Their last first day is now a distant memory, the sun has set on their final day, and they toiled and studied and sweated over the final DP exams, the culmination of their time at Prem. The class of 2024 are now Prem graduates and their passing from students to alumni was marked in our graduation ceremony on 24 May, where we were able to celebrate the achievements of this class.
It is customary to compare the journey through school to a more physical journey alluding to difficult road blocks and uphill trudges that the students have surmounted. With this may now be a cliche, it is important to remember that this class were impacted by covid in grade 8, and missed significant chunks of learning, instruction and crucial social engagement throughout grades 9 and 10, really formative years for the skills and knowledge needed for CP and DP success. That 44 students were able to stand on stage in caps and gowns, after such a disruption to their Middle Years, is an achievement. It’s an achievement that meant it wasn’t only the parents that had some tears in their eyes as the class made their way to the stage for the ceremony. There were definitely some misty-eyed teachers as well.
The event was attended by all of the Senior School students and teachers, and it is a significant community event for us all to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates and for our younger students to see what they are aspiring to. The ceremony was opened by three of our students who have been at Prem since Junior School. Noa G., Samantha H. and Viveka M., spoke with gratitude and eloquence welcoming everyone to the event. Teacher Ambika was nominated by the Senior Class to address them at graduation, and she gave a heartfelt and personal speech where she identified the special qualities of each individual. The speeches were complemented with three accomplished and inspiring musical performances with Gabriel C. and Matthew P. playing beautiful piano pieces. Matthew’s performance was the first time he had ever performed publicly. Ruting Y. and Jiahan S. sung for us for the final time, a bittersweet moment that underlined how much we will miss the musical talents of the group. Sonam C. and Thadee L. were nominated by the class to give the student address.
Along with our Head of School Rachel and Senior School Principal Shaun’s speeches, our role model, Dr. Vitit Munthanbhorn addressed the audience and the graduates in a lively and entertaining manner, which our Seniors enjoyed. He spoke of the need to be adaptable in our changing world, and of the importance of sustainability and digital literacy.
Before the conferring of the graduate diplomas, the following awards were presented. The academic award was awarded to Gabriel C. who has maintained the highest Grade Point Average over the years. The Athletics award, selected by the Athletics Director, went to our excellent athletes Kauani G. and Amelie V. L. The Senior School Arts Department selected the student for the Arts award, and this year Claire K. was acknowledged for her contribution to Visual Arts, both at Prem, but also in the wider community as she has already had an art exhibition in Chiangmai and Bangkok. The Global Citizenship Award was given to Sonam C. L., for embracing the qualities of a global citizen, and the Daniel Wilms Memorial award for a student who strongly represents their own country while embracing intercultural awareness and internationalism was given to Sonam C. D.
Following the formal graduation ceremony, there was a meal for graduates, families, friends and teachers at the Shangri-La hotel in Chiangmai. This celebratory event was a meaningful way to say goodbye to the class of 2024.
Abbie Neall
IB Diploma Coordinator
MYP and DP English Language and Literature Teacher
