Lyna Mohamad
Joy was visible on the faces of 143 students made up of Year 10 Express and Year 11, as they received their graduation certificates at the 31st Graduation and Awarding Ceremony of Seri Mulia Sarjana School (SMSS) at the Songket Ballroom of The Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong yesterday.
Present at the ceremony was Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Jefriah.
SMSS Principal (Secondary Section) Gazala binti Abdullah highlighted the value of respect and SMSS’ role in providing an atmosphere to students for a multifaceted development, in which they are encouraged to channel their potential in the pursuit of excellence.
She noted that while academic excellence is the major thrust of the school, SMSS is also devoted to preparing the students for life, grooming them to face challenges of tomorrow, and to encourage them to be socially relevant.
“SMSS aims to always live up to this ideology to ensure students grow to their full potential, while constantly being groomed to be men and women able to bear responsibility in all walks of life,” said the principal.
Sarjana Education Group founder and Chief Executive Officer Dr Mary Lim offered motivational and inspirational words for the students to continue doing their best.
Meanwhile, Notable Student of the Year awardee Elijah Cheam Kai Jie in his graduation speech emphasised the value of hard work and perseverance amid trials.
He pointed out that every ‘Sarjanian’ is trained to soar high while remaining rooted.
He expressed gratitude for the supportive and inclusive environment that the school has provided for him. The event began with a march procession where graduate representatives voiced their fondest memories and shared some words of wisdom.
The guest of honour presented certificates and medals to 30 best students in Academic, and Mandarin language.
Also presented were Loyalty, Students of the Year and the prestigious (Dr) Mary Lim Leadership awards by Dr Mary Lim, while seven TAIB Award awardees received medals from Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB) representative Dayangku Adinawati binti Pengiran Ahmad.
The ceremony was enlivened with performances including the secondary band and dancers adding zest to the programme, as well as a heart-warming video tribute dedicated to the graduating students.
The singing of the graduation and Alma Mater songs drew the curtains on the graduation and awarding ceremony. Similar events were held in the morning at the same venue with graduation ceremonies for 150 Year 6 primary students and 184 preschoolers.
