Jun 5, 2024
Farewell to the class of 2024
On a bright and beautiful 24 of May, Drayton Manor bid an emotional farewell to the Year 11 and 13 students of the 2023-2024 Academic Year. The day was filled with joy and a touch of sadness as students and staff came together to celebrate the culmination of years of hard work, friendships, and unforgettable experiences.
The celebrations kicked off in the dining hall, where a delightful spread awaited the students. As they entered, the room buzzed with excitement and laughter. The school had arranged a variety of delicious foods, catering to all tastes and preferences, ensuring that everyone had something to enjoy. Amidst the feasting, students were encouraged to sign each other's school shirts as a memory; many students had done a fantastic job of decorating them the night before. This tradition allowed them to leave personalised messages, turning their uniforms into cherished keepsakes that they could look back on in the years to come.
In addition to the drawing, students took the time to write notes for one another. These notes were filled with heartfelt messages, memories shared, and well-wishes for the future. It was a beautiful and tangible way for friends to express how much they would miss each other, and for everyone to recognize the bonds they had formed over the years. The dining hall, usually a place for daily meals and chatter, was transformed into a vibrant space of creativity and sentiment.
After the fun and festivities in the dining hall, it was time to move to the main hall for the formal part of the celebrations. As students made their way to the Main Hall, there was a sense of anticipation in the air. The Main Hall, decorated for the occasion, was a fitting venue for the next part of the farewell.
The formal ceremony began with a series of speeches from the Headteacher, Senior Deputy Headteacher and the Heads of Year. These speeches were filled with pride and emotion, as educators recounted the achievements of the students, their growth over the years, and their contributions to the school. Each speech was a reminder of how far the students had come and the bright futures that lay ahead of them.
Following the speeches, it was time for the awards ceremony. Students were called up to receive a certificate recognising their achievements during the school year. Whether it was academic excellence, sporting prowess, or contributions to extracurricular activities, every student had something to be proud of. The certificates were a testament to their hard work and dedication, and a reminder that their efforts had not gone unnoticed.
The highlight of the ceremony was a special presentation that took everyone down memory lane. A video that showcased moments from the students' time at Drayton Manor, from their first days at school to the present. This nostalgic journey reminded everyone of the importance of the experiences and friendships that had shaped their school years.
As the formalities concluded, it was time for the grand sendoff. The headteacher, took the time to personally wish each student well, as they stepped into the next chapter of their lives.
To mark the occasion, each student was presented with a goody bag with small tokens of appreciation from the school. They symbolised the school's recognition of the students' journeys and their contributions to the school community. The goody bags were not just gifts but mementos of their time at Drayton Manor, filled with items that would remind them of their school days.
The farewell celebrations at Drayton Manor High School were a fitting end to an important chapter in the lives of the Year 11 and 13 students. As the students left the school grounds for the last time as pupils, they carry with them memories that will last a lifetime, friendships that will endure, and the knowledge that they are ready to face whatever the future held.
As the Year 11 and 13 students embark on their new journeys, they do so with the best wishes of the entire Drayton Manor staff and student body.
