Torres Strait Kaziw Meta (TSKM) celebrated their graduating Year 12 Boarders with a Ringers Western themed extravaganza at Waiben Boats Club, last week.
The intimate evening kicked off with delicious kai kai prepared by TSKM houseparents, followed by a presentation of gifts, a slideshow recap of the year, and a disco hosted by Uncle Mick Loban (a.k.a. DJ Mick Blue).
Torres Strait Kaziw Meta board members Aka Ivy Trevallion and Aka Susan Mills were invited as special guests to the celebration, sharing words of encouragement for the departing seniors.
“Sometimes it’s gonna be easy and sometimes it’s gonna be hard,” Mrs Trevallion said.
“The world is your oyster, you can do whatever you want,” she added.
The year 12 guests of honour were seated at a special table together, soaking in the memories of the night that they will cherish beyond their school years.
Samson Akiba, Kennisha Matthew, Olita Agie, Tyrell Bann, Nanai Sailor and Toby Sailor stood tall and addressed their peers with a memorable farewell speech.
“Looking back at how far we came is unreal and now the moment is here,” Samson Akiba said.
Toby Sailor thanked House Parents for all their hard work and dedication over the years.
“Thank you for pushing us when we need you, for believing in us and for being patient with us on the days we tested your patience,” Toby said.
“You taught us discipline, preciosity and courage. We will carry those blessings above beyond Kawiz Meta.”
Nanai Sailor thanked families on behalf of the seniors.
“To our families, thank you for being our backbone and for your endless support,” Nanai said.
“We wouldn’t be standing here without you.”
To his fellow graduates, Tyrell shared a parting message.
“To my fellow year 12s, we did it! We shared love, stress, memories and moments we will never forget,” Tyrell said.
“Even though we’re going in different directions, we will always be connected by the time we spent together at Kawiz Meta.”
Kenisha shared some of their best memories at TSKM.
“My best memory was making friends and making memories on the trip we went on,” Kenisha said.
“My biggest achievement was reaching my goals. I wish to work at SeaSwift and later move to Sydney to pursue my dreams,”
Olita will cherish the memories made on school trips and completing her Certificates through school.
“I have a lot of Certificates I could use to get into the work place,” Olita said.
“I hold certificates in Tourism, Early Childhood and Conservation and Ecosystem Management,” she added.
TSKM Director of Boarding Julie Cubit congratulated the seniors on their achievements and completing their schooling career.
“Your time at boarding has shaped the ways that a classroom couldn’t alone,” Aunty Julie said.
“You have learnt how to support one another and face the challenges head on, whether it was home sickness, disagreement or moments you simply needed a friend,” Aunty Julie added.
“You have shown resilience and character and filled the boarding house with laughter, energy and stories that will be remembered for years,”
“While we are proud of their achievements, we are proud of the people you have become,” she said.
TSKM extends its warm congratulations to the Tagai State College Waibene Koey Ngurpay Mudh graduating class of 2025 and acknowledges the support of families, staff, and community members who helped make the event memorable.
