HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani yesterday attended the graduation of his daughter HE Sheikha Mariam from the Qatar Academy Doha (QAD) Class of 2017.
The Qatar Academy Doha celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2017 yesterday evening in an official ceremony at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).
The ceremony was attended by the sons of HH the Father Emir,  a number of VIP guests, public figures, Qatar Foundation leadership – including president of Pre-University Education (PUE) – QAD chairperson, parents, faculty, and school administrators.
The ceremony celebrated the graduation of 85 students, including 44 Qatari nationals.
These students now join more than 750 QAD alumni since its establishment in 1996.
Don MacIntyre, QAD director, told the graduates that “it is often easy to overlook the transition phases of our lives and focus only on the next stages. However, what if it is during these periods of transition that we are presented with the most profound and enlightening experiences.”
QA alumna Lulwa al-Darwish, who graduated in 2012, returned as this year’s guest speaker and reflected on her journey.
“I grew up in this school, and the desire to give back to my society grew in me. I graduated in 2012, and, because of my teachers and Qatar Academy’s inspiring efforts through education – one’s most powerful weapon – I chose to become a special needs educator. Specifically, for individuals with autism, so thank you,” she said.
This year’s valedictorian, Ghada Khalifa al-Thani, gave an emotional speech, saying: “One individual cannot make a permanent change or development,” she said.“It requires the whole community to work together to achieve this. It is useless to believe that one person can do everything on their own; it requires the effort of the entire community. I am proud of all those present with me tonight, and I am sure that you are all proud too.”
Commenting on QAD’s 17th Graduation Ceremony, Buthaina Ali al-Nuaimi, president of PUE, QF, said: “Since it was founded in 1996 by HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the Father Emir, and HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, Qatar Academy Doha has provided comprehensive and internationally recognised academic programmes.
“The school aims to create graduates who are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to serve the local community.”
As part of the celebrations, the audience also enjoyed a musical collaboration between QAD and Qatar Music Academy.