Young men leading by example

The 12th Annual Alpha Beautillion will take place on Sunday at the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium. Four young men, known as ‘beaus’, are days away from taking the next step towards their dreams of college and university. The Beaus will compete in front of a panel of judges, demonstrating their oratorical ability, talent and community service activities.
Bursary prizes start at $5,000 for the overall winner. Tickets for the event, which starts at 5.30pm, are $30. Here are profiles of the young contenders collected by the Bermuda Sun’s Mikaela Ian Pearman.

• Marcus Bean, 17

• Cedarbridge Academy

Marcus loves to argue a point and channels this tendency through debate.

He has had the honour of representing Bermuda as a member of the National Debate Team in California,Scotland, South Africa and Chile.

This has allowed him to interact with students from around the world with varied backgrounds — an invaluable cultural experience.

He is also a member of the CedarBridge debate team. His ultimate goal is to become a lawyer, specializing in criminal law.

Marcus has a keen sense of community and currently volunteers at the Matilda Smith Williams Seniors’ Residence and at Victor Scott Primary School as an afterschool homework tutor. 

• Paul DeShield, 17

• Bermuda Institute

It was a proud moment when Paul was presented with the “Ambassador Award” at the BF & M National High school Fitness Challenge where he lost 70 pounds in two years.

This accomplishment is a clear demonstration of how Paul is not afraid of hard work.

Once he sets his mind to something, he stops at nothing to achieve his goals.

Paul has been noted to be very polite, cooperative, dependable, of high integrity with a team spirit,self –discipline and has a goal achieving attitude.

Paul would like to aspire to become a marine biologist with a minor in music and come back to be a great asset to our community. 

• Marcus Smith, 17

• Saltus Grammar School

“My life reminds me of my favourite childhood song: Jesus Loves the Little Children.

“It helps me to remember that it’s okay to be different. God made us the way we are and if he loves us for how he made us, then we should love ourselves.”

Marcus’s ultimate dream is to be a performer on Broadway and he is currently trying to equip himself with all the tools he may need to get there.  

He will be currently advancing his vocal skills through Simons School of Music after obtaining a scholarship from Bermuda Shakespeare Festival.

• Kyle Trott, 16.

• Warwick Academy.

“As the youngest of three, I have been blessed with opportunities that my siblings did not have.

“This has taught me to be thankful for all the blessings that I have received and to remain humble, whilst also giving me the opportunity for a friendly sibling rivalry.

“I believe this is why I am such a hard worker and so dedicated to everything I do. I have been on many of Warwick Academy’s sporting teams. I would not describe myself as a natural leader of men, but I feel that being entrusted with those positions at a young age has helped me in this aspect as well others.”