With an abundance of joy and pride, Riffa Views International School held its virtual graduation ceremony for the Class of 2021, last Tuesday evening. This class of 26 graduates celebrated their culmination of their high school years with family and friends and over 200 members of the RVIS community including the Board of Trustees, staff, and fellow students through live streaming.

The event began with a virtual processional of the graduates appearing on screen full of excitement and a sense of accomplishment.  After the reading of the Holy Quran by graduating student, Mohammed Atif Abdulmalik, Ms. Tara Waudby, Head of School, gave the opening address, followed by the faculty address by Ms. Dhara Levers that spoke to the strength of the relationship between the students and their teachers. 

Mrs. Danielle Pinkerton, Secondary Principal, presented the hard-earned senior awards. Graduate Juanita Sarmiento received the Valedictorian Award having earned the highest cumulative GPA among all the graduates of the cohort. During her speech, Juanita spoke about hope and perseverance stating, “Trust that you'll end up where you want to be and that the results of your time and effort will eventually show. I hope that as we end this chapter of our lives, we are also ready to start a new life.”

The Dolphin Award was granted to Ajyad Saad Ahmed Al Khalifa, a student who has been with the school since its opening in 2008, and has most embodied the school's mission by participating in a variety of experiences and displaying strong collaboration skills, excellent character, and commitment to healthy choices.

Mr. Atif Ahmed Abdulmalik, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Riffa Views International School, expressed his pride in the school's continued distinguished excellence in private education in the Kingdom of Bahrain, pointing out that what distinguishes RVIS from others is the small classrooms, which allows for personalized learning, care for each child, and a strong connected community. Additionally, RVIS provides a world-class education, while integrating the customs and traditions of the Bahraini society.

Mr. Atif Abdulmalik congratulated the graduates of the sixth cohort 2021 and their families for their hard work and achievements throughout a challenging year. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Abdulmalik, commended the efforts put forth by the RVIS faculty and staff for a successful year despite the unconventional conditions that the world has undergone during the pandemic.

“Graduates, you have always shown us the road less traveled by, and in so doing, you have always shown us originality, creativity, and new paths. We are on the road less traveled by, and we know that you will always discover what wants to happen next. Thank you for leading the way and making all of the difference. Class of 2021 you are inspiring, wise, and simply outstanding.” – Tara Waudby, Head of School.