anniversary. To celebrate the occasion, the Centenary Celebration Committee, chaired by Mrs. Penne Leseur, an old girl and former Board of Trustees chairman, has organised a wealth of centenary events and activities. Working with headmaster Mr. John Wright, the development office, staff and students, Mrs. Leseur, has planned a diverse programme to celebrate 100 years of outstanding education for young women. "The events celebrate the clarity of purpose our founding members had for this institution in 1894, and the continuing dedication by our entire school community as they fulfil the broad goals and objectives outlined in our mission statement,'' said Mrs. Leseur.

"We are proud in our association with BHS because we see our young women adjusting to an ever-changing world with self-confidence, ambition and an eagerness to make a difference,'' she added. The celebrations began in June last year with the graduation of the 100th graduating class. The ceremony, held in the Queen Elizabeth Hall before family and friends, was centred around guest speaker, Mrs. Naomi Schroter, a successful black woman chosen by the graduating class as an example of how women can make it in the world.

September 1994 brought the unveiling of a centenary needlepoint tapestry, which now hangs in the school's Queen Elizabeth Hall. The eight-foot nine-inch by six-foot two-inch work of art, stitched and needle pointed by 32 women, captured 35 elements of the school's life and laughter in colourful wool images. Facets of the student curriculum, sports, field and foreign excursions, house shields and trophies, school bells and swing sets are just some of the pictures recorded in the tapestry to demonstrate 100 years of progress and perseverance. An old boys' cocktail party was held in October, 1994 to celebrate their presence at the kindergarten level for more than seventy years. Also in October, a Centenary Cathedral Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving was held at the Cathedral of The Most Holy Trinity followed by a school birthday party. In November last year, the BHS Centenary Chorus and Orchestra presented a concert in the Anglican Cathedral under the direction of senior school music teacher Kate Ross. Finally, Bermuda High School held a Christmas Open House at Whitby in December 1994 to culminate the year's centenary events. Centenary History Week ensued in March this year hosted by both staff and students. Projects on progress at the school over the past 100 years were displayed to show parents and friends how education has developed at the school since the 1890s. This month, Centenary celebrations has moved into first gear with the launching of `In Pursuit of Excellence', a book written by Rebecca Zuill, which traces the history of the century old institution. Also The Torchbearers, an original musical drama based on the history of women in Bermuda, was performed on Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6 under the patronage of Honorary Centenary Chairman Captain Sir David and Lady Tibbits in the City Hall. The musical, which was written and directed by Ms Linda Marsh, an acclaimed composer of children's musical dramas in England, starred more than 90 BHS students, plus an orchestra. Today, at 7.30 p.m., Ms Ann Smith Gordon, a widely traveled photographer and BHS old girl, will Centenary is milestone for commitment to education of young women in Bermuda BHS from its beginnings on Reid Street, will be followed by a wine and cheese reception. Tickets are $10 each. A major centenary event -- the Old Girl's Day Torch Ceremony -- will take place on Thursday, followed by a time capsule burial and luncheon. The time capsule burial will be performed by the head girl of this year's graduating class and will include memorabilia from photographs and school ties to name tags and essays pertaining to present day politics and society. Long-serving teachers will be honoured and the recipients of both the Frances Tucker Zuill Bowl for service to the school and the Doris Trott Butterfield Bowl for outstanding service in the community will be announced at this time. Following the luncheon, there will be a dessert reception for headmistress-elect Mrs. Eleanor Kingsbury, who assumes leadership of the school on August 1, 1995. Resurrecting an old tradition as the culmination of the Centenary events, the school will hold a gala, black-tie Blue and Gold Ball on May 13, under the patronage of the Rt. Hon.

Lord Waddington and Lady Waddington. Student musicians will entertain during a champagne reception in Queen Elizabeth Hall, followed by dinner and dancing under the marquee and a performance from the musical drama, The Torchbearers.

The champagne reception begins at 7 p.m. and dinner starts at 8 p.m.

Reservations are $100 each or $175 per couple. (Patron reservations are $150 each.) The 100th birthday of BHS is indeed an opportunity for celebration. Not only is it a special event in the history of schools in Bermuda, it is a milestone for the secure commitment to the education of young women in the community. The first head teacher of BHS Miss Matilda Tothill once said the mission of the school was: "To make of girls women who would inspire society with high conceptions of character and conduct -- women who would have a full and complete use of brains, great love of truth, open minds, kindly hearts and correct ideas of wisdom, justice and righteousness.'' Headmaster Mr. John Wright alluded to Miss Tothill's remark adding that the school now moves into its second century with dedication and surety. Sir David and Lady Tibbits said: "The character and the success of the Bermuda High School for Girls has been built over the past century by the achievements, integrity and skill of those who have maintained the School as a living organisation, expanding and adjusting to the needs of every age. "As we go forth into the next century, may all who follow be of good courage and maintain the traditions begun a century ago.'' Added chairman of the Board of Trustees Mr. H. Bruce Murray: "In our centenary year, we know with sure knowledge and firm foundation we will continue with confidence, optimism and certainty of purpose. Happy Birthday and here's to the next 100 (years).'' PHOTO BIRTHDAY BASKETS -- Edible goodies adorned the lunch table at the School's 100th anniversary party.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHEER -- BHS primary students show off their centenary T-shirts, which were specially designed for the School's 100th anniversary.

CENTENARY COMMITTEE -- from left (back row) Chris Wineinger, Teresa Sousa, Janet Evans, Barbara Trollope, Lorna Andersen, (middle row) Mags Crane, Nancy Wadson, Rebecca Zuill, Linda Viera, Judy Masters, Kate Ross, Karen Foster, (front row) Peggy Couper, Diane McBeth, Lady Tibbits and centenary committee chairman Penne Leseur.

THEY DID IT! -- The class of 1994 celebrating the end of school days at the Bermuda High School for Girls. As centennial graduates, the students have earned a special place in the private school's proud history.

100 YEARS YOUNG -- The Bermuda High School for Girls began their centenary celebrations last year with the presentation of Centenary ties to their 100th Graduation class. Pictured from left to right are Honorary chairperson Lady Tibbits, student Vanessa Madeiros, Sir David Tibbits, Johanna Flath and chairperson of the centenary committee Penne Leseur.