Amidst the lush foliage of Shanghai High School typical of early summer, the 2025 SHSID Primary and Middle School Graduation Ceremony commenced on June 19. The Hsi Building Auditorium hosted its maiden commencement ceremony, where graduates stood ready to cast their dreams as anchors into the starry sea as they sail onwards in the name of youth.

On the morning of June 19, the auditorium of Shanghai High School International Division’s Hsi Building was filled with proud parents, dedicated teachers, and soon-to-be graduates—all gathered to celebrate the culmination of a meaningful chapter. The Grade 5 graduation ceremony was more than a farewell; it was a celebration of learning, friendship, resilience, and dreams ready to take flight.

At 10:00 a.m., the ceremony began with a sense of quiet anticipation. Graduates from eleven classes entered the auditorium in procession, each group greeted with a visual tribute on the big screen—class photos and emblem designs symbolizing their collective spirit. As the host shared the stories behind each emblem, themes of exploration, courage, growth, and reflection came to life. From sails set against imagined seas to the turning pages of memory, these creative symbols echoed the values and identities each class had built together. Smiling and confident, students waved to the audience—teachers and parents who had guided and supported them over the past five years. Applause rang out, filled with pride and joy. It was a moment of recognition, not only of achievement, but of a shared journey.

The ceremony formally opened with speeches from two student representatives. Jennifer, from the Pudong Campus, recalled a pivotal track and field event in Grade 4 that taught her the true meaning of teamwork. “We realized that real victory isn’t found in rankings, but in trust and support among teammates,” she said with quiet conviction. Jason, from the Puxi Campus, reflected on the academic independence he had developed through project-based learning. He credited SHSID for creating an environment where curiosity could thrive and every student could grow at their own pace. Their speeches, simple yet sincere, gave voice to the collective experiences and personal milestones of their graduating class.

Iris’s father, speaking on behalf of all parents, delivered a moving address filled with both poetry and perspective. “From wide-eyed children to poised and confident young learners,” he said, “this transformation has been shaped by the patient guidance of teachers and the richness of this learning environment.” As a mathematics professor, he used Fermat’s Last Theorem to illustrate the importance of deep understanding and flexible thinking. He closed with a heartfelt message: “Stay curious, stay passionate.”

Mr. Liu Lian, Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, followed with an address that balanced wisdom with warmth. He applauded the students’ accomplishments across academics, the arts, character development, and charities. Encouraging students to remain lifelong explorers, he invited them to continue seeking knowledge, pursuing passions, and embracing the unknown with courage and kindness. His words, filled with insight and affection, served as both reflection and blessing.

A video montage offered a vivid portrait of life at SHSID over the past five years. Scenes from libraries and labs, playgrounds and performance halls were interwoven with interviews in which students shared favorite memories, beloved teachers, and hopes for the future. These candid reflections brought to life the joys, challenges, and small moments that had shaped their time in primary school.

In a following video message, teachers offered their own reflections and wishes. They recalled meaningful lessons and proud moments, offering final words of encouragement and advice. The ceremony then turned personal and heartfelt, as student representatives presented flowers to their teachers—an expression of deep appreciation for those who had taught, guided, and believed in them.

Five student representatives then shared personal growth journeys, reflecting on achievements in athletics, music, STEM, and service. Their stories, though individual, resonated as a collective narrative of the SHSID experience—one rooted in whole-person education and the nurturing of individual talents.

The official presentation of graduation certificates followed. One by one, students took the stage to receive their certificates from school leadership. Behind the handshakes and posed photographs were five years of effort, friendship, learning, and transformation. The moment was formal, yet deeply personal—a quiet affirmation of all that had been accomplished and all that lay ahead.

In a touching tribute, families near and far shared messages of congratulations and encouragement through a video montage, offering support in many voices and languages. The Parent Committee then presented a special commemorative gift: three SHSID badges spanning six decades, displayed on velvet. Sofia’s mother, herself an alumna of the school, shared archival photographs and memories, recounting the school’s growth from its brick-and-stone beginnings to the vibrant institution it is today. Principal Liu accepted the gift on behalf of the school—symbolizing both respect for tradition and faith in the future.

As the ceremony drew to a close, graduates performed Auld Lang Syne, their voices filled with gratitude and fondness. Turning toward the audience, they waved to parents and teachers in a gesture of farewell and appreciation. In return, the audience responded with a sea of waving hands—one final, collective moment of connection before the students took their next step forward. As the lights dimmed and the music faded, what remained was not an ending, but a beginning. The stories of these young graduates—filled with promise and purpose—are just starting to unfold. May they set sail with courage and compassion, and may the stars of their journey shine brightly in the years to come.

As farewell melodies rise, affection lingers long in the air. To the Class of 2025: May you forge ahead with courage across boundless horizons. Pursuing dreams afar as your sails hold high and steady. Happy Graduation!

Written by Teng Chen

Pictures/Videos by Parent Volunteers, Minxuan Cao

Edited by Cong Luo

Reviewed by Luting Lu, Chenli Shen, Cong Luo