Class of 2018

Although the school year is by no means over yet, the 2017-2018 school year has begun to wind down, and there are many mixed emotions.  It will be sad to leave our friends and colleagues, but we are proud of what we have accomplished over the school year. This week there was a lot of excitement for the Form 4 students who will be finishing their secondary school education and beginning the next chapter of their lives. On Friday June 8, as a school we got to honor and celebrate all the hard work, accomplishments, and achievements of the St. Andrews Class of 2018 by participating in a graduation ceremony in their honor. 

 

Graduation day here was a beautiful mix of the traditional elements we are used to seeing in the United States, and the traditional energy and flare that all Malawian events have. The day started with the students of the Form 4 class (they would be considered Seniors in America) dancing in a line all around the school. The smiles on their faces and the energy pouring out of them explained perfectly how excited and proud they were to have made it to this point. After dancing for a while the students did what every student does on graduation, they took a bunch of selfies with their friends. As I walked around the school watching them gather in groups to take pictures, I was touched by how close this class has become in their four years here at St. Andrews.

After the dancing and picture taking, it was time for the actual ceremony to begin. The students once again lined up and danced their way into Southminster Hall, which had been decorated and prepared for the big event. The ceremony itself was very similar to what a graduation in the States would look like. The Head Girl of the Form 4 class stood up and gave a speech, during which she eloquently thanked all the teachers and staff at the school, she also took time to thank all the parents for supporting their students and valuing their education. It was a beautiful speech. Then the incoming Head Girl (currently in Form 3) stood up and gave a speech thanking the Form 4s for being such a good example for all the other students at the school. One of the teachers then gave a speech informing the students that this is not an end to their journey, but a beginning, and encouraged them to keep growing, keep pushing, and keep striving to be the best they can be. All who spoke during the ceremony did a wonderful job.

Throughout the ceremony students from all the Forms gave performances. Some sang, some danced, some recited poetry, and some performed plays. All who performed did a fantastic job, and as their teacher, I sat there with pride at how talented all the students at this school truly are. 

The final part of the ceremony was the awarding of their completion certificates (this is the equivalent of a diploma). I spent the last two weeks working on the certificates for the students as part of the graduation committee so I was personally very excited to watch the students receive these. This part of the ceremony was more than I could have ever imagined. Not only did the students cheer very loudly as each of their classmates was called forward to receive their certificates, but as they were called their families would also come forward and present gifts to their graduate. The pride in the faces of all the family members was so touching and so genuine. These families have worked very hard, and sacrificed greatly in order to give their student the opportunity to advance in school. This day was every bit as much for families, friends, guardians and teachers as it was for the students who were actually graduating. 

After the ceremony finished, the graduates enjoyed a lunch prepared by the cooks of the school and spent the rest of the afternoon dancing and celebrating together. Although the graduation ceremony was over, the students are not actually finished with their schooling yet. Beginning on June 21 they will sit for their Certification Exam. The results of these exams will determine if they will move on to receive a collegiate education. They will spend every day until the exams reviewing and studying for them in order to be as prepared as possible. 

I am so proud of all the students finishing up their education here at St. Andrews. I know that these students will make a difference in the future of this country. Please join me in lifting these students up in prayer as they sit for the exams that will determine their future. Congratulations Class of 2018, you have made your school and families proud. We pray that you will continue to be bright lights as you move forward in this world.