Earlier this month when 17-year-old Berkeley Institute student Chadomiel (Chad) Smith set off for school from Southampton Parish, he discovered something at the bus stop that everyone dreads losing: "I found the wallet at a bus stop by Southampton Princess," Chad said.

"I saw the wallet on the seat. It was large, one of those wallets that you open up. I tried to see what the name was on it, then I put it in my bag and went to school."

According to English teacher Tonisha Key Holmes, the wallet contained money, including Portuguese currency, plus a passport and visa papers.

"There was a doctor's slip," Chad said, "so the school called the doctor and were able to replace it that way. They said she was panicking." Chad left the wallet at the school's front desk. The wallet's owner, who did not speak English, came in to collect it later that day.

Ms. Key Holmes said: "When the owner realized her wallet had been obtained she was elated and left a reward for Chad. What impressed me even further was the fact that Chad expected nothing in return. He was surprised that she wanted to reward him or even know his name."

The Royal Gazette was unable to contact the wallet's owner. Chad, who was left $20, said he had been unable to meet her when she came in to the school.

A Senior 4 student, Chad will graduate in June 2011 and hopes to attend the University of the West Indies in Jamaica to study graphic design. A keen artist, he also enjoys music and dance, and has been trained at Berkeley Institute as a peer mediator.

Ms. Key Holmes called her student's surprise at being left money evidence of his strength of character. Students like Chad "validate the reason I love my profession," she said.

Chad has also been commissioned to illustrate the second of the Icon Bermuda history books referenced in today's Young Achiever article. (see page 1)