Deniliquin High School has said goodbye to the Year 12 class of 2019.
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After a successful and enjoyable slave auction on Tuesday, the students and teachers turned to the formal side of the week with nostalgia and pride.
At a farewell assembly yesterday, students from across the school gave speeches of best wishes and farewells for the graduating students starting out on a new journey in their life.
Rosie North from Year 10 spoke on behalf of the Junior School to farewell the students.
Graduating student Destiny Neilson-Gittens spoke on behalf of the Indigenous students in Year 12 to thank her fellow students and school community.
Vice captain Tiarna Condren gave a speech of reflection on behalf of the graduating class.
Deniliquin HS acting principal Mrs Kym Orman gave the principal’s address wishing students the best of luck and congratulations for finishing high school.
A heartfelt speech from the Year 12 adviser Beth Kermode kept the graduating class, students and friends and family who attended feeling waves of emotion.
A surprise appearance from Miss Kermode’s graduating year, Deniliquin band ‘Northwesters’, performed a musical number of Pearl Jam’s ‘Better Man’, while the Year 12 musicians played Journey’s
‘Don’t stop believing’.
“It was a huge surprise when they turned up,” Miss Kermode said.
“It was one of many highlights, both numbers were just fantastic.
“All of the kids spoke well.”
The gymnasium filled with laughter and applause as the graduating class watched some of the fun and memorable moments courtesy of a powerpoint presentation prepared by Rhian Plant.
After the assembly students were led out into the courtyard through the crowd by an emotional Miss Kermode.
It was also an emotional time for students, with many tears shed and photos taken.
“I’m a little bit sad, kind of happy but mostly sad,” graduating student Ella Reeves said.
As the graduating class had a sigh of relief, the next thought of sitting the HSC exams is something students will be eager to finish.
“I’m so excited about sitting the HSC exams, I can’t wait,” Ella said unconvincingly.
“Though I’m not at all prepared.”
Miss Kermode said she was ‘‘incredibly sad but so very proud of all of them”.
“They’re just absolute legends and the way they support one another they’re just kind kids.
“They all have their own talents and they’re just so positive; they’ll live life,” she said.