St. Peter's Lutheran School-Madina held its 18th graduation ceremony on the school’s premises at Madina Estate in La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality of the Greater Region on Saturday, July 26.

The colourful ceremony, which witnessed a massive attendance by parents and teachers, was a significant milestone in the lives of its graduating students.

The event was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of the students, their teachers, and their families.

The ceremony, which was held on the theme "Connected But Alone: Navigating the Effects of Social Media.", was a joyous occasion filled with excitement, pride, and a sense of accomplishment.

The graduation was organised for both the Junior High division and the primary division.

The Basic six (BS. 6) pupils who passed their examination will be in Basic 7 in the next academic year, while the Basic 9 (BS. 9) students will also proceed to the Senior High School.

The graduating students, resplendent in their caps and gowns, beamed with pride as they received their certificates and awards.

The school cadet, Girl Guide, and the school’s cultural troupe took turns to put up a fantastic display, which excited the parents and other guests.

 The children from the nursery department recited poems and ended with a splendid fashion show.

Former Municipal Director of Education, Mr Kean Adjei Appiah, the Guest Speaker, Mr Kean Adjei Appiah, delivered an inspiring speech, urging the graduates to leverage their education to make a positive impact in their communities and the world at large.

The speaker emphasised the importance of hard work, resilience, and integrity in achieving success.

Speaking on the theme, Mr Adjei Appiah said, "We live in a time when technology has brought us closer than ever before, stressing that a message can travel from one continent to the other in seconds, images can reach millions overnight, and news circulates with unprecedented speed while social media platforms have broken the barriers of distance, allowing us to communicate across borders, share knowledge, build communities, foster creativity and dazzling connectivity.. Yet, there lies an unsettling paradox: we are connected, but alone."

He said the irony of the digital age is that while we have the world at our fingertips, many of us feel more isolated, more anxious, and less fulfilled than ever before.

Mr Adjei Appiah was worried about the danger of cyberbullying, the circulation of offensive pictures, and cultural impunity.

 “Let’s make time to connect with your children offline — listen, guide, and share values that promote a good balance and share in their milestones,” Mr Adjei Appiah added.

He stated that parents and guardians must play a critical role in guiding their children through the digital landscape; beyond providing devices and internet access, there is a need for meaningful conversations about balance, discipline, and the value of human connection beyond screens.

On her part, the Executive Manager of the school, Madam Edith Aboagye, said this graduation marks the beginning of the school’s campaign on cyber hygiene.

She said St Peter’s Lutheran School believes in ICT and, for that matter, they encourage learners to do research using computers, tablets, and phones.

According to her, the current trending issues on social media informed their decision to choose the theme so that learners, teachers, school authorities, and parents would be able to supervise their children in the use of these modern gadgets.

Mesiwotso Yau Eleazar Mawunyega was adjudged overall student, while prizes were presented to other students who excelled in other categories.

The St. Peter’s Lutheran School's graduation ceremony is an annual highlight, and this year's event was no exception.

As the graduates embark on their next journey, they carry with them the values, knowledge, and skills acquired during their time at St. Peter’s Lutheran School.