More than 100 students were handed diplomas and became college graduates yesterday at the 32nd Bermuda College Commencement Ceremony.

Family and friends cheered and applauded as 106 graduates were awarded for their study in fields ranging from masonry to computer technology.

College president Duranda Greene congratulated the class, and said that they were perfect examples that the younger generation can make a difference.

Dr. Greene said: "Some of you have overcome the most incredible obstacles but each of you have made it.

"You are living proof that not all young people are lost."

She asked the graduates to make themselves agents of change in their community, saying: "Never be afraid to make great leaps when small jumps will not do."

Guest speaker, Bermuda College double graduate Sarah Tucker-Jackson, also spoke of the changes to the world, both good and bad, in the past few years.

While the election of a black President in the United States filled her with hope, she said that the Bermuda community was in desperate need of change.

"We can no longer keep up with who got shot or, even worse, who died.

"We have adopted other countries' downfalls and accepted them as our own.

"Your community needs you more than ever before."

Student representative Sheldon Jones, who graduated with an associate's degree in web development, thanked the college staff for their hard work.

"It was a great experience," he said. "I was amazed by how supportive the staff and the teachers were. They really did as much as they could to help us.

"Our experiences here have created a foundation for all of us to use as we move forward."

College board chairman Senator Walton Brown also asked the graduates to look toward what they could do for their communities.

"You represent Bermuda at its best," he said. "Look to find how and in which way you can use your skills to better the community."

Ebony Brockington, who earned a degree in business administration, said: "I'm very excited to move onto the next step.

"The college was a great opportunity for me after high school, and it's gotten me ready for what's to come."

Michelle Lamb, who earned an associate of arts degree, said the College was a first step toward her goal of becoming a primary schoolteacher.

"It was a fantastic experience," she said. "I honestly can't say enough. I would recommend it to anyone.

"They gave so many opportunities to open my eyes to where I want to go and what I want to be.

"This was the first step for a lot of us, the first rung on the ladder to get where we want to go."

Gloria Hunt flew from England a day before the ceremony to watch her son, David Vincent Hunt, graduate.

"It feels wonderful," she said. "He has really done us proud."

Mr. Hunt said he was just relieved to be moving on to the next stage of his life.

"I'm just happy to be done," he said.