FOUNDERS DAY FOUNDER’S MESSAGE
Sarah Ali (Grade 9A)
Billabong High celebrated its 8th Founder’s Day on the 8th of February, 2017. The inauguration of the student council, as well as the awarding of scholarships, also took place during this celebration. After the ceremony, the students enjoyed a day of fun activities together, conducted for everyone by the newly inaugurated student council. The ceremony began with students who had worked hard in both academic and sportsmanship fields receiving scholarships. One high-achieving student from each grade received an academic scholarship. Furthermore, a single student from the school was awarded a sports scholarship instead of an academic one. I see the scholarship awards as a great recognition of achievement and merit. Next, the students elected for the council took part in the oath-taking and inauguration ceremony. This was one of my favourite parts of Founder’s Day, as I got to take part in one of the most honourable ceremonies throughout my academic career. Reciting the oath and signing the document of our inauguration really cemented the responsibility that we as the student council would have. I left the stage with a newfound sense of respect for the student councils before ours,
and excitement for the year that lay ahead of us as a team. Afterwards, the club presidents of the school were inaugurated into their positions. Like the student council, they received badges for their positions, though the student council had the privilege of receiving official sashes as well. Together with the club presidents, we had set the precedent for a great student council. One of the highlights of the Founder’s Day celebration was a speech given by one of our school captains, Humam Ahmed. Another great speech was delivered by principal Zeena Gasim. Furthermore, everyone at the Founder’s Day celebration took part in a variety of fun activities after the ceremony. The activity stalls were held by the student council members, and included fun games such as ‘Twister’ and ‘Just Dance’ for students to enjoy for the rest of the day. Indeed, the 8th Founder’s Day celebration of Billabong High was a memorable day for all. It is an observance that I will cherish throughout my school life, and a commemoration I will look forward to in the years to come.