Andrew Bascome Named Hero By 10-Year-Old
Bermuda’s Emerging Professionals [BEPRO] announced the winners of its first-ever National Heroes Day Writing Competition; with Steven Manderson placing first, William Tanglao placing second and Kyle Cash placing third.
The competition asked primary six students Island-wide to answer the question, “What does being a Bermudian hero mean to you?” and entries were accepted throughout May and early June.
Winners were chosen based on how well they answered the question, how well the essay was composed, and how much detail they included regarding national or personal heroes.
“On behalf of Bepro I would like to send a huge “thank you” and “well-done” to the participants of our writing contest. We understand that these young people took their extracurricular time to create their essays, which is quite special,” said Sarah Faiella, Deputy Chairperson of BEPRO.
“All of the essays were very impressive and uplifting. Congratulations to Steven Manderson for ‘wowing’ us with his essay and achieving the 1st place win.”
Winners won a host of prizes, with Kyle Cash winning a Treats Gift Certificate, William Tanglao winning a YoCherry Gift Card and Steven Manderson winning a gift basket, assembled by Happy Place, filled with arts and crafts, as well as a gift certificate to Brown & Co.
In his essay Steven said, “To me, a Bermudian Hero is someone who helps others; has improved lives and is well known for this. Lots of people know of their kindness, well-being, intelligence and hard work.
“They have to be a leader and love people and their country. They must be very good at what they do, and have passion and commitment to keep them going. Coach Andrew Bascome, in my opinion, fits this description.
“He was an orphan who grew to be the Bermuda National Team’s coach, and in between, has helped thousands to become better footballers; better team players, better people.
“He is tough but kind, wants the best for everyone of us and works hard to make us confident and proud of ourselves. Football brings all Bermudians together. We learn to be fit, healthy, play as a team, have respect and a dream. He loves football and his players, and what better way is there to bring all Bermudians together.”
The full essay by 10-year-old Saltus student Steven Manderson is below:
BEPRO said they are “passionate about empowering Bermuda’s youth, and was pleased to host this writing contest which provided a platform for Bermuda’s children to enhance their literacy skills while simultaneously reflecting on Bermuda’s culture.”
“This contest is just one of many philanthropic initiatives and partnerships orchestrated by BEPRO. For more information regarding the writing competition, or to learn more about BEPRO and partnership opportunities, please contact beprobermuda@gmail.com.”
Wonderful Essay young man.
That was nice, yes Natty.
Wow congrats cousin and that was some Essay young man congrats to u keep up the good work
Congratulations Andrew!!!
Much deserved!
This within its self, is an inspiration. What a lovely essay young man, (Steven Manderson). Following is an excerpt from what Steven had written.
“He was an orphan who grew to be the Bermuda National Team’s coach, and in between, has helped thousands to become better footballers; better team players, better people.”
WHAT AN AWESOME ESSAY! Well written with much thought and heart put into it. Congratulations Steven, this is well deserved! I’m sure that Coach Bascome is truly humbled by this because he does what he does for the love of it and not for the recognition but the recognition is so important. So important for people to know that they are appreciated!
Master Manderson’s essay touched me because I got to know Andrew more when he returned to St David’s to live with his family and he was and still is a great friend of mine and this story describes Andrew perfectly. Congratulations Master Manderson and Andrew, I am overflowing with pride – dang Skippy.
Essay got a grown a$$ 28 year old man shedding a tear…Well Done Steven!! Keep up the good Work Coach, your work is recognized and appreciated.
This was an excellent essay!
I’m not a touchy/feely type person but right now I could hug the stuffing out of the both of them for being such great people.
congrats young man…congrats coach..
Awesome essay Steven u are a credit to your parents……… for being so aware of the great qualities Coach Bacome exhibits at such a young age and to recognise how important they are….. Well done young man and congratulations Coach Bascome!!!!
Very nice
Out of the mouths of babes — many children have the unique ability to say what they feel and describe their experiences without varnish and pretense.
This story is all of the above, and some!
I bet right now, on the island, it’s a toss up between who’s prouder, the young man’s parents or his teacher. I say both should be proud.
Tears in my eyes… wow! Congratulations to the both of you. Just beautiful!!
Wow Steven, this is an amazing piece of writing; very inspiring!