To the Incredible Class of 2020
A heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2020! In the face of unprecedented challenges, they’ve navigated online learning, encouraged and cared for each other while together or apart, and — as the 2019-20 school year comes to its end — they have reached graduation. We can only imagine the world of difference this class will make in the future too.
We also offer our thanks and kudos to the teachers, parents, and school communities around the world who have worked so hard alongside this amazing class of students!
Left to right: DAIS and Dalian Huamei Academy (China), Cayman International School (Cayman Islands), Yangon International School (Myanmar) , Riffa Views International School (Bahrain)
In the spotlight below, you’ll see what one international school’s 2020 commencement looked like. Thank you to Michelle Collin for sharing from Shekou International School in Shenzhen, China.
Congratulations to the SIS Class of 2020
By Michelle Collin, Director of Advancement, Shekou International School
Congratulations to the Class of 2020! There is great significance in the backdrop of this photograph, Shenzhen’s third-tallest skyscraper, The China Resources Headquarters. Inspired by the form of the winter bamboo shoot, the building represents many of the characteristics of our graduating class – moral integrity, resistance, modesty, and loyalty. Bamboo is also the perfect combination of strength and flexibility. All attributes the Class of 2020 have demonstrated, especially throughout the last few months.
On Friday, May 29, 2020, during a small and discreet ceremony at the Mountain View Theater in the Design Society in Shenzhen, Shekou International School celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2020. The event marked an important milestone in the lives of our Grade 12 students.
Head of School, Mr. Smith, described the cohort as remarkable during his speech, “As we look at this year, it is very clear that this is a remarkable year. The impact of the pandemic and the reverberations that have echoed through the world will long remain in memory. You will forever be remarkable people. Partly because you graduated in a remarkable year, but mainly because you are who you are well before the pandemic hit us.”
The graduation ceremony, attended by parents of seniors as well as some faculty, followed Covid-19 protocols. Seniors only removed their masks briefly to collect their diplomas and to pause for a photograph.
SIS strings students performed ‘Edward Elgar/arr. John Kinyon’ beautifully during the graduates’ Procession as they entered the theater.
Speeches were heartfully delivered from High School Assistant Principal, Mr. Ortner, on behalf of Secondary Principal, Mr. Rogers; Head of School, Mr. Smith; faculty representatives Ms. Dowty, Mr. Bywater (remotely), Ms. Krouse (remotely); and graduating class representative, Leo.
Two of the graduates, Xinel and Jimmy, were also able to provide a musical presentation with their duet of ‘Seven Years’ by Lukas Graham. A combined HS Band and Choir music video was compiled remotely by faculty, Ms. Coetzee, and Mr. Krebs. ‘Home’ was played before the presentation of diplomas, read by High School Counselor, Ms. Brunning, and presented by Mr. Smith and Mr. Ortner.
The ceremony was live-streamed to Mr. Rogers, Secondary Principal, to many other past and present SIS teachers, and to over 300 friends and family worldwide, supported by a host of SIS technical staff both in Shenzhen and abroad. The graduates chose the song, ‘Don’t You Forget About Me’ by Simple Minds for their Recessional.
Congratulations to the Class of 2020! We wish them all the very best with their future endeavors. Go Geckos! #SISrocks #ISSedu
Our thanks to Michelle for writing this spotlight on an amazing class, and congrats again to all! How is your school celebrating commencement? We love seeing pictures and stories from the Class of 2020 on #ISSedu.