Graduation Speech

 Graduation 2007 | Programme | Gallery of Photographs | Video

ASHLEIGH

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, family and friends, staff, and the graduates of the Class of 2007.

OLLIE

We tried to think of something profound to say today, but it may be too presumptuous to assume that our short life experience is enough to impart any great wisdom. However, we will at least share with you something that we have learnt throughout our lives at Patana.

Wisdom is something of an enigma that cannot be achieved by the pursuit of knowledge alone. It comes from the lessons of trial and error that get blended with an individual’s determination, persistence and commitment. As Thomas Edison said when he repeatedly failed to make the filament of his light bulb endure, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." That is one lesson in life that we have learnt at Patana and the wisdom that we take away from this school gives us the tools and materials that we will use to build our futures.

ASHLEIGH

This is Patana’s 50^th year and some of us have been at Patana for the better part of our lives, while others have joined along the way. However, despite the different lengths of time and the paths we have taken to get here, we have all reached this stage of our lives together and have left our footprints in the sand. We have seen these footprints cross paths and, although united, along the way some have stumbled, but together side by side, we have completed this journey.  Ultimately these footprints mark our journeys from the past and the time we have spent at Patana. They are the basis in which our memories are created and everlasting bonds are tied.

OLLIE

Along this path of life, through our struggles for meaning and for purpose, there have been numerous people who have helped guide us, nurture us and educate us, preparing us for the real world and sharing their experiences of the fantastic and the mundane. Together we have struggled to make a difference, to change the world, to dream and hope, never knowing for certain whom we will meet along the way. And when the going got tough and we fell short it was our families, who amongst the world of strangers, held our hands, touched our hearts and shared our pain of trying.

To our teachers who pushed us to the limits and helped us attempt to find the answers to our quests and the need to solve life’s mysteries, we say thanks. It was you who gave up your time to help us better understand, for which we truly appreciate you. Further thanks we extend to our tutors, who brightened up or moods in the mornings and enlightened us with their life stories when we had had enough with the tutorial programme.

It would be wrong to single out any one member of Patana staff but Mr Nagy has been an incredible strength in our lives. Nothing has ever been too much trouble for him. His vision, energy and dedication, where evident in the way which he inspired us all to work on the tsunami book project and this was only successful because of his leadership. Most of all it demonstrated clearly how much Mr Nagy cares for others. His compassionate nature ensures that his commitment to each and everyone of us has gone well beyond the call of duty. For this, Mr Nagy has our collective gratitude.   

ASHLEIGH

Senior studies students are amongst the messiest in school! But every morning we come in to see our school bright and shiny. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes that we are un-aware of, but we have to say that it makes going to school that little bit easier.  I’m sure some of us could actually be made to believe Mr Homden and his staff had a shed full of elves to help them out! But we know the truth. When the 6 day Staff aren’t joining in our international Day celebrations or making “Hottie Trains” with us, they are hard at work ensuring the school stays clean and making sure there’s food for us to eat. We would also like to thank them very much. I know we probably don’t always show it, but we truly do appreciate it.

Finally we must congratulate ourselves, our friends, and our team. These are the people who were always there, to help us through the tough times. The people who understood what we were going through. Who pushed us to do better, whilst offering their support.

If we look back on all the good times, the bad times, the high times, and the low times over the past few years, you will see that your friends were there, whether it was through a simple note, a phone call or a comforting hug, it was your friends and our team that pulled you through.

My Grandmother once told me that TODAY we should focus on the dreams that are brightest and truest in our hearts. TOMORROW we should let them grow, for the priceless gifts they are. ALWAYS encourage them to grow ever brighter, ever stronger. BECAUSE, nothing is more truly you, than the wishes and dreams, which you hold in your heart.

OLLIE

And so we go out from here to tread a new path. Some will go out where many others have gone out before, but I’m sure that a few of the students here will strike out on there own and tread new paths. We say good luck to you and we wish you well, but remember if you do stumble or get slightly lost, make sure your mum and dad has paid your phone bill.

As for today this is our day, this is our time so let’s make the most of it. Today we graduate, tomorrow we get the chance to show the world what we are capable of, but tonight we celebrate. We are the class of 2007.