Abinoply – from Schulstraße to Schlossallee! Academic ceremony for the graduating class of 2025/2026 in the Kurfürstenhalle

The graduating class of 2026 from the Mittelrhein-Gymnasium in the festively decorated Kurfürstenhalle together with their headmaster Michael Pahlke.

On Wednesday afternoon, March 25, 2026, the graduating students of the 2025/26 class from the Mittelrhein-Gymnasium Mülheim-Kärlich gathered in the Kurfürstenhalle to receive their graduation certificates.

At the beginning of the event, the headmaster, OStD Michael Pahlke, welcomed the invited guests and thanked all those involved for carrying out the Abitur examinations and organizing the academic ceremony.

In his welcoming address, the mayor of the municipality, Mr. Thomas Przybylla, emphasized the immense importance of family support during school years and the numerous opportunities that the school leaving certificate offers to the graduates, and wished them all the best for the future.

The head of the upper secondary school (MSS), Claudia Steiert, congratulated her former students on passing their Abitur (university entrance exams). Echoing the Abitur motto, the focus was on the pursuit of prosperity. However, she emphasized that this also includes taking a stand, being courageous, and seizing opportunities. Kant's Enlightenment principles can serve as a compass for character. Of course, the outstanding achievements were also recognized. Numerous graduates achieved a grade point average of 1.0 or higher.

The vocal ensemble, led by Mr. Wolff, presented a musical piece before the headmaster, Mr. Pahlke, delivered his speech. He transported the audience back to the Age of Enlightenment, when Diderot published his multi-volume encyclopedia. Even then, the philosopher's aim was to impart knowledge. If this objective is applied to the present day, it primarily concerns the competencies acquired during secondary school. However, Mr. Pahlke cautioned that competencies without knowledge are useless.

After the headmaster's speech, the audience was treated to a dance performance by the dance club 'Herz-Terz', which has been successfully led by teacher Alexandra Huiskens for several years.

Following the choreographic performance, warm greetings and congratulations were offered by the representatives of the school parents' council, the sponsoring association and the student council.

In their farewell speeches, the homeroom teachers Ms. Simon, Ms. Zugck, Ms. Kaiser and Mr. Schlupkothen emphasized that the shared experiences and memories gathered during school can be of particular importance in later life.

Lucine Kassouha and Clara Breitbach gave a speech on behalf of the graduating class. They reminisced about the challenges and highlights of their school years. Experiences and friendships remain, while exams and academic stress fade into oblivion, they concluded.

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the formal presentation of the high school diplomas. Ms. Steiert and Mr. Pahlke handed out the coveted documents, and there was hardly a hint of the "you're out of prison" feeling.

Now everyone could finally celebrate passing their exams together. 'Please proceed to the champagne reception. Go directly there.' –

Congratulations on passing your Abitur!