Proud parents applauded their sons and daughters at the 2017 graduation ceremony for the Care Learning Centre yesterday.

The school, which offers an alternative to traditional education, celebrated nine graduates who achieved college-level scores on their GED tests.

A total of 15 youngsters earned their high school diplomas, with prizes awarded to recognise extra effort.

Former government minister Neletha Butterfield, who founded the Pembroke school 34 years ago, told the audience she had passed on the baton of programme director to her son, Kirk Butterfield.

She told the gathering at the school’s Mount Hill building: “We are all our brother’s keepers, because love and peace are the reason we were all created.”

James Waldron-Smith, the valedictorian speaker, thanked Ms Butterfield for “helping us to find greatness in ourselves”.

He added: “It’s not only students that succeed, but everyone.”

Guests including the Governor, John Rankin, heard each student’s account of the obstacles they overcame to achieve their qualifications.

Two graduates were sponsored through the Youth At Risk Programme and are now enrolled at the Bermuda College.

Alongside their valedictorian were fellow graduates Daneko Cann-Hayward, Mi’Kerah Moore, Amy Outerbridge, Olivia Outerbridge, Brian Philip, DonIra Philip-Rodriques, Dukarai Richardson-Burgess, Satashie Rogers, Charmaine Saltus-Seymour, Kyle Symons, Nakirah Trott, William Weldon, Skye White and Andrea Burrows.

Ms Butterfield told graduates: “Keep the faith. Continue to guide each other — because it’s not over yet.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring a young person’s further education can e-mail the school at admin@care.bm or call 292-0915.