Webster’s dictionary defines “outstanding” as “distinguished from others in excellence”. No other word could better describe Chioma Nwasike and Menelik Ruddo who have earned the position of Head Boy and Head Girl for the 2010-2011 school year.

The application process was an extensive one, which required them to complete a written application and then participate in a round-the-table debate with other short-listed candidates. At that time they were judged on their ability to express ideas and opinions while listening and considering the opinions of others.

As a result, the list of applicants was refined again. Finally, those left were interviewed by the heads of the school, followed by what seemed to Chioma a long, anxious wait before they received the news they had been dying to hear.

Chioma feels very honoured to serve as Head Girl, and she has realised that one of her goals has been accomplished by being selected from among her peers. Some of her typical duties include overseeing the prefects on their respective lunch duties and representing the school at various functions.

Over her last three years she has been heavily involved in many aspects of school life.

Within school she is actively involved in netball, and is captain for The Berkeley Green Team as well as the Senior Treasurer for The Student Council. Chioma has been a member of the debate team, the KPMG Investment Club, and more recently The Butterfield Student Challenge.

Her favourite subjects are Advanced Math and Biology II. She explained: “I like these subjects because they are intellectually challenging but enjoyable at the same time.

“The teachers make a significant difference as well, as they patiently explain the work while demanding that we make our best effort”.

Moreover, these subjects are essential for her as she pursues her future career goal. Chioma aspires to be a paediatrician one day. From a very early age, she has had a passion for children and helping others.

She also refers to the career as being “in my blood” because both her grandfather (the late Dr. Bertram Ross) and her aunt (Dr. Fiona Ross-Sabir) have become successful doctors. They are without a doubt her inspiration.

Outside of school, Chioma is equally busy. She is involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme and has completed her Gold expedition. She has also been a volunteer at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for four years now in their after-school volunteer programme.

This has been a very rewarding experience as she has had the opportunity to observe the doctors and nurses at work in some very critical departments. Up until this year she has danced at United Dance Production and is also involved in liturgical dance at Cornerstone Bible Fellowship. As a student of the Royal School of Music, she is currently working towards her Grade 5 theory and practical piano exams.

If that hasn’t blown you away already, she also balances her school work and extracurricular activities with a part-time job at two establishments to take care of her essential bills gas and her cellphone!

Standing in a similar leadership position is Menelik Ruddo, who in addition to entertaining his entire school at events like Founders’ Day, also has the opportunity to lead his fellow prefects in meetings. Another highlight of being Head Boy for him is getting to meet with people of high esteem from around Bermuda as he represents the school at events held by people and groups around the community.

He also feels that it is his duty to uphold good standards and to enlighten his peers. To be head prefect is a breath of fresh air to him. Every morning he wakes up realising that he has the power to alter the negative thoughts of his peers and to magnify the positive ones. Menelik cherishes his position and is incredibly thankful that he has it.

Menelik is currently involved in two extracurricular activities. He plays football for the Dandy Town Hornets and also dances for Sample Swagg, a group of which he is co-leader.

His favourite subjects at school are dance and drama. His future aspirations are to become an entertainer of some sort. Whether it be a dancer, singer, actor, or rapper he loves the thought of showcasing his talents to an audience.

Outside of school he enjoys practicing and learning different styles of dance to improve his rhythmic vocabulary. Menelik also stated that the only challenge that he faces is himself. He believes that other things that try to hold him back are measly obstacles that he will overcome.