Students and staff from CedarBridge Academy were joined in prayer by members of the community yesterday in a united stand against violence.

About 200 people gathered in the reception area of the school for the candlelit vigil, just yards away from the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium where security officer Kariim Wales was repeatedly stabbed almost two weeks ago.

The school remained open throughout the afternoon and those attending were urged to walk around the building in prayer, carrying their candles as a sign of hope and togetherness.

As they did so, words of worship from both parents and students rang around the school through the public address system.

For those taking part, including principal Kalmar Richards and Education Permanent Secretary Michelle Khaldun, the vigil marked a determination and commitment to rid Bermuda of violence.

For some it was part of the healing process following the attack on Mr. Wales by an intruder, and for others it was an opportunity to ask The Lord to give all schools on the Island his blessing and protection.

CedarBridge student Scenttia Jones, 16, led the vigil with a prayer she wrote for the occasion.

In it she prayed for parents, students, teachers and the community.

And she said: "I'm praying for the safety of CedarBridge Academy. I pray that you will remove the negative forces that seem to want to destroy our school.

"Lord, I pray for the students. I pray that you will calm their spirits when faced with a conflict. I pray that they will learn before they act.

"I pray for the Minister of Education...that you will help her adopt Mrs. (Kalmar) Richards' vision of excellence. And I pray for her continued support."

And lastly, she said she wanted to pray for the community at large.

She said: "I pray that you will help them to see us in a more positive light. I pray that instead of turning us away, they will open their arms in comfort and support."

Student Ashlee Talbot, 16, said she attended the vigil to show the public that CedarBridge Academy was made up of good people.

She said: "I feel this is important today because I think the community only reads what's in the newspapers.

"Not all of us are bad. Not all of us have issues. Most of us come here for an education to make something out of ourselves.

"I feel this is important today because I'm a Christian and I feel the Devil is really trying to destroy this Island."

Mr. Wales, who was released from hospital in the middle of last week, said last night said he had wished to attend the vigil, but had been unable.

However, he said he was touched by the sentiments of both staff and students at the school, and said he believed prayer was important. He said: "I was definitely very touched by it. I had wanted to organise a vigil against violence myself, so this was excellent. It's good for everyone to join together like that."

Mrs. Richards said she was pleased with the turnout yesterday and she praised both her students and teachers.

She said the school had been victorious in the way it handled the stabbing incident, and said only with everyone's help and support would violence by eradicated.