DUBAI, 26 June 2006 — Jumeirah College held its first-ever graduation ceremony for the class of 2006 at the Burj Al-Arab Hotel recently. Forty-two students, parents and senior GEMS management and faculty at Jumeirah College attended the event.
Olympic medallist Sally Gunnell, who was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) from Queen Elizabeth in 1998 for her contribution to sports, was the guest speaker.
Gunnell, who retired from athletics due to an injury, spends her time broadcasting and writing about health and fitness.
The only woman to hold Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth titles concurrently, Gunnell is a strong advocate of students focusing themselves on achievement and excellence with a strong emphasis on health and fitness.
“Staff and students of Jumeirah College were delighted to meet Sally Gunnell,” said Geoff Turner, principal of Jumeirah College.
“Her dedication and commitment to excellence and focus on achievement and success and her absolute faith in the potential of young people, have been inspirational. We are confident that these graduating students will go out into the world with the capacity to be great leaders. The partnership we have forged with the students and their families has given them the values, skills and knowledge that will provide a firm foundation throughout their lives,” added Turner.
Many of the graduating students have gained admission to five top universities in the United Kingdom. One of the students is also hoping to train to become an Olympic swimmer.
Jumeirah College is a school for pupils from the ages of 11 to 18 and teaches the British national curriculum.
