Qatar Academy Doha Celebrates Class of 2018 Graduation

Qatar Academy Doha (QAD), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2018 at a ceremony at the Qatar National Convention Centre on May 24. 

The evening saw the graduation of 89 boys and girls, 40 of whom are Qatari. The students join more than 953 graduates from QAD, which was established in 1996.

The event was attended by a number of VIP guests, public figures, QF department heads (including Pre-University Education), as well as QAD board members, school administrators, faculty, and parents.

Mr. Don Macintyre, QAD Director, addressed the graduates in the welcoming note: “We come together on this special occasion to honor the hard work and dedication that has resulted in another 100 percent graduation rate for our senior class.”

He called upon students to make the most of this moment: “We often speak about what the future holds and how high school graduation is the beginning of your crossing to adulthood and future success. This can sometimes mean that we forget to properly acknowledge the journey you have taken to get to this point, I would suggest that you think carefully about all the people and places that have contributed to your achievement,” he added.

QA alumna Najwa Al Thani, who graduated in 2011, returned as this year’s guest speaker and reflected on her journey: “I’m here to tell you that you were in the real world, but now you will receive your first accreditation of that fact. You still have a long way to go.” She also encouraged the graduates to insist on achieving their goals: “I ask you all that to honor everyone who has supported you and helped you to get here today, you must commit fully in everything you do. Follow your dreams and passions, and don’t quit until you have achieved greatness and maybe not even then. Also, have the courage to take risks, to dream big.”

The audience also enjoyed a musical collaboration between QAD and Qatar Music Academy.

During an emotional speech, this year’s valedictorian, Tanya Shibo, said: “More times than one we have felt drained and done, but even more times than that we’ve smiled at our successes. Our high school experience was defined by change, and we are not the same people we were four years ago. We’re older. We’re stronger.”