One is already a veteran pageant contestant, the other a former chief executive officer of a business. Now both can add 'title holders' to their resumes - all before their 18th birthdays.

Jakai Franks and Sharmaine Landy, both 17, were crowned Mr. and Miss CedarBridge 2002-2003 on Saturday at the Ruth Seaton Janes Auditorium for the Performing Arts before the 400-strong crowd.

This annual competition was introduced in April 1999 to give students an opportunity to develop etiquette, interpersonal skills and communications skills. Aspiring fashion designer Ms Landy, told The Royal Gazette she was surprised she won the title on her first attempt at the competition.

In what she called "her most memorable moment", the two-time entrant of the Miss Teen Bermuda competition said she wanted to compete in the CedarBridge Academy contest since she had pageant experience under her belt.

"Since I had entered Teen Bermuda, I thought this would be easier and decided that I wanted to win before I left CedarBridge so that I could be a part of the school's legacy."

The S4 student, who beat out ten other students for the crown, said she never expected to win.

"I was shocked because I had picked out four other girls to be finalists, but I kept telling myself to keep smiling no matter what happened."

And while he said competing for the Mr. CedarBridge title has helped to develop his interpersonal and public speaking skills, Jakai Franks said he too was stunned when he was announced the winner.

"Although I felt I was more focused during the competition, the fellow contestants carried themselves more confidently, so I didn't think it was going to be me until leading up to the end."

A senior student as well, Mr. Franks said he plans to use his new title to advance his stand on school pride.

"I want to promote school pride because I think in the community CedarBridge is often portrayed as being negative.

"Some people think we are a bunch of hooligans, but I want to change that so that they can see there are good things happening here."