A Berkeley Institute student earned the right to accompany Premier the Hon.

Sir John Swan for one day after her essay took first prize in an essay competition this week.

Stephanie Bain, 14, walked gingerly to the stage in the school's auditorium after her name was called to the frenzied applause of her classmates, teachers and father, with a look of absolute disbelief and befuddlement written across her face.

Ms Bain, who is the daughter of former Special Branch detective Inspector Oliver Bain, was still overwhelmed by her achievement when approached by The Royal Gazette outside.

"I was so shocked when my name was called out,'' she said. "I felt sick.'' Her essay entitled "If I were Premier'' was judged the best of more than 80 entries in the competition now in its second year.

Sir John thanked American writer and lecturer Mr. Thomas Watson Jr. for beginning the essay competition and for donating the award the bears his name to the school.

He encouraged students to follow Mr. Watson's lead and make contributions to their community.

"Mr. Watson is to be commended for his contribution,'' Sir John said. "He is an example of (one) who becomes involved when there is something happening he believes in.'' Sir John said he would take Ms Bain to lunch and she would attend all his official duties on whatever day she selected.

Moreover, the Premier pledged next year's winner would also be invited to spend the day with him regardless of what essay title the committee chose.

WINNER -- Berkeley Institute student Stephanie Bain who won the Thomas Watson Jr. Vision award for her essay entitled "If I were Premier'' will spend a day with the Premier, the Hon. Sir John Swan. After winning the award Ms Bain posed outside her school with Sir John (left) and Mr. Watson.