In the summer months Young Observer is profiling top students from throughout the Island in recognition of their exemplary performance during the school year.

Dellwood Middle School's Josue Paulos is off to a good start -- having been chosen top student from his school in a very tight race.

Josue, 13, will be attending CedarBridge Academy next year and admits he "doesn't know what to expect''.

But the articulate student says he is ready for the challenge, especially since he plans to focus on computers, Spanish and business.

In the future Josue is aiming for a career in Immigration. He wants to someday be Chief Immigration Officer because he believes "it's an interesting job''.

"You meet people, and two days are never the same,'' Josue says.

At Dellwood his favourite classes have been design and technology and science.

"Science allows you to study different parts of countries and species,'' he explains.

As for his years at Dellwood, Josue says "school's been interesting''.

"School's fun because of friends and you get social skills,'' he adds.

"School helps you learn how to work with others, know what's right, and teaches you how to be a leader, not a follower.'' As a member of the Portuguese Cultural Association, Josue is active in its Portuguese school and Portuguese dance group.

Josue points to his cousin Michael Paulo as his role model because he says "he sets a good example, teaches me to do the right thing''.

As far as his study ethics, Josue simply abides by one format.

He said: "I study for an hour then go out and take a breather, then come back and study.'' And reflecting on his time at Dellwood he said: "I am happy to go, but it will be missed.'' He offers this piece of advice to anyone who may be in the similar transition as he and many others will.

"Don't let anyone or anything stop you from your dream.''