CBA’s Marcus Bean Wins Alpha Beautillion

May 14, 2013

Marcus BeanMarcus Bean, Deputy Head boy and S4 CedarBridge Academy student, made CedarBridge Academy history May 12, when he became the first CBA student to win the Alpha Beautillion, in the 12 years of its existence. One component of the overall competition, was to showcase the oratorical skills of the young men and to see how well they think on their feet.

Marcus’ win was the first time for CBA, leaving staff and fellow students elated. The morning announcements that celebrated his success, and a large poster in the hallway, were part of the efforts to ensure that students encouraged him and staff congratulated him.

Marcus, who is also the president of the National Honor Society and Captain of the Debate Team stated that participating in the Alpha Beautillion was a longtime dream. “Before I even reached high school, I had heard about the Beautillion because one of my god-brothers won it. I remembered thinking that I wish that would be me one day. To be selected as CedarBridge’s candidate, and to actually win it, is like a dream come true. It is truly an honor because we have so many males here who are doing positive things.”

Principal Mrs. Kalmar Richards stated, “Marcus has made history for CedarBridge Academy. He is the first CedarBridge Academy student to win the event. I believe he represents the qualities which are espoused by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and that this achievement will serve as an inspiration for those to follow.”

Marcus was described by his principal as a humble, eloquent and confident. “His dedication and commitment to his studies have afforded him the opportunity to go off to Kent University in the fall to begin pursuing his goal of becoming a lawyer,” Mrs. Richards said. “I know he will do well at Kent University and I am sure that he will make awesome contributions to Bermuda in the future.”

As a representative for CedarBridge Academy, Marcus, was mentored and monitored in a six month programme, in which the fraternity monitored and mentored him. Part of his responsibilities included, participating in and working with the Math Attack Programme for male students at Dellwood Middle school each week, volunteering at Matilda-Smith Rest Home on a weekly basis, attending the Alpha Phi Alpha Black and Gold Ball, Personal Development seminars conducted by BELCO and any other mentoring programmes the fraternity conducted over the course of the six months.

The programme culminated with the Alpha Beautillion.

“It was exciting to watch my good friend demonstrate his talents and win this beautillion,” said S4 CedarBridge Academy student Olievia Martins, prefect and friend of Marcus. “Every time his name was announced, I couldn’t help but jump to my feet and scream. He is so calm; he doesn’t show much about how he feels, so I had to feel it for him. I am glad that Marcus had the opportunity to have this experience and to be able to bring the title to CedarBridge as the first male of CBA to win this Beautillion.”

Dr. Lou Matthews, Director of Educational Standards and Accountability, for the Ministry of Education said, “I was awed by his authenticity as an intellectual as he gave his oratorical speech on social media. He had a commanding presence, and was able to connect to his audience. He is one of the strongest winners of the competition that I have seen in recent years. I think that is what really sticks out for me. A great sense of humility and confidence. This is the kind of young man that you want others to emulate.”

Marcus said, “Initially I was nervous, as expected, but throughout the night, with the support of the people, I felt confident. I was humbled when I won. This is something I had wished for since I was young.”

“It was a great experience and I gained a wealth of knowledge. We had participated in workshops on everything from etiquette, how to conduct oneself at a formal dinner, to conducting yourself professionally, email etiquette, time management skills, and how to manage yourself in college,” he said. “I would like to thank Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for the opportunity and the support and aid in my development throughout the competition.”

The Alpha Beautillion is organized by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Epsilon Theta Lambda Chapter in Bermuda. This Beautillion is described as a male “rite of passage” for high school males to demonstrate their talent, oratorical skills and community services. The young men are selected by their principals to represent their schools in this competition whose aim is to cultivate teamwork, encourage camaraderie and develop leadership skills.

Four High Schools were represented in the Alpha Beautillion, Marcus Bean Deputy Head Boy of CedarBridge Academy, Marcus Smith of Saltus Grammar School, Kyle Trott of Warwick Academy and Paul Deshield of Bermuda Institute.

These young men competed in a five minute Oratorical Contest discussing the topic “Social Media today is used extensively in personal and professional settings.” They had to take a stand on the societal effect of social media and its impact on interpersonal virtues as well as the ability of social media to affect the profitability of one’s professional and personal pursuits. They also participated in a Talent Contest, a Question and Answer Session on how they will make unique contributions in their future careers and a Step Show Exhibition.

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  1. JMad says:

    Well done Marcus!!

    Good to see such positive articles on CBA coming out these days!

  2. Congradulations Marcus and this is just the beginning of a long promising future taking you to your destiny,that God has designed for you.stay possitive and always look to ways to help those coming behind you and it will make the road ahead of you alot smoother.

  3. Rochelle says:

    Congratulations young man God has Blessed you and I know you will do well where ever you go as long as you put God First in all that you do.

  4. mixitup says:

    Great! Excellent Job there young man.. I see you having a bright future!

  5. justMYopinion says:

    Awesome!!!!!!!

  6. SoMuchMore says:

    Super and Congratulations. Lets continue on the path of success.

  7. Catherine Dl says:

    Well done – lots of hard work paid off! Fabulous!

  8. Pastor Syl Hayward says:

    Well done, young Mr. Bean! You are a credit to your school, your parents, your country, and most of all, yourself. May you go from heights to heights! Remember to come back home. Your country needs you.

  9. Aunt Audrey says:

    Congratulations Marcus!!!!, I can’t say it enough. Sooooo proud of you. Keep it up.

  10. Smh says:

    WELL DONE! IKNOW YOU WILL DO GOD, YOUR FAMILY,SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY PROUD!!!!

    Well done.

  11. VJG says:

    CONGRATULATIONS Marcus Bean!! So proud of you!! So good to read about your fantastic accomplishment. You represent a positive image for other young Bermudians to follow!! Keep up the good work! You have a great bright future and keep rising to the top!!
    God Bless you and your family!!

  12. Red says:

    CONGRATS MARCUS BEAN!!!!!!

  13. LOL (original TM*) says:

    Yes very well done. You are a very well-spoken young man with a bright future and knowing your first reaction to the question asked was to give back to the community you have proven you are a shining light.

    LOL

  14. Sharmaine L. says:

    Well done Marcus! Very proud of you! I knew you were destined for big things when I first met you while helping with the Mr. and Miss CedarBridge pageant. Keep up the good work and don’t let anything/anyone distract you from reaching and surpassing your goals! :)

  15. Somebody's Momma says:

    Well done Marcus, so very proud of you. Thank you Bernews for carrying the story.