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A celebration of 151 students from 33 countries [Qatar Tribune](Qatar Tribune Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Catherine W Gichuki Doha THE American School of Doha (ASD) graduated its class of 2014 at a colourful ceremony on Friday. One hundred and fifty-one students representing 33 countries graduated at the school's 19th graduation ceremony which was attended by dignitaries, families and friends. The ASD concert band and ASD chamber singers made the occasion memorable with their performances. The concert band performed the 'Appalachian Morning' by Robert Sheldon and 'Pomp &Circumstance' by Sir Edward Elgar during the procession. The ASD chamber singers performed, 'I was Here'. And all this reached a climax when the chambers' singers performed 'We are ASD' a song composed and written by R Krebs and L Krebs. They composed the song for the ASD's 25th anniversary celebrations held on November 21, 2013. The diplomas were presented by ASD Board of Directors Chairman William Cattan, Director Deborah Welch and High School Principal Colin Boudreau. Several students were awarded for performing exceedingly well in their respective areas. The 'Ambassador's Award' which was presented by the US Ambassador to Qatar HE Susan L Ziadeh went to Minh Uyen Ngo Duc who was also the salutatorian of class of 2014. This award is presented to a student who exemplifies a sense of communication and excellence, excels academically and has a sense of community, and also one who embraces challenges. The 'Director's Award' was given to Zuhair Yahya Sadiq who was also the valedictorian. The winner of 'ASD Memorial Award' was Ashley Seo while the Michael Shahen PTA scholarship awardees were Sleiman Elias and Marylou Beatrice King. Four graduates were recognised for being ASD students since kindergarten. Twenty-four students graduated with high honours, 19 graduated with honours, 43 were International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidates and 23 Advanced Placement Recognition of Merits. There were also National Society Members as well as International Thespian Society. The students will be joining some of the most prestigious universities in US, Qatar, Canada, among other places. In his welcome speech, ASD High School Principal Colin Boudreau congratulated the new graduates saying,"Some of you will look at this with pride, pride that you have accomplished something both tangible and measurable, while others will look at this with sadness. But this is an end for a new beginning, and we always strive to ensure that we have prepared you and pushed you hard enough for what is coming next." Advising the new graduates, Boudreau added,"Always know who you are, where you come from, always know your values, always know what you believe in, and always know when to compromise and what not to compromise on. Find people just like you, and find people who will always look at school as a priority. Always remember to live your life with compassion and kindness." In her salutatorian speech, Min Uyen Ngo Duc said that the graduation symbolised the graduates' hard earned success."Starting tomorrow, we all embark on our new journey, each in their respective paths, so that we can reach the fulfillment of our aspirations. My wish is that we all find something worthwhile to change," Min added. She told her fellow graduates that dreams are dynamic subject to their ever-evolving goals and passions and advised the students to always think thoroughly before making any decision. In his valedictorian speech, Zuhair Yahya Sadiq said,"At ASD, we have learnt to define our goals and to work diligently towards achieving them, and to value other people's strengths and appreciate those, whose knowledge and skills allow us to grow and learn." He further said,"We might be in very different surroundings and on foreign soil next year, but everything we have learnt at ASD, we will use to overcome each challenge life may throw at us. From Vancouver to Sydney, our class will be spread across the globe next year, but I am entirely confident that together, we will continue to embody the valuable lessons we have learnt at ASD." (c) 2014 Qatar Tribune. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info). |