Recipient of the Governor-General's Achievement Youth Award for Excellence for Westmoreland, Toni-Ann Stewart, receiving her plaque from Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall, at a ceremony at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort in Montego Bay on September 21.

Toni-Ann Stewart is only 18 years of age, but already she shines like a beacon both in her community of Smithfield in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, and at the Hampton High School, St. Elizabeth.

This was reflected recently when praises were heaped on her at the Governor-General's Youth Achieve-ment Awards at the Holiday Inn Sun Spree Resort at Rose Hall in Montego Bay.

After receiving her award, Toni-Ann said: "Today has been a wonderful day; it has been a day of honour. I am so overwhelmed and very appreciative of this award. It has encouraged me and will empower me even more to continue to work harder to help my community and to give something in return."

Respected by peers

Respected by her peers and teachers at Hampton School, Toni-Ann Stewart is regarded as an outstanding student, hardworking and ambitious with a passion to excel.

With excellent leadership skills, Toni-Ann was elected as president of the Student Council at Hampton High School. Today at Hampton, she serves as a director of the Interact Club, a member of the Inter-School Christian Fellowship, and the literature and debating society.

Savanna-la-Mar is fortunate to have an ambassador in this talented young woman who performed admirably at last year's CXC examination with passes in nine subjects, gaining three distinctions and four credits.

Based on her excellent academic and community achievements, Toni-Ann was recommended to receive the Governor-General's Youth Award of Excellence for the parish of Westmoreland for 2006.