Florence Sharpe has retired as a teacher after 33 years at Francis Patton Primary School.

Her teaching career was inspired by her mother, Eunice Sharpe, who died in 2020. A nurse and a member of the Baha’i Faith, she had a strong belief in contributing to the community.

The Eunice Veronica Sharpe Memorial Award was established in her memory in 2021 by the Baha’is of Hamilton Parish. It “commemorates the 100th anniversary of the passing, in 1921, of the son of the Prophet-Founder of the Baha’i Faith, ‘Abdi’l-Baha”.

The Award is given to the student who “displays the attributes of courtesy, deportment, eloquence and friendliness”. It was presented to Rudy Brianna Puhekker at Francis Patton’s graduation ceremony on June 21.

“My mum taught me that it is not what you have, it is what you do, and how you make that person feel,” said Florence, a former student of the Hamilton Parish school.

“And that is one of the things I have always tried to do – help you feel good about yourself but understand that I am here for you [should you need me]. These are all the things my mum used to do.”

With that mindset Florence initially studied to become a nurse, however changed course as she recognised her love for children.

“I said, ‘You know Lord, I really enjoy working with little people. When I changed my major I had been doing summer and winter camps here in Bermuda. It was so much fun for me that it wasn’t ever a question of, ‘Are you going to do it or not?’”

She switched her area of study and graduated with a bachelor of arts in elementary education and studio arts from Hunter College in New York. Florence began her formal journey as an educator in 1987. She spent three years at West End Primary School before moving to her alma mater.

“I definitely feel that I walked into my calling as an educator, especially when I understood what my role was, that it was not just about being here, but what kind of impact can you make on someone else’s life,” said Florence, who also served as a Brownie leader from 1991 to 2017.

“My mum had this quote, the largest room in the world is the room for improvement, and that has always been my mantra; that if I can get better in any area then I am being successful.”

Although she later “transitioned into the Baha’i Faith”, Eunice raised her children as Christians.

Florence was touched by the words of a student who reached out knowing that she was to retire.

“She shared, ‘You know Ms Sharpe, you have always been a role model for me and you showed us that being a Christian is nothing to be ashamed of and that you should stand up and let others know who Christ is in my life.”

Florence added: “She spoke of how when I interact with children, I let them know how they were important to me as an individual, that none of us are perfect but we can strive to get better.”

She believes they are qualities passed on by her mother.

Leighton Rochester, of the Baha’i Faith, said: “She reflected in her being, in her character and presence, those attributes and qualities of eloquent speech, of a charming and radiant countenance, always cheerful, always smiling, always offering an encouraging word.

“As an active parent of students at the school Mrs Sharpe contributed numerous services to the school. Among them, she read stories to the various classes with her commanding presentation and presence. Her diction was tops.”