“Berkeleyites”, past and present, are to gather for the second annual Berkeley Institute Alumni Green and Gold Ball this month.

Student achievements will be celebrated and five scholarships of $2,000 will be awarded at the event being held at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Harbourview Ballroom on May 16.

There will be performances by current and past students including Bermuda Idol Samantha Smith and Outstanding Teen for Music Malik Alick. The hosts for the evening will be Patrina O’Connor-Paynter (aka Power Girl), and Nadanja Bailey.

According to Student Council president Chinyere Nwasike, rivalry between the school’s two house teams, green and gold, will be rife.

Patrina and Nadanja are notorious for their on-stage banter but with both of them being former green team-mates, they will have to find something else to bicker about.

Proceeds from the ball will go towards the Student Council Scholarship Fund for Berkeley students.

Student Council vice-president Jordan Bascome said: “We have five scholarships — the students have to have 3.0 GPA and show the values that we believe in of integrity and respect. They have to tell us how they are showing these qualities.”

Ms Nwasike added: “The scholarships are for current students who have been recognised in different co-curricular activities and are doing well academically. It’s a good opportunity to show how they get involved.”

One scholarship has already been sponsored by former Premier Dr Ewart Brown and his wife Wanda.

There will be some time dedicated to updating guests on the Berkeley Institute and student achievements including students who successfully competed in the KPMG Challenge as well as the Department of Corrections’ Essay Competition.

As part of the evening’s celebrations there will be a number of tributes. Some will be recalling Berkeley memories.

“Anyone from any class can make a tribute or speak about their memories — this is what this part of the programme is for,” said Ms Nwasike.

Alumni from the years 1965, ’75, ’85, ’95 will have a special mention as they celebrate their respective anniversaries. Year books from 1989 to 1998 will be on sale.

There will be a raffle with prizes from LinkBermuda, Gorhams, Gibbons Company and other local businesses.

It is hoped that 300 people will attend the event.

Last year was the inaugural Berkeley Institute Alumni Green and Gold Ball — the brainchild of former Student Council president Lady Carmela Robinson and former treasurer Ryan Perinchief.

The event starts at 7pm with a cocktail reception followed by dinner at 8pm. There will be speeches and live music and dance throughout the evening.

Although the evening is being billed as a ball, the dress code is smart.

Tickets are $100 and available for purchase via bdatix.bm