RELATED CONTENT: Carroll College says goodbye | GALLERY
The graduating classes of 2017 had plenty to celebrate when they capped off 13 years of schooling this week at two campuses.
At Batemans Bay High School, students, teachers and parents gathered for a graduation assembly on Thursday to farewell about 70 students.
The occasion was poignant for principal Greg McDonald, who reflected on his “special affinity” to this year’s cohort. Mr McDonald started at Bay High in 2012, when this year’s graduating class began high school.
“They are perhaps the strongest Year 12 group I have seen in my six years at this school,” Mr McDonald said.
“The character of the group collectively is something to be proud of.”
Sending the group off with anecdotes from the post-school world was Bay High alumnus Jacob Ingram.
Mr Ingram graduated in 2012 and has gone on to study politics and work for the ACT Government.
“Your HSC is not just about getting a good job. To me, it was about proving to myself that I could get it done, and get it done well,” Mr Ingram said.
“A good mark will definitely open doors, but on the other hand, don’t measure your value as a person by the mark that you get in high school.
“There’s more to being a good person and a well-rounded person than getting good grades.”
Year 12 graduate Lily Attwood had an extra reason to smile after she received an Education Award from the Australia Defence Force Academy (ADFA).
Presenting Lily with the award were Captain Aaron Kogler and Leading Seaman Janelle Price of Defence Force Recruiting.
The award is presented to a select group of year 12 students in recognition of their leadership potential and academic and sporting achievements.
“Nationally, there’s only 100 awards given out and Lily was successful in the process and achieved selection for not only the Education Award, but also selection for officer entry into ADFA,” Mr Kogler said.
“It’s a fantastic achievement and she wouldn’t be here without significant personal effort.”
Carroll College farewelled its graduates with an assembly and guard of honour on Wednesday. The celebrations continued yesterday when the College hosted its year 12 formal.
