The Final Farewell

Introduction

The evening of Friday, May 30th, was surely one to remember.

Elegantly dressed in blue and yellow, our seniors walked the stage at BHA for one last time:

Their Senior Graduation.

People often overlook the huge amount of preparation and logistics behind such events. The day prior to the ceremony, the gym was transformed from a hub for athletics into a professional auditorium. Gray carpets were laid out, hundreds of white chairs were placed, and a spacious stage was set up, complete with a podium, a “2025” sign, and a backdrop with the BHA logo. All of this was done with the constant thought of making sure BHA gave its seniors a worthy goodbye.

The ceremony kicked off at 6 P.M with all of the BHA admin, high school teachers, and graduates entering the gym to the background of some music. (Two clips can be found below). The procession entered from the elementary hallway leading to the gym and walked along the side wall, after which they walked down the central corridor to their seats at the front. They were greeted by the enthusiastic cheers of parents, teachers, staff, and students alike.

(Wahaj Uddin)

Quran Recitation and Senior Class President Speech

After all of the graduates had been seated, the President of the ISF Board, Ehsan Syed, rose to the stage to welcome everyone. “Honored guests, ISF Board, parents, teachers, staff, and graduates, welcome to the senior class of 2025 Brighter Horizons Academy graduation”, he said.

Next, graduate Taha Maqbool recited some verses from the Quran, and translation was done by Maryam Bhojwani.

Afterwards, the Senior Class of 2025’s President, Hilal Abusaad, gave a commencement speech to his fellow graduates and the audience. (A portion can be found below) He talked about his journey through high school, as well as that of his fellow classmates. In the end, he implored his peers to put in effort into their work so as to make a difference. More specifically, he used a powerful quote once said by Michael Jordan.

(Wahaj Uddin)

After Abusaad’s speech, Brother Ehsan resumed to the stage and requested all of the graduates’ parents to rise (clip can be found below). He cited the countless sacrifices for their children they made, highlighting another key aspect of graduations that we often miss:

Just as they’re moments of joy and honor for graduates, they’re also moments of joy and honor for parents. Afterall, it is upon their effort and sacrifice that we stand.

Head of School Address

Subsequently, former BHA Head of School Samah Bkhaitan gave a short address in which she commended the Class of 2025 for their efforts, congratulating them on their respective achievements.

The Class of 2025 earned over $4.7 million in scholarships to an array of universities. This highlights the true scale of effort put in by our Seniors as well as the effort made by BHA’s teachers and parents.

(Wahaj Uddin)

Keynote Speaker

After Dr. Samah concluded her speech, the stage was taken by the ceremony’s keynote speaker, Youssef Mekawy. (A portion of his speech can be found below) Br. Mekawy is an Imam and career coach.

In his keynote address, Br. Mekawy congratulated the Class of 2025 while also offering some advice. He compared the many opportunities surrounding the Class of 2025 to the limited opportunities he had access to when he went to college. He then used this as a reason to encourage the graduating seniors to take advantage of the many resources they have access to and strive for excellence.

(Wahaj Uddin)

Salutatorian Speech

Br. Ehsan resumed the stage after the keynote address had been completed. He proceeded to introducing the Salutatorian of the Class of 2025, Khadija Yaqub. The Salutatorian is the second highest ranked student of the graduating class, based on cumulative weighted GPA. It is an achievement that shows continuous hard work and dedication.

Khadija Yaqub’s full Salutatorian speech can be found below.

(Wahaj Uddin)

Valedictorian Speech

After the Salutatorian address had been delivered, Br. Ehsan once again resumed the stage to introduce the Valedictorian of the Class of 2025, Hania Hashmi. The Valedictorian is the highest ranked student of the graduating class, based on cumulative weighted GPA. It is a highly noteworthy accomplishment that exemplifies 4 years of non-stop dedication and hard work.

Hania Hashmi’s full Valedictorian speech can be found below.

(Wahaj Uddin)

Athletics Scholarship

After the Valedictorian address had been completed, Br. Adeel Sahibzada, the former Athletics Director of BHA, took to the stage to announce the winners of the Athletics Scholarship. Seniors Youssef Moussa and Sedra Amhan were both called up to the stage to receive their respective honors.

Seniors Youssef Moussa and Sedra Amhan on stage after being recognized for the Athletics Scholarship. (Wahaj Uddin)

The Finale

The Athletics Scholarship was the last address of the ceremony. The time had at last come for our Seniors to walk the stage one last time. Br. Sami Moussa, the Middle School Principal, did the honors of calling up each of the graduates. Beaming smiles, laughs, and energetic waves could be seen one after another.

The Senior Graduation represents the closing of a chapter of life for our graduates. As they move on to college and their careers, they will face bigger challenges, difficulties, and tests.

But the memory of a fun and uplifting high school experience is something few will forget.

The BHA Post wishes a sincere goodbye to the Class of 2025!

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