Students from a public middle school were celebrating at the weekend after beating their peers to win the 18th Annual Inter-School Quiz Competition on Saturday night.

Clearwater Middle School led their way to victory with 235 points in the yearly event which pits students in both the public and private sector against each other in a quiz about the Island.

In close second was Mount Saint Agnes Academy with 200 points, and in third place was CedarBridge Academy, who won the competition for the last two years, with 130 points.

Clearwater acting principal Derek Tully said he was over the moon with his school's triumphant win at Fairmont Hamilton Princess. "We have been bridesmaids for far too long at the annual quiz, with second place finishes in recent years," said Mr. Tully.

"Our parents, teachers and children simply decided that this was going to be our year.

"Everyone in the East End pulled together for this - the team and the reserves.

"It was a real team effort in our school and I am proud of everyone of them."

The Clearwater Middle School team consisted of team captain Seniqua Anderson, Crystal Swan, Terrissa Stewart and Denae Preece-Saunders, who emerged victorious after a gruelling two hour marathon.

After winning the competition, team captain Seniqua Anderson thanked their teachers and coaches Jody Webb, Laurie Daniels and Terrilyn Weeks for their dedication.

Seniqua said: "We owe it all to our teacher Jody Webb who coached us this last six months for the competition,

"Sometimes we felt like giving up, but she kept after us week after week to get the homework done."

And Ms Webb said she was ecstatic that they did not quit.

She said: "I'm thrilled for the children. They never gave up, even when they were exhausted.

"They showed resilience to master the contents of the quiz, which extended to 1,500 items covering different aspects of life in Bermuda.

"They deserve their triumph."

Director of Youth, Sport and Recreation, Tony Roberts, said all the youngsters were dedicated to learning about the Island.

"People don't realise what the contestants have to go through - they had to learn facts and other information about the Island, which was then divided into five sections," said Mr. Roberts.

"A mother of one of the Clearwater School students told me that her son wanted to quit just two weeks before and she encouraged him to continue.

"The children persevered and the parents encouraged them to stay committed and this is what will make our children the future leaders of Bermuda."

Clearwater Middle School won two computers and printers, a commemorative coin selection, a Bermuda Book issued by the Bermuda Monetary Authority, gift certificates for Artcetera and the Stationary Store, lunch for the entire team on one of the cruise ships, and sodas for the entire school.

Proceeds from the door went to Hands of Love charity.

The television audience winner was Matthew Barretto from Devonshire and the answer to the question was that the Spanish dollar and tobacco were used before Hog Money was introduced.

Mr. Barretto is asked to call 295-0855 to claim his prize.