Graduates of the Berkeley Institute were praised yesterday for their “resilience” and “adaptability” as they marked the completion of their high school education.

Valedictorian Chiaje Rudo made the comments in front of a packed audience of wellwishers that included parents and teachers at the Flora Duffy Stadium.

This year, the class featured 126 graduates, 55 males and 71 females.

Ms Rudo said: “The Class of 2024 carry with us a unique legacy.

“We are the first graduating class to have never experienced high school, as it was before the world changed in 2020.”

She added: “The pandemic hit us in the peak of our final year at middle school, thrusting us into an era of uncertainty and transformation.

“For two years we navigated the complexities of online education and overcoming the isolation that came with it.

“It is hard to imagine just two years ago we were wearing masks and social distancing every day.”

She pointed out: “In this experience, we learnt resilience and adaptability. This moment is a testimony to our perseverance and the support of teachers, families and parents who stood by us through it all.”

The head girl said the Class of 2024 was also “special in the sense that we have never been afraid to speak up or advocate for each other”.

An emotional Ms Rudo added: “Each of us has achieved remarkable things by pursuing our passion and staying true to our goals.”

Keisha Douglas, the Berkeley Institute principal, commended the students as they moved on to the next chapter of their academic lives.

She said: “Our work is done but our graduates can reflect on their journey and profound impact that The Berkeley Institute has had on them.”

Addressing the young people, she added: “Keep the end in view but also cherish the journey, for it is in the journey that you will find your true self and your purpose.”

Ms Douglas said this year’s graduation was “especially special as we at the Berkeley Institute celebrate 126 years of excellence and tradition, commemorating our school opening on September 6, 1897.”

Statistically, she said this year’s graduating class had performed exceptionally well.

Of the 126 graduates, 101 received acceptance letters from top international colleges and universities.

They include 65 who were accepted at academic institutions in the United States, 20 in Britain, 13 in Canada and three at other international schools.

Ms Douglas said 58 of the 101 graduates planned to attend the Bermuda College as their first stop.

In addition, she noted that 15 of the students were expected to join the island’s workforce while ten remained undecided about their academic plans.

Cheered on by the crowd, Ms Douglas highlighted the individual achievements of the graduates including the institute’s dual enrolment students, Ms Rudo, Anna Carr and Joshua Fleming, who graduated from Bermuda College last month.

She also recognised the efforts of seven graduates who completed the Bermuda College’s nursing assistant certification programme.

Ms Douglas said: “Everyone knows that nurses are truly needed both locally and globally.”

She said 30 graduates had received scholarships and awards from the Berkeley Institute at a recent awards ceremony.

In addition, Ms Douglas said some graduates received university admissions scholarships that totalled $3.9 million.

One, Moriah Bridgewater — a top mathematician at the school — will attend Howard University under a scholarship worth $74,000.

Meanwhile, guest speaker, Merate-Kristos Place, a member of Berkeley’s Class of 1998, advised the graduates “to be inspired”.

She said: “I encourage you all to find people who truly motivate you to be the best version of yourself.”

Dr Place noted: “In life it is important to surround yourself with uplifting people, people who will celebrate your wins and make you feel energised after spending time with them.”

The anaesthetist urged graduates to explore the world.

She said: “I have had many life-changing experiences and most of them happened while I was travelling.

“Travel opens the mind and broadens your horizons, so please, get out there and see the world.”

Dr Place added: “Remember that you are accomplished, you can push through challenges and you don’t need to give into feelings of negativity, intimidation or unworthiness because you are destined for success, just like your success that we all celebrate today.”

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