The gentle evening breeze of May caressed the campus as the Shanghai High School Drama Hall blazed with lights. On the evening of May 22, the charity concert themed "音为有你，声生不息" ("With Your Music, Sound Lives On") commenced as scheduled. This grand event, carrying twelve years of Service Learning (SL) curriculum legacy, was not merely an artistic celebration, but a vivid demonstration of students using their talents to spread goodwill and give back to society. This year, 29 SL groups from the International Division's eighth grade actively participated in charitable activities, with 13 groups establishing deep collaborations with off-campus charity organizations to donate funds to those in need afar.

Before the concert's formal opening, Albert from Class 8-5 delivered an solo performance of "海阔天空" on electric guitar, his exhilarating melody instantly energizing the audience. As documentary footage of the SL course played on the large screen, twelve years of charity initiatives unfolded: from community service to global issues, from knowledge construction to social action. Guided by the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals framework, the International Division has cultivated students into "responsible global citizens" through Service Learning practices.

Cathy from Class 8-2 and Daniel from Class 8-11 commenced the event with enthusiastic hosting remarks, extending warm welcomes to parent representatives and charity organization liaisons. They invited Ms. Zhang Zehong, Secretary General of SHS, to deliver opening remarks. Subsequently, Mr. Chen Yong, Vice-Chairman of Shanghai Children's Foundation (SCF), took the stage to commend the school's eleven-year Service Learning achievements and express aspirations for future collaborations, receiving thunderous applause from the audience.

The concert officially commenced with Albert from Class 8-5 performing the iconic anime anthem "好想大声说爱你" ("I Want to Shout 'I Love You'"), whose passionate melody instantly ignited nostalgic memories of youth. This was followed by Sophia from Class 6-10's crystal-clear rendition of the Italian folk song "Santa Lucia," her voice shimmering like moonlight over the Mediterranean. Grace from Class 8-8 then captivated audiences with her classical dance performance "醉清波", her fluttering sleeves transporting viewers to the misty waterscapes of Jiangnan.

As the musical echoes lingered, Stephanie from Class 8-2 and Runyao from Class 8-7 took the stage to introduce the Goodball group and their basketball charity initiative in Daliangshan, Sichuan. The concert was honored to host Ms. Liao Xiangli, Deputy Secretary-General of the Liangshan Public Welfare Promotion Association, along with teachers and students from Daliangshan, who joined this joyful celebration of art. Following Goodball's presentation, Ms. Liao and Mr. Xu Dingkui, principal of Taha Village Primary School in Daliangshan, awarded group members with "村小杯" (“Village Cup”) volunteer certificates.

The musical feast continued with more spectacular performances: A string quartet from Classes 6-6 Harry, 6-3 Viviana, and 6-12 Eli & Sophie presented "Allegro," their interwoven bows blending Western modern techniques with Eastern aesthetics. Stephen and Miya from Class 7-2 collaborated on the first movement of Mozart's "Bassoon Concerto," weaving a tapestry of classical elegance. Amy from Class 8-7 delivered a poignant rendition of the musical classic "On My Own," her emotional portrayal of love and solitude resonating deeply with every audience member.

Chloe from Class 6-10 delivered a piano solo where sparse notes unfolded profound narratives. Sherie from Class 8-7 performed the rhythmic monologue "同仁堂" ("Tongrentang"), showcasing traditional cultural heritage through this oral art form and its century-old craftsmanship. Helen from Class 8-4 transformed her "Winter Wind Etude" into musical blizzards, letting audiences hear resolute footsteps through snowstorms and feel burning determination in the melody. Four students from Classes 8-9 and 8-12 presented an instrumental ensemble of "告白气球" ("Confession Balloon"), encapsulating youthful palpitations and courage within melodic notes. Timothy from Class 6-12 performed "Iridescent" on piano, his cascading rainbow of notes inspiring perseverance through life's valleys.

Under shifting stage lights, four eighth-grade musicians reimagined "Let It Go" through strings, its familiar melody stirring universal longing for freedom and authenticity. Four seventh-graders collaboratively interpreted the musical piece "Much More" their harmonies blending youthful aspirations for the future with desires for broader horizons.

Throughout the performances, representatives from various Service Learning groups took the stage, transforming artistic passion into charity depth. Leo from Class 8-8 representing Sunrise Library explained how reading helps rural children glimpse starlight-like fragments of knowledge.Fang Zhiyan, the Chairperson  of Sunrise Library, further illuminated how literacy serves not merely as knowledge acquisition, but as vital nourishment for rural children's emotional growth.

Sunny from Class 8-1 representing Sci-Academy, shared their vision to ignite curiosity through science education, detailing members' efforts in public science outreach and practical applications of scientific knowledge to aid communities. Ms. Peng Jia, Deputy Director of Yicai Global Center, commended their contributions, noting that funds raised by Sci-Academy had provided daily nutritional breakfasts for hundreds of mountain-area students through the "1份早餐" ("One Breakfast Initiative") under Shanghai Yicai Foundation.

Representatives Karen and Annie from Class 8-7 of Katadog group advocated for stray animal welfare, urging listeners to heed the "whimpers nearby". Chris from Class 8-12 introduced Primo group's innovative approach to democratizing mathematics - over the past semester, members have weekly delivered accessible lectures and produced exploratory articles, channeling their mathematical passion into charity education.

The jazz ensemble comprising eight eighth-grade students elevated the atmosphere with their rendition of "Just the Two of Us," followed by the electric band Double Helix's energetic performance of "What Makes You Beautiful," pushing the event to new heights of excitement. As the final notes faded, the charity concert drew to a perfect close. Following the performances, all participants and Service Learning group representatives gathered on stage for a group photo, the camera capturing their radiant smiles.

On this night, the young artists were not merely performers but ambassadors of compassion. When the music's glamour subsided, what remained was teenagers' benevolent gaze upon the world. Twelve years of Service Learning have nurtured seeds of goodwill into forests, and this concert became the eternal fireflies within these woods - tiny yet luminous enough to illuminate distant horizons.

Written by Xu Qinyou

Pictures by 8-11 Jacqueline, 8-11 Allen & 8-12 Tiger (G8 Photography SL Group), Zhida Lin

Edited by Tianyuan Shen, Chenli Shen, Cong Luo, Charlie Su