SUCCESS IS NOT MEASURED BY HOW WELL YOU FULFIL THE EXPECTATIONS OF OTHERS, BUT BY HOW HONESTLY YOU LIVE UP TO YOUR OWN EXPECTATIONS

FAREWELL SPEECH BY OUR HEADGIRL, MARIELLE ALVINO, IN HER GRADUATION

We've sat in this theatre countless times before, during assemblies, year meetings, house meetings and even suspension meetings. But somehow this is different: the goose bumps and the butterflies in the stomach are unlike nothing else we have felt before; different because we know we are sitting right now, in the face of change. Classmates of Newton College's 22nd Promotion, we are graduating.

If one thought has occupied our minds these days, it is this: “Time has flown by so fast.” During all these years I have come to feel inspired by the commitment, dedication and love you have shown for each other and this day is the living proof of that. I'm also inspired by the true talent and potential you show everyday. This is the case of the boys' football and basketball teams, who have succeeded in many ADCA championships over the years, and the girl's football team, who also excel... in effort and enthusiasm. We have gifted musicians who have contributed to the school band and orchestra from a very early age. We cannot forget to mention our incredible actors, who have always managed to blow us away with every play they produced from “Las Troyanas” to “La Vida es Sueño”, even if it meant they had to stay up all night painting props. You guys produce magic; we expect nothing but greatness from you. And the dancers, who put all their efforts into practising the prom dance over and over again, which turned out to be simply beautiful.

Prom XXII, you inspire me most of all because you have the courage to do things the way you want and I am proud of all of you for being able to say that today, we are graduating in our own way. And so, when you come up to this stage to receive the diploma which certifies the end of our long journey, remember too we have so much more to live for.

Keep the same drive and determination you have shown throughout your lives. Success is not measured by how well you fulfil the expectations of others, but by how honestly you live up to your own expectations. Whenever you encounter obstacles in your life, remember: “Head up, be strong and go on” because there are 88 people behind you when you need their help.

So don't let this be the last day you step into Newton College. We don't want to come back, ten years from now, in a reunion, feeling like strangers. Do not forget the way we feel right now. We can try to describe it in so many different ways, but it can all fit perfectly in one word: LOVE. They say love is what moves the world, but I say pure love is what has moved Prom XXII to be better people, the very same people that now sit in front of my eyes, strong and united, ready to graduate.

Thank you to all the teachers and staff who have made it possible for us to be here today. We wish we could name each and every one of you, but be sure you are all equally important. We would also like to thank all our parents. We thank you for being here today as you have been all our lives, from the moment we stepped into this school to the moment we now leave it. This moment is yours as much as it is ours.