This year, in keeping with the “Phenomenal Women” theme for CedarBridge Academy’s Fifth Annual “100 Women on Campus” Celebration held on Wednesday, April 2nd all female students were asked to dig deep and write about what makes them phenomenal. Entrants wrote about their commitment to their family, friends and school as well as their positive attitudes and their ability to carry on despite obstacles. Some students wrote of their faith in God as well as the talents and skills that set them apart. The winners presented their statements during the closing ceremonies where CedarBridge also enjoyed performances by Joy Barnum and fellow students while recognising the contributions of artist Sharon Wilson and principal and educator Mrs Kalmar Richards.

Phenomenal Me By Destiny Stamp, S1

Phenomenal, wow! That’s me

Honoured and happy as I can be

Education is surely what I need

Necessary for me to succeed

Obey and do what I have to do

Master my classes and follow through

Eager to rise right to the top

Neglecting nothing and never to stop

Aiming high to reach my goals

Learning all I can so let the truth be told

A phenomenal young woman is what I am

I’ll show you all this is my plan

You wait and see just what I’ll be

Mom, Dad, teachers you’ll all be proud of me

By Kashantae Smith, S2

To be phenomenal is to be extraordinary and remarkable and I believe I possess these qualities. I am an outstanding young woman and I proudly embrace my many gifts and talents helping classmates and friends with problem solving and personal challenges. I live phenomenally by giving back to my community, spending my time as a Candy Striper and being a part of the National Honour Society. I approach everything with a positive attitude and believe that everything has an upside — the glass is at least half full. When life knocks me down, I get right back up, dust myself off, smile and proceed stronger. Nothing can ruin my day. Nothing! To be phenomenal is to be so positively charged and empowered that one is unable to accurately measure or imagine how great the future will be. I am phenomenal.

By Namrata Bisht, S3

What distinguishes a phenomenal woman? Is it the rewards and recognition they receive? Or rather something which is more significant, like their passions within their soul, nestled in their heart? To me phenomenal women are those who have desires, ambitions and goals. Women who have visions for the future, visions that will improve our earth. Phenomenal women are the women who will evoke positivity among society, the women who endure struggles and still rise. These are our mothers, aunts and sisters, women who will take action to support and protect each other through their endeavours. This is who I am and who I strive to be — A PHENOMENAL WOMAN!

By Naimah Frith, S4

Mahatma Gandhi stated, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” To be phenomenal I have acquired inner strength that withstands the storms of life.

Over the past few years I have journeyed to find myself and what my heart believes in. My faith in God has set the foundation for my success as a young “Phenomenal” woman. I have learned that if I have “faith as small as a mustard seed” — nothing is impossible. Despite the many obstacles that I have faced I have unapologetically stayed true to myself and my beliefs. Obtaining the position of Deputy Head girl at CedarBridge Academy has confirmed the inner strength and leadership skills that I have.

The moments in my life where I have not achieved have moulded me into a person who is able to accept my failures and see them as an opportunity to succeed. I will not stop at anything to achieve my goals — I am a conqueror. I believe that in order to become the best person I can be I had to first love myself, and respect and love for others would follow. I strive daily to be authentic in my thoughts, actions and words. Being a phenomenal young women allows me to dig deep within myself — to see my inner beauty and the beauty within people. I am proud of the phenomenal young, brave, loving daughter, friend and person I have become.