Today marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. There will be many more chapters to come but you will look back in the future and remember this as one of your most profound.
Before you make the transition, allow us to say to you that we so are proud. We are proud of who you have become and who you are becoming. Stop and reflect before you enter this new chapter- as it is imperative that you enter with:
1. Purpose
You have to know who are, what you stand for, what you believe in. What do you want to achieve in life?
When we hear your name 5 years, 10 years from now, what will be beside it?
Whether it is aspiring to get into your dream university, pursuing a particular career, or aiming to make a difference in your community.
The pursuit of excellence is a journey of purpose and gratitude.

2. Mindset
Know that the world owes you nothing and that the Prize is Pixilated.
Picture a TV with poor cable connection. Each square represents a unique experience that will shape your journey.
Know that sacrifice will be part of your journey.
The pursuit of excellence is a journey of purpose and gratitude.
3. Understanding
Your journey at the Queen’s School wasn't just about academics; it was a melting pot of experiences that shaped you into who you are today.
Similarly, life will be a ground for you to live, learn and grow in understanding.
You will encounter moments of suffering, an inevitable part of the human experience.
Drawing from ancient philosophical traditions, there is a theory of 4 stages of suffering which I have found to be applicable to life: Recognition, Understanding, Acceptance, and Transformation.
Applying these 4 processes to anything that life throws at you will help you to make lemonade with your lemons as the pursuit of excellence is a journey of purpose and gratitude.

4. Network
You will hear this saying “your network determines your net worth.”
You need people.
You need to realize the size of the world and how globally competitive it has become. You have to actively seek opportunities to expand your network. Participate in programmes that can build your capacity and help shape your character in a positive way.

5. Gratitude
Be grateful for the dedication of your parents and guardians. The guidance, support, and unconditional love. They sacrificed so much to ensure you had the opportunities and resources needed to succeed.
As you graduate, let's express gratitude to your parents and guardians, your families, for their endless sacrifices and for shaping you into the individuals you are today.

Gratitude is a must as the pursuit of excellence is a journey of purpose and gratitude.
Let us also pay tribute to the dedicated teachers who have guided you on your educational journey. Teachers were more than just educators; they were mentors, role models, mothers and sources of inspiration. They challenged you to think critically, encouraged you to pursue your passions, and believed in your potential.
Beyond the classroom, they imparted valuable life lessons, instilling in you a sense of curiosity, resilience, and empathy.

6. Never forget to celebrate YOU
With no apology, we owe it to ourselves to recognize our hard work and contribution.
Graduands, each of you had your moment to shine, to showcase your talents with all the interform competitions and interhouse competitions that would have characterized your journey and had you performing in front of the school or even your class.
When you leave the Queen’s School, do not leave this spark behind. There is a poem by Marianne Williamson and it reads:
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear in that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the World.
There is nothing enlightening about shrinking
so that other people won’t feel unsure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
As we let our own Light shine,
we consciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others."
I want you to recognize that your work can inspire and empower others and you should feel free to shine. The world will say to us “yuh too nuff” “you are not deserving” “you need to wait your turn” but stand up and show up- I cannot tell you how much it will pay off.
As we look back on these memories, let's carry the confidence and pride they instilled in us.

Congratulations, Class of 2024