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The Berkeley Institute
Alumni Update
July 2024
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The Green and Gold we will e'er uphold, and ever to our school be true.
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Connect with Berkeley Alumni | |
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The Berkeley Institute Class of 2024
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Have a great photo from your days at The Berkeley Institute?
Email us at lee.stephanie@berkeley.bm along with a short description.
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For thee we'll work, and of thee be proud, what e'er may come to thee! | Congratulations to The Berkeley Institute Class of 2024! Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance to excellence has brought you through these times! I've included a few highlights from our annual Scholarships & Awards Ceremony and Graduation below. You now join the ranks of 5,000+ Berkeleyites that span the globe, making waves wherever we may roam. | |
June has certainly been a whirlwind of activities and emotions. As I close in on my own 20 year anniversary, I can't help but lament over my own experience at The Berkeley, and how different things are from even when I attended. Mind you, my class never had the opportunity to grace the halls of our current facility at 26 Berkeley Road. Those of us who attended in the early 2000s also experienced many changes and challenges over our formative educational careers.
As did those in the ‘90s with the introduction of the middle school system…
The ‘70s and ’80 with massive social and political changes globally…
The ‘60s with the biggest shift in Bermuda’s society in her 400+ year history…
Opportunities that we had, did not exist even for the classes 5 years prior. The graduates of today have the opportunity to finish a college degree while in highschool. The word that defined this graduating class is perseverance. They began their high school career in the height of COVID 19 pandemic, as the government finalized the direction of the signature schools. So much upheaval in 4 short years, but they have come through the storm, stronger and resilient; skills that will carry them through life whatever comes their way. As you navigate life, remember your foundations, your roots, the tenants of what it means to be a Berkeleyite, self respect, self determination, pursuing your dreams, giving back, supporting others and as always, Respice Finem.
As the Alumni Association continues to develop, one mandate is to provide support for Berkeleyites at every stage of life, personally and professionally. Yes, this is a monumental task, yet providing this support is in the very DNA of the Berkeley identity. This summer, I am actively developing programmes and activities for all to enjoy. Please keep an eye on your email and other media as we will be requesting assistance to host these events.
The Berkeley Alumni Association is meant to embrace the whole Berkeley family. Once a Berkeleyite always a Berkeleyite. While, as alumni, we do our part to support current students, it is also our responsibility to support each other. I look forward to working with you all and hosting these programmes to support our Berkeley Family.
Stephanie Lee
Class of '06
Development & Communications Officer
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P.S. I am aware that some of our Alumni may not have email or computers in order to receive the regular updates and information sent to alumni about the activities and programmes alumni can support. Expanding to more traditional communication activities is a work in progress. In the meantime, please share information with your family and friends. If persons say they have provided their email and still aren't receiving messages from us, here are a few options to pursue to rectify the situation.
Physical copies of the previous newsletter can be collected from the Development & Communications Office at The Berkeley Institute.
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Berkeley, dear Berkeley, Children of thine are we... | |
Tuesday, September 10, we welcome students back to campus. As is our tradition, we invite alumni to welcome the newest class of students to The Berkeley family. If you are available, please join us on campus on Tuesday, September 10 between 8 - 9:00 a.m. to create a welcome line for our students!
Let's do our part to show the current generation they are supported as Berkeleyites wherever they may roam.
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"Teaching, the profession that creates all other professions." With our dedicated and passionate cohort of educators, The Berkeley Institute continues to set a standard of learning for our youth, shaping Bermuda's future. In June, we celebrated some of our staff with the Annual Long Service Awards. We honoured 18 staff, with a combined 220 years of service to The Berkeley Institute. | |
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5 Years
- Kia Burchall
- Physical Education and Health
- Gina John
- Para-Educator
- Portia Slater
- Mathematics
- Joelle Williams
- Drama and Theatre
- Sonia Waldron
- Business and I.T.
10 Years
- Michelle Davis
- English Language
- Renee Riley
- Computer Science
- Linda Simmons
- Para-Educator
- Takisha Simmons
- Reaching and English Language
- Oneka Smith
- Mathematics
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15 Years
- Shantel DeShield
- Physical Education and Health
- Troy King
- Mathematics
- Irving Romaine
- Physical Education and Health
- Carrie Stroble
- Educational Therapist
25 Years
- Tamala Dickinson
- Educational Therapist and Mindfullness Coach
- Michelle Morris
- History and Social Studies
30 Years
- Tiannia Symonds
- Deputy Principal
40 Years
- Sandra Burrows
- English Language
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On graduation morning, we had the honour to award the KPMG Teacher of the Year Award. This award was introduced to The Berkeley Institute some 15 years ago. We are greatful for the continued partnership and support with KMPG in supporting both our students and faculty.
This year, Principal Douglas received over 30 nomination letters from students, parents, guardians and faculty nominating teachers who have stood out this academic year. While the decision was a difficult one, the awardee is well deserving. Mrs. Sandra Burrows, we thank you for your tireless dedication to education and The Berkeley Institute. Serving now the third generation of Berkeleyites, your fortitude and passion is what makes you an excellent educator.
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The Berkeley Institute Class of '79 recently held celebratory activities over the weekend of June 22nd. Thirty of us, including classmates who now make their home overseas, enjoyed a happy hour cruise on the Friday. On Saturday, many more classmates gathered at Fairmont Hamilton Princess, where we were entertained by local guitarist/singer Rivah, before we enjoyed a delightful meal and dancing to the varied genre of music by Nadanja. This event, complete with donations and raffle ticket sales, generated the funds towards the inaugural Class of '79 Textbook Award. We were able to make an award of $1300 to Kenya Smith-Woodley, who will be heading to the UK to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Animation at Nottingham Trent University.
The weekend concluded with a relaxing afternoon of swimming and continued reuniting of old friends, culminating with the commitment to have annual renuion celebrations....Oft as we can, we'll come back again...
Kindest regards.
Respice Finem
Toni-Dawn (Wade) Dublin
Classol of '79
Reunion Committee
| Planning a 5 or 10 year reunion? Email lee.stephanie@berkeley.bm to share! | |
Do you have a great story to share about yourself or another Alumni? Email lee.stephanie@berkeley.bm to be considered for the next feature! | |
On Saturday, June 22, 2024, The Berkeley Institute hosted it's 7th Annual Scholarships & Awards Ceremony. During this celebration, students are awarded scholarships and awards to assist them on their post-secondary educational pursuits. Over 25 awards were issued on this evening, with 4 being offered by alumni classes, and 5 through The Berkeley Educational Society. | |
A huge thanks to the Alumni Classes of 1979, 1984 and 2000, Karas Kitchen, The Berkeley Educational Society, and all the scholarship organizations for your contributions to our students and their future success! As the cost of education continues to rise, these funds go a long way to reducing the financial strain of post-secondary education and can instead focus on their studies. | |
At last count, the Class of 2024 have racked up over $4million in scholarship funds issued by both local organizations and various international institutions and programmes.
This shows that The Berkeley Institute continues to promote excellence and produces students that can stand academically internationally. Of the 126 graduates,15 are entering the workforce, with another 10 yet undecided on their next steps. This means over 100 students are heading to college or university, locally and overseas.
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The school administration have instituted a programme known as 'Panther Pride'. The purpose is to reinforce positive behaviours among our student population. Students observed going beyond the 'norm' are issued 'Panther Pride' notices, which are added to their student profile, and entered into a draw for a free grub day, and funds added to a scholarship which is then issued when the student graduates. Members of the public can participate in this initiative by sending a note sharing the details and the student's name, or visiting the Main Office.
Let's do our part to encourage our students to embody the pride that makes Berkeleyite roar, wherever we may roam.
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Upcoming Activities You can Support! | |
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The Berkeley Institute PTSA held it's Annual Raffle Draw on Friday, June 21, 2024. Students were asked to sell the tickets as a fundraiser for the Berkeley PTSA Scholarship Fund. The top 3 students who sold the most tickets would be awarded prizes.
The Berkeley PTSA would like to thank all those that supported with the purchase of a Raffle Ticket. These funds go back to the students as they look forward to post-secondary education.
We thank all the businesses who donated prizes to the raffle.
Raffle prize winners can collect their winnings from The Berkeley Institute Main Office on Monday, July 1, 2024 between 8:00 a.m and 4:00 p.m.
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The Annual Jazz Jam has been Cancelled.
The Berkeley Educational Society Programme & Legacy Committee thanks all those who have supported the Jazz Jam throughout the years. Please stay tuned for other programmes & activities designed to engage, support and promote the legacy of The Berkeley Institute.
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The Berkeley Institute 127th Anniversary Opening Reception
Friday, September 6, 2024
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On Monday, October 6, 1879, the Founding Committee consisted of six men first met with the intention of establishing a school where ALL Bermudians students could get a secondary education. Now, 145 years since this auspicious meeting, The Berkeley Institute stands as a testament to these ideals, having shaped the framework of Bermuda.
Stay tuned for more information on the 145th Anniversary of The Berkeley Educational Society Activities, Fall 2024.
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Learn about careers in accounting and audit at PwC Bermuda. Drop by our HeadStart Student Networking Event on Wednesday, July 10 to connect and network with current interns, our people and our leaders on exciting career opportunities.
Register by filling out this short form: CLICK HERE
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Get ready for an exciting BermudaGRAD event! Come to expand your network and make valuable connections.
Speed network and gain valuable insights from industry professionals in the following fields:
Actual, Claims, law, Banking, human Resources, Accounting. Sign up today by emailing bermudagrad@expertisegroup.com
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Dreaming of a global career? Start here at KPMG in Bermuda. Here's your opportunity to get your foot in the door by attending our student K-Nect networking event on July 16!
Learn about our Lift Off Program, internships, scholarships and so much more.
Register today by clicking the K-Nect link below!
https://ow.ly/hUTl50SsLwM.
| KPMG Current Summer Intern, Moriah Bridgewater, Class of 2024 at Graduation with KPMG representatives and fellow berkeley Alumni. | |
Does your business, company, or organization you are affiliated with have work experience, internships, or job opportunities, especially for young adults seeking entry into the workforce, to share with fellow Berkeleyites, near and far! Email the opportunity details to smith.cindy@berkeley.bm CC lee.stephanie@berkeley.bm. | |
Do you have something you'd like to share with your fellow Berkeley Alumni? Advertise it here! A special event or activity, your business product or services, a job opening, or anything in between. Email lee.stephanie@berkeley.bm with your request and for pricing. | |
Saving Historical Landmarks | |
The first meeting of the Berkeley Educational Society took place at “Wantley”, the residence of Samuel David Robinson, on Monday 6th October, 1879 with six men in attendance. The second meeting took place at “Wantley” on Thursday 9th October 1879 with five more men in attendance. These eleven men became the Founding Fathers of the Berkeley Educational Society, the parent body of our school. They met to discuss the feasibility of promoting a scheme for the establishment of a secondary school, a school for all regardless of race, colour or creed.
Unfortunately, over time, this property has fallen to disrepair and a call was issued to demolish it. The Legacy & Programme Committee have taken the charge in stalling it's destruction, but continue to need the support of Berkeleyites far and wide to save and preserve this building. This is vital work, not only as it relates to the history and legacy of The Berkeley Institute, but it's immeasurable value to Bermuda History and shaping the landscape of our island as we know it.
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The Berkeley Educational Society is the parent organization of The Berkeley Institute. Formed in 1879 with 11 men with the vision of establishing a school to provide a quality education for ALL of Bermuda's youth. 18 years later, that vision became reality with the opening of The Berkeley Institute on September 6, 1897 to 15 Boys and 12 Girls at Samaritans Lodge on Court Street.
Today, they continue to stand as the parent organization, supporting the school and standing as stalwarts for the veritable legacy of the founding fathers and the history of the institution.
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Connect with The Berkeley Educational Society | |
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For we owe you such a debt, that we never can forget...
As our school community's needs evolve, we remain committed to improving the quality of educational opportunities for all Bermuda's youth.
Support The Berkeley Institute as an aided school with a financial gift.
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The Berkeley Institute Development, Communications and Alumni Office
Phone: (441) 294-0367
Mailing: Attn-Stephanie Lee
P.O. Box HM 2704
Hamilton HM KS Bermuda
Email: lee.stephanie@berkeley.bm
WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/COVS7JO2CJUWN1
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Respice Finem
Keep The End in View
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