Graduation day on Friday, a day of celebration for our Yale participants and a chance to pay tribute to what has been an incredible two week journey. The day began with more glorious weather, and there was an end of term air about the campus as people smiled their way through a lighter morning programme – made all the better with some delicious doughnuts!

The afternoon saw some participants dash out to the shops and pick up the last few gifts to take home, with Yale-themed goodies proving to be the most sought-after.

Eventually, the much-anticipated time arrived and everyone assembled for the graduation ceremony. The participants all wanted to look their best for this special occasion and, although some were fashionably late, they all looked very smart.

All the participants passed with flying colours, and it was brilliant to see their faces light up as Programme Director Ron handed them their academic prizes. The PD then rounded the ceremony off with an inspiring speech.

Afterwards, the celebrations well and truly began as the participants headed into New Haven to enjoy a meal in the town, stopping only to bask in the golden sunshine and take some photos.

The evening party was great fun, with a hilarious selfie booth and the counsellor awards, dished out to participants for honours such as ‘Most Dramatic’ and ‘Best Dressed’, which went down a storm!

The evening saw a few tears shed, as everyone took a last chance to play games in the common room and spend time together, but overall it was a day of great joy and success, and the participants were all full of pride. Quite right too!