The Berkeley Institute yesterday celebrated retiring principal Michelle Simmons and her 20 years in the post.But while Mrs Simmons only has two weeks remaining as principal, she promised to remain a part of the school.“I will continue to serve Berkeley after I walk out of the door because Berkeley is a part of my life,” she said.Mrs Simmons, who herself studied at the institution, began working at the school in 1975 as a science teacher.She left the Island in 1978 to teach in the UK and Nigeria, but later returned to Bermuda to act as a substitute teacher at Warwick Academy.In 1993 she was appointed the first female principal at the Berkeley Institute. During her tenure, she oversaw the school’s move to its new facilities, integrated GCSEs into the curriculum and led the school through accreditation process with Middle States Schools and Colleges.Past and present students alike gathered at the school’s campus to honour Mrs Simmons, greeting her with cheers as she walked through the campus to the auditorium.During a tribute ceremony filled with musical performances she was praised for her hard work and dedicated service at the school.Director of Schools for the Ministry of Education Lou Matthews recalled his time as a Berkeley teacher under Mrs Simmons, saying she would always give meticulous feedback. He said she would leave a legacy as a bridge builder during transformative years for the school.“In guiding students and teachers like myself, you guided a nation,” he said.CedarBridge Academy principal Kalmar Richards, speaking on behalf of school principals, hailed Mrs Simmons’ unwavering commitment to her students and distinguished leadership.And Berkeley head girl Arianna Caines said the school has been fortunate to have a leader like Mrs Simmons for 20 years.“Mrs Simmons, thank you for all you have done and continue to do for us,” Ms Caines said. “We cannot begin to express our gratitude.”The assembly was also read a series of tributes from staff at the school, who thanked her for 20 years of shaping not only students but teachers.They described her as someone who was admired and respected by all she met, and who encouraged and supported those who she worked with.Mrs Simmons thanked those who spoke, noting that she had not been told anything of the retirement celebration.She told the gathered students: “You are the reason this school exists. Don’t ever forget that. You don’t just come to park here, you come to prepare yourself for the future.”Mrs Simmons said that all of the students need to put their minds to being the best at whatever they hope to accomplish.And while she said some people reject the idea that schools should be run like a business, focusing on the bottom line, but in a school the bottom line is the students.“That’s the focus,” she said. “One of the best things we at Berkeley have done is ensured that the school is focused on the students.”She also thanked the schools faculty, both the teachers and the support staff for their dedication and contributions, saying each member of staff has been hired for what they can do for Bermuda’s young people.Mrs Simmons also thanked the chairman of the Governing Body of the school, Craig Bridgewater, and former chair Calvin White for their faith in her, her mother, sister and husband.She said: “He hasn’t seen much of me since we got married, but sweetheart, that’s about to change.”