Mends Academy at Buduburam in the Central Region has celebrated its sixth graduation ceremony with a call on young graduates to combine academic excellence with discipline, integrity and strong character.
The ceremony, held under the theme “Inspiring Dreams, Shaping Destinies,” brought together parents, teachers, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to celebrate the academic and personal achievements of the graduating students.
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Director of Mends Academy, Paul Mends, congratulated the graduates on completing another important stage of their education and urged them to aim high as they pursue their future ambitions.
He also used the occasion to encourage parents, institutions and individuals to support brilliant but needy children in their communities, stressing that financial difficulties should not prevent talented young people from accessing quality education.
As part of activities marking the sixth graduation, Mends Academy awarded scholarships to five brilliant students of the Abandoned Refugee Children’s Home (ARCH). The initiative is intended to provide educational opportunities for the children and help them develop their talents and realise their potential.
He appealed to other organisations and individuals to emulate the initiative by identifying and supporting needy but brilliant children in their respective communities.
Addressing the graduants directly, Mends urged them to uphold integrity, discipline and humility, stressing that academic excellence alone was insufficient without strong character.
Traditional leader commends school
Speaking on behalf of his father, Nana Opare Kwafo I, who was the guest speaker, the Kyidomhene, Nana Adupoku, commended Mends Academy for its contribution to education and the development of learners.
He praised the school for going beyond classroom teaching to equip students with skills and values that would prepare them for life beyond school.
In support of the students’ creative and literary efforts, Nana Adupoku purchased one of the books written by the learners for GH¢5,000.
His gesture was welcomed as a demonstration of support for the students’ creativity and an encouragement for them to continue developing their talents.
Headmistress urges graduates to go beyond the sky
Headmistress of Mends Academy, Ama Biney, congratulated the graduating students and urged them to build on the foundation they had received at the school as they moved to the next level of their education.
You started hard, faced tests and you didn’t give up. You did it,” she told the graduates.
She encouraged them to remain focused, continue learning and pursue excellence in all their endeavours.
Go beyond the sky and excel more in academics,” Mrs Biney said, urging the graduates to keep trying, keep learning, keep listening and believe in themselves.
She also expressed appreciation to parents for their sacrifices and continued support, saying their commitment had contributed significantly to the students’ achievements.
Biney commended teachers and other staff members for their contribution to the academic, moral and personal development of the learners.
Your lessons went beyond just textbooks and exercise books. You taught us moral confidence and perseverance,” she said.
Students showcase talents
The graduation ceremony also featured the presentation of awards and prizes to students who excelled in various academic and extracurricular activities during the academic year.
Some teachers were also recognised for their dedication and contribution to the development of the learners.
The students showcased their talents through a variety of performances and activities, including drama, fashion displays, a guard of honour parade and a signing performance.
The performances added colour to the ceremony and provided the graduating students with an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity, confidence and teamwork.
The school congratulated the graduating class and urged them to uphold the values of hard work, discipline, perseverance, humility and self-belief as they advance to the next stage of their education.
