Ackworth School Boarders Share Favourite Memories as Upper Sixth Students Graduate (By Kamila)
By Kamila R, Good News Room at Ackworth School
This time of year is always marked by the sadness of seeing the Upper Sixth students graduate.
They have all been great company and a source of support to so many students, so it is only natural to feel downcast as they leave school.
This feeling is especially strong in boarding, where you see these familiar faces every day of the week.
But on the brighter side, before leaving Ackworth they have created so many happy memories that will stay with those who remain.
To celebrate those moments with this year's leavers, I wanted to write this article.
Some of the boarders were kind enough to share their favourite memories with me.
Anton (L6) about Olha and Ines:
"My favourite memory with the graduates is Olha, Ines and me going to our special place in the middle passage. We would sit there and talk about anything and everything: how life was going, current affairs, or our worries.
"In difficult times, we were always ready to support each other, no matter what. All the good and bad moments were shared there, and it helped me form the strongest friendships of my life. I will definitely miss those times and those girls with my whole heart."
Sasha V (Year 9) about Masha:
"I remember one time we were sitting in the boarding kitchen - me, Lev and Masha - arguing over how much older than us she was. She wouldn't back down, even though me and Lev were right with our calculations. I still laugh when I remember her saying with a completely straight face that 18 minus 13 is 7. Ever since then, I've never let her forget that mathematical slip-up."
Daria (L6) about Sofiia:
"Sofiia became one of my best friends, and I already miss her so much. One of my favourite memories is us making videos together. My favourites have to be the ones where we dressed up as a bimbo and a man, had a pillow fight, and another where we guessed songs. We had so much fun, and I miss having someone to be so silly with."
Kamila (L6) about Xander and Yeva Y:
"One of my favourite memories this year was celebrating my 17th birthday with Xander and Yeva. The three of us went to Leeds for the day, and it was probably one of the best birthdays I've ever had. We explored every corner of the enormous five-floor Flannels store, found lots of little trinkets for me to buy with my birthday money, created some hilarious unintentional inside jokes, and finished the day with a game of mini golf, which Xander ended up winning.
"I will always treasure the photo we took together in the photobooth and all the memories we made that day."
Coming from Ukraine, where I never had friends at school who were older than me, finding those friendships at Ackworth has been a truly special experience.
I never expected to feel so emotional about seeing my friends graduate, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Every student leaving this year has left behind dozens of happy memories, not only within the walls of the school but also in the hearts of the people who shared those moments with them.
In loving remembrance of the happy times,
Kamila R
