On Friday, October 24, 2008 the 111th Founders' Day took place. The event was held at The First Church of God on North Shore, Pembroke. At 10.26 a.m., Dr. Maria Seaman opened the proceedings in prayer.

Shortly after The Berkeley Choir sang a hymn "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and it sounded immaculate. Student participants included Evandre Smith, Adeen Peets, Alexa Lightbourne, Gherdai Hassell, Sudan Furbert, Tashel Bean, Shauntae Trott, Kaya Simmons, Mica Murray, Darius Zuill, Sierra Reid, Carlton Tuzo, Lillian Lightbourne, and the Berkeley School Choir. All of these students took part in making the 111th Founders Day a success.

The roles they partook in varied and included scripture readings, a historical reading, two students reading their "What it means to be Berkeleyite" poem, and different presentations made to selected persons.

I must admit that I was delighted to listen to such a phenomenal woman as The Hon. Justice Charles-Etta Simmons. If you were not there you, missed out on an inspirational message. She spoke about one's dreams and aspirations.

A quote was then given from our own school song "We are the men of the years to come and we are the women of the future." She also spoke about Bermuda's constitution and the rights that we have. She added, "Do not take your rights for granted."

The Honourable Justice gave a few examples, which were quite touching. One of the examples were inch by inch it would be a cinch; yard by yard it would be hard. She spoke that if we maintain a level of enthusiasm nothing will stop us. And if you can dream it, you can most certainly do it. An inspired action never quit means happiness and security is guaranteed.

If all of us fulfill our purpose Bermuda will definitely be nurtured. Some people lose sight of their dreams and give up. Each and every one of us is a precious commodity. We should not allow anger or resentment become a stumbling block in our day to day lives. She stressed we cannot afford to lose our future.

Nothing succeeds like success and the best revenge is success. She left us with the reminder that we as individuals know our strengths and weaknesses.

Following a message from the guest speaker, Austin Thomas gave his remarks which were very brief and meaningful. After the labourious but unbelievable day they followed with a reception at the teachers' lounge for invited guests. As it was my first Founders Day, it was great and I look forward to seeing it again next year.