On June 17, the 8th graders of Darüşşafaka Secondary School celebrated a significant milestone as they received their diplomas in a heartfelt ceremony at the Darüşşafaka Ayhan Şahenk Sports Hall. On this special day, the Darüşşafaka family rallied around the new students of Darüşşafaka High School, reminding them that they are never alone on their journey ahead.
Oğuz Güleç, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Darüşşafaka Society, Talha Çamaş, Former Member of the Board of Directors and the President of the Supreme Advisory Board (SAD), Erman Süsler and Eşref Biryıldız, Vice-Chairpersons of the Board, Treasurer Burak İhsan Çetinçeker, Treasurer, Board Members Dr. Serpil Tunçer, Prof. Dr. Feryal Çelikel, Ambassador P. Nesrin Bayazıt, Dr. Melek Eyigünlü Sarıbekir, Büşra Giray, Kıvılcım Pınar Kocabıyık, M. Özgen Özkan, Dr. Ahmet Kavak, Ulaş Çavdar, SAD Members Nejdet Baysan and İzzet Çağlayan, Former Board Member Mustafa U. Demirci, Secretary General Suat Çetin, General Manager of Schools, , Ebru Arpacı, Secondary School Principal, Şule Uyar, High School Principal, Nilüfer Kavaklı, Life Manager, Muhammet Erken, students, teachers, parents, employees, and the Darüşşafaka alumni gathered for the ceremony to celebrate the transition of the 156th term students of Darüşşafaka Secondary School as they embark on their journey to the high school.
Uyar: “We entrust our future, our country, and the brighter futures of humanity to you”.
Darüşşafaka Secondary School Principal Şule Uyar inspired the students during her opening speech at the ceremony hosted by Gökçenur G. and Ener M., 7th graders, by stating: “Dear students, embrace the values that guide us in life and in all that we do. Always direct your focus toward what is good and seek out initiatives that spark your creativity. As you transition to high school, remember that you are the most precious guarantee of our future. We place our trust in you, knowing you are equipped with knowledge, courage, determination, and a sense of responsibility. We entrust our future, our country, and the brighter futures of humanity to you. May your minds and horizons be bright. As the Darüşşafaka family, we proudly support you with love and sincere wishes. May God speed you!”
Arpacı: “Embrace not only Atatürk’s principles and reforms but live them fully”.
Ebru Arpacı, General Manager of Darüşşafaka Schools, echoed our Great Leader Atatürk’s profound belief: “My only hope is in the youth.” She emphasized, “You are the shining lights of the bright Türkiye he envisioned. Darüşşafaka is here to nurture that light. Embrace not only Atatürk’s principles and reforms but live them fully. Advocate for justice, science, freedom, and equality. Stand firmly against war while championing peace. Be attuned to the suffering of others. Stay aware of societal issues, the world, and our environment. Let your conscience guide you always. Extend the same respect to everyone, regardless of their language, culture, origin, or religion. Uphold truth and integrity. Stepping into high school marks the beginning of a new journey. Your secondary school teachers are now passing the torch to your high school educators, who will welcome you with the same values and vision, guiding you towards the best universities in Türkiye. This farewell embodies not just a transition but also a commitment to becoming a good human being and a proud member of Darüşşafaka. You will carry the pride and responsibility of being part of this esteemed community in your heart and mind. The green door you entered with excitement and perhaps a hint of timidity will inspire you to embrace your role as a global citizen as you embark on this new chapter.”
Güleç: “Your achievements are not just ours; they bring joy, pride, and honor to 85 million people”.
Oğuz Güleç, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Darüşşafaka Society, celebrated the 156th term students completing their secondary education and transitioning to high school. He remarked, “Each of you has embraced the equal opportunities in education afforded to you, recognizing the efforts made for your future. You have seized these opportunities, worked diligently, and earned the privilege to study at the most esteemed high school in Türkiye. Our foremost commitment has always been, and will continue to be, to nurture you as individuals deeply connected to the principles and reforms of Atatürk. We strive to cultivate in you a spirit of inquiry, critical thinking, lifelong learning, and the confidence to emerge as future society leaders, all while fostering your well-being and happiness under this roof. Remember, your achievements are not just ours; they bring joy, pride, and honor to 85 million people. You are students of a school that has made its mark on the very heart of our nation through the remarkable young people it has educated.”
Following the inspiring speeches, a captivating photographic demonstration showcased how the remarkable 156th-term students flourished over four transformative years at Darüşşafaka. The diploma ceremony honored these dedicated students, celebrating their journey and achievements. Afterward, Hanuman M. from class 8-C enchanted the audience with a heartfelt piano recital from Burgmüller. The ceremony continued with accolades for the term’s highest achievers: Arel Denis G. as the top student, followed by Alperen T. and Lamra B., who received their awards from esteemed leaders—Oğuz Güleç, Chairperson of the Board of Darüşşafaka Society; Erman Süsler, Vice Chairperson and President of the Education Commission; and Ebru Arpacı, General Manager of Darüşşafaka Schools.
“Kültür Yaşam Özel Ödülü”nü Ceren M. ile Yunus Emre Ş., “İngilizce Üstün Başarı Ödülü”nü ise Cihan A. kazandı.
Arel Denis G., the highest-ranking student of the term, delivered an inspiring speech during the ceremony, highlighting the journey of the 156th term students at Darüşşafaka, complemented by a touching projection of their first days and current-day photos.
Arel Denis G.: “I made mistakes and learned from them, but most importantly, I never gave up.”
“Completing Darüşşafaka Secondary School as the highest ranking student is a testament to years of effort, discipline, and determination”, Arel expressed and added: “Throughout my secondary life at Darüşşafaka, I have learned invaluable lessons. What seemed difficult at first became meaningful over time. Adapting to a new life, engaging in lessons, and building friendships shaped who I am. As my responsibilities grew and challenges increased, I too evolved. I made mistakes and learned from them, but most importantly, I never gave up. Despite the fatigue from exams, projects, and essays, I kept in mind that one day I would move on to high school, and ultimately, graduate with pride. I am grateful to my teachers, friends, and family for their unwavering support.”
The ceremony was filled with enthusiasm as the Darüşşafaka choir performed uplifting songs, such as “Günaydın Çocuklar,” “Bu Son Olsun,” and “Rengarenk,” while the waltz show by the 156th term students captivated the audience. The celebration concluded with all students united on stage, singing the Darüşşafaka Anthem in harmony.
We congratulate all our students for completing their secondary education and wish them immense success in their high school journey.