“USAP Community School is the home of excellence.” These were the words said by Mr. Godwin as he took the stand as the Master of Ceremonies for the fourth annual USAP Community School graduation. The day proved a testament to the words that inaugurated the momentous event. On 23 November 2024, family members, friends, and faculty filled our campus with big smiles and vibrant enthusiasm to honor the graduates, and the hard work that culminated in this moment.
Mr. Anesu and student marimba players kicked off the ceremony, entertaining guests from all over Zimbabwe with melodious African music–one example of USAP Community School’s commitment to centering Africa in education. The Head of School, Amai Mapiko, outlined the outstanding achievements of the Class of 2024 which ranged from Archery National Team membership, Cambridge awards, participation in the Yale Young Global Scholars 2024 cohort, honors certificates from the National Institute of Allied Arts, Pioneer Research Scholars and ISEF awards to name a few proving that the Class of 2024 is an exceptional one.
Other key moments included speeches from students, USAP founder, Amai Mano, and the inspiring CEO of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, Ms. Marlene Chiedza Gadzirai. The student speakers, Usher Runozoveyi and Jacquelyn Gomba, were selected by their peers in the outgoing upper six class, and both delivered touching speeches, with a personal reflection on the role each member of the upper six community played in the speakers’ development and growth at USAP Community School. Education Matters’ Director, USAPCS Founder, and college counsellor Amai Mano shared reflections on this class, from their first moments as applicants and interviewees through to their final moments as USAP Community School students in the traditional closing Quaker meeting the night before graduation. She reminded students that although their chapter as USAP CS students is ending, they will remain part of the USAP Community School family forever, and that as they go out into the world they should remember to “let [their] lives speak” as future changemakers, while retaining the “spark” that defines them. The keynote speech from the esteemed guest speaker, Ms. Marlene Chiedza Gadzirai, moved the audience, as she recounted her determination and strength battling cancer while pursuing her master’s degree as a recipient of the prestigious Chevening Scholarship at the University of Sussex. She also took the time to research all 31 names of the members of the Class of 2024, and shared the meanings of each name to convey the potential each student possesses to reach great heights.
Perhaps the greatest and most unforgettable moment was the graduate procession, as students walked the ‘red carpet’ up to the stage to officially receive their diplomas. Dressed in caps and gowns, students beamed with pride as did their families and friends in attendance. Each graduate danced down the aisle, cheering with mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, guardians, former teachers, siblings, and grandmothers, and even a few great-grandmothers, representing the community that raised them and helped make this moment possible.
Laughter abounded as family members cheered, as did tears as graduates hugged and thanked their support systems. A monumental event deserved a monumental finish, and the closing orchestra performance, which included traditional song and dance, was so popular it left the audience cheering for “one more song!” The day concluded with a delectable lunch prepared by the incredible team of chefs at USAP Community School, as well as and the dreaded moment: saying goodbye as the graduates made their way to their homes. It was both difficult and touching to witness members of the lower six class in tears as their brothers and sisters departed.
Graduation could not have been possible without the support and dedication of faculty, staff, and the graduation committee. Thank you for your commitment to making this day memorable for everyone in attendance. The Class of 2024 deserved nothing less than an unforgettable sendoff–and unforgettable it was.
Congratulations USAP Community School Class of 2024!
