Class of <strong>2019</strong> On May 28th, with family, friends, staff, trustees and invited guests looking on, 39 BHS students tossed their graduation caps skyward as they marked the end of their time with the School and looked forward to the exciting futures ahead of them. The ceremony included a speech from <strong>2019</strong> graduate, Lizzie Luckashvili, musical performances from Chrysda Smith, Marie Sophie Brackstone and Lizzi Luckashvili, the presentation of annual academic awards, remarks from the Head of School, Linda Parker ’78, and the keynote speech from Dr. Stephanie Hollis Smith ‘08. Stephanie first studied Biomedical Sciences at Queen Mary University of London and then, following completion of her undergraduate studies, spent a year travelling and volunteering in South America. She reluctantly returned to the real world in 2012 to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a doctor, studying Medicine at Kings College London. She spoke to the graduates about the value of her BHS experience saying that all of her successes were rooted in her BHS experience. “These friendships you have made here are for life. Relationships will ebb and flow, you will make new friends, but you never truly lose the old relationships. The friends I made on these grounds, my BHS family, never let me down. These friends, this place, these are your roots.” She also spoke of the challenges that lie ahead and encouraged the students to make their mark in the world. “University is a balancing act, and it should be, because life is a balancing act! It’s an uphill climb, it’s hard work. There will always be a new goal for you to reach for,” she said. “You are balanced, perfectly poised to take on whatever life throws your way. If the door is locked girls (and boy!) kick it down.” Of the 39 graduates, 38 chose to sit the full IB Diploma and achieved an average of 31 points with Madison Quig achieving the top score with 43 out of 45 points and will be heading to Stanford University. Other notable scores were Lea Grandisson who earned 39 points, Celia Harris with 35 points and Lizzie Luckashvili, Nyla Maharaj and Chrysda Smith all earning 34 points. This fall, the Class of <strong>2019</strong> will be attending notable universities in Canada, the US, the UK and Europe. 12 <strong>Torchbearer</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2019</strong>
<strong>Torchbearer</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2019</strong> 13
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