CATHERINE W GICHUKI

DOHA THE Middle East International School (MIS) graduated its senior class of 2012, consisting of 24 students from various nationalities, on Saturday.

The graduates will join universities including the Georgetown University, Mississippi State University, Carnegie Mellon and Qatar University.

Certificates were distributed by the school’s Principal Dr Theodore Josiha Haig and Vice-Principal Dee Morris.

The school’s Chairman Salem Rashid al Mohanadi was also present on the occasion.

Five students from the batch graduated with high distinction.

They included Sandra Ramirez, Ahmad Walid, Mariam al Jazeeri, Marwa Jaber and Reza Gajaparawira.

Advising the students, Theodore said that young people have a responsibility to discover what they can do in the future.

“I don’t want this journey to stop here. You still have a responsibility to continue to grow and develop, to explore and discover things that you even never thought of in life. You must commit yourselves to being free to discover what you are capable of becoming. And that must occur throughout your lifetime. The global economy creates new possibilities for young people,” he said.

Theodore further said, “Be responsible adults. And continue to explore possibilities.

Continue to find out who you really are and get the most out of this short period when we are here on this earth.” In her welcome speech, MIS Vice-Principal Dee Morris said, “Alongside the physical attributes of our school we have this year achieved to develop a sense of community — a sense of belonging whereby everyone attends or visits our school becomes a member of our family, the MIS family.

This sense of belonging has created an environment for our students in which they have developed both academically and socially. Not to say everything in the garden has been rosy, we have had our ups and downs as any developing institute would have had.” Giving a speech about students’ experiences on behalf of her comrades, Sarah Nugdalla quoted Eleanor Roosevelt saying, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams and the students should face the world with their minds tuned to positive attitude and strong spirit to achieve goals.” She further said, “We are now on the threshold of adulthood. As we approach the world, it is important not to forget the people who’ve helped us along the way as leaders, advisers and friends.” Megan Legaspi of the Student Council led the graduates with a pledge of loyalty saying, “We shall hold its dignity, honour and prestige live up to the expectations of our parents and teachers and shall do our best to become members of our community. We will try to share the knowledge we have gained with everyone.” Sandra Ramirez delivered a valedictory speech. She said, “It was not long ago when we first entered this school. We were little kids who dreamt to be something, dreamt to be someone hoping that tomorrow will bring fulfillment of our dreams. Today, we stand here as winners armed with knowledge, skills and values to bring our dream to realisation.”