“Wherever you go or what you do, there are challenges ahead of you. Meet those challenges straight on with your head held high and your heart wide open.

It’s not enough to simply try to get by in life. That does not move the world forward. You must try to excel in everything you do; strive for excellence in every task, large or small.”

This was the parting speech of the Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Grange School, Lagos, Graham Stothard, in a solemn assembly organised in honour of 40 outgoing students of the school who successfully completed their secondary education.

Stothard who challenged the graduating students to apply all they have learnt in their endeavour informed them that their future greatly lies in their hands.

He said, “You stand here today on the precipice of the future. It’s not a distant reality anymore. It begins here. Some of you began here at Grange School as little four years olds, others as late as 14, and you are leaving here as teenagers taking the first steps to adulthood. You have completed a basic education that will serve as the platform you use to launch yourselves into your futures.

“The future is truly in your hands; please make the most of it. Remember to hold onto your value system, your work ethic and more importantly, your humanity. It is these qualities that will guide your future on your journey.”

Sharing their learning experience with The Guardian one of the graduand, Seun Somoye, said, “Grange taught me invaluable lessons that I would not forget all the days of my life.”

Another student, Damilola Odunowo, said, “Grange School is of course, the best leading British School in Africa. It is a welcoming and friendly environment where everyone is accepted. I would describe the five years spent here as my best years so far.”