53 students celebrated the completion of their primary school education at the graduation ceremony held at Near East Yeniboğaziçi Primary School. Students from the Turkish Programme and British Programme, along with their families and teachers, celebrated this important milestone with music, performances, and a cap-throwing ceremony.
Near East Yeniboğaziçi Primary School concluded the 2025-2026 academic year with a graduation ceremony for its students. 53 students, studying in the Turkish Programme and British Programme, successfully completed their primary school education and moved on to a new phase of their educational lives.
The graduation program began with a procession, followed by a moment of silence and reading of the National Anthem. Students enjoyed themselves with live music performances and various entertainment activities, thoroughly enjoying the graduation night. A DJ performance during the program provided students and their families with an entertaining evening. One of the most exciting moments of the evening was the cap-throwing ceremony, where students experienced the joy of leaving primary school behind. The graduation celebration, which ended with a fireworks display that colored the sky, allowed students to immortalize this meaningful night with their teachers and friends.
The opening speeches of the ceremony were given by Esen Bahadır, the Principal of Near East Yeniboğaziçi Primary School, and students Hazar Cengiz Topal and Emilia Akbari.
Esen Bahadır: “There is no goal you cannot reach as long as you believe in yourself and never give up working.”
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Esen Bahadır, the Principal of Near East Yeniboğaziçi Primary School, stated that the students experienced both happiness and the sadness of farewell. She expressed great pride in seeing the students, who started school at a young age years ago, graduating today as confident individuals. Emphasizing that this year was quite successful academically, athletically, and artistically, Bahadır said that the students’ achievements in various fields were the result of the joint efforts of the school, teachers, and families. Addressing the students, Bahadır stated that they are now individuals who think, question, and take responsibility, adding that during this process they learned not only academic knowledge but also values such as sharing, friendship, and perseverance. At the end of his speech, Bahadır emphasized that they should persevere through every challenge they encounter on their life journey, conveying the message, “As long as you believe in yourself and don’t give up working, there is no goal you cannot reach.” Bahadır stated that they will always remember them as part of the Near East family.
This is not a farewell!
Speaking at the ceremony, Hazar Cengiz Topal, a graduate of the Turkish Program, stated that they graduated as individuals who have grown, learned, and are ready for new goals. She emphasized that during this process they were taught not only academic subjects but also values such as sharing, respect, friendship, and responsibility. Topal thanked his teachers for their efforts and patience, and expressed that the support of their families was always invaluable to them. Saying that they will always remember the memories they shared with their friends, Topal stated that this is not a farewell but the first step towards new beginnings, and wished all his friends success.
Emilia Akbari, a graduate of the British Programme, said that today was both a farewell and a new beginning, noting that many challenges and opportunities lay ahead. Thanking her family, Akbari expressed gratitude for their constant support, encouragement during difficult times, and contributions to her development. Addressing her friends, Akbari emphasized that even if they couldn’t always be together, they wouldn’t forget each other, would continue to share their joys and sorrows, and would maintain their friendships.
