On Saturday 22nd June, BSGC held an even that Year 13 students have been looking forward to since September: their Graduation. The goodwill of well-wishers, alongside tears of proudness and nostalgia, set the tone for this evocative and important moment.
Mr. Clark helped guide us through this moment, hand-in-hand with Ms. Clarke and Ms. Poyser, to ensure that every graduate felt even more special than they already did.
However, it was the graduates themselves who led the way. Salma García-Bernalt Miranda told the audience how, despite arriving in BSGC in Secondary, she had made life-long relationships with her fellow graduates. She also spoke about the memories and experiences along-the-way, and sent special thanks to the people who have supported them the most: their teachers and families.
Later, Pablo Goizueta Márquez took up the baton from Salma and continued praising the class of 2024 in a more humorous note. He shared stories they had all been part of (some of which some teachers might have rather not heard) and looked to the future, depicting his friends as soon-to-be doctors, engineers, lawyers, and entrepreneurs.
Another fundamental part of their educational journey that could not be excluded: parents. This year, Francisco Javier Suárez Fuentes, Alejandra Suárez’s father, spoke to students, offering twelve tips that will undoubtedly be important during their university years, as well as in the rest of their lives. Mr Suarez’s tip number 12, was singled out for special attention on Graduation; the need to show appreciation and say thank you! It was important and poignant that on this special occasion the Graduates had the opportunity to show their appreciation to many who had helped shaped their growth and development over the years.
After the formal ceremony, graduates, guests and staff made their way to the Agora, where they enjoyed the less formal cocktail party. Not only did guest get to socialise but humorous prizes were awarded to students and staff alike!
If this graduation was a musical, its most remarkable leitmotiv would be “the future is ours”. Pablo made it crystal clear in his speech, Mr. Suárez helped them improve it and Salma shared her high hopes for it, but no one can take it away from them. Dear graduates, all the best. You have made it this far and you will continue to make it as far as you set your mind to. Congratulations – the future is, indeed, yours!
