Graduates look back on school life

Students gave touching speeches at the annual graduation ceremony of final year students at the International school of Paphos this month.

In a traditional ceremony, the students, dressed in graduation gowns, were awarded with their school-leaving certificates and additional prizes, which recognised their outstanding academic and personal achievements.

The event began with the entrance of the 39 graduates and the welcome speech by the Deputy Head Nicolas Artemis, who highlighted the importance of the graduation day and congratulated the students on their successes. “You have worked hard, with discipline and dedication; you have overcome obstacles and difficulties; and you deserve to enjoy the fruits of your efforts”.

For her part, the Head of School, Dr Litsa Olympiou, referred to the enormous challenges of today’s world but at the same time she added that is also filled with opportunities. Dr Olympiou urged the students to “seize the day” and continue their quest for knowledge and to discover their own unique ways of contributing to our society.

The next to address the audience were the graduates’ representatives.

Head Boy Christopher Luizinho shared his memories and thoughts on the first-ever day of school compared to today.

“Even though we have probably all transformed into such different people from that little boy or girl who walked through these gates, when we leave here tonight, my advice is don’t give up on those goals you had for yourself all those years ago,” he said.

In her speech, the Head Girl, Doan Vu Thuc Nguyen, focused on changes and how the school had motivated her: “If ISOP has taught me one thing, it’s that endings are scary, that change is terrifying, but change is what propels us further on in life, and for us – it begins tonight.”