#MyCaedmonStory

Bernard Williams, the grandson of Caedmon’s beloved longtime receptionist Pauline Johnson, attended Caedmon from 1998 to 2004. Bernard, or Bernie as he’s also called, was in the news last December, when the Christmas toy giveaway that he has been organizing for several years in his old Bronx neighborhood was covered in a spot for PIX11 News, viewable here.

Bernie has fond memories of Caedmon, where his siblings Albert, Chelsea, and Yolanda also had formative experiences, and he recalls longtime teachers like Ms. Rama, Ms. Bonet (before her administrative turn), and Ms. Vrazel. Having earned a BA in Film and Digital Marketing from Cleveland State University, he now works as a digital content creator, but he is also finalizing a children’s book and is ultimately interested in developing a program to teach digital content creation to kids. He also has plans to expand his toy drive–a dream goal is to procure a reindeer for the event so that the attending children can meet “Rudolph”!
 

When did you attend Caedmon? What are some memories you have of the school?

I attended Caedmon from 1998 to 2004, alongside my siblings Chelsea and Albert, while my sister Yolanda was there before us. My grandmother worked at the front desk, and my mom also worked at the school for a period of time, so we were deeply connected to the Caedmon community. I’ll always remember the mornings when my grandmother would pick us up early, making sure we were the first ones there, and the afternoons when we were the last to leave. I often found solace in the friendships I made at Caedmon, as it gave me an escape from my neighborhood and a chance to enjoy other experiences that weren’t available to me at the time.

Even though we didn’t have a lot growing up, the support of my Caedmon family made it feel like we had everything we needed. The school truly became a second home to me. Over the years, I’ve kept in touch with a few alumni, and the bonds we formed back then continue to remind me of the impact Caedmon had on my life.
 

What's the story behind your Toy Drive? What inspired you to start it and how did you get the program up and running?

The idea for the Toy Drive came to me in 2020 after the passing of my father. I wanted to honor his memory by creating something that could impact the community, just as my family had supported me growing up. The Toy Drive is not just about providing toys for children—it's about giving them the chance to see that there are people around them who care and want to help them thrive. 

I’ve always believed in the importance of mentorship and community support, especially because I was raised in a neighborhood where many kids didn’t have the same opportunities I had. We started small, partnering with local businesses like a pizza shop, dance teams, barbershops, and hair salons to give kids and families not only toys but also fun activities and a sense of holiday spirit. We provide food, drinks, haircuts, nails, and more, all as part of creating a welcoming and festive atmosphere like Caedmon did for me. 
 

How long has it been going on? What are the goals for the drive?

The Toy Drive officially began in 2020, and since then, it’s grown into something much bigger than I could have imagined. My goal is to make it an annual event that not only brings holiday joy to children but also opens up doors for other activities in the community. I want to continue expanding it, partnering with even more local organizations and businesses, and reaching more families each year. Ultimately, I want it to be a year-round program that provides resources and opportunities for kids to explore and grow. I hope to create a lasting impact that continues to grow for years to come.
 

What else can you tell us about yourself? Work, hobbies, family, etc?

Right now, I’m running a production company and staying busy with a variety of projects. I graduated college, joined the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and started my own nonprofit. On top of that, I’m engaged to my high school sweetheart, Shaniece, and we’re both excited about what the future holds. I’m also in the process of writing a children’s book, with plans to write more in the future. My ultimate goal is to start an after-school program focused on teaching kids how to use cameras and create their own content—equipping them with skills that are so important in today’s digital world. Despite the challenges I face with my health—being diabetic and on dialysis—I’m grateful that I’m still able to give back and pursue my passions. My grandmother, who passed away not too long ago, was an incredible influence on me. Every year, she would attend the Toy Drive and always tell me, “You’re changing so many kids’ lives for the better.” Those words have stuck with me, and I continue the Toy Drive in her honor, hoping to carry on her legacy of giving and support. 

Thank you, Caedmon, for being such an important part of shaping who I am today. I’m proud to be known as "Pauline’s grandson"—it’s a name that holds so much love and pride for me.
 

Thank you, Bernard, for sharing your #CaedmonStory with us!