different perspective,'' Jason Cabral said after receiving a Gold Award at Government House.

The 17-year-old Saltus Grammar student added: "I just joined to go on the expedition, but the whole experience allows you to find out about yourself.

"You learn that there is nothing you can't do,'' the Smith's Parish teenager continued. "I would definitely encourage other young people to join.'' Twenty-six young people received Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards this week, with Governor Thorold Masefield, telling the group he hoped they had learned more about themselves in the process.

"This is a very important day for you young people who have achieved these awards after great effort,'' Mr. Masefield said. "It is my hope that through the Scheme, young people learn about themselves now that you have reached these landmarks.'' "Do please continue with the scheme,'' he added. "Do encourage other young people to get involved.'' Mr. Masefield also thanked parents, guardians, and DOE Scheme instructors who sat proudly in the Government House sitting room.

The teenagers completed a variety of tasks, including taking part in a 175-mile trek through the Guyanese Amazon jungle, volunteering at such diverse organisations as King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, Keep Bermuda Beautiful, and the Fire Service, and learning to play an instrument.

The students attend Warwick Academy, Bermuda High School for Girls, Saltus Grammar, Berkeley Institute and CedarBridge Academy.

Karen Jones, a Bermuda High School Student who won the other Gold award with Jason, is currently attending school in France as part of an exchange programme.

Mr. and Mrs. Masefield held a reception afterward where he mingled with the crowd.

The Silver Awardees are: Jessica Marwick, Samantha Chandler, Shannon Scott, Mark Buckley, Cathie Hay, Victor Anton, and Osay James.

Bronze Award winners are: Anneli Christiansson, Natalie Cossar, Brooke Dawson, Akilah Lapsley-Dyer, Melissa Lawley, Ashley Mayne, Megan McClure, Lucie Patching, Nea Wadson, Annesa Mason, Ashley Bean, Sionna Barton, Dianna Darrell, DeShae DeShields, Kendia Gill, Rick Maronie.

The Duke of Edinburgh Scheme -- started in 1956 -- is open to all young people between the ages of 14 and 25 and is not a competition.

Young people are expected to complete minimum tasks within the four component parts; service, skills, physical recreation, and the expedition.

It was founded on the Duke's belief that every young person of the appropriate age has the potential to gain an Award -- regardless of mental or physical ability or social circumstance.