On Friday 4 November, we welcomed back the class of 2022 for their Awards Evening, which was held in the Ruddock Performing Arts Centre for the first time.
It was wonderful to see our most recent leavers (and newest Old Edwardians) return to enjoy an evening catching up with friends and former teachers, and sharing the occasion with their families.
The evening was a chance to celebrate their A Level results – the best in KEHS history – and the wonderful contributions they had made to school life.
The evening began with a clarinet sonata performed by Rosie in the current Upper Sixth, followed by an address from Kirsty von Malaisé, KEHS Principal, about success. Mrs von Malaisé challenged our thoughts on what success looks like and what it means to each individual.
Following a performance of Wieniawski’s Romance from Concerto no.2 in D minor Op.22 by Jennifer in Upper Sixth, certificates were presented by our special guest and keynote speaker, Sara Sehdev (OE 2005). We were delighted that Sara could join us on the night to share her experiences and thoughts since leaving KEHS.
She began by talking about her experience in the film industry, the issues she had come across in terms of representation and diversity and wanting to bring about change. She said: “If you can’t change something, create a new way – challenge the status quo and ask questions. Don’t be scared of being difficult!”
Sara also encouraged the students to draw on their experience at KEHS. “Be resilient – school has equipped you to be some of the best thinkers in the country. There’s nothing you can’t navigate around. If Option A is no longer available, you need to go and own Option B, and that’s OK.” She also challenged the students not just to break glass ceilings, but to shatter them.
The 2022 Creak Prize winner Naina Reddy (OE 2022) then thanked Sara and presented her with a bouquet of flowers.
The evening concluded with drinks and canapés in the Dining Hall where the class of 2022 could continue the conversations with their former teachers, friends and family.
We wish the Class of 2022 all the best in the future, and hope they will all keep in touch!
Photographs from the evening can be viewed in our 2022 Awards Evening Gallery.
