Valedictorian speech by Mahad Ali
Seven. A number that might not seem like much, but for the majority of us, it is more than just a humble number. Seven is the number of years that has been the silent witness to our transformation, from reception to year 6. It’s been a constant companion, guiding us through the twists and turns of our life at this school. I think of it like a tapestry – where each thread is a memory that has been knotted together and is in its final form today. Think of it like a clock, not ticking away seconds or hours, but guiding us through primary school, almost like waiting those last seven minutes until recess. Our time has been like solving a puzzle, each year bringing new challenges to stretch our brains.
And now, here we are, having conquered each recess and solved every puzzle. This marks our collective triumph as we finish our journey through primary school.
I am Mahad, and I am part of the 2023 Graduation Cohort.
As we bid farewell to this school, we carry the essence of this school, by growing in mind, body, and soul, knowing it’ll remain pivotal throughout our lives. Our teachers didn’t just impart academic skills, they instilled invaluable life lessons like willingness to learn new skills, teaching us how to prioritize tasks (especially MathsOnline), instilling the spirit of teamwork, by making us work in groups, fostering perseverance, by telling us never to give up and helping us realize our potential.
Over the years, my fellow graduates and I have gathered a ‘treasure trove’ of memories. The standout moment for me from my time at this school will always be helping the school reach the semi-finals in debating for the first time in two years. Debating has taught me how to listen and respond thoughtfully on the spot, a valuable skill that I will take with me to navigate different challenges in my later life. I cannot forget the nervous excitement I felt before speaking, my legs shaking and sweat dripping off my palms, and the sigh of relief I would feel after finishing my speech. Even though I was disappointed that we didn’t make the finals, our class celebrated our success immensely. And that is what we do here; celebrate each other’s successes.
Another memory is the Year 6 camp. I had to get out of my comfort zone and try new activities that I hadn’t experienced before. Some of which included bike riding, boogie boarding, and obstacle courses. In the camp dorms, I also got to interact with various people which forged lifelong friendships.
Before I wrap my speech up, I realize that I owe gratitude to many people. First of all, I would like to thank my teachers. Not only have they been the backbone of my academics and school work, but they have gone above and beyond, they care about our well-being and check in on us. How many of the teachers truly care enough to notice if something wrong with a student? They also spark curiosity in our heads by asking thought-provoking questions, like the time we had to find the square root of 45 without a calculator! All of you have gone the extra mile so that we can receive more than an excellent education. I would also like to thank my parents whose unwavering support has helped me through this journey. Finally, I would like to thank my whole cohort; you have made school not just a place of learning but a place brimming with memories.
It took us 7 years to reach this stage where we are. 7 years of outstanding commitment by the teachers, leadership of the school, and other people to bring out the best in us. There was a time when 2023 seemed like a faraway time when we started, yet it came and is now disappearing so fast. 2024 is beckoning us to take a fresh stride in the next chapter of our lives. Thank you for everything, it has truly been a journey.