Awsaj Academy honours class of 2013

Ten graduates recently received their diplomas from Awsaj Academy, representing yet another milestone as the institution marked its eighth graduation ceremony.

The event was held on Wedensday, June 5^th, 2013 at the auditorium of Awsaj Academy, part of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. It was attended by parents, students, staff and several distinguished guests, including Mr Fahad Al-Subaiey, CEO of Hassad Food and Chair of the Board of Governors of Awsaj Academy; Mr. Abdulrahman M. Al-Suwaidi, CEO of ORYX GTL; Mrs Buthaina A. Al-Nuaimi, Executive Director of Pre-University Education, Qatar Foundation; Dr Ibrahim A. Janahi, Awsaj Academy Board Member; and Dr Ken McLeod, President of College of The North Atlantic Qatar(CAN-Q).

The pre-ceremony featured a musical piece performed by Marasi, a band from Qatar Music Academy, whose prowess mesmerised the audience. The ceremony then officially began with the Qatari National Anthem followed by the reciting of the Holy Qur’an by graduating seniors Abdulla Bahzad and Fahad Al Naimi. 

In his welcoming address, Dr. Ralph Pruitt, Director of Awsaj Academy, paid tribute to the graduates by saying, “Today you are leaving with a diploma that is recognised by colleges around the world. You have been successful due to your perseverance and desire to achieve in order to meet an important goal.” Addressing the audience, he continued, “I would like to thank all of you who have made this evening possible, especially the teachers, administrators, and parents who have believed in these students and who have encouraged them to do their best and accomplish this important goal.”

Mr Fahad Al-Subaiey, CEO of Hassad Food and the Chair of the Board of Governors of Awsaj Academy, was the keynote speaker for the evening. He advised the graduates of the important role values and religion play in everyone’s lives, saying, “I enjoin you to fear Allah in secret and in public. I urge you to keep performing the acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, zakat, to be dutiful to your parents, as these are considered the keys to guidance and success by the permission of Allah in this worldly life and the Hereafter. Moreover, you should sincerely serve your religion and your country.”

He continued by encouraging staff members to do their best to continue raising standards. “To my colleagues in the Academy, administrators, faculty and staff, I call upon all of you to double your efforts and take the initiative to benefit from the technologies of modern time,” he said. “This prestigious educational institution deserves the devotion of our utmost efforts and self-denial. Excellence and precedence are reserved for one who possesses knowledge and its comprehensive components.”                                                                                           

Senior Faisal Al Dafaa spoke of how he and his classmates had struggled at times, but explained how their bonds had helped them develop into admirable young men and women. “My classmates and I all have different roots,” he said, “but we come from the same soil and foundation. Islam, Qatari culture, and the Arabic tradition endow us with values such as generosity, courtesy, and charity. These shall remain with us no matter where our feet tread, no matter who we meet.”

During this year’s graduation the CEO of ORYX GTL, Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Suwaidy, recognised one of Awsaj Academy’s graduates for his outstanding achievements. Senior Ghanim Al Solaiti was awarded a scholarship from ORYX GTL covering the cost of up to four years of university or college tuition.

Dr. Don Francis, Awsaj Academy high school Principal, encouraged the graduates to be responsible citizens. “Make tomorrow unforgettable,” he implored. “Plan ahead, stick with your plan regardless of the challenges, and live your dreams.”

Dr. Don Francis ended the ceremony by declaring that the candidates had successfully completed the Awsaj Academy course of study. Diplomas and gifts were awarded by Mr. Fahad A. Turki Al-Subaiey, Dr. Ralph Pruitt and Dr. Don Francis to Jassim AbdulRahman Al Thani, Aisha Abdulla Al Thani, AbdulHameed Tareq Al Emadi, AbdulRahman Hassan Al Derham, Abdulla Faisal Bahzad, Ghanim Ali Al Solaitti, Fahad Hassan Al Naimi, Faisal Abdulla Al Dafaa, Mohamed Hamad Al Thani, and Nayef Fahad Al Thani. This year’s graduates plan to continue their studies at colleges and universities in Qatar, the UK, Canada and the United States. 

Awsaj Academy is a member of Qatar Foundation that serves students with learning challenges in grades K-12. Students are served in small classrooms with no more than ten students.  Teachers use evidence based instructional practices to meet the individual needs of students with additional support provided as needed.