Last Friday June 15th 2012, the Abraham Lincoln School located in Central Romana, La Romana celebrated its 30th graduation ceremony, when proud parents, families, friends and students of the graduating class of 2012 named “Exorior”, joined together to celebrate the end of an era at the Abraham Lincoln School and welcome a new one at the newly renovated Flamboyan conference center in Casa de Campo.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy”
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
(this is the quote chosen to represent the class of 2012)
By 7:00pm most of the numerous guests were already inside the beautifully decorated (and newly renovated) Flamboyan conference center – most already seated in the bests spots to enjoy the graduation, while others, including the stars of the evening, gathered with excitement in the main foyer – posing for photos together with their parents and close friends, as well as with their classmates for the traditional group photo with their form teachers, Miss Crowely and Mrs. Santana and the Abraham Lincoln School’s Headmaster, Mr. Harry Magee.
Abraham Lincoln School graduating class of 2012
“This was a very special night is the history of our school as we were celebrating our thirtieth 12th grade graduation. In those 30 years, we have graduated a total of 568 students, including this year’s class.”
— Mr. Harry Magee, Headmaster at the Abraham Lincoln School
The moment finally arrived when the graduating class paraded joyfully into the main hall escorted by their proud parents – the beginning of what was definitely one of the most special graduation ceremonies ever celebrated by the Abraham Lincoln School; filled with heartwarming speeches, including the class poem written by Sebastian Genao Baez, which was recited by 4 students, 3 songs interpreted by the graduating class and the school choir – and also marked the 30th anniversary of the school’s first graduation!
Congratulations to all and congratulations to the Abraham Lincoln School!
The Class of 2012 Poem: Facing the storm Years gone by and memories formed Lining the corners of our minds. The end of the calm before the storm, Our safe nests we leave behind. Winds of uncertainty blow restlesstly on As we desperately cling onto close friends. Together we’ve grown yet we must go on, All heading towards different ends. It is now we must part and bear arms against life Holding only what we’ve learned through laughter and strife. Lights in the distance, so bright and inviting Our future they hold, our fortune reciting. We must pack our bags and empty our shelves And hopefully soon we’ll dicover ourselves.
— by Sebastian Alejandro Genao Baez
The event was also attended by special guest, Archbishop Ramón Benito De la Rosa y Carpio, who also had some inspirational words for the class of 2012, after which the awaited moment finally arrived when the diplomas were given out by the Director of the Abraham Lincoln School board, Dr. Leonardo Matos García, including the truly magical moment when Dr. Leonardo Matos García handed the graduating diploma to his won daughter, Eva.
Our best wishes & congratulations to the graduating class!
Following the ceremony the graduating class celebrated with friends and family at the “Genesis Flashback” after-party in Altos de Chavón – CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS!
On this special occasion, many students of the graduating class as well as proud parents and teachers took the time to speak to us, so here we share with you a few thoughts, comments and congratulatory messages:
“Allow your education at the Abraham Lincoln School to be a launching pad in to the realm of information, knowledge, learning and understanding. When you stay informed, seek knowledge, learn from everything with which you have contact and try to understand the world, you become the educated elite in our society and those upon whom our democracy depends for informed decisions, right thinking and proper judgment. So make a commitment right here, right now to never stop learning, growing and developing.”
— Mr. Harry Magee, Headmaster at the Abraham Lincoln School
“I don’t feel any different I still feel like the same girl that walked into high school 4 years ago, its hard to soak in. To my family, friends and teachers – the least I can say is thank you, all of their patience and support is what has moved me to keep reaching for more, I really can’t express my gratitude. Its great to know that through thick and thin I will always have them as my security blanket. I will miss ALS and all of my classmates who became my family. I wish them luck, happiness, health, and every success. They deserve it, we all do.”
— Bianca Lynn Abreu, Abraham Lincoln School graduating class of 2012“
“Well, as anyone who graduated will probably answer I’ll say that it’s a bit bittersweet. It’s the moment I’ve awaited for so long and I’m glad that it’s finally arrived, however, it also intimidates me somewhat to know that life only gets more serious and risky from now on even if it does come alongside more freedom… time is the best teacher.I would like to thank my family for the opportunities that they presented me. I want to thank all my friends that stuck with me through good times and bad.True friends are hard to come by and even harder to leave behind. Finally I’ll thank my teachers, even those that gave me a hard time. Because of you, future burdens will feel that much lighter. Thank you for passing on your wisdom and I’ll do my best to use it for the greater good of society. After all, we are the future generation and it’s up to us to polish away the smudges of our time so that the future will appear brighter to the next generation.
— Sebastián Genao Báez, Abraham Lincoln School graduating class of 2012
“Each year, it is a tradition that the Abraham Lincoln School graduation is a well organised, beautiful and exciting ceremony. In this ocassion, having the opportunity to see my son and his friends graduate from school is a very strong combination of emotions; joy, pride and satisfaction. Undoubtedly a moment that we will always remember, a moment that represents the first of a long list of succesful events for these 28 young boys and girls”.
— Haydee Báez, teacher at the Abraham Lincoln School and proud mother of graduate Sebastián Genao Báez
“I couldn´t believe that after being 14 years in the Abraham Lincoln school I was finally graduating. This is actually a bittersweet situation as you are leaving friends you love so much and are used to seeing every day but at the same time this graduation represented our hard work throughout all these years. Thanks to my parents for their support and advices throughout all these years. I love them so much they are amazing and I hope they feel proud of what I have accomplished in my school years. Also thanks to my friends for all their support and amazing years at school, they will always have a special place in my heart and to all my teachers; thanks for all your support and help you guys are the best.”
— Dorelis Cordero, Abraham Lincoln School graduating class of 2012
“I’d like to congratulate Casa de Campo on the renovation of the conference centre. Visually and acoustically the ceremony was the best ever. Every graduation ceremony is special, but obviously this year was extra so because my son graduated. We rehearse hard for 4 days to make the ceremony flawless. That’s why our graduates speak so confidently. It’s very much a team effort which I enjoy organising every year and will continue to do. So class of 2012 good luck, class of 2013 here we come.”
— Sharon Santana, French Teacher at the Abraham Lincoln School and organizer of numerous graduation ceremonies
“It’s the kind of experience you have to live to understand the feeling. All I can say is I feel relieved and overjoyed for accomplishing it, and eager to welcome what comes now. It also hurts to know most of my friends and I are going separate ways but I guess it’s all for the best. As for me, Boston is next. I will be going to Northeastern University to study Communications and for now I’m very interested in pursuing a career in the area of Public Relations and maybe a minor in Event Planning. I’m excited to start this new phase of my life and though I will miss my family, friends and sunny days, I can’t wait to try something different.”
— Victoria Giha, Abraham Lincoln School graduating class of 2012
[Photo courtesy of Carlitos Pichardo]
And finally the following photos were taken during the 30th annual Abraham Lincoln School graduation ceremony celebrated on Friday June 15th 2012 at the Flamboyan conference centre in Casa de Campo: MORE!!!
To mark this momentous occasion, we will be publishing a series of further articles – including coverage of the after-party “Genesis Flashback” as well as official photos from the graduation ceremony itself. So if YOU would like to write a message for the Abraham Lincoln School graduating class of 2012, or if you are graduate who would like to share something – please email us at: info@casadecampoliving.com
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The Abraham Lincoln School, located within Central Romana, in the town of La Romana, is a private school for the children of employees of the Central Romana Corporation, but is also attended by other children who pay yearly tuition fees.
Spanish
Last Friday June 15th 2012, the Abraham Lincoln School located in Central Romana, La Romana celebrated its 30th graduation ceremony, when proud parents, families, friends and students of the graduating class of 2012 named “Exorior”, joined together to celebrate the end of an era at the Abraham Lincoln School and welcome a new one at the newly renovated Flamboyan conference center in Casa de Campo.
The Class of 2012 Poem: Facing the storm Years gone by and memories formed Lining the corners of our minds. The end of the calm before the storm, Our safe nests we leave behind. Winds of uncertainty blow restlesstly on As we desperately cling onto close friends. Together we’ve grown yet we must go on, All heading towards different ends. It is now we must part and bear arms against life Holding only what we’ve learned through laughter and strife. Lights in the distance, so bright and inviting Our future they hold, our fortune reciting. We must pack our bags and empty our shelves And hopefully soon we’ll dicover ourselves. — by Sebastian Alejandro Genao Baez
The event was also attended by special guest, Archbishop Ramón Benito De la Rosa y Carpio, who also had some inspirational words for the class of 2012, after which the awaited moment finally arrived when the diplomas were given out by the Director of the Abraham Lincoln School board, Dr. Leonardo Matos García, including the truly magical moment when Dr. Leonardo Matos García handed the graduating diploma to his won daughter, Eva.
Our best wishes & congratulations to the graduating class!
Following the ceremony the graduating class celebrated with friends and family at the “Genesis Flashback” after-party in Altos de Chavón – CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS!
On this special occasion, many students of the graduating class as well as proud parents and teachers took the time to speak to us, so here we share with you a few thoughts, comments and congratulatory messages:
“I don’t feel any different I still feel like the same girl that walked into high school 4 years ago, its hard to soak in. To my family, friends and teachers – the least I can say is thank you, all of their patience and support is what has moved me to keep reaching for more, I really can’t express my gratitude. Its great to know that through thick and thin I will always have them as my security blanket. I will miss ALS and all of my classmates who became my family. I wish them luck, happiness, health, and every success. They deserve it, we all do.” — Bianca Lynn Abreu, Abraham Lincoln School graduating class of 2012“
“Well, as anyone who graduated will probably answer I’ll say that it’s a bit bittersweet. It’s the moment I’ve awaited for so long and I’m glad that it’s finally arrived, however, it also intimidates me somewhat to know that life only gets more serious and risky from now on even if it does come alongside more freedom… time is the best teacher. I would like to thank my family for the opportunities that they presented me. I want to thank all my friends that stuck with me through good times and bad.True friends are hard to come by and even harder to leave behind. Finally I’ll thank my teachers, even those that gave me a hard time. Because of you, future burdens will feel that much lighter. Thank you for passing on your wisdom and I’ll do my best to use it for the greater good of society. After all, we are the future generation and it’s up to us to polish away the smudges of our time so that the future will appear brighter to the next generation. — Sebastián Genao Báez, Abraham Lincoln School graduating class of 2012 “Each year, it is a tradition that the Abraham Lincoln School graduation is a well organised, beautiful and exciting ceremony. In this ocassion, having the opportunity to see my son and his friends graduate from school is a very strong combination of emotions; joy, pride and satisfaction. Undoubtedly a moment that we will always remember, a moment that represents the first of a long list of succesful events for these 28 young boys and girls”. — Haydee Báez, teacher at the Abraham Lincoln School and proud mother of graduate Sebastián Genao Báez
“I couldn´t believe that after being 14 years in the Abraham Lincoln school I was finally graduating. This is actually a bittersweet situation as you are leaving friends you love so much and are used to seeing every day but at the same time this graduation represented our hard work throughout all these years. Thanks to my parents for their support and advices throughout all these years. I love them so much they are amazing and I hope they feel proud of what I have accomplished in my school years. Also thanks to my friends for all their support and amazing years at school, they will always have a special place in my heart and to all my teachers; thanks for all your support and help you guys are the best.” — Dorelis Cordero, Abraham Lincoln School graduating class of 2012
“I’d like to congratulate Casa de Campo on the renovation of the conference centre. Visually and acoustically the ceremony was the best ever. Every graduation ceremony is special, but obviously this year was extra so because my son graduated. We rehearse hard for 4 days to make the ceremony flawless. That’s why our graduates speak so confidently. It’s very much a team effort which I enjoy organising every year and will continue to do. So class of 2012 good luck, class of 2013 here we come.” — Sharon Santana, French Teacher at the Abraham Lincoln School and organizer of numerous graduation ceremonies
“It’s the kind of experience you have to live to understand the feeling. All I can say is I feel relieved and overjoyed for accomplishing it, and eager to welcome what comes now. It also hurts to know most of my friends and I are going separate ways but I guess it’s all for the best. As for me, Boston is next. I will be going to Northeastern University to study Communications and for now I’m very interested in pursuing a career in the area of Public Relations and maybe a minor in Event Planning. I’m excited to start this new phase of my life and though I will miss my family, friends and sunny days, I can’t wait to try something different.” — Victoria Giha, Abraham Lincoln School graduating class of 2012 [Photo courtesy of Carlitos Pichardo]
