Chapter One: Steadfast Journey, Clouds of Promise

On the afternoon of June 19th, the Grade 8 graduation ceremony was held at the auditorium in the Hsi Building of Shanghai High School International Division (SHSID). Dressed in formal attire, the graduates entered the venue confidently, led by their homeroom teachers and international instructors. Their faces shone with anticipation for the future and nostalgia for the past. This moment marked both the end of their middle school journey and the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

Distinguished guests from the Middle and Primary Section attending the ceremony included: Mr. Liu Lian, Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, Mr. Shen Tianyuan and Ms. Liu Fang, Vice Principals of SHSID Middle and Primary School, Ms. Miao Xiaoling, Assistant Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, and Mr. Edward Key, English Curriculum Assistant Principal of of SHSID Middle and Primary School. Representing the High School Section were: Mr. Ma Feng, Principal of SHSID High School, Ms. Liu Min and Ms. Zhang Li, Vice Principals of SHSID High School, along with Ms. Liu Qin and Ms. Hu Bo, Assistant Principals of SHSID High School. Additionally, directors across academic sections, faculty members, and parents gathered to witness this radiant milestone illuminating the path of dreams.

At 4:00 PM, the ceremony opened with the school’s string orchestra performing Triptyque. The melody sometimes trickled like a quiet stream evoking childhood memories, then rose with power, symbolizing bold dreams and aspirations. Thus began the chapter titled “Steadfast Journey, Clouds of Promise.” Within those moving notes, dreams gained momentum, and the future came into view.

Mr. Liu Lian, Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, delivered a speech titled “Passion-Driven, Responsibility-Bound.” On behalf of the school, he warmly congratulated the Class of 2025 on completing their middle school education. Mr. Liu reflected on their three-year journey at SHSID, during which they grew into independent learners. In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and rapid change, he emphasized that true learning lies in the courage to question, think critically, and break boundaries. He praised their achievements in academics, innovation, writing, debate, arts, and sports—and highlighted their remarkable 5,340 collective volunteer hours. Principal Liu encouraged students to carry forward the skills, character, and values developed over these years as they embark on the next stage of their education.

The ceremony continued with touching speeches from student and parent representatives. Sunny from Class 8-1 reflected on her eight-year journey at SHSID, recalling how she grew from a curious first-grader into a confident young scholar. She thanked the school for its thoughtful curriculum, rich activities, and nurturing environment, calling SHSID “a family built on love.” Sunny celebrated her peers’ growth in time management, resilience, and excellence, and urged everyone to face high school with gratitude, courage, and global citizenship.

Parent representative Mr. Jin Jing praised the transformation of the graduates from timid children into confident, responsible young adults. He commended SHSID’s holistic programs, which cultivate critical thinking, self-motivation, and global awareness through science, art, sports, and cross-cultural collaboration. Looking ahead, he encouraged students to cherish friendships, embrace lifelong learning in the AI era, stay resilient, and act generously. “Stay curious, kind, and brave,” he said, “and pursue your dreams with passion.”

Next came an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding achievement in music, sports, and visual arts. Honors were also given to “Independent Learners,” who were celebrated for their creativity, perseverance, self-reflection, and discipline. Each award honored past effort and lit the way forward.

Chapter Two: Wings to the Future, Boundless Horizons

As their middle school years came to a close, the graduates stood ready to take flight like young eagles. A poetry recitation titled Wings to the Clouds, Light Feathers to Departure reflected on the seasons spent on campus, celebrated enduring friendships, and expressed faith in the future.

Beyond academics, SHSID students also brought warmth to the world through service. The “Outstanding Service Learning Group” award recognized those who demonstrated compassion and responsibility through leading charitable projects. They truly embodied the saying, “Sharing roses, leaving fragrance,” enriching both others and themselves through their acts of kindness.

Twelve students were honored as “Outstanding Graduates” for their exceptional achievements in academics, extracurriculars, and community service. Their proud smiles reflected three years of dedication and growth.

The ceremony reached its pinnacle as 288 graduates received their diplomas from school leaders and teachers. Each certificate symbolized knowledge gained, friendships formed, and dreams ignited—an emblem of all they had achieved and all that lies ahead.

In a heartfelt moment, Mr. Shen Tianyuan, Vice Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, offered blessings to the graduates and introduced a meaningful graduation gift box—a symbol of the school’s love and hopes for the future.

Grateful students and parents presented gifts to the school. Teresa (8-1), Michelle (8-2), and ASB students created a blue-and-white porcelain collage spelling out “Wings to the Future, Boundless Horizons.” A QR code embedded in the artwork preserved their recorded graduation messages—memories frozen in time.

Parents also contributed priceless historical artifacts to celebrate SHSID’s 160th anniversary and the Class of 2025’s graduation. These items, which had traveled from Beijing by train, boat, and road, included the school’s first badge from the early 1900s, a 1946 graduation journal featuring the school motto and photos of Longmen Building and Xianmian Hall, and vintage diplomas. These treasured items recalled moments from the past, from pinning badges on uniforms to afternoons at the snack shop. Parent representatives Ms. Qian Chen and Ms. Li Danran expressed their hope that graduates would proudly declare, “My alma mater is SHSID!” and carry this legacy forward into the world.

A graduate-curated video followed, capturing the laughter, challenges, and growth of their journey. Past and present teachers appeared on screen to offer a joyful, unified message: “Happy Graduation!”

As the song A Million Dreams played, the graduates’ voices filled the hall, weaving youth and hope into a heartfelt anthem.

In the finale, the graduates lit blue and orange star lanterns. Their combined light formed a galaxy, mirroring their glowing faces. Amidst bursting streamers and soaring graduation caps, the SHSID 2025 Junior High Graduation Ceremony came to a close in a wave of thunderous applause.

Written by: Xu Qinyou
Photos by: Parent Volunteers
Reviewed by: Shen Tianyuan, Cheng Liyan, Luo Cong, Charlie Su