Three Bermudians have graduated from Albert College in Belleville, Ontario — the same college that former MP John Barritt attended.

And as of September, Mr Barritt will be taking on the role of Chair of the Board.

A total of 38 students from a ten countries graduated, including Sasha Griffin, Sergio Griffin Jr and Tauriko Gibson, all of whom are from Pembroke.

Mr Barritt, a lawyer and former journalist, graduated in 1968 and has since has volunteered his time to the college. He recently received the Alumni Volunteer Award at the Convocation ceremony for the time and dedication he gave to Albert College.

Since 2009, he has served as a committee member on the Board of Governors “providing great insight,” said a college press release.

“He is also a longstanding member of the Frederick Sydney Smith ’31 Scholarship Committee in Bermuda and was one of its first committee members. This scholarship has supported a number of Bermudian students at Albert College over the years.”

Mr Barritt spoke at the ceremony, saying: “I am very pleased to be here today, not to make a fashion statement in my pink Bermuda shorts, but to represent with the three Bermudian graduates.

“We agreed back in February that I would wear my shorts if they wore theirs today — and they have! Like them, I too am a very proud graduate of Albert College, which has a rich history with Bermuda and Bermudian students doing what it does best — and that is bringing out the best in us.”

Mr Griffin was the recipient of the Howard Purchase Memorial Award for positive contribution to residence life as well as a subject award in Data Management. He graduated with distinction and as an Ontario Scholar, having achieved an average of 80 per cent or higher and excelling in Albert College’s 5 ‘A’s (Academics, Athletics, Arts, Active Citizenship and Adventure).

Next year, he will be attending Hult International Business University in San Francisco, pursuing, a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

His twin sister, Sasha, has attended Albert College for three years. Next year, she will be attending Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario, pursuing a Bachelor of Child and Youth Care degree.

Mr Gibson attended Albert College for two years. He will attend Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario next year, pursuing a Bachelor of Communication and Media studies degree.

“One hundred per cent of the graduating class at Albert College will be pursuing postsecondary education next year,” added the release.

“Ninety-two per cent of the graduating class received Ontario Scholar status, having achieved an average of 80 per cent or higher in six Grade 12 subjects. Seventeen graduates were also Albert College Scholars, having achieved an average of 90 per cent or higher in six Grade 12 subjects. In addition, 18 students graduated with distinction, having achieved an average of 80 per cent or more and excelling in Albert College’s 5 ‘A’s (Academics, Athletics, Arts, Active Citizenship and Adventure).

“The most popular Canadian university destinations include Ryerson University, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, Queen’s University, Western University and Dalhousie University. In addition, international postsecondary locations include schools in the United States and the Netherlands.”

Founded in 1857, Albert College is Canada’s oldest coeducational boarding and day high school.

For more information, visit albertcollege.ca.

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