A COMBINATION of cheers, tears and laughter marked an end to thirteen years of schooling for Year 12 students at Bulahdelah Central School last week.
The occasion was celebrated with a formal graduation ceremony held at the school which was attended by parents, community members and official guests.
Emotional speeches, performances and award presentations were topped off with a spontaneous flash mob dance by the Year 12 students, ensuring a memorable end to their formal schooling life.
Amongst the 33 graduating students were twin sisters Jordan and Cori-Lee Schmidt from Pindimar.
Jordan told News Of The Area, “Completing my secondary education with my sister was incredible.”
“We got to go through everything together and we understand each other’s situations, it was always good just to have someone there for you,” she said.
“We’ve had a lot of fun together over the past 13 years and I couldn’t imagine school without my sister.”
Being a twin, Jordan said teachers often called her by her sister’s name and even the bus driver regularly got the pair mixed up.
Jordan’s good friend and School Captain Hannah Rietveld attended Bulahdelah Central School since Kindergarten.
Hannah said the highlight of being at the same school for 13-years was knowing her teachers and fellow students well.
“The majority of my teachers have been able watch me grow up and could really understand how I learnt,” Hannah said.
“I think that also came with having such small classes which I’m sure will take some readjustment when starting university.”
School Graduation Day is always like a reunion for long-serving Visual Arts teacher Sue Cross.
Mrs Cross has taught two generations of many families including graduating student Shannelle Russell and her mother Fiona.
“The school community is like an extended family and the parents and students value the experiences they’ve had,” Mrs Cross said.
“It’s always a pleasure seeing the mum’s and daughters together.”
Students now have a study break to prepare for their HSC written examinations which commence on 13 October.
By Daniel SAHYOUN
