A phenomenal display of Bermudian pride has filled the halls and classrooms of Paget Primary School with the opening of the sixth annual Black History Museum.

The school hosted the event honouring 11 inspiring Black Bermudians, some of whom were in attendance, including Randy Horton, the former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Keeva Joell-Benjamin, the first Woman Commissioner of Corrections, and Dorothy Louise Matthews-Paynter, a beautician who has reached the age of 101.

The day began with an assembly where Sonia Raynor, the acting principal of the school, gave an address about the museum as the children performed several songs, including John Woolridge’s classic Proud to be Bermudian.

“Growing Greatness” is the theme of this year’s event, which Ms Raynor said is an important theme for the school as a whole.

She said: “There is a little bit of greatness in all of our children. and our job here at Paget Primary is to grow that. Our students have the opportunity to grow their greatness academically, socially and emotionally. Our students are a reflection of our diverse community.

“We build on strengths to build a well-rounded, well-adapted individual who will be a productive contributor to our country. That is our mission.

“Today, you will witness the growth of greatness in every museum exhibit you will visit.”

She thanked the honourees for being an inspiration, adding: “Our children need to see greatness to be great”.

Kalmar Richards, the Commissioner of Education, was invited to cut the ribbon.

Ms Richards said: “I am extremely hopeful that the experience of working together with teachers, members of the community and students will inspire our children to have really bold dreams.”

Students and teachers guided throngs of guests around the school campus to visit the exhibits.

Freda Trimm, a teacher in the autism spectrum disorder class, is a leader of the museum that forms part of a social studies project. Her class focused on Ms Joell-Benjamin. Ms Trimm said a special bond has been formed between the school and the Department of Corrections as a result of the Black History Museum.

Ms Trimm said: “We not only grow greatness within the classroom, we take it beyond.”

Cathy Bassett, the youth director of the Hamilton Rotary Club and one of the 11 honourees, said she was “overwhelmed” by the quality of work by the primary-aged pupils.

She said: “I am honoured. It is such a wonderful feeling. They have done an absolutely wonderful job, It is very impressive. One of the students said they want to be me.

“I really enjoy serving others. Service is not a chore; it is something that helps to elevate others. It promotes harmony and good will but also makes you feel good, and gives you a sense of purpose.”

Sante Smith, a P3 student, introduced her class’s exhibition on Shiona Turini, a fashion stylist, and read out some facts about her. She said: “She went to Harrington Sound Primary School and Saltus Grammar School. She has had to sacrifice for her job and miss out on being with her friends. Shiona works with famous people like Beyoncé.”

The event, which marks Black History Month, was well attended.

Guests included Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education, Kalmar Richards, the Commissioner of Education, Owen Darrell, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, and Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security.

The exhibition is open today from 10am to 2pm at Paget Primary School.