While dispelling negative stereotypes can be difficult, the Young Observer had no difficulty finding two young people to challenge the negative image of "the youth of today."

Courtney Fisher and Lance Fraser are two of Bermuda's best and brightest, chosen from approximately 70 Year11 students to be Head Girl and Head Boy at Warwick Academy. They actually graduate in 2011, in year 13, after the two-year International Baccalaureat programme, but the Head Prefects are chosen in year 11 before they go into IB because IB is deemed to be too stressful for extra tasks.

The selection process for the position is quite rigorous. While the whole academic staff select the prefects, the selection of Head Prefects is left to the Principal and is based on letters of application and interviews. Courtney and Lance were chosen from 35 candidates.

To be a role model for other students was Courtney's principal motive, though family tradition was also a strong impetus. "My dad, Michael Fisher, was Head Boy in 1979, and I wanted to carry on the family tradition," Courtney explained.

Lance also felt he could be a really good role model for the rest of the student body, and "I wanted the responsibility of being Head Boy." He went on to explain, "I have a lot of different assets, not just academic. I have lots of extra-curricular and sporting interests. In the past the Head Boy was always the smartest in the year. This year, Mrs. McCorkell, I think, was looking for someone outgoing, someone who could speak in public."

Courtney agreed. " I'm a music student," she elaborated, "and I've represented the Island in tennis. I'm an all-round student others can look up to."

And what does it mean to be a Head Prefect? In addition to the normal prefect duties of supervising other students at lunch and recess and recording those who arrive late to school, they need to make sure their fellow prefects are fulfilling their responsibilities properly. "If a prefect is not in the right place, we have to deal with it," explained Courtney, "fill in, or get another prefect to do the duty."

The role also requires public speaking: at school assemblies, parent-teacher meetings and fund raising events.

It's a big responsibility - and not just in school. They were both aware of representing the school wherever they went. "You have the responsibility of being a role model everywhere you go," stated Lance.

Is it worth the trouble? "Definitely," declared Lance. "When you apply for college, or even a job in 20, 30 years, it could be the breaking point."

"It's a lot of work now," Courtney admitted, "but it will look good on a college application. It's going to pay off in the long run."

There are also the privileges: being able to hang out in the prefects' room with its fridge and microwave, and being able to walk across to Lindo's for lunch and snacks during breaks. And the other students do look up to them and respect them.

Asked if there were any disadvantages, both thought for a while before Lance stated, "I don't think there are many. It's a bit more work, but it's an honour, so it's worth it."

Principal Maggie McCorkell had no reason to regret her choice of Head Prefects: "From the very first Lance and Courtney have impressed me with the proactive manner in which they interact with their peers and the staff. They are ready and willing for whatever challenge I throw their way and are very capable ambassadors for the other students as they bring matters to my attention that they feel need to be addressed. I thoroughly enjoy working with them."

Both are currently in their GCSE year, and are not really clear about career paths, though Courtney "definitely wants to do something in business, but I'm not entirely sure what."

Lance, interested in IT and strong in Mathematics, is toying with a career in law, "but I'm a big time sailor, and have represented the Island in that, so if I could sail while studying, it would be great."

Asked if they had anything else they wanted to tell the world, Lance declared, "Never give up."