Weimar high school graduates celebrate records - exclusive insights into the high school baptism!

Weimar high school graduates celebrate records - exclusive insights into the high school baptism!

On June 20, 2025, the atmosphere in the Goethe-Gymnasium in Weimar was characterized by a special moment: the high school graduates said goodbye with a festive baptism, which not only marked a celebratory conclusion, but was also full of traditions and new elements. Instead of the traditional bath in the Goethe fountain, which was carried out in other years, the ceremony took place at a replica of the fountain in the schoolyard. To the cheers of siblings and classmates, the high school graduates paraded through Weimar city center on Friday morning in a colorful parade.

The route led from the school section on Herderplatz past the town hall and Frauenplan to the main building on Amalienstraße. A beautiful sight, not only because of the festive robes, but also because all twelfth graders had passed their A-levels with an impressive average of 1.9, with seven students even achieving the top grade of 1.0. The day was a triumph for the entire class.

A creative program

A highlight of the baptism was the rhymed speech by Rahel and Anna from the 11th grade, who, shortly before 11:00 a.m., reviewed the past school years with a lot of humor and charm. Not only academic successes were highlighted, but important teachers were also honored. The ceremony was musically accompanied by a moving song by Maria and Ms. Wöhnl, who performed the piece “Soli Deo Gloria”.

The highlight of this solemn event was the baptism of the high school graduates, who were called into 16 groups of angels and devils. Each individual knelt and received a personalized baptismal motto, and water was ceremoniously poured over them. The 11th grade then symbolically handed over responsibility for the next baptism to the 10th grade.

Tradition meets modernity

Accompanied by the song “You have Abitur”, the graduates’ traditional hat toss took place, which created a great atmosphere. Shortly before 12:00 p.m., the entire group of high school graduates jumped into a fountain while the band played the well-known piece “Fly Me To The Moon.” The celebration was rounded off with the song “We Are The Champions” by Queen, which gave those in attendance goosebumps.

Graduation baptism is a ritual that has been enriched with new elements in recent years. How Deutschlandfunk As explained in a study, the customs of high school graduates have changed over the decades. In today's world, the urge for an impressive celebration is often reinforced by extraordinary actions and creative commitment, which leads to a certain level of competition between the year groups.

Thanks go to the 11th grade for the successful organization of the celebration, the snack group for the buffet and everyone who contributed to the organization of the event with their planning and support. The baptism was considered a complete success and we are already looking forward to the next celebrations.

The joy and pride of the high school graduates could be felt in the air, and we can only hope that the next high school baptism will be just as successful and unforgettable.

You can find more information about the celebration on the website Goethe-Gymnasium Weimar.