• Sunshine brought out crowds for Telford’s 2024 graduation and street procession.
  • Students celebrated in style, walking through Balclutha to their graduation ceremony.
  • Over 330 supporters joined the event, celebrating graduates' achievements in various programmes.

Telford’s class of 2024 celebrated their graduation in perfect weather on November 28 in Balclutha. Hundreds of supporters lined the streets to cheer the graduands during the traditional procession, which began at the Balclutha Presbyterian Church and ended at the Clutha District War Memorial & Community Centre, Te Pou Ō Mata-Au.

Led by SIT management, Telford staff, and Clutha District Mayor Bryan Cadogan, the procession made its way along Clyde Street, accompanied by the Balclutha Pipe Band. Adding a rural flair, shiny farm machinery, quad bikes, and even students’ working dogs joined the parade, showcasing the community's agricultural pride.

Telford Marketing and Admin Officer Billie-Marie Henry remarked on the strong community support. “The Main Street was very busy, and full of people clapping us down the road,” she said. Businesses like Agricentre and Clutha Honda provided tractors and quad bikes for the event, while SIT and Telford Farms supported the street closure.

Graduands traded their everyday attire for formal wear, impressing spectators with elegant outfits that complemented their academic regalia. “They definitely pulled it off,” Ms Henry noted, adding that some convincing was needed to get students into high heels and suits for the occasion.

Inside the community centre auditorium, around 330 parents, families, and well-wishers celebrated the achievements of more than 100 graduating students. Sixty-three graduates attended in person to receive diplomas and certificates in agriculture, animal technology, farming systems, and primary industry operations. Apiculture and equine students, who graduated from online and onsite programmes, were acknowledged in absentia.

Former Telford Campus Manager Daniel Maze, a familiar figure in the community, served as the event’s MC, ensuring the ceremony ran smoothly.

Dr Sally Dobbs, Faculty Head, highlighted the unique bonds formed by Telford students who live on-campus. “They’re not just graduating from a programme, they’re graduating from a family,” she said. Looking ahead to 2025, Dr Dobbs expressed optimism about strong enrolment numbers for the year.

The day was a fitting celebration of the graduates’ hard work and a proud moment for the Telford community.

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