For Bermuda's 400th Anniversary, Clearwater Middle School decided to build a model of Admiral Sir George Somers' ship Patience. In the early stages I didn't have much faith that we would be able to do it, but I'm proud to say that she's now completed, and she looks amazing!

I and the other members of the team began working on the model over four months ago. The first thing we needed was research. We found pictures of the boat that we could use to make our plans. The more research we did, the more we began to realise what a big job this was going to be.

The next step was gathering our tools and materials. We used white pine to make the shape of the hull; it was soft and bendable. My favourite part was cutting the wood. I really enjoy working with my hands. The pieces needed to be sanded before they were put together. All the sanding took some time. When the frame was put together, it began to look more and more like a proper boat. That was exciting to see.

Once the whole model was built, we varnished it and strung the cedar masts. Creating a model like this takes many hands and a lot of hard work. I learned not to rush things. I had to have "patience" to make the Patience and take my time throughout all the stages of building. I feel proud now that it is done.

On Wednesday, April 14 we placed Patience on a truck, and she went to be judged at the Agricultural [Annual] Exhibition. On Friday, April 16 I went along to the Exhibition and went in the room where Patience was displayed.

I saw a Blue Ribbon on her mast! Clearwater Middle School had won First Prize! Our patience had paid off!