We were delighted to welcome back over 70 RGS alumni from the Class of 2019 for their Graduation Brunch on Saturday, 9 September. The day was glorious with sunny skies and balmy weather. Our guests turned up and greeted each other with hugs and handshakes, excited to see each other after 4 years apart. Jodie Lazarus, Reigatian Community Officer, along with Tracey Thornton, RGS Foundation Executive, registered our former students with the help of Foundation ambassador, Ellie W, before they grabbed a glass of bubbles and a breakfast plate and caught up on stories about studies, graduations, work opportunities and travels across the globe. It was great to see such an amazing turn out and so many happy faces being reunited. Joining the guests were teachers, Mr Lobb, Miss Green, Mrs Anderson, Mrs Cline, Ms Miles, Mrs Sileo and Headmaster Mr Fenton, all of whom were greeted warmly by the returning students.

After a tasty breakfast buffet of fruit cups, pastries, bacon rolls and fresh juice, Mr Fenton raised a toast to the Class of 2019 and spoke with fondness about how this will always be their school. How they will always be welcome to return, and he hopes over the years they do so, with stories to tell and experiences to share as they venture into this exciting new journey ahead. This is a path yet unknown, it could see them taking in adventures overseas, exploring far-off lands, people and cultures. It could take them into a professional world filled with opportunity. It will see them making new friends, relationships and building new foundations for their years ahead, but no matter what, they will always be Reigatians.

Tracey Thornton followed this moment of nostalgia with a few words about how the RGS Foundation can support them in their onward journeys. Tracey spoke specifically about the RGS Professionals group, how it connects Reigatians across the world and how valuable these relationships can be for them as they embark on their careers. Although this lovely group will be brought together again for their 10-year reunion, just six years from now, Tracey urged them all not to leave it that long to return to RGS encouraging them to attend RGS Foundation events whenever possible, where they will always be welcome.

Drawing the event to a close, Tracey thanked everyone for attending and they headed outside, into the sunshine, for their Class of 2019 Graduation Brunch photo. It was wonderful to see them all back together again, full of smiles.

Our Class of 2019 have stepped into a world beyond study. We wish them all the very best of luck on their journeys and we hope to see them again at their 10-year reunion. However, with the imminent launch of our campaign: Changing Lives, Building Futures, at our event in London, on 10 October, 2023, they have the perfect excuse for a wonderful evening out together just next month!