Valedictorian Speech To AlphaMax Academy
2011 Graduating Class
By
Ruth M.P. Saman
Honorable members
of the AlphaMax Foundation, keynote speaker, Dr.Eugene Marcus, Distinguished
guests, the 2011 graduating class, AlphaMax staff, students, parents, and well
wishers, Allaho Abho, Peace, Namastay, Jai Jinendra, Assalaamu alaikum, Shalom
Alechum, Sat Sriakaal, Good Evening.
I am Ruth Saman,
and together with Shafeek Nazir we are giving the valedictorian speech for the
class of 2011.
Many of you are perhaps
surprised to see that two very quiet people were chosen to be the
valedictorians for our class. I guess
this shows the power of AlphaMax to transform its students.
Three years ago,
I came to the Academy not knowing what awaited me. I, however, believed that I was ready for the
AlphaMax challenge. On that first day
when I received such a warm welcome from both students and staff, I could
immediately feel the special quality of the Alpha Max community.
In those early
days, what many saw was a quiet little girl always sitting in a corner not
talking much. Three years have passed
and today I stand before you, able to talk to an entire audience.
How much I have
grown, how much we all have grown, and how much the Academy has grown. In the three years that I have attended the
Academy, I have seen the Academy grown from a little school that looks like a
house into a school that will soon occupy a large complex.
In three years’
time, we have done so many activities in the Academy. In the school year 2008-2009, the Academy had
their annual competitions; where we competed against each other. In 2008, the school also produced a dramatic
speech presentation called “Great Thoughts, Great Minds, Great Moments in Time”.
We also completed a DVD of this production.
In 2009-2010, the
school produced another dramatic presentation called “Many Faces of Love.” I was honored to be chosen to be part of this
production. Also this year, Alpha Max
began moving into its new building on Standvastestraat.
In 2010-2011,
there were many positive achievements. We
had distinguished visitors. Or art
teacher’s portrait- the Four M’s, A portrait of Hope and Peace was chosen as a state gift from the Surinamese to the Venezuelan
president.
I was also part
of a group who did research on presentations on the history of Suriname. Our group also had a pleasant boat trip on
the Sweet Merodia.
During the
Easter break, most of the middle and high school students went on a survival
camp at Bosbivak. This camp gave us an
opportunity to understand and interact positively with nature. We discovered the mental, emotional and
physical skill that we all need.
A few weeks ago,
our students planted citrus trees to show our commitment to working on national
food security. The highlight for our
year was the placing of a bust of India’s most famous artists and philosopher
Rabindranath Tagore on our school lawn.
Alpha Max is only one of the fourteen sites worldwide where a Tagore
bust was placed this year.
This last
weekend, I was also part of another group who were invited to a seminar
presented by Adek students which focused on values. This program called spotlight on values is a
jointly conducted by the United Nations and the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual
University.
These events are
only a small part of the life of the Alpha max community. Our graduating class has had an education
grounded on the values that leaders of the future need.
On behalf of the
class of 2011, we would like to say a special “Thank You” to Mr. Taylor and his
dedicated staff and teachers. We truly
appreciate your love and guidance; another special “Thank You” to our parents
and guardians. You have paid for our education, not only with money but also
with time, sacrifice and love. All of
you have played an important part in shaping our lives.
Fellow
graduates, you have seen many friends leave the academy. Today, however, others
will see you leave. You already know that
the world out there is bitter sweet. If
you hold on to the lessons you received here, you will make it!! If you ever feel like quitting, remember that
“A saint is a sinner who never fails.”
In those moments
when you feel like giving up, say this affirmation:
“I take grounded
action towards my dream.
I face the possibility of rejection and criticism
with a smile.
I keep going no matter what may come.
I am protected.”
I hope these
words make you strong. Know that you are
always protected.
Congratulations
to the class of 2011!! Let us always
remember to say the affirmation “Thou and I art never apart.” Whenever we say it in our minds, let us
remember our high school Alpha Max and the beautiful times we spent there.
I will miss you:
Azim, the guy
who makes frog noises,
Shiromani, our
future TV presenter
Jaleesa, our model,
Jill, crazy Ramona,
Jessica, our
flying penguin,
Sharen-vess, our
sloth protecter
Maryssa, our
happy child
Shafeek, naked
barbarian
Thank you
