Hundreds of people came out last night to honour pupil leaders in public schools.

Nearly 100 schoolchildren were singled out for their contributions and achievements.

Storm Gibbons, 17, a former intern at The Royal Gazette, said she was “very honoured to be recognised as head girl of CedarBridge”.

She added: “I really enjoy being a leader, not only because I get to be a role model to other people but I get to influence other people to be leaders as well, which I really enjoy.”

Kallan Richardson, from Whitney Institute Middle School, said he was “excited to be honoured”.

The 12-year-old, who is a year younger than his classmates, added that it was important for pupils to become leaders “because you can help others have success in their lives”.

Kojo Darrell, 19, head boy of the Berkeley Institute, said those who knew “deep down inside that you are a leader and can put a positive out to the people” should step up.

He said: “Don’t be shy — get yourself out there and be a leader as you are meant to be.”

The Youth Empowerment Summit, organised by the Ministry of Education and Workforce Development, was held at CedarBridge Academy.

Education minister Diallo Rabain told the youngsters it was difficult to be a leader and that “we honour and respect every single one of you for doing what it is that you are doing”.

He said: “It’s those small and great sacrifices that you are making to be leaders that we want to make sure do not go unnoticed.”