It is with the utmost privilege that Olivia and I stand before you today to congratulate and farewell the graduating class of 2019. Graduation marks both an ending and a beginning. It is the warm memories of the past but also the big dreams of the future. To our sisters, words can’t describe how proud we are of what you have achieved not only individually, but also as a cohort. As you graduate, don’t forget to thank those who helped you get here. Your teachers, peers, parents, google, Wikipedia, coffee, and copy and paste. But in all seriousness, we couldn’t be here without some special people in our lives.
To all the parents, guardians and family members who gave us this opportunity to attend Merici, thank you. We are all honoured and blessed to have you here today celebrating with us our 6-year journey together. Thank you for the sacrifices and support you have made in order for us to have the best opportunities in life. No words can express how thankful we are. We also couldn’t be today without all the hard work and support of our school, especially our teachers. Along with our parents, our teachers have helped guide us and been role models for our cohort with the endless supply of encouragement when we needed it and for always being there for us in both the bad and good times.
To our parents, families, guardians and teachers and peers, thank you for being the light that guided our way when times looked dark, the shoulder we cried on when things got tough, and the hand that helped us back up when we fell down. Thank you for helping us be who we are today, and what we can be in the future. Can all the girls please stand together and turn around to give a round of applause to these special people in our lives. I think we can all agree that it has been an honour and privilege to be graduating Merici College today, especially with the girls currently sitting beside you. Take pride in how far you’ve come, have faith in how far you can go. But don’t forget to enjoy the journey.
Malia Harrison, 2019 College Captain
Congratulations graduates of 2019! I’m sure at some point in primary school, you probably thought to yourself “gee, how will I ever make it to year twelve?” and yet here we are. Today we’re celebrating the hard work and dedication, the many hardships we’ve overcome and the many triumphs we have experienced over these past few years. I’d like to ask you to take a moment to look around the room. You’ll see many faces you recognise, many of which you will identify as someone you love. Teachers you’ve learned from, parents who have supported you, and the sisters you’ve grown with. This room is filled with numerous memories and bonds which are cemented in our hearts. Now we look to the future. It’s a daunting task, but one we’ll take on with support and love from those around us. We’re moving out into the world as adults. But before you go, there’s something I want to say.
When I look out at this group, I can’t help but think about the tremendous difficulties each of you has faced. Of course, all of you have had to fight different battles, but the one thing you all have in common is that you’re here. Each of you has fought and survived, and in case you haven’t heard it enough, I’m so proud of you. I’m so proud that despite all these struggles, you have decided to be the best person you can be. Even when it would have been so easy to say, “why should I, after everything life has thrown at me?” here you are. Standing here with a smile on your face, there is so much strength in you. I’m so proud to be sharing this day with you. All of you have had an impact on me in one way or another, even if you don’t think you have. I know all of you will continue to do great things, with the support of those around you and while giving the support you give. So, take a deep breath, take another look at all the beautiful friends you’ve made. Let’s fight the good fight, and build those futures more wondrous than we dare to dream.
Olivia Miles 2019 College Vice Captain
