Islamabad:It was a memorable celebration for this year’s graduating class of 2011 at Froebel’s International School’s 75 A level students.

Chief guest HM Naqvi, award-winning author of ‘Home Boy,’ had attended Froebel’s in the 1980s and 90s. He has worked in the financial services industry, run a slam venue, and taught creative writing at Boston University.

Naqvi addressed the graduating class with an inspiring opening, “Why are we here?” and discussed how Pakistani citizens jump in when institutions fail: “As you change and become part of the citizenry in a meaningful way, you need to ask yourself why you are here.”

Hussain and his wife Alia, who also attended Froebel’s, found the event heart-warming. “I like the warm, nurturing vibe here,” he said, while Alia enjoyed Headboy Usman’s witty speech about 2011 being the year of “Losing the World Cup to India, Justin Bieber’s improbable rise to fame, and graduating.” Head girl Saleha made a touching tribute infused with humour about growing up with the nurturing faculty, “from crayons to perfume,” amidst the school’s signature red-brick buildings-”our second home.” A poignant video tribute created by the graduating seniors featured a rich blend of Froebelian student culture-confident, creative, enterprising, and never losing their sense of humour.

“This year’s university acceptances include Harvard, Cornell and Imperial,” said the smiling guidance counsellor, Rukhsia Waqas. The event ended on a celebratory note with plenty of cake, conversation and music.

Tuesday’s Rawalpindi Commencement featured chief guest Tarim Wasim, an ex-Froebelian who has distinguished himself in the Californian corporate world. Tarim is currently a Director at Hellman and Friedman, a San Francisco-based global private equity firm.

Froebel’s alumnae have included a diverse array of seasoned professionals including previous Minister of Foreign Affairs Nawab Malik Amad Khan, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, MNA Syed Abdul Qadir Gilani, inventor Mamoon Tariq Khan, producer Adnan Malik, female footballer Mejzghan Orakzai and model Sabina Pasha.The news