Kangaroo Inn Area School welcomed three VIP guests to its annual presentation night on Thursday night.
Her Excellency the Governor of South Australia the Honourable Frances Adamson was present along with Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll and his deputy Councillor Peter Dunnicliff.
The school gymnasium was filled to capacity with 300 students, staff, parents and well-wishers for the 90-minute ceremony.
The guest-of-honour said the ceremony spoke to the hard work and determination displayed by each student of Kangaroo Inn Area School.
“Whether it is in schoolwork, sport, arts, or sustainability, you show that success is not just about individual accomplishments, but the collective effort of a supportive community,” Her Excellency said.
“It is truly an honour to reflect on your school’s legacy – a legacy that started 60 years ago.
“Kangaroo Inn Area School, like so many rural schools that my husband Rod Bunten and I have had the chance to visit across the state, offers unique opportunities to students.
“Rod and I were impressed to hear about the activities at the Centre for Sustainable Living, particularly the vegetable farm, vineyard, and reticulating fish farm.
“As the patron of Foodbank, I was particularly pleased to hear about your long-running Food Drive for Foodbank Mount Gambier, which helps local families in need.
“Your school is special in that you receive an education, but importantly, you become part of a close-knit community that contributes to making the South East, and the world, a better place.
“The benefits extend far beyond the academic and help to shape active citizens, who are not only prepared for the challenges of today, but are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the world tomorrow.
“Kangaroo Inn graduates have become trailblazers and leaders in their respective fields, ranging from medicine, law, science, engineering, teaching, and industry.
“Their achievements are testament to the school’s long-standing commitment to nurturing the potential within each student, and its motto: “Strive for Life.”
“To the Year 6 students, you are at the threshold of a new chapter in your academic journey.
“As you transition to the next stage of your education, carry with you the enthusiasm, dedication and commitment to excellence that has brought you to this moment.
“To the Year 12 students, as you step into the broader world, remember the foundations laid at Kangaroo Inn and the support of your community.”
KIAS is marking its 60th anniversary in 2023 and it held a celebratory lunch, open day and display of photos and memorabilia in September.
The school felt it was appropriate to invite Her Excellency to the 2023 presentation night given the 60th anniversary was taking place this year.
The then Governor of South Australia Sir Edric Bastyan took part in the official opening of Kangaroo Inn Area School in 1965.
It is a number of decades since KIAS has had a vice-regal visitor and Her Excellency had a small number of other official engagements during her brief two-day visit to the region.
She inspected the Teys meatworks at Naracoorte, a cattle property at Coonawarra, laid a wreath at the Millicent Cross of Sacrifice and breakfasted with civic leaders in Mount Gambier.
