Drama enthusiasts, philanthropists and or just plain stellar are all accurate descriptors of Warwick Academy’s head boy and head girl, Matthew Wedlich and Anna Dobson.The 17-year-olds are enrolled in the rigorous International Baccalaureate diploma programme and have both achieved the Bronze and Silver awards in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.In addition to these adventurous accomplishments, both students hold a deep passion for acting.“We’re both involved in drama a lot,” said Anna, of Warwick.Anna also plays the flute for the Bermuda Philharmonic Society, while Matthew plays the clarinet.“We both played in the school band,” noted Matthew.Besides their artistic endeavours, the head students are also a part of the Warwick Academy debate team, and both travelled to the United Nations in New York as apart of a Youth News initiative.The UN conference, centred on “human exploitation”, was an “eye-opening” experience, according to Anna.Added Matthew: “We’re very sheltered here [in Bermuda].”When asked how head boy and head girl are chosen, Matthew explained that all candidates must apply formally in writing, outlining “what you’ve done — your attributes that would make you a good candidate for head boy or head girl.”After students apply, a team of the school’s principals collectively choose the best candidates.Anna’s application boasted activities such as volunteering at the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo and taking up fencing lessons. Referring to her fence lessons, she said: “I thought it would be different and it’s very technical and lots of quick thinking is involved.”Matthew is equally involved outside of the classroom. The avid actor participated in last year’s pantomime, and he is a member of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society. He will also perform as the MC in the school’s upcoming production, ‘Cabaret’.The Hamilton Parish resident, who also volunteers at BAMZ, started playing volleyball this year and during the summer took part in a Habitat for Humanity programme overseas in Paraguay.“It was awesome,” he said. “It was really humbling.”In school, Anna studies higher level IB courses in biology, chemistry and geography, while tackling standard level IB courses in English, maths and French.Almost the same, Matthew studies biology and chemistry at higher level, as well as business. He, too, studies English, maths and French at the standard level of the programme, which is designed for students to take three classes at higher and three classes at standard level.Both teenagers also claim biology as their favourite subject. Regarding her IB studies, Anna said: “I’m really enjoying it. Especially in my higher level subjects. You get a deeper insight into the subject because you study them in greater depth.”Anna, is appearing in the upcoming production of ‘Cabaret’ alongside Matthew. She will be playing Fraulein Kost.Speaking about his studies, Matthew said: “I really like that IB encourages you to be an individual that’s more than just a grade.“The extra components that other programs don’t include — such as the Community, Action, Service hours, the Theory of Knowledge course and the extended essay — help you develop a well rounded skill set.”Upon graduation next spring, both students plan on attending university overseas.“I’m hoping to go to a good school in the UK,” said Anna, who plans on pursuing a degree in biochemistry.“I’m kind of stretching in all directions to see what’s available,” said Matthew, who plans on applying to schools in the UK, US and Canada. He too plans on studying the biological sciences at the tertiary level.When asked what advice the top students had for up-and-coming students, Anna said: “I think the most important thing is to have a good work ethic, because if teachers see that you’re willing to put in the time, they are willing to give extra help and answer any questions.”Said Matthew: “I’d say get out of your comfort zone as much as you can. Try something new, because you never know where it can take you.”