Pettit Memorial Award. Receiving Commendation of Excellence awards of $500 were Angelica Chaney, Lauren Purvey, Jevon Roberts and Jessie Schneider. The theme was: "Why I am thankful'' The overall winner was Bermuda High School student Christie Hunter who received $3,000. Her essay was featured in last week's Young Observer.

Judges were Patricia Pettit, wife of the late Tom Pettit, The Royal Gazette Editor David L. White, and deputy principal officer of the US Consulate General, Bruce Berton.

The award was established in memory of US journalist Tom Pettit, who lived briefly in Bermuda.