BERMUDA Institute student Kianna Simmons is this year's Teen Services outstanding overall award winner.

Kianna says she "was really surprised''.

"I never dreamed that I would get it. I am definitely honoured,'' she said.

"It's about making yourself feel good about helping others.'' The Teen Services awards ceremony was held on May 22 at the CedarBridge Academy School cafeteria. The annual awards banquet is held to showcase students in the high school system who are making contributions to their schools as well as the community with their involvement.

Coordinator Sharon Wilkinson said the event "honours and salute Bermuda's outstanding teens''. The honorary patron for the event was Dr. Jewel Landy with guest speaker Pastor D. or Daron Lowe. This year's banquet for the first time saw students taking complete control of the event. It was hosted by committee members who also read the biographies of each of the winners.

THE nominees were selected from ten categories: scholastic, most progress incentive, sports, community service, spiritual leadership, leadership, performing arts, special recognition, and overall outstanding.

Teen Services staff Gerry Perinchief, Michelle Raynor, and volunteer Cheryl Jones acted as adult advisors for the decision making process. But did not have a vote when it came to deciding the winners.

Mrs. Perinchief explained that there were 71 nominees from schools, churches, community organisations.

"All nominees were high school students,'' she added. A committee was formed by students from various schools.

"The committee interviewed each nominee and assessed the winner for each category,'' Mrs. Perinchief said.

"All nominees were given certificates and medals. The winners received plaques.'' In the scholastic category, Kianna and Andrew Cossar were chosen. The sports award went to Megan Spurling and Gabriel Wilkinson. In community service section, the award went to Tara Kessaran and Stanley Amaro.

In the spiritual leadership category, the winners were Kristina Symonds and Kenneth Minors.

Most progress winners were Renae Raynor and Kenneth Brangman. The incentive award went to Lakeila Greaves, while the performing arts awards went to LaTanya Parsley and S. DeVaun Degraff, and the leadership awards were given to Jessica Sousa and Jamion Simmons.

Sophia Greaves, Melissa Trott, Ryan Hayward, and Darren Desliva all received special recognition.