The months leading up to graduation are always challenging. Our year 13 pupils are completing their exams, finalising their university decisions and mentally preparing to take the next big step in their lives. All of this is par for the course even when we are not contending with another pandemic outbreak. This is why Speech Day is so important. And it is why on Wednesday 25 May, even a citywide lockdown could not keep our 2022 Leavers from coming together to celebrate challenges met, successes achieved, friendships forged and futures awaited.

Microsoft Teams served as the venue for this year’s ceremony, and Head of Sixth Form Mr O'Brien officiated. He offered some clear-eyed words of encouragement in his opening remarks:

“My message to you isn’t that everything is okay and that everything is normal. Rather, my message is to be kind to yourselves, lean on each other when you need to and embrace the times when things are not okay or not normal. I know that you can do this and here’s why: I’m not somebody that would naturally use inspirational quotes or proverbs in a speech but I can’t help myself today. We all know the phrase ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade’. Well, I can’t imagine a more appropriate occasion to apply that phrase to a group of people. So, whether you’re moving to Europe, the USA or sailing around Sweden, look back on today when things might not be okay or normal and remember that you are capable of making some great lemonade.”

Several of our 2022 Leavers then took to the virtual stage to share their insights and advice on how to make the most out of their future. Deputy Head of College Anna mused on ‘The Benefits of Delusion’ while Neelimah urged her classmates to ‘Never, Never, Never Give Up’. Co-Heads of College Alice and Moksh evoked the Fab Four in a speech entitled ‘With a Little Help From My Friends’.

Later in the ceremony, Alice continued the Beatles theme with Aspen in a performance of ‘I’ll Follow the Sun’. Other Wellingtonians put on stellar performances as well. Sam played Stevie Wonder’s ‘Isn’t She Lovely?’ on his electric bass. Jennifer performed Brahms ‘Rhapsody in G Minor’. Alexandra and Allegra performed Adele’s ‘When We Were Young’.

Master of Wellington College Shanghai, Mr Fulton, also offered some resonating advice. “Never stop learning,” he urged. “Discovery is a lifelong gift, treasure it; learn from your mistakes, take risks and be pioneers in something. Be kind – to yourselves and others always. And remember, you can change the world – no matter how small your impact, you can change the world for someone.”

Then, with a final message, our 2022 Leavers took their final (figurative) steps to become newly-minted Old Wellingtonians.

A few parting memories from Class of 2022 of the good times and many moments that will be missed:

Congratulations once again to Wellington's class of 2022. You have shown tremendous resilience in the face of some truly tough times. You have come out the other end stronger and ready to face whatever challenges the world brings you. Now, go out there and do great things!