The students dressed in white uniforms and navy blue blazers and caps lined up for the first time to experience a graduation ceremony, which was graced by academician Sunita Warrier, wife of Indian diplomat Ashok Warrier.

The girls were very happy because the graduation ceremony marked their promotion from elementary school on to middle school or what we may call junior high school.

Speaking on this occasion, Sunita said: "It's a coming-of-age ceremony, as students are no longer considered toddlers or young children by the school officials.”

However, they are not yet older students, as they will reach that milestone later when they enter high school, said M. Feroz Rahman, an IISR managing committee member, wishing the girls success and achieving high academic records and laurels in future.

"It is amazing how we have watched the little girls grow over the past five years, socially, emotionally and in their academic careers,” said Asma Shah, IISR vice principal, while speaking on the occasion.

The ceremony began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an followed by their translation in English. This was followed by a formal felicitation of the dignitaries including the vice principal of IISR girls section and the teachers-in-charge of various sections.

At the very outset, Farhat Tasneem, primary section teacher-in-charge, welcomed the guests. The first event of the day was a welcome dance performed by the students of class five, on a Malayalam song "Thought for the day” that focused on the teachers’ role in a student’s life.

The most awaited moment of the day was the distribution of certificates by the chief guest Sunita and the guest of honor Feroze Ahmed among the students.

All senior school officials motivated and inspired the students and lauded the teachers for a job well done. "The excellent performance of students demonstrate that when students are provided the right tools and learning environment, they can achieve a high level of success,” said Tasneem in her congratulatory message to the students and their parents.

The highlight of a cultural program organized on this occasion included the recitation of a Hindi poem describing the students’ love for their school followed by an action song in Hindi highlighting the role of the "guru” (teacher).

The captain of the section Anam Khan delivered a speech on the love and respect to be given to the teachers. This was followed by group song in English sung by the students "appreciating the teachers and thanking them for everything they’ve done for them.”

Sarverunnisa thanked all present on the occasion. The vote of thanks was followed by the singing of the Saudi and Indian national anthems, which marked the closing of the ceremony.

The IISR Girls Section has been progressively growing in terms of academic excellence and students’ enrollment. The goals of the school are to provide education and training that can shape their personality in a better way. With this "exemplary” class of fifth graders, the IISR is achieving its goals and building a culture of excellence.