Saltus’s outgoing head of school told students ‘the world needs you and you are ready for the world’.

Deryn Lavell expressed her gratitude to the teachers, staff and senior students who enjoyed a day of “celebration and opportunity” at the recent graduation ceremony last Thursday.

Ms Lavell told the graduates: “The world is in a difficult place at the moment and I know you are well equipped because you are critical thinkers, adaptable and flexible learners.

“Most importantly each of you have developed personal integrity and you understand the importance of empathy and inclusion.”

Students, families, friends, members of the Saltus Board of Trustees, school faculty and special guests attended the ceremony for the 53 graduated students.

It was the last graduation ceremony to be attended by Ms Lavell as well Jon Beard, the deputy head.

Gil Tucker, board chair, said: “Deryn has done an outstanding job for us, she has seen us through some tough times and we are going to miss her.

“Class of 2022, you have the honour of going out of the school with the great Mr Jon Beard and you will be for ever locked together with that.”

Mr Tucker, then addressed the graduates saying: “Follow your dreams; do not let the fears or concerns of the former generations hold you back.

“At Saltus, we taught you, as we have learnt together, how to have confidence in approaching problems, how to be a lifelong learner. Those are the things that are going to serve you well as you continue on with your journey from here.

“When you are conquering the world and taking us to new heights and becoming leaders wherever you are, in Bermuda or abroad, remember that you should look at things with a critical mind; have a healthy sense of suspicion.”

After the awards presentation, Saltus’ 2021/2022 head prefects took to the stage to address their fellow graduates and families.

Vincent Darrell said: “I have come to realise that the facilities are not what is most outstanding about this school, it is the people who make it run daily. Faculty, I assure you that you have succeeded in making our life at Saltus a one-of-a-kind experience.”

Subject prizes were received by: Lucas Adderley (Accounting); Jorga Pearman (Art); Alison Burns (Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English Literature, History, and Physics); Kyle Cash (Chemistry Research); Clark Jeffrey (Computer Science, Mathematics and Performing Arts); Alexander Zuill (Design Technology and Media Studies); Alexis Lodge (English Language); Cassandra Mello (Entrepreneurial Studies); Christopher Skinner (Entrepreneurial Studies); Raphael Rudolf (French); Hailey Young (Human Geography and Photography); Emily Cabral; (Oceanography and Sports Science); Samuel Webel (Performing Arts); Cassidy Davis (Physical Geography); Gabriela Furr (Physical Geography); Alyssa De Silva (Psychology); Kathleen Stevenson (Psychology); Aria Turchiario (Sociology); Steven Manderson (Sociology); Massassi Maxwell-Smith (Spanish); and Thomas Davidson (World Issues)

The 2022 Saltus graduate named as Valedictorian was Alison Burns, who has attended Saltus since her foundation year. Ms Burns will be attending North Carolina State University.

Special thanks went out to Alex Masters, 2001 graduate, Lara Smith (LDS Multimedia), James Doughty, 2004 graduate, Bermuda Rentals and Great Sound as well as the Saltus team for a successful graduation.