As the gentle breeze ushers in autumn, the tranquil campus unfolds like a beautiful painting, welcoming the new semester. On the afternoon of September 1st and the morning of September 2nd, students and teachers from SHSID's high schoolers gathered in the Grand Auditorium for their opening ceremonies. High School Principal Mr. Ma Feng delivered an inspiring speech, recapping the exciting activities and cultural exchanges that took place over the summer. He also shared a powerful training video of Olympic athletes, motivating everyone with the timeless wisdom, 'You reap what you sow' and 'A sharp sword is forged through rigorous honing, just as the fragrance of plum blossoms emerges from the harsh winter.' As students embark on their high school journey, facing greater academic challenges and choices in extracurricular activities, Principal Ma encouraged them to adopt the Olympic athletes' spirit of perseverance, cultivating mindfulness, self-discipline, and resilience as they strive towards their dreams.

Grade 11-12 Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony for SHSID's 11th and 12th grades was hosted by the Assistant Principal and Director of the Student Center, Ms. Liu Qin. The event began with a carefully crafted warm-up video, which led everyone to relive the brilliant moments of the past school year.

Next, Ms. Zhang Yueyue, head of Grade 12, took the stage. She meticulously outlined the key timelines for college applications, guiding students to stay grounded while dreaming of the future. She emphasized that in the challenging and growth-filled 12th grade, the school will always be the students' strongest support.

Following that, two 12th-grade student representatives shared their emotional journies as they entered the college application season. One emphasized 'finding joy in hardship and tasting sweetness after bitterness,' stressing that 'interest' and 'reality' are never opposites. The other used anime as a metaphor, encouraging everyone to be the protagonist of their own story, bravely facing challenges, and enjoying the joy of growth.

Ms. Yu Zhen, head of Grade 11, then offered insights into the new challenges and opportunities that the juniors would face. She highlighted the increased demands of courses compared to Grade 10 and reminded students to uphold high standards of behavior, etiquette, and teamwork. At the same time, she encouraged students to participate in various competitions and activities based on their interests. These experiences will become valuable memories.

Following that, two 11th-grade student representatives shared their passions and gains from creative writing and sports competition. One emphasized the importance of self-discovery and innovation through the topic of finding a writing style, while the other shared his experience as a student-athlete. With a passionate description, he recounted how his team triumphed against top players and encouraged his peers to approach academic challenges with the same determination and enthusiasm.

The climax of the ceremony was the exciting awards presentation. Scholarships were awarded to students who excelled in academics, leadership, and social activities. The auditorium echoed with applause, celebrating their hard work and outstanding achievements.

Grade 9-10 Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony for SHSID's 9th and 10th grades was hosted by the SHSID High School Vice Principal, Ms. Liu Min. Vice Principal Liu welcomed all the students back to the newly renovated Zhongxing Building. The ceremony kicked off with a 3-minute introductory video, with each frame sparking memories of the past academic year and extracurricular activities for the students.

Next, Mr. Hong Miao, head teacher of Grade 9, congratulated the students on their exciting transition to high school and shared valuable insights into academic pursuits and extracurricular activities. Mr. Hong emphasized the importance of self-awareness, continuous self-improvement, and the principle of 'reflecting on oneself three times a day' to promote personal growth.

Following that, Grade 9 student representative Steven Lin shared his experiences from the past three years of middle school and expressed that these experiences had equipped him with the courage to embark on his high school journey. To him, 'high school' is both mysterious and filled with new challenges and opportunities. He encouraged his fellow 9th graders to explore and experience a variety of activities amidst their busy academic lives to become more independent and resilient individuals.

Ms. Wu Chen, head teacher of Grade 10, reflected on the remarkable achievements and growth experienced by both teachers and students over the past year. She stressed that the value of education extends beyond the classroom, encompassing the rich experiences gained through extracurricular activities and the development of personal skills. Ms. Wu encouraged everyone to embrace new challenges, seize opportunities, and strive for personal excellence in the year ahead.

Grade 10 student representative Alison Yu discussed the impact of electronic devices on student life in today's tech-driven and connected world. She shared how she manages to minimize social media distractions and urged her peers to work efficiently for better results.

Ms. Chen Lin from the Teacher Advisor Office highlighted the array of programs offered and encouraged students to actively engage with teacher advisors. She concluded her speech with a powerful message: 'Approach challenges with the patience and determination of Olympians.

The ceremony honored the recipients of awards such as the Social Activities Award, Academic Achievement Award, and Principal's List Award from the previous school year. They were invited to the stage to receive recognition for their exceptional achievements.

As the opening ceremony concluded successfully, marking the start of a new school year, the students' journey has only just begun. With eagerness and passion as their wings, they will continue to soar across the ocean of knowledge. May every student at SHSID have the courage to face the unknown, press forward with determination, and shine brightly during their exciting high school years.

(Written by 10(7) Tianyue Zhao, 10(6) Chia-Ying Andrea Yang, 12(2) Minhan Zhou, 12(2) Cana Cai  Pictures by SHSID Media Group  Supervised by Meijun Shi, Jingjing Wang   Reviewed by Ying Gu, Chenli Shen, Cody Allen Turner)