In September 1980, approximately 120 students walked nervously yet excitedly into the gates of a high school.

They came with their well shined Clarkes’ “roach killer” brown leather shoes.

They came with their A-lined navy blue skirts reaching down below their knees.

They came with freshly trimmed Afros and tightly combed ponytails.

With empty book bags and full pencil cases, they entered the first day of the rest of their lives.

With heavily starched shirts and freshly pressed green and gold neckties, they were now officially Berkeleyites.

For five years they became aceboys, brethrens, girlfriends and, in some cases, they became high school sweethearts.

For five years they played “one bounce one touch” on the small field. They stood in long lines in the tuck shop to get some of Mrs Smith’s fries and/or a tongue lashing, depending on how one’s order was placed.

For five years they did their level best to avoid ending up in the crosshairs of the ever eagle-eyed RKH, aka Mr Robert K Horton. Alas none, I repeat none, escaped his radar. Every last one of them had the opportunity of having their name echoed in the hallowed halls, in full hearing of the entire school.

Some represented the school in athletics, while others represented the school in academics. With a growing sense of pride, all represented the school in and around the Island in one way or another.

Somewhere along the way, in the midst of attempting to avoid detentions or trying to get the attention of that special someone, they found time to actually achieve untold honour rolls, GCEs, and RSAs.

After all, this is what an academic school was supposed to be about, correct?

It’s so hard to say goodbye.

Seemingly, just as they hit cruise control and figured out how to balance school work, souping up bikes, DJing the latest reggae hit and learning the fine art of high school romance, the five-year journey came to a crashing end in July 1985.

The graduation that so many had worked towards for five years had become a sad farewell party.

The family that had been created over those years was to be forever split into a hundred pieces, each going in separate directions.

Some entered the work force. Some went to Bermuda College. Some went abroad to college. Others, well they kind of were, let’s just say, given a chance of one more year of Berkeley.

Over the past 30y years, many have stayed in contact in one way or another, with many becoming co-workers, neighbours and/or in some cases, teachers themselves.

Oft as we can, we’ll come back again.

This Saturday, those pieces will come back together for an evening of memories, hugs and tears.

The Berkeley Institute Class of 1985 will be holding their 30th year reunion at the Grotto Bay Hotel, commencing at 7pm.

On tap for the evening will be a host of events, including but not limited to:-

• Slide shows;

• School trivia quizzes;

• Raffles;

• Moments of silence for departed school friends and teachers;

• Green House vs Gold House competition;

• Singing of the School Song.

This event is open for anyone who commenced Berkeley in 1980 and those who joined us along the way.

Tickets cost $100, which includes:

• Full buffet meal and dessert with vegetarian options;

• Complimentary drink;

• Cake;

• Party bags.

Tickets may be purchased via reunion committee members:

• Josette Brimmer on 591-8530;

• Christopher Famous on 599-0901;

• Kenneth Bartram on 537-5075.

This Saturday, minus ‘roach killer’ shoes and an afro I will join many of those students who walked through the gates of Berkeley in 1980.

This Saturday our Berkeley family will be reunited. Respice Finem.