The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, visited CedarBridge Academy on Friday, March 3 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Bermuda.

He was accompanied by Governor John Rankin to greet the students and, more specifically, commemorate the CedarBridge Academy and Berkeley Institute Duke of Edinburgh participants present.

Prince Edward was in high spirits during his visit; he presented awards, took pictures with students and unveiled a plaque which marked his visit to the school.

Mrs Melanie Burrows and Mr Christopher Swan both received awards for their participation with the Duke of Edinburgh programme from the Prince. Mrs Burrows has travelled to 11 Caribbean countries as well as Canada. Mr Swan has also travelled multiple times overseas to countries such as St Lucia, Jamaica and Guyana to assist the students with the expeditions to receive their bronze, silver and gold awards. They were thanked for their 20-plus years of dedicated service to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award recognises adolescents for completing a series of self-improvement exercises. Participants select and set objectives in areas such as volunteering, physical, practical skills, and expedition.

Awards can be received at bronze, silver and gold levels, which are internationally recognised as an outstanding achievement. The Earl of Wessex has assumed many duties from his father, who has reduced some of his commitments due to his age.

One of these duties includes the Duke of Edinburgh’s programme, and Prince Edward now attends Gold Award ceremonies all over the world.

To receive the Gold Medal Awards, students’ expedition must last for four days and three nights and take place in “wild country”.

Gold level is the highest, most-esteemed award within the Duke of Edinburgh programme.

The Earl of Wessex thanked every volunteer and person who participated, and said what a great pleasure it was to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Bermuda.