On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, the 152nd term Students of the Darüşşafaka High School celebrated their graduation during a formal ceremony held at the open field sports court of Darüşşafaka.
During the ceremony, 83 students of the Darüşşafaka High School were officially ushered into the next phase of their lives. The event was attended by executives from the Darüşşafaka Society and Schools, representatives of the Darüşşafaka Alumni Association and the Darüşşafaka Sports Club, members of the Supreme Advisory Board of the Darüşşafaka Society, as well as graduates from the class of 1975, who are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their graduation this year. Additionally, students, educators, alumni, parents, and benefactors were present to commemorate this significant occasion.
The ceremony, hosted by Hilal M. and Adnan Can Ö, eleventh-grade students, commenced with a moment of silence to honor the esteemed memory of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, as well as his compatriots and the founders of Darüşşafaka, followed by the Turkish National Anthem. The opening address of the ceremony was presented by Nilüfer Kavaklı, the Principal of Darüşşafaka High School.
Kavaklı: “We were merely a compass, while you embarked on the journey.”
In addressing the alumni, Kavaklı emphasized the importance of maintaining courage at all times, stating: “Do you recall your first day here, when both fear and hope were evident in your expressions? Over time, you transformed that fear into courage. Some of you may have quietly wept during the night, while others greeted the morning with bright smiles. Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” You wield this weapon with not only knowledge but also with courage and compassion. I am confident that you will represent yourselves, your families, and your school, Darüşşafaka, with excellence wherever you go. You will leave a luminous trace with your presence wherever life takes you. I firmly believe that you will consistently uphold the values of your school. Coming from a mariner family, I would like to share a metaphor. “If you cherish the sea, you will embrace the waves. If you know how to fly, you will learn to navigate falls”. Living in fear may lead to a passive existence; true vitality favors those who act with courage. We were merely a compass while you embarked on the journey. Now, it is time for you to leave behind your small boats and embrace the larger ships, setting sail for grander seas as the master of your own vessel. Chart your course with courage, science, conscience, and the principles of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Remember, no wind can aid a ship without a destination. Fair winds and following seas”.
Arpacı: “True success lies in illuminating the paths of others.”
Following Kavaklı, Ebru Arpacı, the General Manager of Darüşşafaka Schools, addressed the 152nd term:
Today, you are on a new journey as valued members of the Darüşşafaka family. Promise us to carry the light of our past on this path, becoming beacons of hope for the future. While your names may differ and your aspirations may vary, you share a vital responsibility: the weight of a trusted past and hopes for a brighter future. Darüşşafaka offers not just a school but a way of life. You are about to embark on a transformative journey. You will become engineers, doctors, artists, or perhaps teachers. You have grown up with a strong foundation of values, learning the true meaning of fidelity. You have dreamed big and worked tirelessly.
Each of you is leaving an enduring legacy, much like the distinguished alumni who preceded you. Whether it be through authorship or by positively impacting the lives of students, you have been imparted with the invaluable lesson from Darüşşafaka: true success lies in illuminating the paths of others. Consider this: you are the contemporaries of Salih Zeki, who played a pivotal role in shaping the scientific mindset of this nation; of Ahmet Rasim, who famously stated that “the pen is the conscience of a nation”; and of Kemalettin Sami Paşa, who was near Mustafa Kemal Atatürk when he proclaimed the momentous declaration, “Tomorrow, we will proclaim the Republic.” Salih Zeki served as a beacon of intellectual enlightenment; Ahmet Rasim entrusted you with the principles of conscience. Furthermore, our Great Leader articulated: “You, the young children of the new Türkiye! You shall follow me even when weary. Those who choose to persevere without rest shall never yield to fatigue. The Turkish youth shall pursue our lofty ideals relentlessly and without respite.” It is imperative that you persist in your journey, steadfastly upholding the values of the Republic and the principles set forth by Atatürk.
Following the remarks of Arpacı, Abdurrahman Saruhan (DŞ’08), the President of the Darüşşafaka Sports Club, along with Merve Kalyoncu (DŞ’98), the General Manager of the Darüşşafaka Alumni Association (DŞ’98), addressed the graduates of the 152nd term.
Güleç: “We witness our Great Leader’s vision of ‘generations free in thought, conscious, and wisdom’ in Darüşşafaka graduates.”
In a powerful message, Oğuz Güleç, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Darüşşafaka Society, emphasized that this gathering is not merely a celebration of graduation but a tribute to the triumph of belief, effort, and hope. “Darüşşafaka is more than a school; it is a unique home that embodies the principle of equality, connecting skills with opportunities. Growing up here means embracing not just the knowledge of subjects like mathematics, physics, and literature but also cultivating bravery in life, fairness toward humanity, and hope for the future.” He urged the graduates of the 152nd term with these inspiring words: “Think, inquire, and create. Never lose your courage—the greatest legacy Atatürk has left us. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is the teacher who transformed this nation’s destiny through his dreams, beliefs, hard work, and, ultimately, success. We witness his vision of ‘generations free in thought, conscience, and wisdom’ in every Darüşşafaka graduate. Remember, Atatürk’s most significant revolution was education. Darüşşafaka continues this revolution with a modern, rational education grounded in science. You don your robes today not only for graduation, but also for a handover. New children will come here, and you will be their role models, their beacons of hope. Remember, once you enter the heart of Darüşşafaka, you remain a part of it for life.”
World Champion Turkish Paralympic archer Yiğit Caner Aydın delivered a “Last Lesson” address to the 152nd graduating class. Subsequently, awards were conferred to the top graduates: Emine Özge O., who achieved first place at Darüşşafaka High School, received her prize from Oğuz Güleç, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors. Ayşe E., who graduated in the second place, was presented with her award by Erman Süsler, Vice Chairperson and the President of the Education Commission. Rahime Nur C., the third-place graduate, received her prize from Ebru Arpacı.
Emine Özge O., who graduated as the top student from Darüşşafaka High School, delivered an emotional speech before unveiling her nameplate for the 152nd term.
She expressed, “The eight years I spent at Darüşşafaka profoundly shaped me. I discovered my passion for language, my love for the stage, my deep connection with books, and my commitment to repay every effort made on my behalf. Many people have impacted my 17 years of life: my teachers who believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself, my friends who were beacons in my darkest moments, my relatives who supported me against all odds, and most importantly, my mother—my greatest role model and my source of strength. She never discouraged me from pursuing my happiness or my dreams. She filled our home with love, laughter, books, and music, raising me single-handedly. Thanks to her, I never felt the void of a large family. Above all, she taught me to be a loving and compassionate human, dedicated to making a difference in the world. In guiding me through these incredible 17 years, I didn’t realize she represented the person I aspire to be the most. Thank you, mother, for your unconditional love and support.”
The Celalettin Çağlar (DŞ’69) Award
The prestigious Celalettin Çağlar Award (DŞ’69), honoring the legacy of a Former Board Member of the Darüşşafaka Society, celebrates outstanding students excelling in “Physical Sciences” and “Mathematics.” This year, the honor in the science category was awarded to Hatice G., and in mathematics, to Ayşe E. Their remarkable achievements were recognized by Ibrahim Deniz, Vice Principal for 12th grades.
During the ceremony, Erman Süsler, Vice Chairperson of the Darüşşafaka Society, took the stage to deliver the “Traditional 50th Anniversary Speech,” representing the 1975 alumni who are celebrating 50 years since their graduation. He expressed, “Today, standing before you as a Darüşşafaka alumnus from 50 years ago is an indescribable honor, filled with deep emotion. Let us never forget those green-black colors, the morning melodies that greeted us, and the passions we rushed to after classes, even after half a century. Darüşşafaka has become a part of us, so that every time we meet a fellow alumnus, our conversation circles back to cherished memories, lighting up our eyes with nostalgia. Darüşşafaka was more than just a school; it was our home, our sanctuary, our family. We learned not only lessons but also the essence of humanity, brotherhood, the value of effort, and the pursuit of justice. Today, I share these memories with you, my dear brothers and sisters gathered here. As I deliver this speech, my heart swells with gratitude. I wish to thank the incredible Darüşşafaka family. I am fortunate to have embarked on this journey with you. We are truly Daçka.”
Following Süsler’s inspiring speech, Oğuz Güleç proudly presented the memorial diplomas to the remarkable 1975 alumni. The heartfelt gift prepared by the 1975 graduates for the highest ranking student from the 152nd term in the Higher Education Institutions Exam was graciously handed over by Erman Süsler to Ebru Arpacı.
In a beautiful display of tradition, Simay N. and Ada Han Y., students of the 152nd term, presented the flag and pennant to Nehir Selvi E. and Yunus Emre S., 11th graders, during the cherished flag handover ceremony.
Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for arrived as the graduates of the 152nd term received their diplomas one by one. The graduation ceremony culminated in a powerful convocation ritual, with the entire assembly joining in unity to sing the Darüşşafaka March.
