Twenty years ago, Kristin White was pregnant with her son.

Her teachers at the Berkeley Institute helped her through it.

Thirty years prior, Elton Richardson was in a class of about 25 “musically inclined” students at the school.

The 67-year-old believes it played a “significant part” in his development as an entertainer.

The pair will join past and current students at Berkeley’s Green and Gold Ball next week. The student council of the class of 2014 came up with the idea as a way to fundraise for scholarships for graduating students.

Mr Richardson will take centre stage at this year’s event, singing popular tunes by two of his favourite artists — Lou Rawls and Lionel Richie.

“This is an important year for myself and others in my year,” said the 1967 graduate. “This is our 50th anniversary and [the ball] came up as an ideal time for us.

“It’s a milestone for several of us who started at the Berkeley in 1962. A lot of us have been loyal to the school in the last 50 years.”

His time at the Pembroke school was a valued “stepping stone”.

On graduation, he was hired by Cable & Wireless where he stayed for 47 years. He then returned to school, and is now working as a caregiver.

“And then there was my musical career,” Mr Richardson said.

“Berkeley played a significant part in that as well. It helped me going forward to decide that I wanted to be a singer.

“Most students in my class were musically inclined. During the lunch hour we would have sessions in the assembly hall and put on concerts for the teachers. It was awesome.

“I joked once that the next time they heard me sing they’d have to pay.

“It was ironic as I’ve been performing over the years in all the major hotels in Bermuda and at a lot of private engagements.

“They asked me if I would be the featured artist [at the Green and Gold Ball] this year. I quickly jumped at the opportunity to take that on, not realising at the time it would be significant as our 50th anniversary.

“There were about 25 of us in the class. I hope they all turn out.”

He added: “About 14 of us regularly get together each year to find out what’s happening with us all and just to socialise and celebrate our friendship.

“I found my time at Berkeley just so rewarding. [Its motto is] respice finem, which means keep the end in view, but my favourite line is [from the school song]: ‘Oft as we can we’ll come back again’. My Berkeley years are very dear to my heart.”

Ms White also has fond memories of her time at the senior school.

“This will be our 20th high school reunion and I’m one of the people in my year encouraging our year and others to come out,” said the 1997 graduate.

“One of the reasons why I’ve heard people saying they’re not going to go [to the ball] or they’re not drawn to it is because the education system has changed and a lot of alumni don’t identify with Berkeley as it is today. I think that’s a shame.

“Things have changed and the system has evolved but Berkeley is still our school and we can use this as an opportunity to support young Bermudians. I feel it’s a win-win — going to see friends and connect with other alumni and just share stories about our time at the Berkeley. That sounds fun to me.”

Ms White said she’ll always be appreciative of the help she got from the school, especially in her final year. “When I was in my last year at Berkeley, in ‘96, ‘97, I ended up getting pregnant,” said Ms White, a consultant with the Bermuda Tourism Authority and owner of the Book Cellar in St George.

“I had my son Zarai in my last year of school and a number of teachers were really supportive.

“I left Berkeley for one semester to go the school for pregnant teenagers, Teen Services, but even while I was there I would go to Berkeley for tutoring and extra classes.

“I returned to school and, with help and support from many teachers, I was able to graduate with my class and get my GCSEs — and that’s something I do appreciate the school for. [It meant] I was eligible for different scholarships; I wouldn’t have been able to afford my courses at the Bermuda College otherwise.

“As I get older and reflect on my time at the school, I think more about the legacy of Berkeley and being a part of that.

“The school started in 1897 and we graduated in 1997 so we’re very much a part of its history as the 100th year graduating class.”

The Green and Gold Ball takes place Saturday, April 8 at Hamilton Princess. Cocktails 7pm; dinner 8pm. General admission $125; patrons $200. Tickets available at People’s Pharmacy, the Berkeley Institute and bdatix.com