to be an issue."

Rounding out the interview with her favourite quote of the moment, she explained that she heard it from Governor Sir Richard Gozney when her English class visited Government House to discuss issues in Bermuda and the role of the governor: "If someone uses colourful language, it's easier for someone else to join in, but if someone does not use colourful language, and lets the story run by itself, it's more powerful."