Graduating GAC Generation 3 students, Administrators, Teachers, Parents and our ACT representative Mr. Antony Choi, this evening is a very special occasion. It’s what some may call a ‘blue ribbon event’. Someone who is awarded a ‘blue ribbon’ has been given the mark of highest distinction, or has the highest qualities. In fact in medieval times a blue ribbon was worn by a special order of Knights. We’re all gathered here to share in the academic success of our third generation of graduating GAC students.

           Congratulations to you all for getting to this milestone in your academic life. We all know the GAC has presented you with many challenges in terms of the number of assignments you’ve had to prepare and write, the precision time management you’ve had to juggle with your other Yr. 12 responsibilities and the numerous skills you’ve had to hone and refine in order to complete the three levels of GAC to be here today.

           Today seems a good time to remind you all that you are EKTRA students. So, before you all ‘soar’ onto higher and greater things in your lives. I say soar, because you are all turning into EAGLES, one of the strongest and most fierce birds, I wonder if any of you can tell me the meaning behind EKTRA:

           E stands for ETHICS. I urge you all to have a sound and upright code of morals and principles to lead your life. Be good to and for yourselves, your families and your society.

           K stands for KNOWLEDGE. By completing the GAC you have already built a substantial framework of knowledge and information, but don’t stop now. Keep reading, keep learning and keep up with the fast changing world.

           T stands for TOLERANCE. Perhaps this is one of the most difficult character traits to perfect. Always work on treating others equally. How often do you look down on a person from a different level of society? If you are tolerant it means you are willing to accept feelings, habits, or beliefs that are different from your own.

           R stands for RESPONSIBILITY. Ask yourself: Are you answerable or accountable for anything within your power, control or management? Do you act in a responsible way: for your friends? For your family? For your teachers?

           A stands for AMBITION. This is perhaps the most important trait you need now. Ambition is the desire to succeed. A desire to do things and be active. Maybe even to become famous or successful or powerful. This is ambition.

           If you can remember these five words and apply them in your daily life, wherever and whatever you go onto do in life will always be successful and in a way that you can hold you head up high with pride and honor of being an EKTRA student.

           To use the words of the famous British playwright: William Shakespeare

           Congratulations to you all and I and everyone else here tonight wish you all the best in achieving your dreams and ambitions. And don’t forget every once in a while, come back to your ‘EAGLE’S Nest’ to tell us how things are going.