As the campus greenery blossomed under the warm June sun, rays of light filtered gently through the trees, casting dappled shadows along familiar pathways. Soft summer breezes carried the chorus of cicadas and laughter, composing the unmistakable melody of graduation season. Once again, another class prepared to bid farewell to campus life, filling their thoughts with the growth, friendships, and cherished memories they had cultivated at SCLS as they embarked on the next chapter of their journey. On this joyful yet bittersweet summer day, teachers, families, and students gathered together to celebrate the Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2026 of the Middle School & High School, International Division.
The ceremony began with opening remarks from Executive Principal Madame Feng, who extended her heartfelt congratulations to the graduating class and expressed sincere gratitude to the parents and teachers who had supported them throughout their journey. She reflected on the International Division as a community deeply rooted in China that simultaneously embraces the world—a place where students from diverse cultural backgrounds, each with their own dreams and aspirations, come together to learn and shape the distinctive spirit that defines SCLS students. Looking back on the achievements of the Class of 2026, she praised their academic perseverance, leadership, and willingness to step forward in every aspect of campus life, expressing her confidence that they are well prepared to embrace a future filled with limitless possibilities.
Some stories are about farewells, and others are about dreams. Yet the story of one SCLSID graduate, Fiona Xu, reminded everyone of the true meaning of the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit. Last November, Fiona won one gold medal and one silver medal at the National Games Equestrian Competition, achieving the highest overall score despite being the youngest competitor in the field. At the time, she was regarded as one of China's brightest young equestrian athletes, with aspirations of competing on the Asian Games and the Olympic stage. Then, a tragic accident during competition resulted in a severe injury, causing her to spend more than 30 days in intensive care, fighting for her life.
Recalling her visit to her hospital room. Principal Feng shared that Fiona never spoke about her pain or questioned the unfairness of fate. Instead, what mattered most to her was when graduation would take place and how she could one day return to school through her own determination. With that goal in mind, she embarked on an unimaginably demanding rehabilitation journey—from relearning how to move her fingers and sit up independently to taking her university entrance examinations with a pen strapped to her hand. Every small step forward represented extraordinary courage and unwavering determination.
Principal Feng remarked, "Every time I speak about Fiona Xu, I gain a deeper understanding of life itself." In recognition of her remarkable strength and perseverance, Shanghai Soong Ching Ling School awarded her the school's inaugural Eternal Medal. As her name was announced, the auditorium erupted into prolonged applause. The medal serves to symbolize hope, courage, and resilience—reflecting the values that SCLS holds dear.
Amid the applause, Fiona took the stage to share her own story. She spoke candidly about the hardships of rehabilitation and the unwavering support she received from the entire school community. "I am Grandma Soong's child," she said. "I have a heart that can never be broken." She also shared her dream of one day returning to horseback and competing once again. Many in the audience were moved to tears. In that moment, graduation took on a deeper meaning—it was not simply about leaving school behind, but about carrying forward the courage to begin again, no matter what challenges life may bring.
Following Fiona’s speech, Dr. Yan Zhang offered her heartfelt farewell message to the graduating class. She reflected that growth is never a smooth or effortless journey. Life brings both triumphs and setbacks, moments of celebration as well as periods of uncertainty. In today's rapidly changing world, the greatest challenge is often not failure itself, but the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Yet throughout the years she has spent with the Class of 2026, she has come to know them as a group of young people defined by resilience. She concluded with a message that resonated deeply throughout the theater: "I believe that wherever life takes you, you will carry light with you—and become a light for others."
Teacher representative Dr. Weiting Chen also shared words of encouragement with the graduates. She compared their lives so far to carefully guided laboratory experiments, where every step had clear instructions. From this day forward, however, they would begin conducting the greatest experiment of all: their own lives. There would be no standard answers, only continual exploration, reflection, and growth. She encouraged students to remain lifelong learners while also becoming people who generously share their knowledge and inspire others. Above all, she reminded them that no matter where life may lead, SCLS will always be their home.
Valedictorian Cindy Hsu similarly reflected on the people who had shaped her journey. She credited her growth to three invaluable sources of strength: the unconditional trust of her family, the unwavering companionship of her friends, and the steadfast support of her teachers and school. High school, she shared, has been one of the most meaningful and memorable chapters of her life. Although the Class of 2026 will soon set off for destinations around the world, the years they spent together at SCLS will forever remain among their most treasured memories.
The ceremony then entered one of its most significant traditions as Principal Feng, Principal Zhang, and Vice Principal Mr. Jason Palmer presented graduation certificates to each member of the Class of 2026. One by one, graduates stepped onto the stage as their names were announced, receiving certificates that represented years of perseverance. With every smile captured and every round of applause, the memories of their time at SCLS became treasured milestones in their lifelong journey.
As gentle convocation music filled the theatre, graduates opened the letters that were previously hidden inside their graduation certificates, containing heartfelt messages written by their parents. Words that had often remained unspoken, along with years of quiet love and unwavering support, unfolded before them. Each letter reflected a family's shared journey of growth, reminding every student that they had never walked this path alone.
The ceremony continued with the presentation of the Soong Ching Ling Award, an honor recognizing students who demonstrate academic excellence, compassion, service, and dedication to the school community. This year's recipient was Amy Ma, whose relentless pursuit of learning has been matched by her commitment to serving others and making a meaningful impact on campus. The award celebrated not only her achievements but also the spirit of responsibility and kindness that defines Soong Ching Ling School.
Graduation marks both a farewell and the passing of a legacy. During the annual handover ceremony, the Class of 2026 presented a lemon tree to the Grade 11 students. As the graduates explained, although branches may grow in different directions, they all share the same roots. In much the same way, no matter where life eventually takes them, every graduate will remain connected by the memories, friendships, and values they cultivated at SCLS—a place they will always call home.
The ceremony concluded with two special performances prepared by the graduates. The lyrics to “Girls Never Die” and “We’re All in This Together” filled the theater, celebrating memories of shared laughter, the challenges they’d overcome, and the unforgettable moments that flowed gently through every note.
From SCLS, they now set out into the world.
May the world become their classroom, while they always remember where their journey began.
May every member of the Class of 2026 carry forward the courage, kindness, and sense of responsibility nurtured at SCLS as they continue to explore, create, connect, and grow. Wherever life may lead them, may they always move forward with passion and purpose.
The world is vast, but SCLS will always be your home.
