The Bermuda Union of Teachers has marked 95 years since its inception with an emotional tribute to teachers as the “architects of society”.

The BUT also took the occasion to present musician Johnny Woolridge, producer of the beloved song ‘Proud to be Bermudian’, with the union’s first ever Founders Award of Excellence.

“Our anniversary today was about the legacy of teaching well,” BUT president Shannon James told Saturday’s gathering at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess.

“It’s about shaping lives for this life and the life to come; it’s about encouragement; it’s about overcoming; it’s about working together and it’s about tilting students’ energies towards greatness.

“As architects of society, this is mandatory — especially now in these uncertain times.”