Six young men to compete for college bursaries

FRIDAY, JUNE 24: The 10th Annual Alpha Beautillion will take place on Sunday at the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium at 5:30pm. The six men, known as “beaus” are days away from taking the next step towards their dreams of college and university. Bursary prizes are $5,000, $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000. The Beaus will compete in four categories in front of a panel of judges including introduction, oratorical, talent and Q&A. The final presentation of the evening will be a step exhibition. The Bermuda Sun’s Mikaela Ian Pearman met the beaus.

Bruce Perinchief, 17:

Bruce is a student at Warwick Academy and is in the International Baccalaureate programme.

His hobbies and interests include soccer, music creation and recording. He said: “I feel these things help me to relieve stress. 

“Academically I enjoy English and occasionally Math. Some of my main (goals) include pursuing a degree in Business and Management or Risk Management, also possibly exploring a Psychology degree.”

Vashon Williams, 17:

Vashon is a student at the Bermuda Institute and plans to attend La Sierra University, Andrews University or Oakwood College.

He said: “I am leaning towards careers in the medical sciences and physics.

“If I enter the field of physics, my first goal would be to research alternate forms of energy.

“As a young black man, I am faced with many challenges as I work toward my future successes.

“In my very neighbourhood, there have been multiple shootings, however, I refuse to allow my surroundings to define me.

“Ultimately, as a productive resident of the Friswell’s Hill, St. Monica’s Road area, I stand as a living testimony to the power of a praying mother and grandmother.”

Makeem Bartley, 17:

Makeem is a student at Mount St. Agnes.

He enjoys song-writing, poetic, heart-felt rap, R&B and many other genres.

“I love to express my creativity throughout the music I produce, and will only constructively change in favour of this original motive. I love to stimulate listeners’ minds, as opposed to the virtually brain-dead music that the majority embraces in today’s world.

“In addition, I like to do graphic design and, even if in moderation, acting.

In my short span of experience with the school, I have already been invested into performances affiliated with school such as the leading role in the Christmas play and even my own musical performances.

“I am usually one who doesn’t succumb to any trend, but instead embrace my own individuality.”

Jordan Osborne, 17:

Jordan is a student at the Berkeley Institute and is the deputy head boy.

He has a bronze and silver award for the Duke of Edinburgh’s award and is working on the gold award.

He said: “My characteristics and virtues are the result of strong Christian principles and good parenting. 

“I am an honest, well- mannered, respectful individual who is determined to have a positive influence on my community.

“My career goal is to obtain a degree in Law and Communications.”

Jameiko Smith, 18:

Jameiko is a student at CedarBridge Academy.

He enjoys playing drums, making music, architectural drawing, drawing and designing, motorcycle racing, motorcycle mechanics, art, graphic designing and football.

He said: “I find the morale and attitudes of the youth coming up in this generation to be totally aggravating and frustrating.

“The way young black males feel it is cute or cool to be and act dumb or emulate the wrong role models is absolutely sickening to me.

“I have taken the time to observe and understand the dynamics of how our society works today and I see where I can take the initiative to stand out as a leader.

“Every chance I have I make sure to stand tall and proud to represent my family, friends, school, and all those who support me.”

Jabari Burgess-Robinson, 17:

Jabari is a student at the Impact Mentoring Academy after attending Somersfield Academy.

It was at Somersfield that he was bitten by the ‘acting bug’ and participated both on and backstage in the school plays.

His years at Somersfield have afforded him many opportunities such as travelling to Newfoundland, Canada as an exchange student and his first trip to the Central American country of Costa Rica.

His most memorable event was his personal project where he single handedly organized, executed and documented his own poetry and photography showing.

Through Impact, Jabari was able to do an internship at The Royal Gazette.