Sakari Famous, Bermuda’s Premier Junior Female High Jumper commits to competing for the University of Georgia Bulldogs in the fall of 2018. After making official recruiting visits to top universities, including, University of North Carolina, Texas A & M and Vanderbilt University, Famous decided that University of Georgia was the best place to continue her education and athletic career.  Surrounded by coaches, teachers, family and friends, the five-time CARIFTA medalist signs her National Letter of Intent, which brings to an end the overwhelming recruiting process.  “I want to get to the next level in high jump as I continue my education. I knew deep within that UGA was the right school for me and I am so grateful for this opportunity” says Famous.  Bermuda National Athletics Association vertical jumps coach, Rohaan Simons fondly states, “Sakari was a part of my original crew of jumpers as I started to coach on the national level. I can definitely say that she set herself apart from any other female jumper. Her exceptional talent, her higher work ethic and excellent attitude is a coach’s dream!  Her accomplishments in CARIFTA may have been enough for some, but it was never going to be enough for Sakari. She has pushed me as a coach to find ways to improve, as we have worked out many problems over the years. I can definitely say that today is an extremely proud day for me and I wish Sakari all the very best as she pursues her craft while she obtains her education abroad. Congratulations once again and I’ll always be here to support you in your quest for greatness.”  The UGA Track and Field team may have what is the best jumps program in all of the NCAA as they have consistently produced NCAA champions in the jumps under the expertise of Head Coach Petros Kyprianou. Coach Kyprianou told Sakari on her visit to UGA that he would be happy to carry on the tradition of top Bermudian athletes at the University of Georgia. Former top Bermudian middle distance runner Steve Burgess, Bermuda Men’s National Record holder in the 800m, Aaron Evans and Bermuda Women’s National Record holder for Indoor High Jump, Latroya Darrell all competed for the University of Georgia. Coach Kyprianou coached Latroya Darrell during her time as a Bulldog. Famous, the twice National Junior Athlete in track and Field, is so excited to become a Bulldog and looks forward to her future.  Her mother says, “Sakari works hard on and off the track and as her family we are proud of the individual that she has become. The recruiting process has been such an eye opener to the opportunities that student athletes have. Although it was absolutely overwhelming, we are grateful for the guidance of Dr. Freddie Evans, the support of the teachers at the Berkeley Institute, the coaches at University of Georgia,  and of course, our family during the last 4 months. Go Dawgs!”

Berkeley Institute Sports Hall of Fame Class

The Berkeley Institute today is proud to announce the Berkeley Institute Sports Hall of Fame Class.

The Berkeley Institute Sports Hall of Fame was established to formally honour the contributions of the many outstanding athletics, coaches, and supporters of the school’s athletic programmes. 

The Sports Hall of Fame serves as a symbol of our appreciation of the excellence, distinction, and devotion displayed by these celebrated sports persons. 

The Class of Honourees are individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their respective sport at the highest level locally and on the world stage. The inductees which include Donna Raynor, Erika Russell, Stephen Lee (posthumous) and John Barry Nusum Jr. truly embody what sports is all about. 

 

Donna Bean Raynor, Class of 1975, Gold House ~ Athletics

Currently the Senior Project Analyst at the Bermuda Monetary Authority, Mrs. Donna Bean Raynor is the daughter of Mrs. Stella and celebrated drummer, Mr. Clarence “Tootsie” Bean.

Donna Bean Raynor attended The Berkeley Institute from 1970 to 1975, and Jackson State University on an athletic scholarship from 1977 until 1981.

 

While at The Berkeley, the then Donna Bean joined the Bermuda National Track & Field team under famed coach Clive Longe and she is noted for representing Bermuda in a number of Carifta Games competitions.  During her Junior and Senior years at Jackson State University she was Captain of the Track team.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Mathematics with honours.

Donna Bean Raynor’s athletic career has been one of outstanding involvement and commitment. 

Here are a few highlights:

In 1988 she came very close to qualifying for the Olympics in Seoul, Korea.  In 1989 she achieved a Silver Medal in the Central American and Caribbean Games, and in the same year was awarded Bermuda Youth and Sport Athlete of the Year.  In 2001 she founded the Flyers Track Club after retiring from international competition.  In 2010 she was the Chef de Mission for the CAC Games in Puerto Rico, a post she held again in 2014.  In 2012 she was the Chairperson for the very successful Carifta Games held in Bermuda,and was Team Manager for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  Mrs. Raynor was elected President of the Bermuda National Athletics Association in 2010, a post she continues to hold.

The Berkeley Institute congratulates and honours Mrs. Donna Raynor, Gold House, as a Sports Hall of Fame Inductee.

 

Erika Russell, Class of 1995, Green House ~ Football and Netball

Ms. Erika Russell is an all-round exceptional athlete and educator who has competed in Bermuda and internationally in karate (which she began at the age of 3), football, netball, cross country, track & field, and basketball events.  She also spent more than 10 years as a dancer and stage performer with the Russian School of Ballet, the Jackson School of Dance and United Dance Productions.   

 

Ms Russell attended The Berkeley Institute from 1990 until 1995, where she was an outstanding student, remaining on the Honour Roll for all five years, while also achieving a number of sports leadership roles.   From 1995 until 1999 she attended Thomas College in Waterville, Maine on a partial soccer scholarship, graduating cum laude (with honours) with two Bachelor of Science degrees in Sports Management and Marketing Management, returning to work at The Berkeley as a teacher, an institution she credits with providing her with excellent preparation for sports and academics in college and beyond.   

 

Other overwhelmingly positive lifelong influences have included her mother, Mrs. Kathleen Ingham-Nesbitt, as well as Mr. Cal Simons of Bermuda Pacers, Mrs. Beverly Brock, Ms Suzette Harvey, and Mrs. Marva Trott. 

 

Some of Erika Russell’s many outstanding achievements are:  

 

1995 - Co-captain of Berkeley’s Senior All-Star Basketball Team 

1995-1999 - Winner of U.S. National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Play-

Off Record for most steals in a play-off basketball game   

1997 - Co-Captain of the Thomas College Terriers Football team; selected for the

UMBRO National Soccer Coaches Association of America Team 

2000-2001 – Member of the Women’s National Football Squad; scored the winning

goal for Bermuda vs Jamaica in 2001 

2003 – Member of the Bermuda Women’s National Netball Team  

2008 – Recipient of the “90 Trailblazers in Education Award” from the Bermuda

Union of Teachers  

2010 – Educator for the ‘Spirit of Bermuda’ sail training vessel Overseas Skiller

Trans-Atlantic Expedition 

 

Ms Russell continues to contribute to women’s athletic success by coaching the Lady Bluebirds Netball Team, and was awarded Coach of the Year for 2011-2012, among other significant accomplishments.   As an educator, she has taught with dedication at the primary, middle and secondary school levels and is presently Community Education Coordinator at the Department of Workforce Development. 

 

The Berkeley Institute congratulates and honours Erika Russell, Green House, as a Sports Hall of Fame Inductee.

 

John Barry Nusum Jr., Class of 1998, Green House ~ Football

Born in New York to Bermudian parents, John Barry Nusum spent his childhood in Bermuda and attended The Berkeley Institute from 1993 to 1998, where he was Head Boy from 1997-98.   Mr. Nusum’s football training began at the early age of 5 years when he joined Wolves Football Club, to which he returned in adulthood as player/manager in 2011.  His online biography characterizes him as a retired football player, but his outstanding career in football has continued in the arena of coaching.   

 

In 1998 he left Bermuda to attend Furman University in South Carolina where he played college soccer, was named All American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America three times, and his record as Furman’s all-time leader in goals scored (61) and points (161) still stands.   He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science in 2002. 

 

Beyond university, John Barry Nusum entered into professional football in North American and played for the Atlanta Silverbacks Football Club, the Toronto Lynx, the Virginia Beach Mariners, and the Crystal Palace Baltimore Football Club.  Mr. Nusum also played indoor soccer for the Philadelphia KiXX in the Major Indoor Soccer League where he won Rookie of the Year in his first season.  His first-class football talent and skills have also been evident on home ground where he has played for Bermuda’s National Under 21 and National Football Teams, as well as Bermuda Hogges, Wolves and Robin Hood.  Mr. Nusum returned to Bermuda in 2007 following an ACL (knee) reconstruction.  

 

These days, John Barry Nusum fulfills his goal of inspiring Bermuda’s youth to be the best that they can be not only through his position as Physical Education and Sociology Teacher and Year 10 Coordinator at Saltus Grammar School, but also by coaching the Bermuda Under 15 National Football Team, assisting with the Senior National Team and in his post as the Head Coach at Robin Hood Football Club.  

 

The Berkeley Institute congratulates and honours John Barry NusumJr., Green House, as a Sports Hall of Fame Inductee.

 

 

Stephen Lee, Class of 2005, Gold House ~ Varsity Basketball

(Posthumous)

Stephen Andrew Lee was born on September 13, 1986 into a family that included four brothers and one sister.   

 

At The Berkeley he excelled in athletics as a middle and long distance runner and represented his school at Interschool meets. Stephen had a natural endurance which was envied by all of his competitors. This ability served him well in his basketball career as well.  He followed in the footsteps of his brother and father to become a very talented ball player. He was left-handed with a quick first step and this gave him unique advantages. This talent took him to foreign countries to represent his School. 

 

His basketball family remembers him as a talented player who could “run all day!”  Stephen would play anywhere, including the Old Berkeley Gymnasium during lunch breaks where the hoops were around six inches higher than anywhere else on the island, and at CedarBridge Academy in weekend Leagues.  

 

Stephen graduated with his peers and teammates in The Berkeley Class of 2005. 

Stephen left an impression on a great number of individuals.  He gave inspiration to many young people through his email and text messages.  Older folk have also remarked about how he would engage them in encouraging conversations.  Stephen was a leader, a motivator, and an exceptional player who was first on the list of every coach’s team sheet. 

 

Tragically, Stephen succumbed to the injuries he sustained in a fatal bike accident very shortly after graduating from The Berkeley. 

 

Stephen’s life will stand as a shining example for future Berkeleyites for years to come. An outstanding student, friend and team- mate, a remarkable brother and son, and an excellent athlete who always gave his everything on the field of play. 

 

Today, we are honoured to posthumously induct Stephen Andrew Lee into The Berkeley Institute Sports Hall of Fame. 

 

 Respice Finem ~ Keep the End in View!

For further information, contact Necheeka Trott, at 333-9010 or necheeka.trott@gmail.com.

### END ###

 

THE BERKELEY INSTITUTE

GOVERNING BODY

HAMILTON, BERMUDA

 

Monday, September 10, 2018

 

The Principal, teachers and staff are excited today to welcome more than 670 students to The Berkeley Institute for the 2018-2019 academic year.

Hundreds of students will be transitioning from Bermuda’s private and public schools to embark upon their senior school education.

The Berkeley Institute has provided exceptional educational opportunities for students for 120 years and we are delighted to facilitate the most important part of students’ educational journeys- attending Senior School with us here at The Berkeley Institute.  Principal, Ms. Keisha Douglas notes:

We are a diverse senior school with a rich heritage and tradition of excellence, providing a stimulating learning environment that prepares students to lead full and purposeful lives and to assume leadership roles in both the local and global communities. 

Our primary responsibility, through excellence in teacher performance, is student success and offering all students varied programming and educational opportunities that will maximize their potential. 

Chairman of the Governing Body of The Berkeley Institute, Mr. Craig Bridgewater added:

On behalf of The Berkeley Board of Governors, we would like to welcome back students, faculty and staff for another academic year. Although students have been on recess for July and August, the administration has been very busy preparing for the commencement of the 2018-19 academic year and building on the academic successes that were celebrated at the end of June with the graduation exercises that recognised 131 graduates who continued on to colleges and universities in Bermuda, throughout the UK, USA and Canada, and placements with the Rotary Exchange and Up With People, or took up employment opportunities. Our graduates also earned several thousands of dollars in recognised scholarships that will help them achieve their academic destinies.

 In preparation for the new academic year, the Administration has been busy on recruitment and training of the necessary teaching resources, improvements and annual maintenance of our campus, and scheduling and advising students on course selections. Importantly, Berkeley offered students the opportunity for enrichment with the execution of The Berkeley Accelerated Summer Institute (BASI), for the first time, in which students were offered the opportunity to earn additional senior school credits that will accelerate their achievement of their academic goals. Courses were offered in mathematics, English and sciences with over 50 students earning early credits.

 The Board is extremely proud and supportive of the administration, faculty and staff who contribute immensely to the offerings at The Berkeley Institute and offer them and our students our best wishes for the 2018-19 academic year.

We take this opportunity to encourage all parents to support their children in this exciting period of their development.  All members of The Berkeley family are committed to student success and we look forward to working with all stakeholders!

 

 Respice Finem ~ Keep the End in View!

 

For further information, contact Craig Bridgewater, at 294-2647, 524-9608 or cbridgewater@kpmg.bm.

 

### END ###