The winner of the Outstanding Student Award and class of 2000, Alaina Cubbon was all smiles during an interview with the Royal Gazette's Young Observers column recently.

Sixteen-year-old Ms Cubbon graduated with a 4.0 grade point average from Bermuda High School for Girls after attending the Hamilton-based school for 12 years.

Now moving forward, Ms Cubbon has decided to attend sixth form at Chetlem College in England this fall.

"I just want to be different.'' said Ms Cubbon, after seeing most of her friends and fellow graduates going to schools in Canada and the United States.

She intends to complete her A-levels and set career goals in the UK instead: "They have career guidance at Chetlem, that will help,'' she said.

Ms Cubbon received a $1000 scholarship toward future studies for her work in mathematics, physics and geography.

"I didn't do too many sports.'' she said, but did admit to becoming the Hasting's House Game Captain at Mount Saint Agnes, where she participated in netball and squash.

She acquired some business skills after taking part in the Young Enterprise programme, where her company made tye-dyied head skarfs.

Alaina Cubbon