From Deanna Isaac Public Relations Officer Carriacou & Petite Martinique Hillsborough, Carriacou, October 30th, 2009- A senior member of the Grenada Government says that education is the underlying thread to the nation's development. Education and Human Resources Minister, Sen. the Hon. Franka Alexis-Bernardine, has also said that a nation committed to excellence will be able to hold its own not only regionally but also internationally. The minister made the remarks while delivering the featured address at the 4th annual Hillsborough Secondary School Award Ceremony. She was joined by cabinet colleague Sen. the Hon. George Prime, Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Leader of Government Business in the Upper House of Parliament. Female students dominated the awards’ ceremony, including Akida Muller who received five awards for her performance at the 2009 CXC Exams. She was named “Student of the Year” for passing 10 subjects. Among other awardees were principal Brian Lendore and teacher Paul Hamlet. They were presented with the Long-standing Teachers’ Awards for having served at Hillsborough Secondary for 21 years. Apart from teachers and students, several other persons received awards for their contributions to the school’s development. Minister Bernadine, while praising the achievements of female students, admonished the males to persevere. She cited the achievement of world-famous race car driver, Lewis Hamilton, as an example for male students to follow. British-born Hamilton is of Grenadian heritage.