Principal's remarks at the Berkeley Institute prize giving

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30: Thanks to all of you for your presence here this morning.

Throughout this academic year the school team, and in particular our Year Heads and Advisors, have ensured that all of our students know our school’s Mission Statement.  “The Berkeley Institute, a diverse senior school with a rich heritage and tradition of excellence, provides a stimulating learning environment that prepares students to live full and purposeful lives and to assume leadership roles in both the local and global communities.”

How effective have we been in fulfilling our mission?

Today we gather to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of our graduates.  In my opinion, these young people represent HOPE for Bermuda.  They are our future teachers, business executives, engineers, lawyers, carpenters, doctors, chefs, hospitality industry staff, bankers, entrepreneurs, politicians, dancers, construction managers, visual artists, community leaders, environmentalists, social workers and politicians.  The list continues……..

Today we are here to celebrate the success of our 126 hard-working graduates who have successfully achieved the standard required in the Bermuda School Certificate Programme and, in the Challenging Modified Alternative Programme.   This group of wonderful scholars comprises 116 of the 122 students who were in S4 or 95% of the year group!  In addition there are eight students who did not have sufficient credit at the beginning of this academic year to be placed in S4, but who have worked extremely hard, taking extra classes, in order to earn their places in the graduating class today.  There are also two graduates who have satisfied the requirements of their modified programmes and we will also salute them today. 

This means that there are only six S4 students who have not met the academic criteria for graduation at this time.  However, I expect that once they complete summer school they should be able to remedy whatever deficits currently exist.

We are pleased that the standard of our graduates continues to improve.  This year, 84% of our graduates have earned Grade Point Averages of 2.0 and above, when compared with 81% in 2009 and 73% in 2008.  These students will receive Berkeley Institute Graduation certificates, in addition to Bermuda School Certificates. 

In this graduating class there are many students who will be continuing their studies at Bermuda College before transferring to overseas institutions, while two students, Michellae Edwards, and Jayson Jackson have been granted Rotary Exchange scholarships and will be residing in Venezuela and Paraguay, respectively.   Also, 27 students will begin college or university programmes in either England or Canada or the United States in the Fall.  Some of the colleges/universities into which our graduates have been accepted include Georgia State University, New England Institute of Technology, Dalhousie University, St. John’s University, Miami University, University of Western Ontario, St. Mary’s University, Cambrian College of Arts and Technology, Hampton University, Morehouse College, Florida Institute of Technology, Uxbridge College, London School of Fashion, Middlesex University and University of Kent.

We are very pleased that several students have already earned scholarships and awards which will help to fund their college/university studies.  For example, Tori Smith has earned the Joseph C. H. Johnson/HSBC Scholarship which gives her $30,000 per annum and is tenable for a four year period.  She will be studying at Georgia State University.  Also, Jamai Gomes, Shannon Hendrickson, and Stuart Wilson have earned full scholarships, through the National Training Board and the Department of Works & Engineering to pursue engineering studies at Cambrian College in Canada.  Their scholarships are each worth $30,000 per annum for a three year period.   Another triple honours graduate, Jubilee-Ann Edness was chosen for the PartnerRe/Herbert N. Haag Scholarship.  This scholarship is specifically designated for a highly qualified student majoring in Risk Management in the Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University.  Jubilee will receive $24,000 per annum.  She will also be receiving one of the ABIC Education Awards.

Today’s Valedictorian and our top graduate is our very determined triple honours student Rasia Ming who has earned high honours during all four of her years in senior school.  This year, Rasia’s final average mark was 92.25% and her cumulative GPA, 3.61.  By the end of S3 this scholar had earned GCSE’s in English Language (C), science (C) and additional science (B).  Rasia will be attending St. Peter’s College in New Jersey having already been offered a scholarship for $32,000 over four years for placing in their Student Success Programme.

Altogether we have a total of 18 students, including Rasia, who will be graduating with either triple, double or single honours.  The other honours graduates are:

            Honours Graduates

            TRIPLE HONOURS

2            Jubilee-Ann Edness

3            Aarian Lassalle

4            Jatia Richardson

5            Sharon Sunderaraj

6            Jessica Richardson

            DOUBLE HONOURS

7            Colita Dunlop

8            Archer Hill

9            Dominique Richardson

10            Tori Smith

            HONOURS

11            Jarreau Daniels

12            Kiana Franks

13            Dawnita Smith

14            Jenna Seaman

15            Chikira Smith

16            Kiara Isaac

17            Jumar Hayward

18            Jennifer Ross

Our teachers have done a phenomenal job in ensuring the success of these students.  They have not only supported and promoted their academic success, but they have also become their confidants, mentors and friends both in and outside the classroom.  Teachers you deserve much praise for the work which you have done this past year.  Today as we salute these students, we are also saying a hearty thank you to each one of you for what you have done to help these students to achieve their goals.

Parents your role in the education of these graduates has been one of the keys to their success.  We thank you and urge you to continue to encourage your son or daughter to pursue his/her goals.  No matter what career interest they are contemplating they will continue to need your support and wise counsel. 

Graduates, this is one of those special moments in life that I hope will stay with you forever, just as you probably still remember the first day in September 2006 when you walked through the doors of our new building to begin your first day in S1.  I can hardly believe that four years, four wonderful years have already passed!  Today is the culmination of your senior school career!  I hope that you will enjoy all the accolades you will receive and that you will celebrate your success with your students and friends.  However at the end of all of that, please, please remember that we are looking for you to be the change that our country needs.   I love the quote from the Indian philosopher Mahatma Ghandi, “Be the change that you want to see in the world.”  I am confident that you will do your part to make Bermuda the place where you would want to live and raise your own families. 

Finally, your goals in life, no matter what they are, can only be realized if you are prepared to continue your education beyond the point which you have just reached.  There are many ways of doing this, but in order to make your contribution to the world of today, you must continue to learn and grow.