High FlYeRs

On the road to success

Fast Track spoke to some of Bermudas highest achieving students about their hobbies, achievements and plans for the future.

BHS
Rachel Daly
I am in grade 13 at The Bermuda High School for Girls (BHS) and am 17 years old. I am currently studying my International Baccalaureate subjects of biology, chemistry, IT, maths, Latin and English. At BHS I was democratically elected to be a head student of BHS, which is a wonderful and very rewarding experience that allows me to work with other students to improve our school. I am also proud to have earned various school awards in academic achievement, as well as the Silver and Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards and the Candy Striper Award. Outside school, I enjoy volunteering at the hospital and playing the violin. Next September, I plan to study medicine with the goal of becoming a doctor. I am considering specialising in endocrinology, in the area of diabetes. To succeed, I would say think outside the box and have an inquiring

mind. These skills will not only help you in academics, but in other activities and your future career.

Alexandra King-Ellison
I am in my last year at BHSs International Baccalaureate programme, studying English, business and economics at higher level, and maths, Spanish and environmental systems & societies at standard level. When I graduate from BHS I plan to attend university in Canada; my ideal university and course would be environment and business at the University of Waterloo. I have always loved business and I am particularly interested in exploring environmental ethics within a business. This year I was awarded the Creativity, Action and Service Prize by BHS. This meant a lot to me, as its great to be recognised for something I have worked really hard at over the past few years. Being scared to fail can hold one back in life. For a long time I worked so hard not to disappoint anyone and I realise that this mentality

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actually held me back and prevented me from achieving my best. I have learned that being brave enough to take risks is vital to success.

Wendy Tuxworth
I am 17 years old and in grade 13, studying higher level English, history and Latin, and standard level biology, peace and conict, and maths studies. After nishing at BHS I would like to study English literature, especially at the University of Durham in the UK, and then pursue a career where I can spread my passion for literature in any capacity. My proudest achievement was when I received my GCSE results, because I realised that, with determination and the encouragement of my family, I really was capable of achieving the grades I wanted. This year I also won a prize for the production of the school play, My Fair Lady, and in 2012 I received the Latin and English prizes. I debate, assist with the school newsletter, The Written Flame, and often work backstage in local theatrical productions. My advice would be to know your goals, and to keep in mind that everything you do takes you one step closer to your dreams.

CedarBridge Academy
Taahira Butterfield
I am 17 years old and studying calculus, AP English, biology, preserving our heritage, accounting II, personal nance, economics, marketing and photography. After high school I hope to receive a track and eld and/or academic scholarship to university. I plan to study accounting with a minor in sports physiotherapy in the US. I have been on the Principals Honours list since starting senior school, and I am proud to have travelled abroad to represent Bermuda in track and eld, which I am passionate about, and netball. I made the nals in the Carifta Games 2012 and in the 100 metres in Bermuda. Outside of school I play sports including track and eld, netball, badminton, volleyball, tennis and basketball. I am also involved in the Student Government Association where I was the treasurer, and the Youth Net Mentoring Programme, and I teach netball to primary school students at the Gilbert Institute. Always strive to give your best each and every day and never give up on your goals. As Audrey Hepburn said, Nothing is impossible; the world itself says Im possible!

Ethan Rogers
I am 17 years old and in my last year of high school studying English, maths, geography, media studies and rst aid. I intend to take a couple of years at the Bermuda College to work further on my media studies, which is my love, specically video. After that I will apply for a place in the University of Central

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Lancashire in the UK where I hope to study media production and get a job as a videographer, possibly for a company like Sky TV. However my dream job would be as a videographer for a company such as National Geographic. I am also passionate about the ocean, and recently became a member of the TS Venture Bermuda Sea Cadets. I am most proud of obtaining an A* on my GCSE media studies. I was also on the winning KPMG Investment Club team, have been on the honour roll virtually every grading period and have a 2nd kyu rank in Aikido, which I have been studying for 12 years. Work hard and do what makes you happy. If you nd things that make you happy and you are happy with yourself and your life, you will then be successful in your own eyes and the eyes of others.

by: know what you want to do and stay focused and if you nd other people with the same intentions befriend them, because small competitions between you can grow into great opportunities.

Mount Saint Agnes

Brandon Sousa
I am 16 and a senior at Mount Saint Agnes Academy. Im taking a range of subjects, which will allow me to study for degrees in business and visual arts. Im considering universities in the provinces of Ontario and Nova Scotia, Canada, and the US to pursue degrees in business and visual arts. My proudest achievement is attaining my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award upon completing a weeklong expedition in Germany. I have consistently been on the honour roll since middle school, and I have achieved many academic awards. My passion is rooted in sport. Since 2011 I have been a member of the Junior National Volleyball Team. Im a regular face in the Bermuda Musical & Dramatic Society Pantomime and the Bermuda Youth News. com website, and I participated in the 2013 UN youth conference. I am the student council president and sit on the school advisory council as a student liaison for the high school. Despite my extracurricular involvements, I am a 2013 National Honors Society inductee. My favourite quote is: Anything is possible as long as you stay true to who you are.

Aalai Wolffe
I am 16 years old and in my senior year of high school studying AP English, calculus, biology II, and GCSE dance. After I nish high school, I plan on doing the Rotary Exchange Program, then hope to travel overseas to study criminology. This summer I went to North Carolina to perform Misunderstood with the performance group Troika at the National Black Theatre Festival, and last year, I received the Capital G Inspiration Scholarship, which paid for a years worth of vocal classes. I eat, sleep and breathe music and I also have a deep passion for the arts: singing, dancing, acting and songwriting. I have participated in many dance showcases and fashion shows. I would advise young people who want to succeed never to stop: never stop believing, never stop dreaming, and never stop striving to achieve the best. Something that replays in the back of my mind are the words, cant stop, wont stop. Even when I make it to where I want to be, I wont stop because I cant stop.

Amber Reid
I am 16 and a senior at Mount Saint Agnes Academy. I am currently taking core courses for my diploma, including three sciences and a foreign language. I plan to pursue higher education in Ontario, Canada, where I would like to study for a BSc in biology and a minor in French studies and dance. My proudest achievement is representing Bermuda at the 2013 UN youth conference. I have excelled in school, and won the Best Speaker Award at the 2012 XL Bermuda Youth Conference as a member of the Business team. In 2011 I won the Tom Pettit Thanksgiving essay competition. My passions are truly diverse. Through my extracurricular activities I have demonstrated commitment to the arts, athletics and tness, social equality, and sustainability. I have completed my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Im also a member of the Dolphin Swim Team, a reporter and writer for Youth News, and partner and head coach of SwimBDA. My advice is to take chances and challenge yourself, while always keeping an open mind.

J.D. Symonds
I am 17 years old and in grade 12. At the moment I am studying calculus, AP English, biology, and AS marine biology. After nishing high school I plan to attend the University of Tampa and enrol on the marine chemistry and marine biology courses in hopes of pursuing a career as a marine scientist or conservationist. My proudest achievement would have to be passing 10 IGCSEs. I have also obtained honours throughout my high school years, and was accepted into the National Honor Society, and attained the rst Nahg OBrien Award for Science at CedarBridge Academy and the Overall GCSE Award of Excellence. I am passionate about school and science, but especially marine science. I enjoy scuba diving with the crew at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Science and bowling with the Bermuda Junior Bowling league. These are words that you may nd clich, but they are words to live

Ciara Rego
I am a 17-year-old student at Mount Saint Agnes Academy, studying English, maths, religion, and art.

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Id like to pursue higher education in Florida for an accounting degree that would allow me to begin a career as an accountant. My proudest achievement was being inducted into the National Honors Society. I received the General Excellence award for the highest cumulative average throughout high school, and have been recognised for my school spirit, Christian values, and athletic excellence. I am passionate about volleyball and have represented MSA and the Junior Bermuda National Team. I am heavily involved in community outreach, tutor middle school students, and serve on the student council. No matter what obstacles are put in your pathway to succeeding, have hope, carry your head high, and do everything in your power to overcome them. Never give up on your ambition.

Id like to go to the Guelph University in Canada to study biological science and zoology. Then I plan to apply to the veterinary medicine programme at Guelph to pursue my goal of being a veterinarian. My proudest achievement was winning the GlaxoSmithKline Science award in grade eight. I am also proud of volunteering at Ettrick Animal Hospital since I was 13 years old. I have a love of science, and am passionate about music. I have been playing the ute in the school bands since grade three and the piccolo since grade 10. My advice for young people who want to succeed would be to not always take the easy route and to never give up on your passion.

William Finnerty
I am the Head Boy at Saltus and in my nal year. I am 16 years old, and I am focusing on theatre. Fashioning anything in the arts has always stimulated my desire for knowledge; this motivates me to hit the books and nd out more about the widely developing arts world. After Saltus, I hope to enrol in a British drama school. I am currently in the preparation process for my auditions in England which will take place from January to

Saltus Grammar School

Courtney Barbosa
I am the one of the Deputy Head girls at Saltus. I am 17 and in grade 12 at Saltus Grammar School. I am currently studying biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, calculus, and English language as part of the Advanced Placement (AP) programme.

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February. My top choice is presently the Guildford School of Acting, where I have taken part in summer acting intensive courses. My greatest accomplishments and endeavours in acting have all stemmed from my longing for understanding on how to better myself as an actor, as well as my appetite for sharing my knowledge with others. To arts students, I say get involved and audition. We are very fortunate to live in a community where young people are so exposed to theatrical opportunities and individuals, so I stress it again, take risks and get involved!

I am currently a prefect and have many achievements that I am proud of, including honours during my M3 level, a dance scholarship at Jacksons School of Dance, receiving the Gold Award for Community and Service at M3 level, and representing the school and Bermuda in a jump rope competition and placed second and third in both of my events. At the moment Im working towards my Duke of Edinburgh Award at the bronze level. I also occasionally tutor other students. My advice to young people would be to dream big! Nothing is unreachable. Try your hardest and you will succeed, but also enjoy life as well. Take your school work seriously.

Marcus Smith
I am one of the Head Boys at Saltus and in my nal year of the Saltus Graduate Years Programme. I am 17 and Im currently taking three AP Classes and an A2 level class. Upon graduating, I want to go to University of Tampa and pursue a double major in musical theatre and marine biology. My proudest achievement was making history by competing on the rst male team ever to represent Bermuda in gymnastics during the Natwest Island Games. Im a two-time recipient of the KawaleyLathan Performing Arts Award at Saltus which was awarded for my passion of performing. Currently I coach gymnastics, play on the Bermuda Junior National Volleyball Team, and I am the school mascot Sammy the Knight. I also lead the Hay Smitty Dance Crew and participate in local plays. My advice to younger students is stay true to yourself and dare to be different because being you is always good enough.

Hana Bushara
I am currently in M4 also known as S1, and am 14 years old. I would like to study in the US, and my dream schools are Georgetown and Duke. That being said, what I would like to do is undecided. I have represented my school in All-Stars football twice, and I am on the Bermuda Junior National Team. I am also proud to have won the science and French achievement awards at Somerseld. I love participating in sports, and working with children. I volunteer at St. Patricks Brownies as an assistant leader and participate in Pepperidge Farm tennis. I also play volleyball, and I am an active member of the Youth Parliament. You only miss out on the chances you did not take. Be a risk-taker, and dont be afraid of criticism. Do what you love, and be proud of it. Probably the most important thing is to be open-minded, and aware of different perspectives. The most successful people are usually the most gregarious.

Ciara Burrows
I am the Head Girl at Saltus. I am 17 years old and in grade 12 studying AP courses including history, biology, economics and psychology. In the future, I hope to further my education in university abroad and eventually practise in the eld of law. Because of my deep passions for helping others learn, and for participating in healthy discussion, I enjoy public speaking and debate. Through these extracurricular activities, I was able to travel to the International Independent Schools Public Speaking competition and win the Phil Hansen Award. This award illustrated my spirit for competition and socialising that I also enjoy in basketball and sailing. In order to succeed, you have to persevere through difculty, and be willing to face your fears.

Leah Smith
I am 14 years old and in Grade 9. I am enrolled in the Middle Years International Baccalaureate programme at Somerseld Academy. Once I nish school, I would love to pursue a career in actuarial science, as I have a love for maths. I would love to attend St. Johns University in New York. There, I would be able to pursue my actuarial career and have the opportunity to play football, which is one of my strong points in the athletic eld. Recently, I won the 2013 Denton Hurdle Memorial Award, which is presented to the best overall student athlete in my age group and gender. I received the Middle School girls award, which is my proudest achievement. I recently received a certicate for High Honors, a bronze award in Community and Service , the Technology Award for having the highest technology grade, and won Female Athlete at my school. I am passionate about acceptance of different people, and I am trying to become a part of a group that will attend the Student Diversity Leadership Conference in the US, a diversity conference that a select group of students from the school participates in every year. Bill Cosby said: In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure, which is one of my favourite quotes.

Somersfield Academy
Sophia Richmond
I am 15 years old and enrolled in the Middle Years Programme at Somerseld Academy. I would like to attend college, preferably in the UK. The topics I want to explore further are chemistry, dance and maths. As a career, I would like to teach high school, sixth form or the IB diploma in the UK.

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Warwick Academy
Lindsay Fisher
I am 16 years old and in my nal year at Warwick Academy, where I am head girl and have been on the Principals List throughout high school. I am completing the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a goal of studying medicine in the UK. I am the lead drummer of the Warwick Academy Jazz Band and I am an avid tennis player. I also volunteer with the St. Johns Ambulance and am a candy striper volunteer at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. I have a passion for helping the less fortunate. I have worked with Habitat for Humanity, building houses in Zambia and Paraguay in 2011 and 2012, respectively, and last year I received the Young Citizens Award for my humanitarian work. I have recently represented my school at the United Nations in New York and the Global Youth Leadership conference in Europe. My advice to young people is to work hard, get involved in your community and nd something that you are passionate about.

Daniel Hetzel
I am 16 years old and starting my rst year of the International Baccalaureate programme, studying maths, physics and chemistry at higher level with Spanish, business and English as my standard level subjects. After nishing school I would like to go to the US to study engineering. My proudest achievement would have to be achieving all A* on my GCSE subjects. I have also received Principals List and rst honours at my school and my years prize for design and technology. One of my greatest passions is for golf. I practise with a group of friends most days after school, and play full rounds every Saturday. I also enjoy playing classical guitar. I would advise young people who want to succeed that as you move on in school the time only passes faster and faster. You have to learn to get things done as they are given to you and take opportunities when they arise. In the long run getting involved in things such as community service and extracurricular activities will have a great effect on your ability to get into universities and then jobs.

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Fiona Dobson
I am in year 12 at Warwick Academy and am 15 years old. I am currently studying in the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme, and my three higher level subjects are geography, biology and English. After I nish school I plan to go to a university in the UK. My proudest achievement is getting 9 A*s in my GCSEs. I have also received Principals List honours and achieved both my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver awards, as well as Grade 6 Flute. I was also awarded the academic award at this years Nonsuch Island Natural History Camp. I am passionate about acting, and am playing Queen Gertrude in our production of Hamlet for this years Shakespeare Schools Festival. I also enjoy playing the ute and singing in the Bermuda Chamber Choir, and I volunteer at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo. My advice is never give up and always be yourself; theres nothing worse than the feeling of looking back and knowing that you could have tried harder at something but didnt, because you were afraid of being judged.

Russell Conyers
I am 17 years old and in my nal year at Warwick Academy, where I am head boy. I am studying the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme which includes higher level biology, chemistry and English, and standard level maths, history and French. My goal is to earn a medical degree and practise in Bermuda. I have applied to four medical schools in the UK, and hope to study medicine at Imperial College London. My proudest achievements to date are my IGCSE grades, winning the Alliance Franaise French Scholarship and becoming head boy. I am passionate about drama and have appeared in many plays both in and out of school. My favourite extracurricular activity is scuba diving. I hold two Professional Association of Diving Instructors certications and look forward to diving in the warmer weather. If you want to succeed, my advice would be to nd something you are passionate about because without that, it is almost impossible to motivate yourself.

ConneCting the right people and plaCes

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