Farewell, seniors.

This speech was delivered at Farewell Chapel 2011.

Date unknown.

Principal Mr. Hodge, Senior Administration, Teachers, Fellow ACSians, in particular, the Year 4 and 6 graduating cohorts, a very good morning. It is with honour that I am allowed to address both my immediate juniors and seniors who are graduating from ACS (Independent) this year.

Above all, I believe we are all aware that each of us has spent at least two, if not twelve, years in this glorious institution. I know that each of us has been moulded into the men, and ladies, of character that we are today. It is with a heavy heart that I have to bid both groups farewell today on behalf of my cohort.

Being my immediate seniors, some of the Year 6 cohort have spent up to 8 years together with me from the time I started my ACS experience. They have been the people that we all look up to directly, whom we know most well inside out as we watch them grow and take the cue from them. My most vivid memories of the seniors were when I was a Year 1. The class next to mine was a Year 2 class and the Year 2s would somehow always be at the lockers the same time as us, and we watched their actions, their behaviour, everything they did and listened to everything they had to say, comment, criticise or otherwise.

When I was matched to a senior in the Prefectorial Board, Calvin, I spent a good number of weeks learning from him, slowly learning the ropes of Prefect-ship merely by sticking by him for 32 minutes every day of the week. He was the one who first set my impression of Prefects in stone. When made aware of the ideals of Prefects, I became committed to the same cause I saw my seniors work so hard at. Through that I grew to the person I am today, perhaps not the best example of a product of the effect seniors have on juniors, but I know that my seniors have made a positive impact in my life.

As for my juniors graduating from the Year 4 cohort this year, it has been an honour too being your senior for at least the last four, if not eight years that you have been with the school. Being your immediate seniors, my cohort has had the most scrutiny from you yet, definitely, the members of my cohort and I have had to learn from you many times while being mentors and bigger brothers to you.

To both cohorts, I hope that we have made as positive an impact on your life as we have hoped to make on yours and we pray that you will continue growing in God’s love and grace, wherever all of you may go next year. I also pray that you never forget what this institution has imbued in us and treasure all the fond memories this school has given you and you will take this as you move into another part of the journey of life.

Remember to live life to the fullest and all the best for your upcoming exams. Study hard and trust God in everything, for “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.

In conclusion, to all my friends who have grown to become family, God bless you.

To God Be The Glory, The Best Is Yet To Be.