Education Minister Nalton Brangman joined an audience of hundreds to applaud CedarBridge Academy’s class of 2013 as they graduated from senior school.

A total of 108 students received Bermuda School Certificate diplomas at yesterday’s ceremony

Addressing his first graduation, Board of Governors chairman Anthony Francis told seniors he’d been impressed by the calibre of staff and faculty at the school, adding: “I am cloaked in your colours — and I am proud of you.”

Principal Kalmar Richards told the blue-robed students they were graduating from Bermuda’s number-one high school.

“To the achievers from the class of 2013, the reason why we are here today — you are truly an impressive group of students,” she said. “You have demonstrated outstanding scholarship, exemplary character and giftedness in so many areas. Without question, you are definitely big time.”

The packed Ruth Seaton James Auditorium heard that, in addition to students going on to Bermuda College and colleges in the US, Canada and the UK, eight have been accepted by Canada’s Brock University and six by Acadia — including Christina Rodriques, the first S4 student to get a college placement in her year.

Commending artists and athletes, Ms Richards congratulated high academic performers Tiontae Thomas, Charnae Richardson, Maya Tucker, Shannon Davis, Ke-Anne Adcock-Smith, Caroline Arujo, Shayna Simm ons and Chrisanté Bean.

Ms Bean and valedictorian Daniel Walker graduate with Principal’s Honours. Ms Arujo graduated with honours, along with Jessica Andrade. Marcus Bean, Breon Neverson, Kevin Pacheco, Dajon Richardson, and Kyle Swan were singled out as academics.

In his valedictorian address, Mr Walker called for a moment of silence to honour the late S4 student Nahgé O’Brien.

To cheers from emotional parents and students, he said: “We have done it — can you believe it?”

Mr Walker added: “I am a CedarBridge Academy graduate — all that I think, say and do will be excellent because I am a student of excellence.”

Salutatorian and Head Girl Chrisanté Bean said: “I will always remember my four years” — and thanked her classmates for helping her through them.

Guest speaker Sharmaine Landy, from the class of 2003, told the audience: “Today marks a major milestone in your young lives.

“It’s only the beginning of the greater journey you are about to embark on. Remember the obstacles and setbacks that occurred on your way to this moment, because without them you would not be able to fully appreciate the value of today.”

The Belco Shield for the student with the highest cumulative grades went to Mr Walker, while Ms Bean received the Cable and Wireless Shield for second-highest GPA.

The Rubis Award to the most outstanding male athlete went to Chae Brangman. Shuntae Hendrickson took the award for most outstanding female athlete.

Ndavyah Williams was given the male Sportsmanship Award, and Diara Benjamin took the female Sportsmanship Award.