Graduation is not the end
The starting point is at your feet
May there be many years to look back on
Let's toast for the memories we share
The early summer sunshine dispels the gloom of the rainy season, and we finally come to the crossroads of graduation. Recently, Soong Ching Ling School welcomed the third graduating class of the International Division High School, and this was the first time since the pandemic began that a graduation was held in person. This memorable moment was celebrated with a grand ceremony that all the SCLSID MSHS students, teachers, and parents of the graduates witnessed together.
Sincere Wishes
With the sincere wishes of their teachers and friends, the G12 graduates marched forward into their seats of honor. At this time of hopes and dreams, the Chinese national flag and the SCLS School flag fluttered to celebrate the moment when dreams take flight.
In a heartfelt and sincere speech, Principal Madame Feng highly praised the graduates for their perseverance and bravery, for completing four years of high school while enduring three years of pandemic, for overcoming difficulties, and for relying upon each other's tolerance, warmth and strength to get through the gloom and arrive at a new life. She expressed her gratitude to the parents and teachers who had worked so hard, with her warmth flowing into the hearts of everyone in the audience.
Principal Dr. Zhang reminisced with the graduates about their campus life, the unique 48-hour campus lockdown, the growing Frisbee team, and the well-maintained Birdhouse, all of which have been memories with these students every step of the way. She also wished every graduate to carry on the spirit of SCLS, to continue to uphold the good characteristics of humility, kindness, and care for others, and to continue to build a wonderful world filled with optimism, positivity, perseverance, and kindness.
Ms. Espanola, the teacher representative, delivered a warm, powerful, and thought-provoking speech. She conveyed her message through a simile: life is like a train which will keep moving forward. We should learn how to “mind the gap” with ease, appreciate the journey with Gratitude, Awareness, and Persistence.
Looking back on their road to maturity, from initial youthful ignorance to gradual understanding of the world around them, in many moments of confusion and disillusionment, the Class of 2023's parents always accompanied them and provided their silent support. When their families' videos were shown on the screen and the gentle blessings rang in their ears, the students could not help but weep.
This is a season of growth. For four years we have walked together, and we cherish the past.
Annie Yu
The student representative Annie Yu thanked her teachers for their dedicated teaching over the four years of high school and reflected on the various achievements of her classmates, who haved grown up together to become more determined people.
Tom Wang
Tom Wang shared his heartfelt and touching story. SCLS has witnessed his childhood, making the school a warm, reassuring, and happy safe harbor. These twelve years are the most irreplaceable, unparalleled, and priceless of his life.
Growth·Inheritance
Granting Graduation Diplomas
The ceremony reached its pivotal moment with the start of the granting of diplomas. The graduates took to the stage and received their diplomas from Principal Madame Feng, followed by Principal Dr. Zhang moving their tassel from right to left, a simple gesture carrying great hopes and wishes. Similarly, the piece of paper in their hands bears witness to the struggle and growth, symbolizing the next stage of life's journey.
Soong Ching Ling Award
In the SCLS family, every child is loved and respected. In turn, they learn to give love and respect back to others. This year, Unity Zhan, was awarded the Soong Ching Ling Award in recognition for her friendly and supportive disposition.
Handover Ceremony
Legacy is a very important element of SCLSID. Every year, there is a special handover ceremony at graduation. This year, G12's Monica Wang passed on the Apple Bird to G11's Sophia Ji.
The Apple Bird was designed by G12 students to raise money for the people of western Cuba after their homes were hit by Hurricane Ian. It represents love, devotion, and hopes that the younger students will better carry on Madame Soong's spirit of love for the world.
Remarkable Performances
The lights dimmed on the stage, and five students appeared in the spotlight on center stage. The audience felt a spark as the music began and the students performed their contemporary dance routine.
This was followed by Dr. Shamov, who led the High School Choir in a traditional Irish folk song for the graduates and wished them all the best for their future.
The waves of time may attempt to wear away memories, but these memories can weather any storm. Students and teachers, we look forward to seeing you all again!
Setting Sail for a New Journey
In front of the White House, the excited graduates unleashed their aspirations and enthusiasm, and just as their graduation caps flew into the air, so too are their futures bound to soar.
As the scroll of life unfolds, graduates, please take all your best wishes and fly high to pursue your dreams! Please challenge yourselves to new heights and create your own bright life!
撰稿、排版 | 赵逸湄
Written and edited by Amy Zhao
翻译 | 陈康妮
Translated by Connie Chen
翻译校审 | Joshua Shane Yager，Susan Gotthelf
Proofread by Joshua Shane Yager，Susan Gotthelf
摄影 | 宣传中心
Photo by Publicity Center
