I don't specifically remember writing my last high school examination. But, just a few days ago, I watched over 100 members of the graduating class of 2024 write theirs.

At the age of 17 or 18, your last high school exam is one of the most significant milestones in your life up to that point.

Think of the emotions in the examination room: a mix of anxiety, anticipation and excitement. And, at the end of it, joy and relief. And maybe a tinge of nostalgia?

For each student, the journey to the last exam is unique. It is a path likely marked by late-night cramming, early morning study sessions, and a constant balancing act of academics, extracurricular activities and social lives. The exam itself is the culmination of years of effort, hard work and perseverance. For many, it is the last time they will sit in a room with peers they have known for years. It’s a moment that encapsulates the essence of their high school experience — the friendships, the challenges, the triumphs and the growth. Those new, uncertain and nervous students who entered the gates of TCS years before, have transformed before our eyes.

There is a palpable sense of finality, a bittersweet mix of happiness at finishing and sadness at leaving behind their familiar school community.

I can't help but think back to my final year of high school. The world was different then, but the emotions are the same. The sense of stepping into the unknown, the thrill of new opportunities and the sentimentality of leaving behind a significant chapter of life are timeless experiences that stay with me until today.

My hope for each student is that they carry forward the lessons they’ve learned here, not just academically, but personally. I hope they remember the value of hard work, the importance of integrity and the power of community.

I find immense satisfaction in knowing that we have tried our hardest to equip your kids and our students with the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed. But, more importantly, I hope we have inspired them to become thoughtful, compassionate and driven individuals.

They are stepping into a world of endless possibilities, and, parents, I think we all agree that they have the potential to make a world of difference, too.

This is my final blog of the 2023-2024 academic year. I wish all TCS students, families and staff a truly enjoyable summer.