Photos: 12 More CedarBridge Students Graduate

November 21, 2013

Persistence pays off was the message sent at a recent graduation ceremony which saw 12 students graduate from CedarBridge Academy after stepping up over the summer to finish the requirements.

“Ten years from now, no one will remember that you did not graduate with them,” said former S4 Year Head, Dean Foggo, as he addressed the summer graduates of 2013. “Whatever challenges you had, you have overcome them, and are still a member of the class of 2013.”

CBA Bermuda 2013-9

During the summer of 2013, 12 students who had faced challenge worked hard to overcome them so they could graduate. Despite the fact that only 12 students graduated, the library was filled with parents, friends and other guests to support the students. It was a full house.

In order to attend summer school, with the expectation of graduating with the class of 2013, students could not be failing more than two classes with an average of less than 56%. Students also had to procure permission from the principal indicating that they met the standard.

CBA Bermuda 2013-44

One student was a prize winner, Jumoke Stovell won $500 scholarship to Bermuda College and an iPad mini for his involvement in the KPMG Investment Challenge.

The guest speaker was Seventh Day Adventist, Pastor Damon Hendrickson, who spoke of the four pillars for success: 1. Embrace Self Awareness, 2. Use your time to your advantage. 3. Be disciplined and 4. Stay focused on the positive.

Pastor Hendrickson reminded students that just because they are graduating after their classmates, do not look at it as if they are not successful, but they continued on to achieve success and in fact, reiterating what Mr. Foggo stated, no one will remember.

CBA Bermuda 2013-45

He told them that once they overcome any obstacle, they can begin to work toward greater successes and provided them with examples of people who had challenges, but still became successful, like Benjamin Franklin who was a high school dropout and the owner of Virgin Airlines who is dyslexic.

When students were called for their diploma, Mrs. Rosemary Matthews, deputy principal and organizer for the event spoke individually about each student’s achievements and successes, and she provided a specific word of encouragement to them.

Also in attendance for the graduation was Board of Governor representative Jane Correia and other members of the former S4 Student Intervention Support Team.

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Comments (15)

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  1. tricks are for kids.... says:

    Congrats to you…….It shouldn’t even matter whether people remember or not exactly when you graduated …It’s the FACT that you DID that counts…..You stepped to the plate and PROVED what everyone already knew that you were capable of…..Again I say CONGRATS to you……….

  2. Upsetwithverdict says:

    Congrads students! You only fail if you give up!

  3. Suzie Quattro says:

    Well done to them all. They obviously had to work hard for it, and it’s good to see they succeeded. Congratulations.

  4. haha says:

    ………………with an average of less than 56%

    wuuuuuuut?!

    • TESTI says:

      @haha…try and see the big picture here. If you are going to act like a toilet, pick another place to do so.

  5. Prayer Warrior says:

    Congrats to those 12 Cedarbridge Students who was still giving that opportunity to graduate and have a ceremony. Cedarbridge I command you for acknowledging these student and giving them a second chance. For those 12 students just know it doesnt end there keep striving for excellence.

    It would have been nice if Berkeley did the same for those student that completed the summer school and passed.

    • TESTI says:

      Yes Congrats to the Students for not giving up! Gongrats to the mentors , friends and family that pushed them to give it another try. Congrats to the teachers for putting in the extra time to help them along and congrats to Cedarbridge for giving them another chance at graduating!

      Kids…don’t stop now, raise the bar ! Go for it!

  6. D. Evans says:

    Congrats to all the students, they worked hard to graduate. They never gave up and for that we should all congratulate them……

  7. Tough Love says:

    Love this!!! So glad they didn’t give up or listen to the nay-sayers! Bermuda is proud of you guys!

  8. RSMA Grad says:

    Congrats ladies and gents. -Former CBA Student

  9. foldgers says:

    i just really love this!! congrats to all! I dont know you but I am proud and so touched by this story. Well done.. you have shown you have what it takes to perservere and achieve a goal.. you made my day!!

  10. RawOnion says:

    Congratulations students for completing your high school education. It’s a tough world out there and it not willing to take excuses anymore. Keep pushing forward and remember, In the real world, slackness will get you left behind.

  11. nana says:

    I’m so proud of all of you, keep pressing on and may the Lord continue to bless all of you. And Craig i am so proud of you, but you wait to i see you, you didn’t even tell me about it you know i would have loved to be there.

  12. Susan says says:

    Congratulations and well done to all the students. Thank you to the teachers and Mrs. Kalmar Ricahrds for your encouragement. To the students, you are a great example to all…if you work hard enough you will succeed!!! There are going to be many in your community that will not congratulate but will be negative, pay them no mind, continue to strive for excellence as you are Students of Excellence, WELL DONE.

  13. Congrats, and never give up. says:

    Congratulations to these students who were not willing to give up but rather to keep pushing and achieve what they set out to get from the start of S1. I commend you all and wish you nothing but the absolute best as you continue on this journey of life. Welcome to the class of 2013!! I too am a graduate of this year.