This week Tiara Carter, pictured left , comes under the spotlight.

CedarBridge Academy has a great deal to be proud of in its top student Tiara Carter.

The 16-year-old, who was chosen as the school's valedictorian, finds that she has a been able to develop good relationships with people at her school which has made her time there memorable.

"The counsellors are always calling me,'' she says.

Tiara's average has been exceptional during her time at the school, never dropping below a C.

Her success in school has depended on one thing -- paying attention.

She says: "God stood behind me. I stood up and paid attention.

"If you pay attention and listen, you should be able to take it from there.

"If you want a proper career, you don't have to watch your back,'' the clever teen adds, referring to the fact that many people will find the easy way to get out of situations.

Tiara says she plans to be an accountant because she likes her bookkeeping and accounting classes at CedarBridge.

For role models, Tiara looks for people who know how to have a good time and are easy to talk with. She also considers people who are interested in young people another good criteria.

With that she counts her cousin Sherika Jones as a role model.

"The mistakes she made she tells me not to,'' Tiara says.

"She knows how to talk to me. She's the big sister I never had.'' Family has always been a big part of Tiara's life, and she enjoys being around everyone.

This coming school year Tiara will be attending the Bermuda College where she will be seeking an associate degree in Business.

"I'm expecting a lot of hard work,'' she says. "But it is also preparation for university and it will also keep me grounded.'' Tiara seems truly excited about all of the new ventures which she has only begun to undertake.

"I can't wait to see what it's like,'' she says of Bermuda College.

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