This story is part of a year-long series, School Year: Learning, Poverty, and Success in a South African Township.

Last Friday, students at the Centre of Science and Technology (COSAT), the public high school near Cape Town that I'm following this year, held a special ceremony to honor seniors.

The event was more or less like a graduation ceremony in the US. Students received certificates from the school (they get their actual diplomas later), and the principal handed out awards to top achievers. Several students gave speeches, and a former student, who is now a medical doctor, delivered a special address.

There was a lot of cheering, laughter, and tears. And, as usual, there was a lot of great music. Here are a few of the performances:

Isenathi and Yandiswa sing a duet, which they dedicate to the seniors: