Thirty graduates of the Class of 2024 were honoured at the 9th Graduation Ceremony celebrations for Riffa Views International School (RVIS) held recently at Bahrain National Theatre.
The event was attended by several VIPs, dignitaries, chairman Atif Abdulmalik and members of the board of trustees, RVIS faculty and administration staff, parents, graduates, relatives and friends.
The ceremony commenced with a parade of the graduates, a rendition of Bahrain’s National Anthem and a recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the commencement address by RVIS head of school, Jo Garrahy, a congratulatory speech by RVIS board member, Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, and the faculty’s commencement address by school nurse Sam Browne.
Secondary school principal LaKeicia Denson then recognised student Fatima Alsaleh as the valedictorian for having earned the highest overall GPA, and Sophia Titoni as salutatorian for receiving the second highest GPA. Aesha Al Khalifa received the Dolphin Award that is given to the student who exemplifies the school’s mission by participating in diverse activities exhibiting academic challenges, leadership skills and community service. Ms Denson went on to celebrate the graduates who participated in the rigorous International Bachelorette (IB) diploma programme and the RVIS scholars who earned a grade point average (GPA) of over 6.0 on a 7 point scale.
Mr Abdulmalik proudly stood next to each graduate during the conferring of diplomas, congratulating them and commending their efforts and perseverance throughout their years at RVIS.
Shaikh Abdulaziz congratulated the RVIS’s graduating class of 2024, celebrating their achievements and dedication. He emphasised the school’s ethos of ‘Learning today, leading tomorrow’, which has prepared them to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Highlighting the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, Shaikh Abdulaziz expressed confidence in the graduates’ ability to responsibly harness new technologies to address global challenges. He praised the support from families, faculty and religious teachings, encouraging graduates to step into their roles as empathetic, resilient leaders.
Ms Garrahy said she was ‘overwhelmed with joy’ to see the graduation of the students of this class whom she accompanied throughout the past 12 years. She praised the students’ hard work, dedication and character, highlighting their academic and extracurricular successes.
Ms Garrahy expressed gratitude to the board, parents and faculty for their support. Reflecting on her journey with the graduates, she emphasised the importance of holding on to what is important and letting go of disappointments. She concluded by wishing the Class of 2024 success and fulfilment in their future endeavours.