The Berkeley Institute Cafetorium was bursting at the seams as the school community celebrated 123 students for their achievements over the past academic year. This year’s motto was “Building Greatness,One Step at a Time”.

Deputy Kali Douglas opened the ceremony by sharing with students that “every step forward builds to something special”. S3 student, Dashaun Smith-Davis welcomed everyone before Markayla Swan (S2) opened the ceremony in prayer. S4 Prefect, Daequan Dixon, performed a musical solo of the late Whitney Houston’s “I Believe the Children Are Our Future”.

Principal Douglas celebrated the achievements of every department at The Berkeley Institute whilst highlighting the results of students who took AP, IGCSE, and other external examinations. She shared the significance of a quote from Aristotle that conveys, “Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives – choice, not chance, determines your destiny.” “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit”. Principal Douglas closed by informing students that it is “an honor and a privilege to be a Berkeleyite” before thanking honored guests, staff, parents, and students for attending.

Chairman of The Berkeley Institute Board of Governors, Mr. Craig Bridgewater, highlighted Principal Douglas for the recruitment of teachers and support staff. Mr. Bridgewater celebrated our school for attaining 7th Best Employeer in Bermuda for the RG Magazine Top 10 Employer Award. He emphasized the significance of our school’s autism, dual enrollment, and BASI programmes. Mr. Bridgewater reflected upon the sad loss of three graduates of the Class of 2023. He shared the boards’ commitment to managing trauma by hiring Dr. Javar Godfrey to enlighten staff, students, and parents on how to turn trauma into triumph. Mr. Bridgewater closed by briefly addressing school reform and how Berkeley, as an autonomous institution will fit into the intentions of the Bermuda Government’s plan for school reformation.

Head Girl and Principal Honor student Ra’eesah Robinson shared a brief reflection on the meaning of success. Ra’eesah mentioned that one must expand their comfort zones to get closer to dreams. She highlighted the importance of having a growth mindset like Principal Douglas, Mr. Tariq Lynch-Wade, and Mr. Wayne Smith. Ra’eesah emphasized the importance of making every moment count because life is short. She encouraged students to have a clear vision of success like our eleven founding fathers adopted in our school’s formative years.

S3 student, Alay Burgess-Rocker introduced Mr. Wayne Smith of the Class of 1981 as the guest speaker. Mr. Smith, focused much of his presentation on the five habits of successful people. He challenged students to

become lifelong learners. Mr. Smith informed the audience about financial literacy. He focused attention on how money works. Mr. Smith cautioned everyone to save 10% of their earnings whilst ensuring that people pay themselves first. Next, Mr. Smith encouraged students to dream big and to never quit in the pursuit of dreams. Passion and determination were key aspects of Mr. Smith’s ability to attain his goals. He identified establishing sound daily habits and routine as the fourth quality of being a successful person. Mr. Smith closed by emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences. Elias Baia, Head Boy of The Berkeley Institute, creatively made a special presentation to Mr. Smith thanking him for highlighting the five habits of successful people.

Mrs. Wharton-Maduro, S1 Year Head, was the MC for the distribution of prizes and awards. S4 Prefect, Christia Lugo-Elibox, thanked Deputy Douglas, her Prize Giving Committee, and Berkeley’s facilities team for hosting a first class ceremony. Christia also thanked: Mr. Smith, Mr. Bridgewater, the Prize Giving recipients, and the audience for being in attendance. Lastly, the school song reverberated around the Cafetorium before patrons left for the evening.