6th Year Graduation is a very important event in the school and is a special occasion for both students and teachers. This year it took place on Friday the 17th of May in the Sports Arena. 6th year students, their families and teachers all attended. There was a huge amount of work put into the preparation of the event to decorate the school and to make sure the day ran smoothly.
The event was opened with short opening speeches from Mr Carey and Ella Fitzsimons, Deputy Head Girl, followed by a song from the 6th Year choir. Next, symbols were brought up to represent many different aspects of the 6th year's time in St David’s, this was read by Mike O Neill and Martha Doyle. Following this, a short prayer was read by Fr Des.
There were many musical aspects throughout the ceremony with songs played and sung by the 6th year students, James Tritschler, Caoimhe Neiland, Mikolaj Majcher, Jay Fairley and the 6th Year school choir.Â
Alex Labachov read the Graduates Prayer followed by Mr Boland who read a beautiful piece ‘Make your life the best it can be’. Ms O'Sullivan read a heartfelt poem ‘trasna’ which discusses the choices we make in our lives. Finally a poem read by Mr Carey and Mr Davies together, followed by a closing prayer from Fr Des finished off the mass section of the day.Â
After a short break the event continued with a speech from the 6th Year, Year Head, Mr Hasset. He recapped many memories and showed his appreciation for the students and how great they have been as a year group for him to have as year head.Â
Each of the 6th year tutors, Ms Woods, Mr Fernandez, Ms Foynes and Mr Douglas, read short speeches remembering their time with the students and called each student up, one by one, to collect a certificate and gift bag.Â
After this there were heartfelt speeches read by Head Girl, Lisa Garcia and Head Boy, Matthew Lawless. The two recalled memories of their time in St David’s and showed their appreciation for the school, staff and students. Mr Carey followed with a speech that also showed his appreciation and feeling of pride for the students.Â
Finally, Mr Hassett along with the president of the Sugarloaf Lions Club announced the winner of the Student of the Year award. This award acknowledges the winner on all aspects of school life; participation, academics and extracurriculars, leadership and positivity of the student. Hugh O Carrol won the award and was presented with a plaque. As emotions ran high, the presentation was closed out by the song ‘Everybody wants to rule the world’ sung by the whole 6th Year group. The students then returned to the main school building along with family’s for light food and refreshments.Â
This annual event is always an emotional day for all staff, students and families. This year was no different. It is a wonderful celebration of the 6th Years and their time in school. They are congratulated on all they have achieved, as they are surrounded by their friends and family.
Report by Niamh Kelly (4th Year)
Photographs by Lauren O' Leary (4th Year)