The Future Awaits Year 12 Students Across The Region Graduate

The graduation of the Burdekin Christian College’s Year 12 class was an emotional and joyous occasion, filled with love, laughter, and a few tears. This year’s group of graduates held a special place in the hearts of the school community, with Principal Debra Creed expressing the sentiment, "It’s always special, but this year was really something extraordinary."

Burdekin Christian College year 12 students at their Graduation Ceremony last week. Photo supplied.

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See Where The Future Will Take You

Burdekin Christian College’s event was themed “See Where the Future Will Take You”, an idea the graduates themselves curated through a Pinterest board. The travel-inspired theme added a unique touch, with staff dressed as flight attendants and a stunning cake designed as a piece of luggage. Guests were welcomed with mini suitcases filled with chocolates, further carrying the travel motif throughout the evening.
The ceremony began with the graduates visiting their school one last time for traditional photos at their lockers and the stairs. They entered the venue with a celebratory dance to Justice Crew’s hit song, followed by a second performance to "Shine Like a Diamond," a heartfelt tribute to their care teacher, Megan Diamond. School captains Brent Dingle and Shanae Arroita delivered a moving speech, celebrating their peers’ journeys and aspirations.
Principal Creed drew a meaningful parallel between life’s challenges and travel, reminding the students that “turbulence doesn’t last forever.” Mr Jensen, the Dean of Academics, provided a humorous twist with a fairy tale crafted around the students, creating light-hearted laughter amidst the evening’s emotions.
Certificates were presented, with special recognition given to two students who had attended the school from prep to Year 12. A touching moment followed as each graduate received a rose to present to their parents, symbolising gratitude and love. The evening concluded with a traditional gypsy tap dance and heartfelt farewells.
The graduation festivities didn’t end there. The following Friday, the school held a final assembly attended by 350 students and their families. The assembly featured prayers, a Bible reading, and a farewell dance by the school’s lion mascot, who handed over the mascot role to the next in line. A slideshow showcased the graduates’ memories, including trips to Singapore and various fundraisers, while a video titled “Learning to Fly” beautifully captured their journey from prep to graduation.
Gifts were presented to the graduates, each imbued with symbolic meaning. From personalised snow globes and message-in-a-bottle keepsakes filled with heartfelt words to compass gifts handed out by prep students, every detail was designed to inspire and encourage the students as they set off on their new adventures.
The day concluded with a guard of honour formed by the entire student body, leading to the traditional mortarboard toss, surrounded by the cheers and love of family and friends. As the Year 12 graduates embark on diverse paths—ranging from apprenticeships and Defence Force roles to careers in aeronautical engineering and local industries—they leave behind a legacy of cherished memories and strong bonds at Burdekin Christian College.

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