On Saturday, 1st June 2024, Tema International School (TIS) hosted its Annual Achievers & Graduation Ceremony at the Secondary Campus Sports Complex of the school, marking the end of the 2023/2024 academic year.
This elegant and celebratory event saw over 1200 attendees, including the founding family, parents, alumni, Chairman of the Board of Governors, Anis Haffar, board members, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo and Mr Kwaku Saki-Addo, staff, representatives from universities in Ghana, the USA, and the UK, partnering organisations, heads of schools, teachers, students, friends, and family, coming together to celebrate the academic, sports, cultural, service, and leadership achievements of its students.
The ceremony was a formal and classy affair, filled with pride and joy as the IB Class of 2024 graduated, each student a testament to personal growth and achievement. Many of them were honoured with prestigious awards, reflecting their dedication and hard work.
Notably, the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (DOEIA) was presented to 26 recipients in December 2023. The highest accolade – The Ajavon Award For Student of the Year (The Studiosum Anni Award), named after the school’s founders – was awarded to Seffirina Masoperh. She received a cash prize of $1,500, a $500 Apple voucher, a $2,000 shopping voucher, a citation, and a plaque. This award honours a student who demonstrates balance, integrity and commitment to the school’s four pillars.
Silver and Bronze DOEIA awards were also given to 30 students, showcasing the school’s dedication to holistic education.
Other International recognition was also a highlight, with several notable achievements. Nissi Arday (IB Class of 2024) was honoured with the prestigious YWPA Award by the Zonta Club of Accra. The TIS Mooting Society emerged winners in the 2024 University of Dundee African Schools Mooting Competition. Furthermore, TIS students received accolades at the Harvard National Model United Nations Africa Conference 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya.
The 20th Anniversary celebrations of Tema International School culminated in this grand event, honouring the mission and vision of its founders, Mr. and Mrs. Adjavon. The school continues to grow and thrive under the leadership of their daughters, Cecilia Ajavon Oppan and France]s Ajavon Okudzeto. The pride of the school community was palpable as they celebrated the graduates’ achievements.
The theme for the ceremony, “Embarking On The Next Chapter: A Legacy Of Leadership,” was brought to life by Guest Speaker Constance Swaniker; an educator, entrepreneur, renowned artist, and founder of Accents & Art and Design & Technology Institute (DTI).
With poise and elegance, she urged the graduates to embrace their roots, challenge the status quo, and commit to lifelong learning. She concluded her speech with a powerful message:
“As you embark on this next chapter, remember that leadership is not just about how far you go but how much you bring. It’s about impacting and leaving a legacy that inspires the next generation to pick up the baton and run even further.”
The event featured messages from Dr Ken Darvall, the Principal; he validated the parent’s support by saying,
“This academic year has been very tough, as the high living costs have impacted every family across Ghana. I am grateful for your continued support, respect your resilience during these difficult times, and admire your determination to provide the best education for your children. Thank you.”
The audience also heard from the Alumni Speaker, Miss Seyram Nutsukpui, Esq., a representative from the IB Class of 2014, as well as a passionate Parent Speaker, Karen Enyonam Sunkwa-Mills. Each speaker echoed the theme, charging the graduates to leave a mark on the world.
The first Head Girl and a Pioneer Student of Tema International School, Apiorkor Seyiram Ashong-Abbey, a Poet/Author and Media Practitioner was present and shared how proud she is to see the growth of her alma mater over the years. Apiorkor recently spoke at the IB Conference during the IB Day in Ghana at Ashesi University, engaging in an intimate discussion on education in the continent with the IB Director General, the IB Board, Heads of schools, Universities and GES.
The performances were electrifying. Flags from countries across the globe flew during the opening and closing ceremonies, symbolising the school’s commitment to internationalism and the desire to make the world a better place. The various service initiatives recognised during the event testified to this commitment.
The brochure distributed during the ceremony highlighted the universities TIS students attend globally, including Ivy League schools and generous scholarships. It also detailed the various service projects initiated by students over the past 20 years, focusing on those by the graduating class.
Mr. Anis Haffar, Chairman of the Board, delivered the charge, declaring the IB Class of 2024 graduates as they met all the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme requirements. The alumni speaker welcomed the graduates into the TIS Alumni Association, inviting them to pledge to be great ambassadors of their alma mater as members of the TIS alumni community.
The unveiling of the IB Class of 2024 on stage was a momentous occasion, with attendees capturing the special celebration on video and photographs. This event marked the end of an educational cycle and the beginning of a new chapter for the graduates.
Tema International School takes pride in being an IB World School, offering a unique program that provides opportunities for all learners to thrive. As a diverse school, it nurtures leaders who are compassionate, creative, responsible, disciplined, and lifelong learners. Congratulations to the IB Class of 2024 for raising the bar for future generations.
For more information, please visit www.tis.edu.gh