Under this theme, 81 students from the graduating class of Year 10 at Bigge-Lenne Comprehensive School in Finnentrop celebrated their farewell. For the first time in three years, the graduation ceremony was held as a joint event for all three graduating classes.

Principal Thorsten Vietor welcomed guests in the school cafeteria, transformed into the “BLG Airport” for the occasion, and reflected on key milestones in the students’ six-year journey. With a touch of humor, he also recalled moments when students tested the boundaries of school rules, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions—a principle he noted was largely upheld.

Following speeches by Mayor Achim Henkel, Parent Council Chair Kathleen Thiel, and Student Representatives Hanne Schmidt-Holthöfer and Anastasija Stanojevik, class teachers presented the graduates with their certificates. The principal highlighted a remarkable achievement: while only three students of this graduating class were initially recommended for a Gymnasium (university-preparatory high school) in Grade 5, 28 students have now qualified for entry into the upper secondary level. Of these, 16 will continue on an academic path, while the majority (53 students) will attend vocational colleges, with 31 starting apprenticeships after the summer.

The ceremony concluded with Michael Hesener, Head of Department, presenting special awards on behalf of the Eibach Foundation for outstanding student achievements (best academic performance and exceptional social engagement).

In his speech, Wilfried Eibach emphasized the importance of close collaboration between the school and Eibach as a training company. He explained that the Foundation’s mission is to give back to the region, society, and people for the opportunities that Eibach has benefited from in the Sauerland over the past seven decades. This commitment to supporting education, especially during challenging times, remains a priority for the Eibach family.

For their extraordinary social contributions to the school, Melanie Godulla (Class 10c) and Kim Klein (Class 10a) were honored with the Nina Eibach Sponsorship Award. Both students received scholarships of €50 per month for the two-year duration of their vocational training programs. Additionally, Leni König (Class 10c) and Premtim Ademi (Class 10c) were each awarded the Nina Eibach Special Prize of €1,000 for their outstanding academic achievements.

The farewell celebration concluded with a champagne reception in the schoolyard.

(Finnentrop, Graduation Ceremony for Year 10, Friday, June 10, 2022)