During an academic awards ceremony last night, CedarBridge Academy pupils were urged to use their excellence to encourage their peers and not to be afraid of being challenged intellectually.

Government's newest consultant on education, American Dr. Henry Johnson, gave the words of encouragement at the 2006/2007 prize-giving distribution, held at the New Testament Church of God on Dundonald Street.

Dr. Johnson said in today's society, serving as an "exemplar" to others is one of the growing challenges aspiring youth face.

Dr. Johnson, a former education secretary in US president George W. Bush's administration, was brought here on two-year contract after a damning review of the education system was published earlier this year.

He said: "One of your challenges is to be an exemplar for others. You should use your excellence, your successes, to encourage successes of others.

"One of the founding fathers of my country, president Thomas Jefferson, said purposely, 'school is to train citizens to participate in democracy'. He further went on to say that 'a people cannot be ignorant and free'.

"The kind of society that you desire has to be based on a higher level of education – not just for yourselves – but others."

The award categories included the Academic Merit, Honours as well as the Principal's Honours.

CedarBridge Principal Kalmar Richards said being an educator is one of the most difficult but gratifying occupations: "Without a doubt, being an educator is extremely hard work and it is demanding work."