After 13 years of early mornings, packed lunches, ironed uniforms and late nights finishing assignments, today Year 12 students at Good Shepherd Lutheran College will close their chapter of school, with final steps that will stay with them for life.
On their final school day, Good Shepherd Year 12 students, were honoured and celebrated by the entire student body on the Good Shepherd Lutheran College’s emotion-charged “Walk of Honour”.
Mrs Karen Lunn, Head of Senior Years Students 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. Past walkers describe it as one of the most moving and proud moments of their final days of school life,” she said.
“The walk through the campus, to music that is a collation of the top songs from each year of their school life, starts at the College Chapel and culminate at the HPE Centre where they will be given blessings for their future.“
For College Captains Lonni Miller-Metzner, Cole Suter along with College Vice-Captains Grete Gawthorn and George Gleeson, life is asking them to suddenly take one of their biggest steps forward however after the initial swell of emotions, they are ready to put their mark on the world.
College Captain Lonni Miller-Metzner, who has been a student at Good Shepherd since Prep explains, “This is just a massive honour…we’ve been waiting for this since Prep when I was watching the Year 12’s graduate each year and now it’s finally our turn.”
When asked about her future Lonni said, “Next year I am planning on studying Information Technology and Business, and I am hoping to enter the field of User Experience and Product Design. Good Shepherd has instilled in me, a passion for creativity, curiosity and life long learning and I am excited to take these values with me as I begin tertiary education and eventually a career.”
College Captain Cole Suter said, “I’m going to miss a place that truly cares about each and every member of its wide College community. It really is a wonderful place and environment to learn in and I’m very sad to see my journey at GSLC come to an end. But I’m ready for the next chapter. Onwards to University in Brisbane. The plan is to study Advanced Finance and Economics at UQ. After that…a mystery! I’m quite happy to take it one step at a time and see what life has in store for me.”
Vice-Captain Grete Gawthorn, who has also been a student at Good Shepherd since Prep reflected “For me, Good Shepherd, has been an extension of my family, I have met all my friends and mentors who challenged me to give my best” she went on to say “I will definitely miss my teachers the most. Their words of encouragement, guidance and expertise are irreplaceable. However I feel comfortable knowing I am well equipped with a solid foundation.” ”
While Grete is keen to celebrate with her friends, she already has her plan set for 2021.
“Next year I am moving to Brisbane and hoping to study Medicine at UQ. Even though I am a bit sad to leave behind this ‘safe haven’“
Vice-Captain George Gleeson is already in the starting blocks “I plan to innovate in the field of 3D Printing and Farming Automation over the next few years, with the creation of two businesses MicroPod and Drintrex, whilst studying Engineering and Physics at QUT to expand my knowledge in order to cause positive disruption in the future, through the development of many more innovative solutions.”
While tears will be shed by parents, teachers and graduates alike as a week of formal celebrations and ceremonies wrap up after a very challenging 2020, everyone is equally excited about what the future may hold.
