Year 13's Commencement Ceremony

My seventh blog post is dedicated to my supportive seniors on the completion of their education in high school. I will miss them dearly and would like to wish them a prosperous life ahead!

The graduates from left to right: Tanisha Soni, Reshmi Rajesh Kalyankumar, Krishna Rasik Gajera and Bhavika Lakhani

It was an exceptional day of achievement for my seniors. Finally it was time for them to bid adieu to their high-school life. For us, it was an honour to be making a slideshow for them about their lives and attending the ceremony at the Montien Riverside Hotel at 11th June.

At around 1, Evitta and I were searching for the "perfect plants" to gift as a sign of appreciation to the teachers.  As according to sources, money plant brings good luck. Unfortunately, there were no money plants in the shop. Ultimately we bought three eye-catching plants.

T.Tricia starting the event!

 At 2 PM, the parents of the graduates had already been seated. My seniors had looked ravishing in their graduation robes with their motarboard (also known as the square academic cap). Teacher Tricia who was all set to host the event, shone splendidly in a teal coloured dress. I lead my classmates during the "Pomp and Circumstance", as we had to walk according to the height order. The Year 12s class walked in the hall regularly, while the Year 13s walked in as per the protocol of the graduation ceremony.

After The King's Anthem and the IPS School Song had been played. Teacher Alka welcomed all of us and congratulated the graduates for their incredible journey. Mr Chanitr Charnchainarong (CFA, Senior Executive Vice President Business Development, Central Group), the chief guest of the event also talked about his educational journey and gave the graduates a precious advice. The highlight of his speech was when he says, "I chose to be a generalist, not a specialist". The generalist have some information on all the subjects, while a specialist has all the information on a particular subject.

Subsequently, the Year 6 students along with Teacher Nora's assistance sang the song "The Moon Represents My Heart" and "Think Of Me" which was the music that would make your soul come alive and had caused a pleasurable sensation to my ears. 

Meanwhile...

Tanisha and Krishna giving their speeches

Then came the time that most of us were eagerly waiting for...the graduate speeches along with their slideshows! First off was Tanisha's speech. She started off by explaining about her journey in IPS. She felt nervous when she first joined IPS in 2012, however her teachers and friends made her feel comfortable, and soon she adjusted to the pleasant environment here. She thanked her family, teachers, T. Parminder and T. Alka and the school and walked off with pride and a warm smile on her face.
Krishna was the next one. When she started speaking, I felt her sweet voice seeping into my ears. It was indeed a pleasure to listen to her. She talked about how this school has seen her grow up into a mature person. She also appreciated her parents, teachers and classmates cooperation towards her studies. I could see it in her eyes that she felt enthusiastic to step into the real world.  She thanked the school and her classmates for the wonderful memories that would not be forgotten and started blushing.

Abbie singing on the stage!

During the slideshow of Tanisha and Krishna's lives, we felt fortunate to have heard Abbie sing the song "Hero" live! Normally, we all just get the opportunity to hear it on her social media. I recall how everybody waved their hands after the first few verses!

Bhavika and Reshmi giving their speeches

It was Bhavika's turn! It has been over a decade since she joined IPS, so she thanked a lot of teachers for always supporting her throughout the years of her studies. I think she had gotten emotional at one point. She also thanked her parents, T.Parminder and T. Alka for the education she earned. Reshmi was the last one and also talked about her experience and thanked her parents and the teachers. I was impressed with the use of vocabulary in her speech.

Pitchayapa (Eian Ping) singing

The slideshow on Bhavika and Reshmi's lives were played along with a soulful singing by Pitchayapa.

Then came the most engrossing part! Saksith had come forward to sing "History" with the rest of the classmates clapping to encourage him. As soon as I stepped forward, Dolly gave me a wistful look and said, "There are so many people already on the stage, Shruti. I think we should sit back". I had the desire to join my classmates. However I did not contradict with Dolly.

The reason that I appreciate Saksith's singing is because there is a sense of uniqueness in his voice. I will not go into details and instead place a video below for you all to watch. (It might not work if you are on your phone or iPad).


After that, the presentation of certificates took place. While T. Sakiko was distributing the certificates, I noticed her dark brown eyes sparkle and had a million dollar smile. Probably she felt proud that her babies had finally accomplished what they wanted!

Officially graduated!

T. Parminder and T. Alka who were elegantly dressed in black gave the closing remarks with a wide grin on their faces.

We distributed the gifts and had a photo session that we planned to surprise them after the certificates were handed in. The gift was a pen. Not an ordinary pen, as it had their name engraved on it; which I hope the teachers will keep for a lifetime.

The gift for our P.E Teacher, Sir John

Mouth watering high noon tea and snacks were provided after the ceremony. We all went home via BRT and BTS while Hisam speeded his bike and left the venue.