COLLEGE of the Bahamas biochemistry major 18-year-old Mikell Butler was presented with a $1,000 cheque by Woodside Insurance Brokerage Ltd for her outstanding academic achievements in 2011. In the BGCSE exams, the CV Bethel graduate passed nine subjects, earning seven As - in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, combined science, English language, and history. She also earned Bs in literature and Spanish. Tanya Woodside of Woodside Insurance Brokerage congratulated Mikell and encouraged her to remain focused as she moves on to college. "The demands of the College of the Bahamas, and then studying overseas will be greater than what you have experienced in high school, and so I encourage you to apply the same discipline and focus that earned you this success, so that you will continue to make yourself, your family and your community proud," said Ms Woodside. Mikell ended her first semester at COB with a 3.52 grade point average, and has plans to continue her studies in the medical programme at the University of the West Indies, beginning September 2012. After graduating, she wants to specialise in oncology and become part of the team of scientists that finds a cure for cancer. She said her interest in the sciences peaked in high school, when she took part in the Magnet Programme. Prior to attending CV Bethel, Mikell attended LW Young Junior High School and Sandilands Primary School. On hand for the presentation was Member of Parliament for Pinewood Byran Woodside. Congratulating Mikell, Mr Woodside called her "the best of Pinewood" and said she is proof of what is possible for an individual with discipline and focus. He said Mikell will "no doubt inspire other young people, especially young people in Pinewood, to achieve this same level of success." Mikell thanked Woodside Insurance Brokerage and said the funds will be used to buy books.