School closing ceremony

the 9th graders waiting for their marks

9th grade boys - Bence Papp (in the middle) pointed to them and proclaimed "Hungarian boy band!!"  I always say it's the mark of language acquisition when someone can be funny in a different language.

Some of the 9th grade girls and me - Antonia has her grade booklet in her hand.

School Closing ceremony - I was told the day before this took place, that over a week after school was over, we'd all gather again and have a school closing ceremony.  I was to wear "smart" clothes and be at school at 6.  Ok... sure, I'll be there.  It was warm out - but the sun was setting.  I thought we'd have a minimal number of fainters... boy was I wrong.  There were no less than 18 students who had to be escorted away from their class lines to "relax" or to "get a glass of water."  This fascinates me.  Sure, the students are standing for an hour - but so did I, and I never felt faint!  Afterwards, each class meets with their head teacher and receives their "report cards" which are really more like a little booklet.  They are quite fancy and the students were eager for their marks and comments from teachers.  I'm amazed since everything is hand filled in, and the headmistress signs each and every one of the 800 students' books.  Haven't they heard of the internet?  Additionally, each student who had achieved some sort of recognition since the winter break received a book.  A hardcover book about something Hungarian- architecture, history, science, dinosaurs - it was wild.  Giving books as prizes for academic recognition - what an idea!