High-flying school students have been hailed for grade A academic achievements.

A total of 25 of Bermuda?s top public school pupils collected Students of Excellence honours at a top of the class ceremony recently.

A breakfast event at the Fairmont Southampton was hosted by the Ministry of Education.

Minister Terry Lister was able to attend but included a message on the programme stating how proud he was of each student.

He wrote: ?I look forward to hearing more about the successes of each and every one of these students who have started on a journey from which there is no turning back?.

Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield and Finance Minister Paula Cox presented the awards on his behalf, which included awards included certificates, a cedar apple and a gift bag from HSBC Bank of Bermuda.

Students recognised were: Owen Siese, of Somerset Primary; Monique Lynch, West End Primary; Xhosi Bascome, Southampton Glebe Primary; Jahsh Durrant, Port Royal Primary; Maliha Weeks, Heron Bay Primary; Shaunte Young, Purvis Primary; Jevon Swan, Paget Primary; Roshanda Smith, Gilbert Institute; Caitlyn Lawrence, West Pembroke Primary; Mark Taylor, Northlands Primary; Tianna Bernard, Victor Scott Primary; Kent Bean, Prospect Primary; Laurin Davis, Elliot Primary and Eron Woods, Harrington Sound.

Other top performers were: Amani Walker, Francis Patton Primary; Shihan McCallan, St. David?s Primary; Sydney Neal, St. George?s Preparatory; Hannah-Lynn Johnston, East End Primary; Danielle Richards, Sandys Secondary; Sharon Sunderaraj, Spice Valley; Chelsea Talford, Dellwood; Andre Landy, Whitney; Archer Hill, Clearwater; Paul Spring, CedarBridge and Stephanie Lee of Berkeley Institute.

Joann Nichols of Berkeley Institute and Sean Perinchief of CedarBridge Academy compered the event, while entertainment included West Pembroke Salsa Dancers, Brandon Morris and Derek Musson.

The event saw one student from each of the Island?s public schools acknowledged for their studies, attendance, involvement in school activities and for being a role model to peers.

The students honoured on Saturday were nominated by their principals and teachers. And more than 100 students have received this award to date,

Sponsors include HSBC The Bank of Bermuda, Butterfield Bank, Jeremy Johnson?s Village Carpentry Limited, PJ?s and Cellular One.

More students will be profiled in upcoming editions of Young Observer.