Applause and cheers broke out as the 2024 graduating class of the Bermuda College was urged to seize every opportunity life throws at them.

This year’s outgoing class features 102 graduates, 42 of whom graduated with merit, while 22 graduated with distinction.

“Just do the things that you want to do now — don’t wait until tomorrow,” Dylan Hollis, a Bermudian TikTok star and guest speaker, told students at the ceremony on the college’s athletic field in Paget.

He added: “This is a day that shines just for you, not only for pomp and circumstances, because you have taken the necessary steps to enhance your future.

“I can guarantee that we all recognise the greater sacrifice that you have made to set yourself on the path to success.”

Mr Hollis added: “I can tell you that your teachers and professors not only see what you have achieved, but what you’ve given up to be seated where you are today.

“You could have been working, you could have been playing around more, you could have been spending the time that you wanted to spend in your own way, but instead you elected to decline the comforts of the present for the betterment of yourself and the future.”

He told the graduates that commencement marked the beginning of a bright future.

“It is important to strike while the iron is hot, seize the day, take that trip, make some money, see the world as far as the US, the United Kingdom, even as far as China or over in St David’s.”

Branwen Smith-King, interim president of Bermuda College, said the graduating class of 2024 featured “some impressive students”.

She said: “That’s an impressive 64 per cent of our graduates earning academic honours.”

She noted that seven students scored 3.5 grade point averages and above and were inducted in the Phi Theta Kappa international honour society.

Ms Smith-King said that three students had obtained their bachelor's degree in business administration from Mount St Vincent University.

She told the gathering: “Each of you has demonstrated your academic prowess and we commend you for this achievement.

“Your Bermuda College family is full of pride and admiration for what you have achieved. Each qualification is a significant milestone as you reflect, transition and prepare for the journey ahead.”

She added: “The knowledge, education and experiences provided to you has been a result of your commitment, hard work and indeed dedication.”

Ms Smith King highlighted the efforts of graduates’ relatives who were given a round of applause.

Cheers erupted when Chyone Harris’s name was called to grace the stage for his certificate.

Mr Harris, an associate of arts student who uses a wheelchair, rolled to the stage while a group of his colleagues helped him up to a boisterous round of applause.

In a congratulatory message, David Burt wished the graduates success.

The Premier said: “Today marks the successful culmination of your hard work, sacrifice, and diligence. You have been rewarded for the late nights of studying and sacrificing time with your family, friends, and leisure activities.

“Today, you see the conclusion of one stage in your life and the start of a new one.”

He added: “We wish you much success. Thanks to the outstanding teaching you have received at the Bermuda College, you have the foundation and the tools for whatever path you decide to take in the coming years.

“We know you will do well and carry the proud academic legacy and history of the Bermuda College with you.”

Mr Burt said graduates headed for employment or re-entering the workforce were “well-placed to compete for new jobs and opportunities in our economy.”

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