NOW that you have it, what are you going to do about it? That was the challenging question put by the keynote speaker to the 170 graduates of the Bermuda College who walked with their degrees, diplomas and certificates at the impressive 2006 commencement ceremony.

And there could be no doubt among the graduates, that the speaker was a shining example of what she was talking about.

She was Dr. Terry-Lynne Emery, MD, FRSC (C), FACOG, who had the distinction of being one of the very first graduates of the College in 1977.

After earning a raft of degrees in pharmacy, management, human relations and medicine in the United States and Canada, she became a Clinical Fellow and Chief Resident in Obstetrics & Gynaecology at McGill University.

Now, in addition to running her own private practice, Dr. Emery has served as the Chief of Obstetrics & Gynaecology for the Bermuda Hospitals Board.

Also taking centre stage at the graduation was Shalane Dill, the 21-year-old honours graduate who addressed the assemblage on behalf of the entire class. She received an associate degree of arts and will pursue an under-graduate degree in Psychology at Temple University followed by a double master's degree in Market Management and Urban Education.

"I recognise that this is a complex path that I have set for myself, but I also recognise that without hard work and commitment you cannot succeed," said Shalane, adding that her plan was to be committed.

Dr. Emery roundly congratulated the graduates. They had made significant achievements through their hard work and the support of their loved ones. However, now was not the time to sit on their laurels, but to take on new challenges.

She took particular note that some of the graduates had delayed their studies, and were older than others in the 2006 class.

"No matter what your age, no matter what your challenges, the ability to reach your potential to change the world exists in each of you."

Dr. Emery went on to cite several individuals who had made significant contributions early in their lives, and others later in life. Martin Luther King led the Civil Rights movement and received the Nobel Peace Prize before he was 40. There was the Southside Chicago youth who became a multi-millionaire and internationally known entrepreneur and businessman before he reached 21.

On the local level, Dame Lois Browne Evans became Bermuda's first female barrister, she was a Member of Parliament and the first female leader of an Opposition party in the world before she was 40. Dame Pamela Gordon became Bermuda's youngest and first female Premier before age 45. Sir Edward Richards became Bermuda's first black Premier at age 63.

"Which of you will be the next Dame Lois Browne Evans or Martin Luther King; will grasp the responsibility of shaping the destiny of your people; will make a mark that will resonate throughout the ages and benefit generations not yet born?"

There were some people who made things happen, some watched what happened, those who wonder what happened and those to whom things happened.

"Which one of them are you?" asked Dr. Emery, remarking that in each of the graduates lays the potential for greatness.

Photos: Hundreds taking advantage of the sunny weather (bottom) flocked to the Bermuda College Monday to witness the graduation of their loved ones. The graduating class was the largest ever in the 30 year history of the college, and equally expansive was the range of disciplines in which they qualified, including e-commerce, motor vehicle technology, plumbing, electrical wiring, heating, ventilating and air conditioning technology. Also were graduates from the division of business administration and hospitality and the division of liberal arts and science. Conspicuous among the graduates were recently retired Director of Music of the Bermuda Regiment, Major Barrett St. Vincent Dill and veteran Police Constable Donville Yarde.

Major Dill (above centre) walked with a Bachelor of Business Administration and an Associate in Arts with merit. After thirty years as a professional soldier, he will now pursue a career in the business world, obviously with the blessing of his wife Shirley and daughter Kerina (above left). Fifty-year-old Pc Yarde (abobe, top right) proudly walked with his Diploma in Youth Leadership. It was only by mere coincidence on Monday just hours before the graduation, we had occasion to photograph Pc Yarde (above) interacting with students at Lagoon Park Preschool, Ireland Island. His job is resource officer for schools in Somerset.

Wedding bells for Berkeley Institute principal and St. George's town councillor

THE principal of the Berkeley Institute, Mrs. Winifred Michelle Phyllis Gabisi, and St. George's town councillor, the Rev. Dr. Erskine Calvin Simmons, were joined in holy matrimony at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Hamilton on Thursday last.

The Cathedral's Canon Residentiary, Canon Jeffrey Smith, officiated at the quiet hour-long ceremony that included Holy Communion. It was witnessed by just over a dozen close relatives and friends.

Canon Smith remarked that the couple were of such prominence that the church would have been filled three times over if they had chosen to have it any other way.

The bride was attended by her sister Sonia Grant, who as one wit jokingly put it, was fresh from her 'near victory' in an unsuccessful bid a fortnight ago to become the first female Mayor of the City of Hamilton. Attending the groom was Colin W. Pearman of the Pearman Funeral Home. Father figure for the bride was her uncle and godfather, Ira Philip, Sr.

The ceremony was followed by a luncheon at Grotto Bay Hotel, after which the couple left on a wedding trip to the United States. They were scheduled to return this week.

Photos show: Newly-weds former educator and AME clergyman Rev. Dr. Erskine Simmons and Michelle Gabisi, principal of the Berkeley Institute.

Mrs. Gabisi with her mother, Mrs. Marjorie Grant, and sister, barrister Sonia Grant, who up until the recent Hamilton Corporation elections, was a city alderman and Deputy Mayor.

The groom, Dr. Erskine Simmons, is flanked by his new wife and daughters from his marriage to the late Mrs. Marie Simmons. On the left are daughter Dr. Carol Brevett and her husband Dr. Renford Brevett and sons Renford, Jr., Thurston and Ainsworth Brevett.

On the right is daughter April Simmons Crichlow and children Andira and Aaron Crichlow. The Brevetts are both scientists, who make their home in Maryland. Daughter April is relationships manager in commercial banking at the Bank of Bermuda Head Office.