For 190 students of the ESM, an important period of their lives came to an end at the beginning of July. In a festive ceremony surrounded by speeches and musical performances, the diplomas were handed out and the end of the school career was celebrated.
The ceremony began with a welcoming speech by EU Commissioner Dr Johannes Hahn, who invited the graduates to consciously live the European spirit and the possibilities of democracy. In his speech, school director Anton Hrovath encouraged the students, in view of the many threatening and bad news that come at us every hour of the day via the digital media and make us startle every time, to give greater space again to the encouraging and hope-giving "Fear not", a well-known phrase from the Bible. "If you believe in the good and beauty that is around us, then it will accompany you positively in the rest of your life with your now attained maturity for personal responsibility," said Anton Hrovath.
Nellie Simon, Vice-President General Services of the European Patent Office, then addressed the graduates. She encouraged them to seek out a life of purpose and to use their well-rounded education, multicultural skills and connections to contribute to the advancement and well-being of the European community. This was followed by the speeches of the Director of the Secondary School, Martin Duggen, and the representative of the parents' association, Julien Jacoby. Then came the long awaited moment: the presentation of the diplomas to the pupils. The event was rounded off with speeches by BAC coordinator Geesje Akkerman and the representatives of the Baccalaureate class.
We wish all graduates the very best for the future. We are so proud of you!
