Somersfield Students Raise $9K For Local Causes
Somersfield Academy’s M3 Community Project Showcase featured student-led initiatives that raised over $9,000 for local causes through the IB Middle Years Programme.
A spokesperson said, “Somersfield Academy proudly hosted its annual M3 Community Project Showcase on Thursday, May 29, celebrating the initiative and creativity of its students. The event featured a wide range of student-led projects, reflecting months of research, planning, and collaboration with local organisations to make a tangible difference.
“Through the M3 Community Project, a core element of the IB Middle Years Programme [MYP], students take action on causes they care about while strengthening their research, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills, and making a positive impact in their communities.
“This year, students partnered with a number of local charities and organisations, raising over $9,000 to support a range of important causes across the island.
Project Highlights:
- Supporting CATS Bermuda
- “Austin Murphy, Jarred Jones, Henry Ferris, and Izaiah Atwell raised awareness about animal welfare by partnering with CATS Bermuda. They crafted homemade toys, sold baked goods and bracelets, and educated others about the needs of homeless and feral cats.
- Promoting Arts Access with Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation
- “Ethan Hochberg, Riley Jones, and Kaiden Musson supported access to therapeutic art programmes for young people. They organised a raffle and sold baked goods to help more children experience art as a form of self-expression and healing.
- Reinvigorating the Micro-Forest Initiative
- “Justin Francis, Rayyan Haffar, and Nasser Fahy teamed up with the Bermuda National Trust to breathe new life into Somersfield’s micro-forest. With support from Miles Darrell, they replanted native species and actively involved the school community in efforts to ensure its long-term sustainability. [link here]
- Beach Conservation with Keep Bermuda Beautiful
- “Cairo Tucker, Christopher Haycock, Maikel Dela Cruz, and Amaro Aw combined environmental education with action through beach clean-ups and a creative art piece made from collected debris. They also raised funds at Somersfield’s Matilda Jr. production.
- Addressing Food Insecurity with The Eliza DoLittle Society
- “Djibril Aw, Jack Bull, Giovanni Araujo, and Jase Davis volunteered at the food pantry and organised several fundraising efforts to support the purchase of a much-needed refrigerator for the charity’s daily operations.
- Advocating for Canine Health and Adoption
- “Havilland Hasselbring, Sika Adjalla, and Nicole Burrows led a public awareness campaign about parvovirus prevention and dog adoption. Their efforts included presentations, Railway Trail signage, and outreach in support of the Forget Me Not Canine Centre.
- Supporting Dementia Patients at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital
- “Yhari Goater-Jones, Isla Sherratt, Mia DaPonte, and Zoei Burgess brought joy to patients in the hospital’s continuing care unit through games, events, and a successful donation drive.
- Raising ADHD Awareness to support Solstice
- “Zarah Fahy and McKenna Redcliffe focused on neurodiversity awareness through educational sessions and the creation of a children’s book, while also supporting Solstice’s youth programmes aimed at children with ADHD. [link here]
- Combating the Lionfish Invasion
- “Archie Sharples, Caelan Cabral, Jack Giannone, John Fontanetta, and Owen Stewart addressed marine conservation by raising funds through the sale of ocean-themed candles and participating in the Bermuda Lionfish Derby.
- Supporting WindReach
- “Emily Paulos, Margot Taylor, Leilani Carpol, Milena Millett, and Sienna Harper, motivated by their love of animals, raised funds for WindReach, by making and selling bracelets. They also ran an art co-curricular alongside to further promote inclusion and creativity.
“The showcase was a resounding success, thanks to the support of families, mentors, and community partners. Special recognition goes to Ms. Kelly Rodday, whose thoughtful leadership and guidance were central to every stage of the M3 Community Project. She was supported by a dedicated team of Somersfield staff—Courtney Feldman, Louise Tannock, Allie Zuckerman, and Julie Kulig—whose contributions helped bring each project to life.”
“The M3 Community Project not only empowers students to engage with local issues—it also encourages them to become responsible, reflective, and active global citizens,” said Ms. Rodday.
The spokesperson said, “Somersfield Academy thanks to everyone who supported this year’s projects. This showcase was a powerful reminder of what young people can achieve when they are given the opportunity—and encouragement—to lead with compassion and purpose.”
