High school graduation speech by student
Dear distinguished delegates, teachers, parents, and beloved students,
Today is an immensely significant day, especially for the Grade 12 students, as it marks our high school graduation. It is also the day we officially become alumni of VFIS, where we have grown every day to proudly stand here as the first generation of students to graduate from the International Baccalaureate Program at VFIS.
We are deeply grateful to VFIS for numerous "firsts" in our lives. The first time we gained confidence and conversed with international friends. The first time we organised events for fellow students. The first time we actively participated in volunteer activities. The first time we experienced what it was like to be "taught." The first time we stepped out of our comfort zones and challenged ourselves with new and unfamiliar things. Gradually, those "firsts" became more and more frequent, and we started considering them as normal occurrences in our academic lives.
First and foremost, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the leadership of Ton Duc Thang University, for without creating the conditions for VFIS to develop into a Finnish-standard educational environment like this, we would not be standing here today, achieving our academic accomplishments.
We also extend our gratitude to the VFIS leadership for supporting our projects on multiple occasions. The valuable assistance has greatly contributed to creating the beautiful and dreamlike journey we have had at VFIS.
We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the teachers of VFIS. Thank you for your dedicated teaching, genuine smiles, caring advice, and warm messages. If school is our second home, then all of you are the supportive fathers and mothers. Thank you for wholeheartedly devoting yourselves to us.
We are grateful to our fellow students for accompanying us throughout the past three years. We have studied together, played together, witnessed each other's smiles and tears. Your faces and names will forever be etched in our memories. You have given us courage and determination, enabling us to transform our previously monotonous lives. Thank you for choosing to walk alongside us, shoulder to shoulder, creating unforgettable memories. We have laughed together during joyful moments and supported each other during challenging times. Together, we have formed a tight-knit community that has made our high school experience truly remarkable.
Our gratitude extends to our parents and families who have been the pillars of support throughout our academic journey. You have provided us with love, encouragement, and unwavering belief in our abilities. Your sacrifices and dedication have shaped us into the individuals we are today. Thank you for being our guiding light and for instilling in us the values of perseverance, resilience, and determination.
As we stand here on the threshold of a new chapter in our lives, let us remember that the knowledge and skills we have gained at VFIS go beyond academic excellence. We have learned the importance of global citizenship, cultural understanding, and embracing diversity. These values will serve as our compass as we navigate through the complexities of the world.
Graduation is not the end; it is merely a stepping stone towards the future. We are about to embark on different paths, pursuing higher education, venturing into the professional world, or pursuing personal endeavours. However, let us always carry the spirit of VFIS within us - a spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and a thirst for knowledge. Let us continue to challenge ourselves, think critically, and contribute positively to our communities.
As we bid farewell to VFIS, we do not say goodbye but rather "see you later." Our paths may diverge, but the memories we have created together will forever unite us as VFIS alumni. We will carry the torch of excellence and uphold the values we have learned here.
Congratulations to the Class of 2023! Let us celebrate this milestone and embrace the future with open hearts and minds.
Thank you.
