QF schools host virtual ceremonies to celebrate graduating students

Qatar Foundation has celebrated the graduation of 483 students from six of its schools with a series of virtual ceremonies.

Five schools under Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Pre-University Education house Grade 12 classes –Qatar Academy Doha (QAD), Qatar Academy Al Khor (QAK), Qatar Academy Sidra (QAS), Qatar Leadership Academy, and Awsaj Academy. And these schools, alongside the Academic Bridge Program – a foundation program that equips secondary school graduates with the skills to succeed at university – saw 227 female students and 256 male students graduate this year.

Buthaina Ali Al Nuaimi, President of Pre-University Education, QF, said: “We are delighted to have been able to come together in the digital sphere to celebrate the accomplishments of the students from our Qatar Foundation schools. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented them with new and unique challenges as they strive to achieve their goals, and the way they have responded to these challenges and excelled is truly inspiring.

“Over the last 25 years, since the establishment of our very first school – Qatar Academy Doha – we have strived to help our youth become more resilient and better prepared for both the challenges and the opportunities of tomorrow, while inspiring them to be lifelong learners.

“In order to achieve this goal, we have created a unique learning environment catering to all needs and abilities. From IB schools to academies specializing in STEM, music, heritage, special needs, and leadership education, children have the freedom to explore their curiosity, creativity, and individuality.

“The graduates we celebrate this year move into the next stage of their lives equipped with the skills and knowledge to contribute to building a better world, and to be drivers of change. We congratulate every member of our class of 2021, and look forward to seeing their continued successes in the future.”

The individual graduation ceremonies at QF schools, designed to highlight and honor the accomplishments of its students, featured members of the QF and Pre-University leadership teams, teachers, and school staff alongside the students, and included a range of speeches, presentations, and videos.

Maitha Ibrahim R M Al Mohannadi, Student Council President, QAK, told the school’s graduation ceremony: “Today we stand at a crossroads. We will turn the next page of our lives, to open new bright, white pages.

“Various emotions overwhelm us, and on top of those the joy of graduation.  The pandemic that all humanity is going through changed the course of education, and brought us – teachers and students – together to continue the journey of knowledge, research, and inquiry as lifelong learners.”

Sama Ayoub, QAD’s Valedictorian, reflected on the past two years of school life, especially following the start of the pandemic, saying: “We were all put in a unique position, and were all given a choice – to either fight for our dreams, our aspirations, and our goals, or to allow the circumstances to dictate our futures.

“And now, at the finish line, I am proud to say that every single one of us chose to fight. Every single one of us chose to be resilient and to rise to the challenge and to achieve, despite all the odds being against us. I am forever grateful for the opportunities and the encouragement I found at QAD.
“Congratulations to every single of you. I look forward to what the future holds for all of us.”

Reem Abdullah Ahmed Al Mannai, part of QAS’s graduating class, said: “In QAS, I have been pushed towards my best academic potential – to learn, grow, and experience in such a welcoming environment.

“Our teachers have been extraordinary in supporting us during these uncertain times and working with us to help wrap up our final year. My time at QAS has prepared me for the next stages of my life and I’m thankful to have been part of its community.” 

Alhanouf Al Dosari, Valedictorian, Awsaj Academy, said: “I stand here before you, looking back at all the memories we’ve made together. I appreciate Awsaj Academy because it teaches us in a unique way. Teachers want students to be creative, to understand and learn new things. They try their best to match the pace of the students, while focusing on their mental health as well as academics. It is an important factor in student education.

“As the class of 2021 graduates and moves to conquer a newer challenge in life, always remember to live with the idea of not wanting to regret your past and don’t let anyone choose your future for you.”