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Graduates are encouraged to help ‘turn Bermuda around’

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Photo by Akil SimmonsAll smiles from Principle Kalmar Richards for her graduates of 2011.Deputy Head Girl Kellina Minors sits in the center, as she will later this year travel as a rotary exchange student to Santa Curz, Bolivia.June 30,2011

CedarBridge Academy’s class of 2011 has been encouraged to aim high and play a part in “turning Bermuda around”.A total of 75 graduating students were yesterday told to set their sights on Bermuda’s top jobs, as “the sky’s the limit”.The teenagers donned their caps and gowns in CedarBridge colours for the graduation ceremony at the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium.The students collected their high school diplomas from principal Kalmar Richards with huge smiles on their faces as their photos and achievements flashed across a huge screen.It was standing room only at the graduation ceremony, as proud parents, grandparents and godparents clapped, cheered and shouted out students’ names.Six students were honoured for having a GPA of 3.2 and above. They were Christopher Corday, Andrew Fleming, Aisha Jones, Israel Sanchez, Thoshlae Smith, and Aly Zweiner.Those with triple honours, earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher, were Israel Sanchez and Andrew Fleming, the senior school’s head boy.Israel, with a 3.95 GPA, is going to Canada’s McGill University to pursue a career in engineering; Andrew with a 3.98 GPA the highest GPA in the history of CedarBridge is going to Mount Saint Vincent University, also in Canada, and plans to become an underwriter.Mrs Richards said Andrew had “taken leadership to another level” as everyday from 7.45am to 8.30am he would welcome students into the school.Andrew spoke about the highlights of his graduating class’ four years at CedarBridge, saying the memories of teachers were “rich and long-lasting.”“The first phase of our life has ended and what an experience it’s been.“The world is now our oyster … this is our true beginning. Today we take a huge leap into the unknown.”Andrew said he had to give a special mention to Rhiana Moore, who he called “the missing link in the chain of graduates”.Rhiana, who was murdered in 2008 at the age of 14, would have graduated from CedarBridge this year.Her body was found at Blue Hole Hill Park in Hamilton Parish.Andrew asked the audience to bow their heads for a minute’s silence to remember “the beautiful rose who has been plucked from our garden”.Israel said many of the graduates felt as if they were leaving their second home. He said he would miss writing five essays a week, then having to get up early at weekends to do community service.Israel said: “We will take the knowledge and skills we have acquired and use them to achieve our goals.“We are always learning and always striving to take the next step.”Mrs Richards said all the graduates should “hold their heads up high” and look to the future as Bermuda’s leaders.She said: “Congratulations in all your achievements over the last four years.“We are so proud of you all for overcoming all the obstacles and challenges and for staying the course. You did it.“You’ve grown and developed into young men and women of excellence.”Mrs Richards added: “I believe the class of 2011 will play a part in turning Bermuda right around.”Mrs Richards, the school’s first Bermudian principal, also thanked the staff for “laying the foundations for the future of our students” and putting “every ounce of energy” they had into their jobs.She shared the individual stories of many of the graduates Monique Gobern completed her four-year senior programme in three years; Sonia Sousa was the first person to achieve a high school diploma in her family; Walter Webb, a soccer player, was off to the University of London with hopes of becoming a PE teacher.Former Senator, radio personality Thaao Dill, encouraged students to be productive members of society.He said he hoped students would go on to hold top positions such as the Commissioner of Police, Commanding Officer of the Bermuda Regiment and editor of The Royal Gazette. Mr Dill, deputy chairman of the school’s board of governors, said: “I’d urge you to focus on the role you want to play in life.“I have no doubt that CedarBridge Academy will produce a Premier of this Country in just a few years.“We trust you, we support you, we believe in you and we love you.”Mr Dill also urged students to return to the school to show staff and students how “you have conquered the world and how no one got in your way”.The graduation ceremony also saw Tricray Astwood, class of 2005, sing the aptly-named self-penned song ‘Moving On’.Education Commissioner Wendy McDonnell, Opposition leader John Barritt and Shadow Education Minister Grant Gibbons were among the dignitaries in attendance.

Photo by Akil SimmonsCedarBridge GraduationJune 30,2011
Photo by Akil SimmonsCedarBridge GraduationJune 30,2011
Photo by Akil SimmonsCedarBridge GraduationJune 30,2011
Photo by Akil SimmonsCedarBridge GraduationJune 30,2011
Photo by Akil SimmonsPrinciple Kalmar Richards shakes the hand of Valedictorian and Head Boy Andrew Fleming who graduated with the highest GPA in CedarBridge Academy history 3.98.
Photo by Akil SimmonsCedarBridge GraduationJune 30,2011
Photo by Akil SimmonsCedarBridge GraduationJune 30,2011
Photo by Akil SimmonsCedarBridge GraduationJune 30,2011
Photo by Akil SimmonsCedarBridge GraduationJune 30,2011
Photo by Akil SimmonsCedarBridge GraduationJune 30,2011
Photo by Akil SimmonsCedarBridge GraduationJune 30,2011
Photo by Akil SimmonsCedarBridge GraduationJune 30,2011
Photo by Akil SimmonsCedarBridge GraduationJune 30,2011