CedarBridge Students Build Leadership Skills
CedarBridge Academy students have “embarked on personal goals involving development of leadership qualities and have signed up with the Hamilton Rotary Club as Rotary Interact members.”
A spokesperson said, “Students at CedarBridge Academy have started their year honing their leadership skills in preparation for the future.
“They have embarked on personal goals involving development of leadership qualities and have signed up with the Hamilton Rotary Club as Rotary Interact members. The Rotary Interact Club of CedarBridge Academy meets each Wednesday at 2:30pm under the guidance of advisers Joanne Anderson, Lanna Holder and Eric Bean. There are scores of other Leadership and Interest Clubs who meet at the same time.
“CedarBridge developed a partnership with Rotary 6 years ago when they were granted $6,000 to start a Reading Program, Achieve 3000 under the guidance of Nikita Euler, Literacy Director. This amazing online Reading Program saw all participants soar beyond expectations.
“Most of the students in the Interact Club are seniors and one is a dual enrollment student at the Bermuda College. Under the guidance of their advisers, they organize their own meetings, plan projects and fundraising experiences and enjoy social activities within their school-based club and with other youth from the Interact Clubs on island.
The first project for the year involves partnering with the Hamilton Rotary Club to host a 5K race at the Botanical Gardens on November 9th at 9:00am Students will assist by handing out water to runners and walkers, registering participants and sharing information about how to combat non-communicable diseases.
“The students have learned about kidney disease on the island and the importance of eating a healthy diet and maintaining good health.
“They are in the process of planning a fundraiser in school to raise funds for service projects in the community .Students have been invited by St George’s Rotary Club to assist with at least two fundraisers. They will be mentored by Rotarians on the island and work with other Interact students from the Hamilton Rotary Club Community interact group, the Mount St. Agnes Academy and Somersfield Academy.
“On November 1st, they will meet their District Governor, Rotarian Syed Alirahi of District 7230 at a group social where they will be treated to an Introduction to Rotary discussion hosted by The District Governor and a reception following the discussion . They will further receive mentorship from the Hamilton Rotary Club and other ROTARY clubs on the island with guidance in the area of academic development, employment and money management.
“Under the auspices of the Hamilton Rotary Club, students at CedarBridge have received employment training in hospitality and some are still working as chefs, waiters, and in junior management positions. Others chose businesses on the island, where they received summer internships, while one CedarBridge student worked under a doctor at the Victoria Street Clinic. She received a full university scholarship and has graduated from university. Some received training at BELCO, Huckleberry Restaurant, and Kitson Ltd.
“Several students who were in the first Interact Club at CedarBridge have graduated from Bermuda College and are overseas in university. Some have had full scholarships and have been cited for growth in academic excellence and leadership.
“Former CedarBridge Interact students have represented Bermuda at the United Nations, where they gave speeches and attended leadership seminars at the National High School Model United Nations Program in New York. Two former CBA seniors delivered speeches at the District 7230 Convention in New York. One of the Bermuda Interact ambassadors who delivered her well received speech is at Bermuda College while the other is in university in Portugal.
“This years Interact Club members will be mentored by Rotarians in Leadership Development, Career Guidance, and Financial Planning. They will attend local and international youth leadership conventions with their advisors.
“Rotary provides opportunities for service, learning, and leadership development through its Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Program, [RYLA] Interact Club for youth 12 to 18 years, Rotaract Club for youth 18-30+ years, and The Rotary Exchange Program where students spend a year with a host family in another country. Rotary’s motto is ‘service above self.’ Rotarians will continue to support youth on the island to prepare to take their places as leaders in the community.”
