Martes
17 DicSpeech from the Chairman of the Board of Governors “Prize Giving Ceremony 2024”
Juan Carlos Galdámez Naranjo LLM (Wales, UK)
Chairman of the Board of Governors
The Mackay School
SPEECH // TMS – Prize Giving Ceremony 2024.
December 12th, 2024
Distinguished Director Mr. Matthew Taylor, Esteemed Members of our Board of Governors, Faculty, Honored Guests, Alumni, Students, appreciated Families, and the great Staff of The Mackay School:
Welcome to this Prize Giving and Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2024. Today, we gather not only to celebrate achievements but also to honor the journey that brought us here—a journey marked by perseverance, courage, and transformation.
A Journey Worth Celebrating
Class of 2024, your path has been one of growth and discovery.
These halls and fields have witnessed your evolution from curious learners to confident young leaders, ready to embrace the challenges of the world. The lessons learned here extended far beyond academics; they shaped your character, taught you to lead with integrity, and inspired you to live with purpose.
But no serious journey is walked alone.
Behind every achievement stands a network of love, guidance, and sacrifice. Today, we honor not only your accomplishments but also the parents, teachers, staff, and friends who shaped and supported you. Their belief in you has been the foundation upon which you’ve built your success.
A Tribute to the Spirit of Mackay
You, the Class of 2024, embody the 167-year legacy of The Mackay School. Our motto, Vincit qui se vincit—“He conquers who conquers himself”—is the essence of this legacy. It speaks to the core values instilled in you: integrity, resilience, and service.
Mackay has always been more than a school.
It is a forge where character is shaped, passions are nurtured, and purpose is discovered.
The Spirit of Mackay is not just a tradition, it is a calling. It reminds us that true greatness lies in contributing to something greater than ourselves, in serving with courage and leading with compassion.
A los Padres:
Queridos padres, hoy es una celebración de sus sacrificios y amor. Han dado a sus hijos raíces para cimentar su carácter y alas para volar hacia sus sueños. Su apoyo inquebrantable y fe han sido su fortaleza en tiempos de duda y su ancla en momentos de incertidumbre.
Mackay ha tenido el privilegio de acompañar el despegue de vuestros hijos hacia las alturas de su potencial. Su colaboración en este viaje ha sido invaluable, y les agradecemos por confiarnos el honor de participar en la formación de sus hijos, nuestros queridos alumnos de la generación 2024.
To the Parents
To our parents, today is a celebration of your sacrifices and love. You have given your children roots to ground their character and wings to soar toward their dreams. Your unwavering support and belief have been their strength in times of doubt and their anchor in moments of uncertainty.
Mackay has been privileged to build upon the foundation you have laid. Your partnership in this journey has been invaluable, and we thank you for entrusting us with the honor of helping shape these extraordinary young people.
To the Teachers and Staff
To the extraordinary teachers and staff of Mackay: you are the architects of this moment. Your wisdom, patience, and passion have shaped not only minds but also hearts. You have guided these students to think critically, dream boldly, and act with purpose.
To the supporting personnel,
your care and dedication have created an environment where every student could thrive. You are the silent strength of this community, ensuring that each student felt valued, supported, and inspired.
Today’s celebration belongs to you as much as it belongs to them.
To the Graduates: A Call to Serve and Lead
Dear graduates, you stand as the living embodiment of Mackay’s legacy —a legacy that calls you to live with purpose, lead with integrity, and serve with compassion. The lessons you’ve learned here —of resilience, humility, and unity— will guide you as you navigate the complexities of the world.
Remember, the world doesn’t just need your talents; it needs your heart.
Success is not measured by personal gain but by how you use your abilities to uplift others. Carry the Spirit of Mackay into everything you do, letting it guide your choices and actions.
Your friendships, forged in the laughter and challenges of these years, are treasures that will endure across time and distance. These bonds are a testament to the unity and loyalty that define the Mackay experience.
A Lasting Legacy
When YOU sing today our anthem for the last time as students of Mackay,
REMEMBER:
YOU are not simply voicing words; YOU are making a declaration of who we are.
Each note binds us to one another, united in purpose, rooted in history, and driven by a courage that knows no bounds.
This is more than a song; it is a call to honor our legacy and to embrace the spirit of Mackay, a spirit that lives on in each of us as we walk forward together, unbreakable and proud.
Never ever forget: You are part of an unbroken chain of excellence, courage, and honor,
A LEGACY THAT SPANS 167 YEARS.
CLASS OF 2024,
Take these values into the world. Live boldly, serve generously, and lead with authenticity.
Wherever life takes you, remember that you are never alone. The Spirit of Mackay is with you always; a source of strength in moments of doubt and a beacon in moments of triumph.
To the parents, teachers, and staff, thank you -again- for being the heart and soul of this community. Your unwavering love and dedication have made this day possible.
To the graduates, we are profoundly proud of you. You carry the torch of Mackay’s legacy, lighting the way for future generations. You are the pride of this school, the hope of our future, and the promise of a brighter world.
CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2024. MAY YOU HAVE A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS AND AN AUSPICIOUS 2025.
MAY THE SPRIRIT OF MACKAY LIVE FOREVER IN YOUR HEARTS.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
