New teachers were thanked for answering a call to help secure a healthy future for Bermuda at a graduation ceremony last week.

Permanent Secretary of Education Rosemary Tyrell, told graduates of a 12-week mathematics and science course: ?We issued the call for Middle School teachers in mathematics and science in the Bermuda public school system and each one of you has answered that call.

?But you have done more than simply recognise and act upon a skills shortage in the local job market. You have answered a call to assist with the development and progress of education in this country.

?You have answered a call to play a part in the development of our young people and securing a healthy future for our small island community.?

The course ? run on the Island by the Ministry of Education in conjunction with Wheelock College, Massachusetts ? was for professionals wanting to change to a career in teaching and for those already working in the education system who wanted to become certified teachers in maths and science.

The graduation ceremony took place at CedarBridge Academy in Devonshire.

The graduates were: Jenna Bean, Laurel Lea Burgess, Chardonnai DeSilva, Vinkeisha Dill, Sandra Harvey, Denise Kelly, Betty Lambert, Kelly Massa, Katyna Rabain, Bismillah Richardson, Leone Samuels, Veejay Steede, Cadre Steeves, Danee Swan, Georgina Tucker-Fredrington and Maxine Webb.