Mr. Speaker,
On Wednesday, June 28th and Friday, June 30th, respectively, I had the pleasure of attending the graduation ceremonies for both The Berkeley Institute and CedarBridge Academy. During each of the last six years, I have rejoiced in witnessing the achievements of our students, from whom Bermuda’s change-makers and future leaders are being drawn. Thus, I am eager to share the accomplishments of our 2023 senior school graduating classes with this Honourable House and the Bermuda public.
Mr. Speaker,
These graduating classes, in particular, have had a rather unusual and unfortunate high school experience as they began their senior school journey just before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. While adjusting to a new school, new teachers and new peers, they were also required to adapt to learning at home via Zoom, then transitioned to a hybrid learning system where they attended school for in-person learning at least twice a week. They had little choice but to persevere through these challenges, and their reward is that they are now graduates of the Bermuda Public School System and better prepared for the tests that will come as they pursue their personal, education and professional aspirations.
Mr. Speaker,
The guest speaker at Berkeley Insitute’s graduation was Berkeley alumnus Mr. Calon Minors of the Class of 2014. Mr Minors spoke about the transition from one season to the next and how it is a principle of life; that one’s ability to transition is important as it is a process of change and allows us to adapt to new environments. He cautioned graduates that their next season will demand more effort than they have previously given and that their ability to transition determines their potential and what they can achieve.
Mr. Speaker,
One hundred and thirty-three (133) students from The Berkeley Institute met the criteria the Ministry of Education set for graduation from the Bermuda Public School System. Of the 133 students:
115 students graduated with the Bermuda School Diploma (BSD);
10 students graduated with the Bermuda Alternate School Diploma (BASD) from the Functional Academics programme; and
8 students graduated with the Penn Foster High School Diploma.
Mr. Speaker,
Of these graduates,
1 student was awarded Advanced Honours - Summa Cum Laude;
6 students were awarded Advanced Honours - Magna Cum Laude; and
6 students achieved Advanced Honours - Cum Laude.
1 student graduated from Bermuda College with an Associate Degree; and
5 students graduated with their Nursing Assistant Certification.
Mr. Speaker,
79 students have been accepted to top colleges and universities, with 44 going to the US, 21 going to the UK, 12 going to Canada and 2 are going to attend other schools internationally;
38 students plan on attending Bermuda College;
10 will be joining the workforce; and
6 are undecided at this time.
Mr. Speaker,
At CedarBridge Academy’s graduation, alumnus Mr Darren Trott, from the Class of 2013, was the guest speaker. Mr Trott acknowledged the challenges that he faces due to his disability as a result of being born with Spina Bifida and the time it takes for him to complete his tasks and goals. Darren urged the graduates to understand that the time it takes them to complete a task is not as important as ensuring that the task is completed. He also spoke of the importance of not staying in one’s comfort zone and that their ability to adapt to change will allow them to grow and reach their goals.
Mr. Speaker,
Having satisfied the criteria set by the Ministry of Education for graduation from the Bermuda Public School System at Cedarbridge Academy, there were a total of 107 graduates as follows:
89 students graduated with the Bermuda School Diploma (BSD);
5 students graduated with the Bermuda Alternative School Diploma (BASD) from the Functional Academics programme;
5 students graduated with a Bermuda Functional Skills Certificate (BFSC);
8 students graduated with the Penn Foster High School Diploma;
1 students graduated with BSD Honours Distinction; and
11 students graduated with BSD Honours.
Mr. Speaker,
2 students graduated from Bermuda College with an Associate Degree;
3 students graduated from Bermuda College with a Certificate in Applied Technology; and
5 students graduated with the Nursing Assistants Certificate from Bermuda College;
Of the 107 graduates of CedarBridge Academy, 80 students have been accepted into one or more colleges in the fall. Outside of those attending Bermuda College, others will attend various colleges and universities overseas, including the London Metropolitan University, Acadia, Michigan State, Dalhousie and Full Sail University. Eighteen (18) students were recognised for earning the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Core Certification.
Mr. Speaker,
I cannot recognise the success of our students without commending all those who have assisted and encouraged them along the way, including parents and other family members; educators, support staff, school boards and leadership teams; and the many volunteers and community partners that support our senior school students; all of whom all played instrumental roles in helping our students reach this milestone.
Mr. Speaker,
I would also like to give a special thanks to the graduating classes of 2023. I see and understand many of the difficulties experienced by young people in this era. And, despite adversity in our much-changing world, they have already treaded a pathway to achievement as senior school graduates.
While they have much more to accomplish, I would like them to know that they have the support of the Minister of Education and the Government of Bermuda as they work towards their personal and professional growth into adulthood. Their success and achievements will continue to make Bermuda a better place.
Thank you, Mr Speaker!