By KARAN MINNIS, Guardian Lifestyles Reporter, karan@nasguard.com

Approximately 100 of the country's smartest sixth graders are waiting with bated breaths to see who will be named Primary School Student of the Year and win $10,000 in scholarship funds which can be used towards their secondary education.

But they have a few more anxious hours ahead of them, as the outcome of the who's who in primary schools in The Bahamas will not be announced until Saturday, May 17 at the Diplomat Center, Bahamas Faith Ministries International, Carmichael Road. Students will be competing for scholarships, trophies and prizes.

At a time when there is increasing violence amongst the male population in our country, it is good to note that the last four winners of this prestigious award have all been male. It remains to be seen whether another young man will capture the crown, to disprove the myth that the young men in society are falling by the way side.

The winner of this year's competition is also expected to take home a computer, and a three-month gym membership, along with their cash prize.

In the 11-year history of the awards, five girls have taken the top honor. Six boys took it in other years.

"This program is not about whose better — the boys or the girls — it is about these kids getting the recognition that they deserve," says founder Ricardo P. Deveaux.

In November 1996, when he presented the idea of the primary awards to the Nassau Bahamas Pan-Hellenic Council he never imagined the impact that the program would have on the community.

"This awards program has targeted young people at the primary school level who were not being nationally recognized for their achievements in academics, sports, leadership and extra-curricular activities. Eleven years later, we are excited to announce that over 750 students have been recognized and over $120,000 given in scholarships and prizes to encourage our students to continue to propel towards greatness."

To enter, each applicant must complete an application form, along with a 300 word essay on the topic "Why I Should Be Chosen Primary School Student of The Year". They also had to give organizers a copy of an official report card covering the past two years, three passport-sized photos, newspaper clippings and copies of awards and certificates they may have received in the last two years. Three letters of recommendation from their school's principal/ vice-principal, teacher, civic/community, religious leader or sports coach.

An independent panel of judges reviewed the applicants and determined the overall winner and finalists. Nominees are judged on their contribution to school life, academic achievement, extra-curricular achievement, community involvement and the overall quality of the portfolio submitted.

The contest is open to any sixth grade student regardless of their color, creed, nationality or religious affiliation from any private, public or independent school in New Providence and the Family Islands.

PRIZES

Winner

$10,000.00 scholarship

Computer

three-month gift certificate to NatBro's Fitness Center

First runner-up

$5,000.00 scholarship

Computer

three- month gift certificate to NatBro's Fitness Center

Second runner-up

$5,000.00 scholarship

Digital camera

three- month gift certificate to NatBro's Fitness Center

Third runner-up

$5,000 scholarship

Fourth runner-up

$3,000 scholarship

Fifth runner-up

$3,000 scholarship

6th place finalist

$2,500 scholarship

7th place finalist

$2,500 scholarship

8th - 14th place finalists

$2,000 scholarships

15th-23rd place finalists

$1,500 scholarships

28 semi-finalists

$1,000 scholarships

PAST WINNERS

2007 - Taran J Carey (Tarpum Bay Primary School)

2006 - George F. D. Zonicle (Bahamas Academy)

2005 - Shridat Jadoo (Maurice Moore Primary School)

2004 - Saul Salonga (Mary Star of the Sea (Catholic) School)

2003 - Tenielle Curtis (St. Francis & Joseph School)

2002 - Zachary Lyons (Queen's College)

2001 - Kenny Roberts (Spanish Wells All-Age)

2000 - Sasha Bain (Walter Parker Primary)

1999 - Tiffany Moncur (Carmichael Primary)

1998 - Andrea Moultrie (St. John's College)

1997 - Vashti Darling (St John's College)