Graduation: Class of 2020

Graduation 2020

Valedictorian Address Iman Kassam

There are few words and metaphors in this universe that are precise enough to capture the emotionally complex and intellectually challenging journey that each of us has travelled in the past two years. I therefore turn to a different, arguably more powerful, universe: the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The MCU follows a carefully selected group of superheroes, The Avengers, who save lives from total destruction by gathering six ‘infinity stones’: Power, Mind, Time, Reality, Soul, and Space. These six stones, when used in harmony, yield transformative power to their possessor. That’s the kind of the power that being an IB student gives you.

the power stone

From the moment we began the MYP, we embarked on a curriculum that would not only empower us but teach us how to use our power. The Diploma Programme (DP), taught us to harness the power given to us by its intensity. We are thankful to have been empowered and aim to use it well.

the mind stone

The rigor and challenge of the IB ensured that no day passed without exercising our own minds. In lessons we learnt to challenge assumptions and ourselves. The Extended Essay let us reach beyond the curriculum to independently carry out in-depth research on a subject of our choice. The CAS program taught us to turn our imaginations into solutions, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and to help others. Our minds are independent, expressive, reflective, and emotionally intelligent, prepared to take on the uncertain world that lies ahead.

the time stone

We have shared treasured moments as the Class of 2020. We will never forget our first retreat where we established a special bond. From sharing jokes and tears, to stealing breadsticks from the dining hall when lunch staff weren’t looking: these are the times that we will never forget.

the reality stone

And as we journeyed through the IB, confronted with consecutive days of deadlines or tests that didn’t always go our way - we drew our strength from each other. Our positivity and ability to turn any blunder into a humorous situation has allowed us to support and strengthen each other. Our sense of community, sisterhood and empathy for one another are what make the Class of 2020 unique.

the soul stone

We are eternally grateful to our teachers for their unfaltering support, for their encouragement to strive for our best, and for who they have helped us to become. On retreats or in hallway conversations, the moments outside the classroom are where their impact was greatest: helping each of us to find our paths and trust our souls.

the space stone

The final infinity stone, capable of opening portals across galaxies and revealing life beyond Earth. The IB does not yet permit students to take field trips to the moon, but this stone represents life beyond Marymount. We can never be truly ready for what lies ahead, but we are fortunate to have been IB students. Over the past two years, we have learned how to use our power, train our minds to think beyond a textbook, garner the ability to trust our souls, and gather knowledge on the global challenges that lie ahead. With all six stones in our possession, and with each lesson of the IB firmly rooted in our brains, we can change the world.

I would like to finish by quoting the masterful Lord Alfred Tennyson who in his poem Ulysses wrote; “That which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will. To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.” To all of you, on behalf of this graduating class, I say with confidence, that the Class of 2020 will never yield. We will live to strive and make this Marymount community proud of our endeavours. Thank you.

Commencement Address

s r. ro s a m u n d b l a n c h e t, r s h m

Superior General (2013-2019) Greetings from New York! Congratulations to each Graduate, and compliments to your parents and to Mrs. Frazier, administrators, faculty and staff of Marymount International School, London. Together you have achieved a great accomplishment in nurturing the wholistic growth of these graduates. Last February 4, 2020 Mrs. Frazier invited me to give the Commencement Address at your then planned Graduation, May 30, 2020. I share with you a paragraph she wrote in this invitation.

“This is a class full of promise and many gifts; they have graced our campus with positive leadership and many achievements. In particular, these are young women of great faith and great purpose. They are a group deeply aware of social justice and stewardship. Many initiatives have challenged (all in the right way!) adult decisions and new approaches at Marymount.”

What a positively sterling description from the Head of School recognizing your achievements and spirit as the Class of 2020. Well done and congratulations! Over two years ago when you were in Grade 10 and I was General Superior of the RSHM, I visited you and spoke at your weekly Assembly. You may recall that I reflected on one of the goals of the RSHM Network of Schools, “to promote a love of learning” and added the dimension of “learning to love.” Since then I understand “promoting a love of learning and learning to love” has often been quoted at Marymount. I trust you will continue to live in this spirit. Life is a journey in becoming more loving. As we journey we grow in our ability to form relationships and to make commitments that express our love for others and for God’s creation.

Also, during this time of global crisis from the COVID-19 pandemic, I believe your international education at Marymount has prepared you well to live your faith in God and serve others with courage, hope, compassion and resilience. You will bring the best of who you are to endure and overcome this crisis. You will flourish, and the world will be better because of your love, courage, hope, compassion and resilience.

I congratulate you on your many extraordinary accomplishments and I offer a blessing prayer to accompany you into the future: May you know God’s deep personal love for you; may you love others as God loves you; may you experience God’s beauty in all creation; may you live in joy and share it; may you possess a grateful heart and may you live in union with God and others in love, joy and gratitude. Amen.

The Class of 2020 has received the following University offers through 21st May, 2020:

UK

Arts University Bournemouth Aston University University of Bath University of Birmingham University of Bristol Cardiff University Cass Business School, City,

University of London Coventry University University for the Creative Arts Durham University The University of Edinburgh University of Exeter University of Glasgow Goldsmiths, University of London University of Greenwich Hartpury University Imperial College London King’s College London University of Leeds University of Lincoln University of Liverpool London Metropolitan University The University of Manchester University of Northampton Nottingham Trent University University of Nottingham Oxford Brookes University Queen Mary University of London Royal Holloway University of London University of the Arts London SOAS, University of London St. Mary’s University University of Sheffield University of Southampton University of St. Andrews University of Sussex University Centre Bishop Burton University College London University of Warwick University of the West of

England, Bristol University of Westminster

USA

Boston University Brandeis University University of California,

Berkeley University of California,

Los Angeles University of California,

San Diego University of California,

Santa Barbara University of Central Florida Emory University Fordham University University of Miami Northeastern University University of South Florida University of Southern California University of Tampa Temple University Tulane University Wake Forest University

CANADA

McGill University University of Toronto

FRANCE

ESCP Business School Paris Descartes University

THE NETHERLANDS

Amsterdam University College University of Amsterdam Leiden University Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

SPAIN

IE University University of Navarra Universidad Cardenal Herrera

SWITZERLAND

University of St Gallen

JAPAN

Waseda University

Award Recipients

Anaïs Benewende Audrie Ouedraogo The Headmistress’ Medal

Alejandra de Rocafort Castañedo & Ludivine Carmen Madeleine Eude The Marymount Sportswoman of the Year Trophy, presented to the School by Sr Anne Marie Hill

Alicia Karim Basily Beshara The Four Acres Medal for Public Speaking

Anaïs Benewende Audrie Ouedraogo The Sally Shimmon Award for Social Service

Ludovica Ginevri The RSHM Medal

Gemma Mielgo García The European Council of International Schools’ Award

Iman Kassam The Gold Medal for General Excellence

Gemma Mielgo García The Marymount Medal

Yewon Ju The Gold Medal for the most outstanding CAS Program