Nevaeh Barclay is stepping into her future with clarity and confidence.
A proud S3 graduate of the Berkeley Institute Class of 2025, she has already accomplished what many only begin to dream about at the end of high school.
From head girl at Northlands Primary to deputy head girl at Dellwood Middle School, Nevaeh has consistently led with intention. Now she’s preparing to begin a new chapter at North Carolina A&T State University where she will major in accounting.
She received the AICO Scholarship, worth $25,000 per year, and the Ministry of Education’s Bermuda Government Scholarship, valued at $35,000 per year. She was also selected for the Association of Bermuda International Companies Scholarship for $15,000 annually but turned it down. “My tuition needs were fully covered,” she said, “and that allowed the opportunity to go to another deserving student.”
When the news came in, her reaction was a mix of shock, joy and pure gratitude.
“I felt a mix of shock, excitement and deep gratitude,” she said. “I got the calls while I was in school. One I missed and had to call back. The other had me screaming the class down.”
The Ministry of Education award was a complete surprise. “I was notified the day before graduation. I immediately conference-called my parents and screamed, ‘I got it.’”
Nevaeh sees the scholarships not just as financial support, but as a sign that people see value in what she’s capable of.
“I’m very grateful to have received these scholarships and I’m happy that individuals have confidence in me and see my potential. I will come back and continue to contribute to Bermuda after I finish my studies.”
Her journey has been shaped by drive and emotional growth. As an S3 student taking on upper-level coursework, she had to stay focused while juggling academics, friendships and her own expectations. “It was rewarding and hard at the same time,” she said. “There were moments of doubt and times where I had to remind myself I’m stronger than my emotions.”
Following her passion
Leaving friends behind was one of the more personal challenges. “It made me sad that I couldn’t bring my friends with me. But I know everyone is on their own path. I keep saying I get to graduate twice now, honorary Class of 2026.”
On the academic side, she had to remind herself that asking for help was part of learning. “I used to try and figure everything out alone, but that wasn’t always the best way.”
Throughout the process, her family remained a strong support system. “My mom and dad have been there for everything. They encouraged me to keep working hard, even when it got stressful. Their belief in me helped me push through and get to where I am now.”
This fall, Nevaeh begins her degree in accounting. While she’s passionate about the field, she’s also preparing for something more. “I’ve always loved math and problem solving. I chose accounting because it gives me a strong foundation in finance and analytics. I plan to take my actuarial science exams on my own because that’s really where my passion is.”
Choosing to attend an HBCU was intentional. “I wanted to go to an HBCU for the culture, for the community, and to connect with people who share my background and experiences. North Carolina A&T felt like the right place.”
She’s also thinking ahead about how to use her experiences to help others. “I want to encourage students not to accept the standard path if they know there’s something more for them. Create your own timeline. Speak up for yourself. You know your goals. Let other people see them too.”
For students who may be going through hard times, she said: “Tough circumstances don’t define your future. They can actually make you stronger. Ask for help. Look for mentors. Keep going, even when it’s hard.”
Nevaeh Barclay’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t come from following the usual path. It comes from knowing who you are, staying focused, and having the courage to move at your own pace.
