Celebrating Academic Excellence: St. Ignatius Preparatory and Primary School’s 15th Standard 7 Graduation Ceremony
On September 18, 2024, St. Ignatius Preparatory and Primary School marked a significant milestone in its history with the celebration of its 15th Standard 7 Graduation Ceremony. The event, held in the school’s serene Manresa Hall, brought together graduates, families, teachers, and the school community to honor the academic achievements of the graduating class and reflect on their journey through primary education.
A Day of Joy and Reflection
The atmosphere at the graduation ceremony was filled with excitement, pride, and a sense of accomplishment as the graduates, dressed in their academic gowns, processed into the hall to the applause of their parents, teachers, and fellow students. The ceremony opened with an inspiring invocation led by the school chaplain, setting a reflective tone and reminding the graduates of the core values that have shaped their education at St. Ignatius: love, service, and leadership.
In his welcome address, the School Director, Father Sammy, commended the graduates for their hard work and dedication. He highlighted the significance of their achievement, noting that they had not only excelled academically but also grown morally and spiritually, embodying the Jesuit principles that the school cherishes. He urged the students to continue embracing these values as they move forward to new challenges in their academic journeys.
Celebrating Academic Excellence and Holistic Development
The event also featured a keynote address from a distinguished guest, an alumnus of the school who has gone on to achieve great success in his academic and professional career. In his speech, he shared personal stories of how the education and formation he received at St. Ignatius Preparatory and Primary School laid a strong foundation for his life, encouraging the graduates to remain resilient and committed to lifelong learning.
As a Jesuit institution, St. Ignatius emphasizes holistic education, which focuses on the intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual development of students. This ethos was reflected throughout the ceremony as various awards were presented to recognize not only academic excellence but also leadership, service, and extracurricular achievements. Graduates were honored for their contributions to the school’s clubs, sports teams, and community service projects, reinforcing the importance of being “men and women for others.”
A Special Tribute to the Teachers and Parents
A poignant moment during the ceremony came when the graduates expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their teachers and parents. The students presented a special tribute, acknowledging the unwavering support and guidance they had received throughout their years at St. Ignatius. In a moving speech delivered by the class valedictorian, the graduates thanked their teachers for nurturing their intellectual curiosity, instilling values of discipline and compassion, and preparing them for the next steps in their academic journey.
The teachers, led by Head Teacher Sister Marietha, were equally proud of their students’ accomplishments. Sister Marietha praised the graduates for their perseverance and growth, noting how they had evolved into responsible and capable young individuals ready to take on new challenges. She also reminded them to continue carrying the torch of excellence as they moved on to secondary education.
Parents played a pivotal role in the ceremony, and many were visibly emotional as they watched their children reach this important milestone. The collaboration between the school and families, a key component of Jesuit education, was celebrated as one of the factors that contributed to the success of the graduates.
Looking to the Future
As the ceremony drew to a close, the graduates were reminded that their journey with St. Ignatius Preparatory and Primary School had equipped them with more than just academic knowledge. They had been shaped by the values of love, service, and justice, which would continue to guide them as they transition into secondary school and beyond.
In his closing remarks, Assistant Head Teacher, Tr. Lemanya, encouraged the graduates to remain focused, humble, and resilient in the face of future challenges. He assured them that the school would always remain a home for them, a place where they would always be welcomed with open arms, and reminded them to carry the spirit of St. Ignatius wherever they go.
A Lasting Legacy
The 15th Standard 7 Graduation Ceremony was a beautiful celebration of the accomplishments of the students and a testament to the commitment of St. Ignatius Preparatory and Primary School to provide a Jesuit education that nurtures the whole person. The graduates, who leave behind a legacy of excellence, are now ready to embark on the next chapter of their educational journey, carrying with them the values and lessons that will guide them in becoming leaders and positive contributors to society.
As the graduates and their families left the ceremony with smiles, pride, and a sense of anticipation for the future, it was clear that the day had not only been a celebration of academic success but also a reaffirmation of the school’s mission to form “men and women for others” who will continue to make a positive impact on the world.