A fond farewell to our amazing Class of 2026
There was laughter and tears as we bade a fond farewell to our amazing Class of 2026 as they marked the end of an era, their last day at Ripon Grammar School
“SO here we are, we have made it together, and, Class of 2026, haven’t you grown up,” said head of sixth form Terry Fell, addressing the year group that RGS has seen flourish over the years into the people they are today
“Ahead of tonight I was thinking about how I could sum up this year group. The starting point I found was that you are so incredibly diverse in terms of your interests and your talents.
“You are very, very different people. And from future professional sports people to scientific and mathematical masterminds, amazing artists to such talented actors and musicians in this year group to ferocious intellects to fiercely independent individualists to incredibly tight-knit groups of mates.
“This is the adventure. You are what it’s about and you are why we do this job. And at this time every year I talk about how bittersweet it is.
“Your parents will have noticed as we have, your staff, the changes in you over the two years – two years that I told you would go like that. And they have.
“You’ve grown in character and confidence and experience into the amazing young people you are today. And that’s the bittersweet part, because we are so deeply proud of you but we have now to say goodbye, and to let you move on to that next part of your journey and your adventure.”
Head girl Zara Ali spoke about how surreal it was for her and her classmates to in a classroom for the last time: “School has been a constant in our lives, it’s given us stability and support but it’s also been a stepping stone, designed to prepare us for what comes next.”
Head boy Monty Bleikertold about how he drew inspiration from a House competition play, Hutton’s Legally Blonde.
“I feel we should all take with us the very strong words of Elle Woods: ‘It is with passion, courage of conviction and strong sense of self that we take our next steps into the world, remembering that first impressions aren’t always correct. You must always have faith in people, and most of all, you must always have faith in yourself’.”
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Ripon Grammar School, 16 Clotherholme Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2DG
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