WHEN a young West Devon woman was looking to complete her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Achievement award, she decided it was time to salsa her way to success by learning Latin American dancing. Jennifer Watson had already completed a series of challenges, including an expedition to the Bavarian mountains ? but learning to dance in the Latin style was the last step to achieving gold status. Last weekend, the former Okehampton College student picked up her prestigious gold award in Exeter. Jen, 22, was among 42 young people from Devon who were presented with their awards by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Sir John Evans, who is a former Chief Constable and himself a Gold Award holder. To obtain her gold award, Jen had to complete an expedition in the foothills of the Bavarian mountains, covering 80 miles in four days. She also completed the residential experience part of the award while in Germany. Jen was a member of Okehampton ATC when she began the Duke of Edinburgh award and used her involvement with the cadets for the service part of the award. She spent six years with the ATC, becoming a senior NCO. Jen also developed her skill as a piano player, and followed her interest in music by going on to take a music degree at Bristol University. She has now embarked on a one-year teacher training course at Bath Spa University. Jen said she was enjoying the course, had already completed a placement in a primary school and was about to start another placement in a secondary school. Although Jen completed several of the challenges for the award when she was still in the sixth form at Okehampton College, she needed to complete the physical recreation challenge to attain the gold. She did this by learning Latin American dancing. Jen grew up in South Zeal. She said it was teacher Rob Dean who had inspired her to get involved in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme when she was a sixth former. Jen said: ?It has definitely helped me. It looks good on your CV and it has been really fun as well. ?When I embarked on teacher training, I found the fact I had helped with the cadets and taught piano through the Duke of Edinburgh helpful.? There was a special celebration at the presentation event as 2006 is the 50th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. As well as a special birthday cake there was entertainment from flute and cello-playing sisters Rosanna and Eleanor McClune, and a presentation from Torbay Scouts on their canoe expedition in the Tamar Valley. The presentation ceremony took place at County Hall in Exeter on Saturday.
