A recent Founder’s Day Event at Saltus celebrated the School’s history and the tradition at Saltus of embracing the community and working, through education, to expand inclusive beliefs and diverse relationships in Bermuda.

Dr. Vernee Butterfield, guest speaker at this year’s event, addressed attendees on the topic of diversity and inclusion and highlighted the important role that history plays in building the future of Saltus. She said “One way to honor your history, the good, the bad, and the ugly, is to learn about Samuel Saltus’ background. How did he come to be and why did he create your school? Do not be afraid of the findings for in those findings comes wisdom. No matter the findings, without him, you would not be sitting here today.”

Dr. Butterfield has recently worked with students and faculty at Saltus to lead a roundtable discussion with Board Chair, Gil Tucker, as they discussed how to further their goal to become a more diverse and inclusive community.

When asked about her experiences at Saltus, Dr. Butterfield offered the following, “I was most impressed by the level of willingness shown by the staff and students to participate in the dialogue surrounding race and race relations. As you move forward, my hope is that all of you continue engaging in courageous conversations and transforming your teaching and student body into one that truly embraces racial consciousness and moral fortitude in all facets of life.”

Following the service to commemorate the school’s founding father, the Founder’s Day Celebrations continued throughout the day with the laying of the wreath at the gravesite of Sir Samuel Saltus, an induction luncheon for the Class of 1969, a student ice cream social, and the ever-popular cricket match between current Saltus students and faculty and Alumni. Celebrations wrapped up with an Alumni Cocktail Event at the St. John’s Road Campus.

• Press release from Saltus Grammar School