Both YCIS Shanghai’s Puxi and Pudong Secondary campuses recently celebrated the incredible YCIS Class of 2019 as they received their diplomas at graduation ceremonies at the school’s Secondary campuses before heading off to continue their education at prestigious tertiary institutions around the world.

At YCIS Puxi Secondary, the graduating class, their teachers, and families were all warmly welcomed by Mr Terence Dayes, and Class of 2019 Head Perfects Ivy and Lynn. The graduates received their graduation certificates from Ms Isabel Xu and Mr Don Collins, the campus Co-Principals, and Dr Maria Sieve, Year 12-13 IBDP Co-ordinator. The class chose Mr John Liu, Regional Co-ordinator for University and Career Guidance, as their keynote speaker. Graduating student Tetta was the chosen student speaker, and he shared hilarious and emotional moments that he, his classmates, and teachers had all shared during their time together. Alongside outstanding musical pieces from younger students, two groups of the Class of 2019 also performed: Anthony, Alex, Zhi Yang, Uharn, and Tom, who played the song "Yellow", and Hiroshi and Jonathan, who performed "My Most Precious Treasure".

Mr Liu, who was the chief co-ordinator for the whole evening, was delighted with the outcome, saying, “This year was all about having more of the students’ voices. We had outstanding performances and speeches from the graduates, and when each student walked across the stage, there was a personal message read out from their teachers and classmates. It was a beautiful ceremony and a big collaborative effort between the University Guidance Office, our Artist-in-Residence, the Performing Arts Department, school office staff, the School Leadership Team, and the support staff team.”

Across the river at YCIS Pudong, the day before the graduation festivities started, the graduates donned their caps and gowns and spoke with all Year 4 – 6 students, sharing about their experiences in Secondary and encouraging the Primary students to aim high in their efforts with their studies and activities. The next day, the graduates once again donned their regalia and the celebration began with a ceremonious processional as they walked to the campus theatre, flanked on both sides by all faculty, staff, and all students from Years 6 – 12, who applauded and cheered as the group walked past.

The graduates then joined the Secondary School Awards Ceremony, after which they enjoyed a spectacular lunch with their families and teachers at the Bund – with the iconic view making a great backdrop for some very special photos! In the evening, the ceremony began with a lovely reception for families and staff. Afterwards, once the guests were seated in the theatre, the YCIS Pudong Sinfonia group performed a beautiful rendition of Pomp and Circumstance as the graduates made their way to the stage. The ceremony was then opened by Mr Fred Runkel, YCIS Pudong Secondary Principal, who welcomed all of the guests and then introduced a video entitled “A Day at YCIS,” created by graduate Pok Yin, the soundtrack of which featured his original music composition.

Then, Mr Timothy Gartz, YCIS Pudong University and Guidance Counselor, took the stage, welcoming and introducing the YCIS Pudong Class of 2019, and then the audience was treated to additional musical features, including a fantastic rendition of "Cantaloupe Island" performed by Pok Yin and Year 11 student, Kevin, as well as a lovely version of"Beside You", performed by graduate duo Hannah and Rheanna. Graduates Oliver and Hannah gave a speech, sharing memorable moments from their more than 10 years of studying at the school, and Mr Dudley Stuurman, YCIS Pudong Social Sciences teacher and the form tutor for the Class of 2019, was selected by the graduates as their keynote speaker. After Mr Stuurman’s reflective and inspiring speech, Mr Matthew Grady, YCIS Pudong IB Co-ordinator, shared his words of wisdom for the graduates before their diplomas were awarded by YCIS Pudong Co-Principals Mr Damien Hehir and Ms Mary Yu.

Mr Gartz reflected on the evening, saying, “It was a thrill for me to be able to introduce each graduate to our audience by sharing a few of their accomplishments and to present the graduates with the chance to thank their parents personally by giving them a rose during the ceremony. It’s been such a joy seeing the Class of 2019 come so far, and I wish them the very best!”

The YCIS Shanghai Class of 2019 is going on to matriculate at leading universities worldwide, including: Skidmore College; New York University; Northwestern University; the University of Rochester; Berklee College of Music; University of California, Los Angeles; London School of Economics; University College of London; Kings College London; University of Edinburgh; McGill University; University of Toronto; University of Hong Kong; École Hôtelière de Lausanne; and many more.

Congratulations and the very best wishes to the YCIS Class of 2019 as they head off to make their mark on the world!