ACS International School Doha held its eighth graduation ceremony on June 2 in the presence of over 500 well-wishers including VIP guests, family members, faculty and friends, a statement said Monday.
Among the dignitaries present was Tim Cagney, CE of ACS International Schools, leadership, as well as several key corporate partners.
The graduation marked a significant milestone in the students' educational journey, as they received acceptance into prestigious international universities.
As a prelude to the graduation celebrations, Al Jaber Twin Towers in Lusail was adorned with ACS International School Doha's Class of 2023 graduation photos and messages.
"This historic lighting of the buildings is a testament to the unwavering support, love, and joy that have fuelled their success. It also serves as a symbol of the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2023, making it the first time ever in Qatar that graduates' photos and information have been showcased in such a grand manner," the statement said.
A total of 69 students successfully completed their High School Diploma, and for many this included the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, an extremely rigorous internationally recognised pre-university qualification. Many among the graduating class have gained acceptance into prestigious international universities.
"As I reflect on my time with these exceptional students, who have been an integral part of ACS Doha, some of them throughout their entire schooling, witnessing their graduation and the start of their new journeys brings about mixed emotions," Robert Cody, head of ACS International School Doha.
"It is both a bittersweet moment to bid farewell to students who have become like family and a proud moment to see how they have grown and developed during their time here. We have nurtured and prepared them not only academically but also holistically, equipping them with the readiness and resilience needed for them to excel as people, and thrive academically," he added.
Among the students who graduated were award winners, whose outstanding achievements were upheld for special commendation.
Apart from the Valedictorian, Mahmoud Elsayed Ibrahim and Salutatorian Othman Abderahman Ouzzani, who were recognised for their exceptional academic performance, Community Service Award winners Kassandra Barajas, Mykayla Williams, Class Historian Award winner Amira Shaheen Jafri and The ACS Founders’ Award winner Karima Ahmed acknowledged the remarkable contributions made by ACS Doha’s students, across various spheres of achievement.
Several of the graduates will go on after completing their US undergrad programmes into medicine at universities such as McMaster University, University of Illinois—Chicago, and George Mason.
One of the current graduates got many medical programme offers but accepted the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), where she will experience a one-of-a-kind medical education having trained transnationally with experts from around the globe.
Students who pursued the Career-related Programme (CP) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses also found success in admissions in pursuing higher level studies at universities such as Eindhoven University of Technology, and Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), as well as Epita School of Engineering.
ACS Doha currently offers students the opportunity to study globally-recognised and rigorous programmes with the IB Diploma and CP, AP courses, a US programme offering college-level curricula and exams to High School students, as well as the US High School Diploma.
List of notable universities that ACS Doha International’s Class of 2023 will be attending: George Mason University, University of San Francisco, University of Illinois-Chicago, University of Wisconsin Madison, University of Maryland College Park (all in the US), McMaster University, The University of Western Ontario (both Canada), University College London, University of London (both in the UK), GU-Q, Texas A&M University at Qatar, VCUarts Qatar, KU Leuven - Belgium, Eindhoven University of Technology - Netherlands, Universitat de Barcelona - Spain, EPITA - School of Engineering and Computer Science- France, Hanze University of Applied Sciences - Netherlands, De La Salle University - Philippines, RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus - Ireland, FH Aachen - Germany.
"As a proud parent and founding family member, it fills my heart with immense joy to witness my daughter achieving her dream of getting into her university of choice," said Yasmin Mahmoud, founding family member.
"From her early days in pre-kindergarten at ACS, I have seen her blossom into a confident and accomplished young individual. The nurturing environment and excellent education provided by ACS have played a significant role in her growth and development. I am grateful for the dedicated teachers and staff who have contributed to her journey, guiding her every step of the way. ACS has truly been a foundation for her success, and I am excited to see what the future holds for her as she embarks on this new chapter, " she added.
