On their final school day, the class of 2021 Year 12 students were honoured and celebrated by the entire student body during the Good Shepherd Lutheran College’s emotion charged ‘Walk of Honour’.
Head of Senior Years Students Karen Lunn explains that this rite of passage for Year 12 students, as they launch into the exciting challenges of life ahead, started back in 2008.
“All students from Prep to Year 11 line the paths clapping and cheering as the Year 12’s soak up the atmosphere and admiration of their peers,” Mrs Lunn said.
“Past GSLC graduates describe it as one of the most moving and proud moments of their final days of school life.
“The walk through the campus, to music that is a collation of the top songs from each year of their school life, started at the College Chapel and culminated at the HPE Centre where they were given blessings for their future.”
As they transition from Good Shepherd student to Good Shepherd alumni, College Captain Katelyn Dyer proudly reflected on her final years, “Even through lock downs, case spikes and mask mandates, we pushed on. For many, one of the biggest highlights of our final year together was just being able to spend time together.”
“Each and every one of us made memories this year that will remain with us forever.”
College Captain Ashton Bellette was confident that his cohort “will be remembered not for our grades, popularity, for the likes or favourites, but for the types of people we have become. We have grown to respect our differences, our individuality and our beliefs.”
Ashton warmly encouraged his peers, “my fellow students, I know that you want to make a difference to your families, to your community, to the causes you believe in. Well, now it is our time to take on the world, to seek our passions, to create our futures, to create our legacy, we should do what we love, and we should imagine the future we want and create it.”
Good Shepherd Principal Anthony Dyer said, “It’s always an emotional moment when all the students and staff come out to wish them well. There are many celebrations, but none will capture the student experience and essence of GSLC like the warmth expressed at the Walk of Honour. We are confident that these students will go on to do great things and we wish them well as they do so.”
Both Katelyn and Ashton agreed, “While we are a little nervous we know that we go forward not alone.”
A statement which could not have been more true as the entire College student body congratulated, celebrated and farewelled this cohort and while tears were shed by parents, teachers and graduates alike.
The wider community is equally excited about what the Year 12’s future may hold.
