Alpha Beautillion: Six Young Men To Compete

The 2011 Alpha Beautillion will take place tomorrow night [June 26] at the Ruth Seaton James Center. Hosted by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the event will see six young men competing for a chance to boost their education funds.

The Beautillion is a national opportunity for young men to showcase their academic skill, talent and oratorical abilities. All of the students that participate receive a bursary award of $1,000 and the winner will receive a $5,000 bursary award. Candidates participate are selected from their respective high schools and undergo six months of mentoring with fraternity chapter members.

During the six months, they are required and encouraged to participate in various mentoring programs, volunteer and help out at the Matilda Smith Rest Home, The Bermuda Youth Library, Teen Services Tag Day, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Hal Jackson Talented Teen competition and sell adverts and tickets to the event. These young men are also required to participate in mentoring workshops that are run by various professionals in the community.

Vashon Williams, 17

As the last of eight boys, I was plunged into a legacy of excellence and imbued with a competitive drive for success. A senior at Bermuda Institute, I daily press toward the mark of the high calling that God has placed upon my life.

Born into a family full of musicians, I had no option but to play an instrument. I refused, however, to limit myself to a single one. Consequently, I play the violin, piano, steel pan, and also sing.

Additionally, I have achieved a Grade 4 violin from the Royal School of Music. My pan playing has taking me to various venues across Bermuda, including XL Capital, the Commissioner’s House, and Willowbank Resort.

I am embarking upon my second year as a prefect. This year I was unanimously voted as the Student Association President and Assistant Class Pastor. I am also a mentor and tutor for at risk young men at my school. Through these responsibilities, I have learned that if you are diligent over little, you will be made ruler of much!

In addition to my school life, I serve as an usher at the Hamilton Seventh-Day Adventist Church and a Teen Leader in the Hamilton Pathfinder Pioneer Club. Pathfinders helped to teach me the value of service and discipline. As I matured within the Pathfinder program, I became a Teen leader, charged with passing on my knowledge to the newer and younger members. This helped me to develop my leadership skill, as well as my patience.

This past summer I was privileged to attend the Minority Introduction to the Health Sciences (M.I.T.H.S.) Program at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda, California. It is a program that takes high achieving black students and immerses them into an intense three-week course at the University. Students take college-level Anatomy & Physiology and are taught writing skills and study skills by the university professors.

Recently, I was a member of the winning team in the 2010 Butterfield Student Challenge and a winner in the 2011 Outstanding Teen Awards.

Following my graduation from Bermuda Institute, I plan to further my education in the United States. I have not yet chosen a college; however, my top three choices are Oakwood University in Alabama, La Sierra University in California, and Andrews University in Michigan. Though I am unsure of my final career goal, I am leaning towards careers in the medical sciences and physics. If I enter the field of Physics, my first goal would be to research alternate forms of energy that would be feasible for us here in Bermuda.

As a young black man, I am faced with many challenges as I work toward my future successes. The very area in which I live is described as unhealthy to my development. In my very neighborhood, there have been multiple shootings; however, I refuse to allow my surroundings to define me. Ultimately, as a productive resident of the Friswell’s Hill, St. Monica’s Road area, I stand as a living testimony to the power of a praying mother and grandmother. I cannot and will not fail because God is great, and He has placed greatness inside of me; and therefore, I can do great things!

Jamieko Smith, 18

My name is Jamieko Kievon Trent Smith. For short many call me Mieko, Meeks, or Big Meeks. I am a promising young man full of positive energy and talent. I enjoy many different activities such as playing drums, making music, architectural drawing, drawing and designing, motorcycle racing, motorcycle mechanics, art, graphic designing, football, and much more.

I give above my best at every aspect of life that I take part in. I guess I can be described as a perfectionist because I have a very strong tendency to ensure and push for everything I do or touch to be perfect or flawless.

This characteristic of my life is most enjoyable to me because at the end of the day after it is all said and done I am able to humbly look back and reminisce on what I have accomplished knowing that I have truly given my best effort.

I find the morale and attitudes of the youth coming up in this generation to be totally aggravating and frustrating. The way young black males feel it is cute or cool to be and act dumb or emulate the wrong role models is absolutely sickening to me.

I have taken the time to observe and understand the dynamics of how our society works today and I see where I can take the initiative to stand out as a leader and be a positive entity doing my part to make a difference in the community. Every chance I have I make sure to stand tall and proud to represent my family, friends, school, and all those who support me.

I am not prepared to sit back and allow myself to also be a statistic when I have the opportunities and potential within myself to be a leader and strive for excellence to remain a step above the rest who do not see the bigger picture. I feel honored and thankful to be able to have the chance to experience such empowering and uplifting workshops.

And to overall be a part of such a momentous journey. I take great pride in every task I embark on because I am truly thankful to God for the chance to be able to arise in good health every morning and tackle my days with an eager mindset. Ready to push to the top and grasp success through whatever obstacles I encounter.

Makeem Bartley, 17

My name is Makeem M. Bartley. I have attended Mount Saint Agnes for almost a year now. I enjoy song-writing, poetic, heart-felt rap, R&B and many other genres (and subgenres).

I love to express my creativity throughout the music I produce, and will only constructively change in favor of this original motive.

I love to stimulate listeners’ minds, as opposed to the virtually brain-dead music that the majority embraces in today’s world.

In addition, I like to do graphic designing and, even if in moderation, acting. In my short span of experience with the school, I have already been invested into performances affiliated with school such as the leading role in the Christmas play, and even my own (musical) performances.

I am usually one who doesn’t succumb to any ‘trend’, but instead embrace my own individuality, as I suggest to others as well. In conclusion, I see myself as a human; nothing better or worse than any other inhabitant on Earth.

Jordan Osborne, 17

Quite frankly, I personally do not like the idea of being simply mediocre. Because I am a self-motivated individual, I prefer to do my absolute best no matter the circumstance. The place that I venture towards is only reached by those who show extraordinary mettle. That is why I feel that my quest for a promising future is a pursuit of excellence.

I started my pursuit of excellence when I began attending Sandys Secondary Middle School. I currently am in my final year at my senior high school The Berkeley Institute where I hold the title of Deputy Head Boy. Both are recognized institutions that have prepared me for a life of excellence and service.

My characteristics and virtues are the result of strong Christian principles and good parenting. I am an honest, well- mannered, respectful individual who is determined to have a positive influence on my community. My career goal is to obtain a degree in Law and Communications. Based on my accomplishments, experiences, and academic success, I believe that I have the qualities necessary to complete an undergraduate degree and fulfill my career goals.

Over the years I have maintained excellent grades. In 2007, I was presented the Student Of Excellence Award for Sandys Middle School. Since middle school, I have consistently been on the honor roll. Currently, my GPA is 2.8 and I have already obtained three General Certificates of Secondary Education (G.C.S.E). Recent academic awards I have earned are three GCSE certificates for English, Theatre, and Art.

Although I strive for academic excellence, I endeavor to be a well-rounded scholar. I find time for extracurricular activities which enhance my leadership skills and sportsmanship. One leadership program, Duke Of Edinburgh helped to develop my leadership and communication skills. I have obtained both bronze and silver and am currently working on my gold award.

Debating has afforded me many opportunities. I lead The Berkeley Institute’s debate team as captain. I am also a part of Bermuda National Debate team. In February 2010, I represented Bermuda in Qatar and debated current world issues.

As a sports enthusiast, I make time for soccer and tennis. I was a member of the Somerset Cricket Club and soccer team for seven years and I currently play tennis. Soccer has taught me the importance of team work, whereas tennis has helped me understand the importance of self-motivation and independence. I have learned to integrate these principles from both sports into my everyday life.

Community Service is very important to me. I am a Volunteen (teenage volunteer) at the King Edward Memorial Hospital. I also tag for three different charity organizations. Lastly, I volunteer my talents and time on a regular basis at my church Allen Temple AME.

It is very important that I remain well-rounded. I live in a 21st century where jobs are limited, housing is scarce, and the world wide economy seems to always be on the brink of collapsing. Amidst these uncertainties, higher education is the anchor that I feel I must have to if I am to be stable in this ever shifting world. Therefore, it is crucial that I continue to ensure that I maintain a high level of distinction, which will complete my pursuit of excellence.

Jabari Burgess-Robinson, 17

Jabari Anton Burgess-Robinson was born on May 19th 1993 on the island of Bermuda. His full name means brave and courageous king and as a child he would pronounce this proudly when asked about the origin of his name.

He began his academic experiences at Elliot Primary school where he remained on the Honor Roll for his 3 years there. He then moved on to Somersfield Academy where he was to remain through the elementary years in its Montessori curriculum then work ever so arduously in its rigorous International Baccalaurete Middle years Programme. It was at Somersfield that he was bitten by the ‘acting bug’ and participated both on and backstage in the school plays of Dream on, Dracula Rock Opera, Grease and Fiddler on the Roof. His years at Somersfield have afforded him many opportunities such as travelling to Newfoundland, Canada as an exchange student and his first trip to the Central American country of Costa Rica. His most memorable event was his Personal project where he single handedly organized, executed and documented his own Poetry and Photography showing. So appropriately entitled-‘Two Arts are Better than One’, this showing highlighted Jabari’s creativity showcasing his photographs of Bermuda’s landscapes with most of them having original poems to accompany them. He can recall the immense sense of pride when handing over the $800 proceeds from the sale of his photographs at the show to the Bermuda Red Cross for its disaster fund.

Jabari presently attends the Impact Mentoring Academy (IMA) where he will complete his Secondary education graduating in 2011. He holds the position of Student Leader and as math continues to be one of his favorite subjects, he tutors the younger students in that subject. Through Impact, he was able to experience his dream internship by being apprentice to head photographer, Tamel Simons at the Royal Gazette. Jabari was not only learning the tools of trade, action, situational and portrait photography but also how to sensitively respond to social situations as they occurred. He was honored to have at least 10 of his own photographs featured on the pages of the Royal Gazette, documenting Bermuda’s current affairs and daily life. At IMA, he was able to experience ‘true giving from the heart’ as he travelled with his school once again to Costa Rica. This Strong Missions project trip to build a school and playground was a life altering one. He witnessed poverty first- hand and learned valuable life-lessons while working with the most basic of tools in the sweltering heat using his trades skill learned at the school. He also recalls playing with and helping to feed the children in the poverty stricken area though a local church’s outreach program.

When Jabari attends his church, New Testament Church of God, Heritage Worship Center in Pembroke, he assist with its overhead ministry team by recording the sermons for purchase and aiding with audio needs. Another organization that Jabari has participated in includes The Bermuda Institute of Oceans Waterstart programme and Marine Science Internship where he achieved his Advanced Open Water Scuba diving certificate. This involved night diving and wreck diving. The sports that Jabari has enjoyed include basketball, bowling, tennis but most importantly rugby. He is a member of Teachers rugby team and Bermuda’s National Under 19 rugby team (Young Byes). He toured with the team to Toronto, Canada and in 2010 to Nassau, Bahamas where they won the Caribbean Under 19 tournament. Jabari continues to pursue all his interest and maintain academic requirements (3.68 GPA) while dealing daily with the issues of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. He believes that “no person or disorder should determine who and what you are! Carve out your own destiny!”

Bruce Perinchief, 17

Currently attending Warwick Academy studying the I.B. programme doing the diploma programme which requires you take three higher level and standard level subject, write a 4000 word Extended Essay involved with a subject of your choosing and Theory of Knowledge. Plays football for BAA, and captained the high school football team

Bruce said, “I am a critical thinker always trying to solve a problem if one is present or improve a situation. I prefer to think proactively not reactively.”

“I am a person who works 100 percent on the task given to me, willing to take instructions and constantly trying to innovatively progress forward through being confident in taking on new task, and reaching for higher accomplishments, always willing to take on more responsibility and I’m very interested in learning new material to help me proceed further and better me as a worker and person.”

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