The formal is the last rite of passage for Year 12 students - the chance to glam up and celebrate the end of a chapter of their lives before moving out into the real world.With exams fast becoming a distant memory, and the promise of schoolies and an extended holiday looming in front, last night students were dressed to the nines in frocks and suits of every colour ... and ready to party.For Lake Illawarra High School student Rukiyye Gulsaran, the end of Year 12 and finishing school was an exciting time, though somewhat bitter-sweet."It is really exciting to be finished, though we will miss our friends," she said.Vef Huseyin said she would miss some of her teachers, but seemed keen to leave the textbooks behind."I will miss ancient history the most I think, but I'm excited to be moving on," she said. Rukiyye and her friends were headed to the Sunset Lounge to celebrate the end of school.The girls had been on the go since 9.30am getting ready for the big night, with hair appointments, nail treatments and make-up sessions taking up the better part of the day.However, classmate Sema Kilinc said the effort was worth it when she finally put on her dress.