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Tribune News Network
Doha
QATAR Academy Doha (QAD) celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2017 in an official ceremony at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha on Wednesday evening.
The event was attended by a number of VIP guests, public figures, Qatar Foundation leadership including President of Pre-University Education (PUE) QAD Chairperson, parents, faculty and school administrators.
The ceremony celebrated the graduation of 85 students, including 44 Qatari nationals. These students now join more than 750 graduates of Qatar Academy Doha since its establishment in 1996.
Don MacIntyre, QAD Director, addressed the graduates in the welcoming note, saying:"We come together on this special night to recognise, appreciate and celebrate the individual and collective achievements of our students."
He called upon students to make the most of this moment:"It is often easy to overlook the transition phases of our lives and focus only on the next stages. However, what if it is during these periods of transition that we are presented with the most profound and enlightening experiences."
Alumna Lulwaal Darwish, who graduated in 2012, returned as this year's guest speaker and reflected on her journey."I grew up in this school, and the desire to give back to my society grew in me. I graduated in 2012, and, because of my teachers and Qatar Academy's inspiring efforts through education one's most powerful weapon I chose to become a special needs educator. Specifically, for individuals with autism, so thank you."
This year's valedictorian, Ghada Khalifa al Thani, gave an emotional speech."One individual cannot make a permanent change or development," she said."It requires the whole community to work together to achieve this. It is useless to believe that one person can do everything on their own."
Commenting on QAD's 17th Graduation Ceremony, Buthaina Ali al Nuaimi, president of PUE, QF, said:"Since it was founded in 1996 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, the Father Emir, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, Qatar Academy Doha has provided comprehensive and internationally recognised academic programmes. The school aims to create graduates who are equipped with the necessary skills to serve the local community." As part of the celebrations, the audience also enjoyed a musical collaboration between QAD and Qatar Music Academy.
