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Beat Goes On In Bermuda Merle Swan Williams celebrated her 80th birthday at a gathering in her native Bermuda on the 9th of May, 2009. But that was not the only Merle accomplishment that was feted; the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Adult Education Service School was as much a part of the celebration as her birthday was. For as long as I have known Merle, I have known that she started AES, but I had not realized that it was in 1958. That makes it one of the oldest NCACS member schools, no mean achievement. AES is still operating on the island, still serving a population of youths and adults who are otherwise bereft of alternatives in education. Merle serves on its board and, true to her standards, still urges its administrators and staff to commit to student choice, to care for the whole student not just to his/her ability to take tests, and to center the school’s offerings around the needs and interests of the students. The Premier of Bermuda took the microphone to address the large gathering. He applauded Merle’s vision and her untiring contributions to alternative education. He also remembered her as his own best teacher in years gone by. The event ended with a performance by Gombey Dancers, a colorful, rhythmic Caribbean-style drama from slavery times. Look them up on the internet; you’ll enjoy a treat. Merle attended several NCACS conferences. She presented at some of them. It strikes me how little we know of our counterparts in other climes who were on the scene long before the NC was even a functioning organization. Her life has been a testimonial to humanitarian education up until this point; and she is not slowing down one iota. Pat Montgomery May 27, 2009 |
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