youth parliament awards.

And the Youth Parliament celebrated its highest ever participation rate this year as 59 students turned out for the initial meeting and more than 40 continued with the programme.

The Parliament was established 14 years ago to create a forum for young people to express their views on issues affecting the community.

Senior and Middle school students voluntarily meet every other Wednesday for two hours and follow, as closely as possible, the actual rules and structures of the Westminster system of Government.

Last year the students debated three major topics of Independence for the Island, and how seriously Bermuda's youth were taken, and whether or not they were headed in the right direction.

Through their participation, the young people achieve an increased awareness in national issues and the role of Government, and develop public speaking and presentation skills.

In last week's award ceremony, Jay Butler of Warwick Academy, won the highest commendation for Overall Youth Politician.

And he shared the award for Most Likely Politician with Kadiann Henry of Berkeley Institute.

Yelena Packwood of Bermuda Institute took the Outstanding Middle School Student Award and Annesa Meson of Berkeley won the Best Speaker Award.

The overall school trophy was awarded to the Bermuda Institute and a host of other students won trophies and plaques for most promising, team support, most articulate, most amicable and most consistent.