One day after the last oral Abitur exam, the school year ended for the class of 2024. After the eagerly awaited exam hat toss in front of Salem Minster, the ceremony took place in the Zehntscheune, where, accompanied by great musical performances, awards were presented, and certificates were handed out.

In his speech, our Head Master Henrik Fass welcomed the guests, particularly the parents, our Chairman of the Board of Trustees and patron the Margrave of Baden and his family, the Chairman of the Parents' Council Andreas Zeiser-Radtke and also Daniel Walther, member of the ASV Executive Board. He reminded the 78 Abitur students and 58 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme students that here in Salem we live the motto of the European idea ‘Unity in Diversity’ daily. With the Salem motto "Forming personalities - with courage and confidence", he reminded the graduates that they had not only gained their university entrance qualification but had also developed their personalities. And in line with our IB motto: "What can you give to the world?", he called on them to take on responsibility in the future based on these Salem values.

After words of welcome from the current and previous School Speakers and the Chair of the Parents' Council, the Head of Boarding School at Salem International College, Dr Mathias Schwarz, presented the boarding school awards, followed by the presentation of the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Certificates as well as awards for drama and theatre. Director of Studies Torsten Bick then presented the academic honours and subject prizes and the school-leaving certificates, including the Salem Reports. 21 Abitur graduates achieved a ‘1’" in front of the decimal point, two cracked the magic 1.0. The best IB results were 1 student with 44 points, 1 with 41 points and anopther with 39 points twice.

Photos: Ilja Mess