The Koiari Park Adventist Secondary School saw its fourth and final grade 10 graduation today.
Still under High School status, the school started in 2014, with only 150 grade 10 students.
It was considered the school for the leftovers – for those grade 9’s who didn’t find placing in other schools.
But this school has come a long way in a short time.
Its population has doubled and tripled.
And today, the school graduated a total of 386 students from six grade 10 classes.
Indeed, an emotional moment for the teachers, who’ve seen the growth of the school over the years.
School Principal Silas Wagi thanked all those who believed in the school, from the beginning, particularly the parents, fellow teachers, Governor Powes Parkop and the Adventist education system.
Wagi also thanked other schools in NCD who’ve recognised the Koiari Park as a school, with special mention of Port Moresby National High School and Kilakila Secondary School.
The usually quiet school was packed with family and friends today to witness each student receive their certificates. And for some, their awards.
With it, were words of encouragement from the guest speakers.
The International Training Institute was represented at the graduation, by Kathleen Ratnasingam.
She presented scholarships to two students, who were given the opportunity to pursue a place with ITI either in the strands of Business or Information technology.
This is the last grade 10 graduation, as the school secured its secondary title recently.
The school saw its first batch of grade 11’s this year.
They will be graduating next year as the pioneer grade 12s.