Graduation Ceremony 2021
25th June 21
It has been a privilege saying goodbye over the last week to the departing Year 13s and 14s – the next generation of DLD Alumni. Our hybrid Graduation Ceremony this morning, which is now a permanent fixture of our school calendar, was an opportunity to thank them on behalf of the College for all they have done for DLD. But more importantly, how they have navigated this pandemic and adapted remotely to a new norm – they have been a real source of strength and inspiration.
Usually, the ceremony would have taken place in the Houses of Parliament across the bridge from DLD, but this year we had it at home, in our spacious Atrium. My thanks to Sofya and Charlotte, the Heads of School, for their support during this crisis and their brilliant team, including Meher, Zahra, Tudor and Sophie. Tudor gave a heartfelt vote of thanks to our guest speakers, Mr Richard Jones, one of our Alpha Plus Governors and Mrs Valerie Vaz MP, who joined the ceremony via Zoom, which was live-streamed worldwide – thank you for joining in wherever you were.
The students are currently having their photos taken on the 18th floor in their hoods and gowns, and they look fantastic! We also had the Alternative Summer Ball this week for our departing students, and Sofya was crowned Valedictorian for the Class of 2021 – a student who embodies all the great qualities of DLD.
The atmosphere at both events was just right, and it says much about these year groups that they have left in such style and with such affection for the College – there were a few tears, not just from the staff!
To the Class of 2021, carpe diem!
Irfan Latif, Principal
