Duke of Edinburgh Awards and congratulations from the Island's new Governor.

Governor Thorold Masefield presented the awards to the recipients and encouraged silver and bronze winners to continue and achieve the gold award standard.

The UK-based programme gives students the incentive to get involved in community service, take part in different sports and extracurricular activities, and complete gruelling outdoor expeditions.

Candidates have to travel abroad in order to qualify for the prestigious gold award, which Mr. Masefield emphasised required a significant time commitment.

Five young people received gold awards at the presentation.

Gold recipient Colin Anderson travelled to Grenada where he hiked over Mount St. Catherine, the highest mountain in the country.

He also played the saxophone to fulfil programme requirements.

Colin has just completed two years at Atlantic College in Wales and is now deciding which university he will attend in the fall.

He said the award scheme was a great way "to continue a young person's growth in all areas''.

Fellow gold award winner Alikeh Doyle did her final adventure in Grenada where she worked in a hospital.

The Duke of Edinburgh scheme also encouraged her to pursue her interest in fashion and dance.

Bermuda College student Rio Peniston earned his gold award when he travelled to the Bahamas and hiked extensively in Eleuthera.

Another Bermuda College student, Loren Emory, did her groundwork in Northern Wales where she participated in a three-week ropes course.

Heidi Roque travelled to Trinidad and Tobago and hiked 50 miles through the forest lands.

She said being a participant in the programme "was a lot of fun as it meant meeting people from all over''.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme operates in more than 50 countries in throughout the world. Bermuda holds one of the highest participation rates.

GO FOR GOLD! -- More than 50 young people recently received Duke of Edinburgh awards at Government House. Pictured, front row from left, are gold award winners Heidi Roque, Alikeh Doyle, Governor Thorold Masefield, Colin Anderson, Loren Emory, and Rio Penniston.