Graduates ring in their freedom

The atmosphere was electric as Year 12 students tugged the rope of their school bell, a rite of passage for Burnett State College's graduating class.

THE atmosphere was electric as Year 12 students tugged the rope of their school bell, a sign of accomplishment that has been a rite of passage for Burnett State College's graduating class for more than 20 years.

"It really is an emotional time, we've got teachers crying and parents crying," principal Theo Bellas said.

"It's a lovely event and it's a lovely way to mark the end of this period in their lives."

Mr Bellas said for the families and friends who came to watch students ring the bell and run out of the school gates, there is an overwhelming nostalgia.

"It really is the exuberance of youth and for every one of us who has been through that ourselves, it's really nice to relive," he said.

"That happiness and excitement about moving onto their next phase of life is a wonderful experience and I'm so pleased that they can enjoy it together.

"They've been a great bunch of kids."

Mr Bellas said the last few weeks at Burnett State College have had a great focus on the Year 12 students.

"And for them it's been about ticking off those lasts; the last assignment, the last oral presentation, the last lunch hour," principal Theo Bellas said.

"Ringing the bell was their very last formal school activity, it symbolises their transition into adult life."

Burnett State College's school bell is a replica of the bell from Fraser Island's aging shipwreck, The Maheno.

The original bell was once an important part of the SS Maheno during World War I and was the property of the Maheno School in New Zealand.

Originally published as Graduates ring in their freedom