Young talents celebrated the culmination of their high school journey and academic milestones in a dazzling graduation ceremony staged by Riffa Views International School (RVIS) for its 10th cohort on Saturday.
The energy was high at Bahrain National Theatre as the 28 graduates were joined by proud parents, family and friends to partake in their joy.
Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa graced the occasion, which was also attended by other dignitaries including the Supreme Council for Health president Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma.
Shaikh Khalid emphasised the importance of education as a pillar of Bahrain’s development, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He underlined education’s role in building capable citizens and highlighted private education as a strategic partner in supporting Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 through human capital development.
Dr Juma emphasised the ministry’s commitment to supporting private educational institutions and the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors.
RVIS Board of Trustees Chairman Hisham
Abdulrahman Al Raee reiterated the school’s commitment to advancing private education.
“RVIS is a very close-knit community and that’s what stood out for me when I joined the institution six months ago,” principal Reham Eldemerdash said, adding that there are many surprises in the pipeline, which will be announced in due course.
Graduate Shaikha Mariam bint Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa, who won the coveted Dolphin Award, which recognises a student who exemplifies the school’s mission through academic challenge, leadership and community service, delivered a speech on behalf of her classmates, expressing appreciation to her family and describing the ceremony as the culmination of years of hard work.
“My favourite memory will be the laughs shared at Ms Deena’s office,” Ms Al Khalifa noted, adding that it provided students a safe space.
RVIS marketing and communications specialist Deena Al Reefy is popular among students as the ‘big sister’.
Salutatorian Hisham Mohammed Amin, recipient of the prestigious Crown Prince International Scholarship, who aspires to pursue a career in medicine said, “My father, who is a doctor, inspired me but the values that RVIS has instilled in me and my peers, like resilience and collaboration, has shaped my personality as well.”
According to an RVIS representative, Amin is the youngest student to receive the scholarship in its 26-year history, at just 16 years old.
Shaikh Khalifa bin Fahad bin Khalifa Al Khalifa was announced as the valedictorian, earning the highest cumulative GPA among the 28 graduates.
Graduate Mezayen Al Raee said she really loved studying at Riffa Views. “They make you feel at home and they become like your family,” she added.
RVIS, founded in 2008, specialises in providing an American curriculum that caters to early childhood, kindergarten, elementary, middle school and high school students.
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