December the 2nd 1998 had finally arrived. At 4:30PM, we gathered together for the very last time as students of Manly High to formally graduate from high-school.
Under perfect blue skies, we arrived with our formal attire, partners and parents. The ceremony began a little late, but once we had settled down we were treated to memorable, humourous, and touching speeches that we will never-ever forget.
Jack Jenkins' mum Ms Jenny Thomas, gave us a unique parental insight into the process of sending children off to school. Jack then gave us a hilarious speech incorporating the idea of school as a party, and introducing characters such as Mr Buggalopolous. Mr Campbell then farewelled us for the very last time praising and commending us as being the very best year-group he had ever had the privallege to be a part of. Following this, we formally graduated and one by one received our folios with references, the pines, and graduation certificates.
Graduating under the Big-Top
To end the afternoons events, Nick Hyde, Stephen Pratley, Oliver Brown, and Jack Jenkins performed a pefect rendition of "Time of Our Life" (Time of Your Life - by Greenday). Our ties with Manly High were officially cut, and we headed off for our formal.
Many of us caught the bus to Curzon Hall, and were rather confused when the driver took us on an extended tour of Balgowlah, Mosman, North Sydney, Crows Nest, Epping, Ryde, finally arriving at our destination. Our semi-circular route could have been halved in time if we had simply driven along Warringah Road. Nevertheless we finally arrived at the hall (an hour late), were amazed at the magnificent building and gardens, mingled outside with friends, took photographs, and finally entered.
The exterior of Curzon
Lovely shot of Katie's shoulders (and Curzon)
Inside Curzon was no less spectacular, large archways expanded to reveal an intricate and delicate decoration of designs and patterns that extended to the tall ceiling. Settling down, our three course meal was served. Many of us enjoyed the food comprising of steak and asparigus, and rich chocolate cake, but on the other hand many of us turned physically ill after swallowing a single bite.
Eating under the arches of Curzon
The tables were cleared and the partying commenced, probably a little too early. Unfortunately the expected farewells did not eventuate, and no-one stood up to say goodbye or thankyou. This consequently made the formal feel a little more like a social gathering, and thus made the event a little less meaningful and unique.
The real men of Manly
The music played at Curzon was great, with the techno 'songs' being rare. Unfortunately, the dance floor was split into two levels, which created a feeling of segregation. Adding to this disappointment, participation in dancing was minimal, and people felt more justified smoking outside than participating in our last dance. Nevertheless, the more able-minded soaked up the atmosphere, and thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the year-group's company. Dissolution from the formal was rather informal, and one way or another people got the idea that the bus to Arizona's was waiting outside.
Get down!
There was a little more confusion with the destination of the bus, but once this was cleared up, we merrily headed down the Gore-Hill Freeway into the heart of the city. Jeering road-workmen along the way, we arrived at Arizonas and were greeted with another group, who seemed a lot older than us. We filed into Arizonas, and the unfortunate souls who weren't 18 missed out on a cool stamp. The dancing (and drinking) started and we partyed on till late - around 3AM. Arizonas then closed up and we dispersed into the city.
A few of us headed to McDonalds, then caught the 151 bus to Manly beach. One by one we left and headed home.
While the graduation and afterparty were great, the formal could have been better. Perhaps a good word to describe the formal would be 'anti-climactal'. Perhaps there was no atmosphere at the formal because we were so sad that we would never see each other again, or maybe there was no unity as no-one got up to say anything, or maybe we had simply got tired of saying good-bye to each other.
But I'm sure the real reason behind the disappointing formal is the fact that we are such a great group. We know we are something special, and before the formal, we knew that we would never say good-bye. True friendships never end, and the formal proved our status. We will never say goodbye, we'll always be in touch one way or another. Keep the ball rolling, and ring your friends.
As Mr Campbell always said, remember the Effort column. Make the Effort to stay in touch.
Our comments about the formal:
I would like to send out a special thank's to the formal committee and all those associated with the organisation of it. You all put in alot of work which was well rewarded by the great time most of us had.
I believe that with a descent DJ, and with alcohol being served at the venue, it would have been a much more enjoyable evening.
The after party was great, even though many people left early, but the true Manly High spirit raged on until the end with all the legends that stayed.- Glenn Murdoch
The formal I thought was ok but the afterparty was even better. What made the formal fairly dull was the music that was played, as none of it could be danced to. The music was old as well, but nevertheless it was ok but nothin special!!!
Afterparty kicked arse especially all those who were gettin it down on the dance floor with me!!- Allen Lau
You can still submit Your Comments about the Formal
