On the afternoon of August 31st, the opening ceremony for the 11th and 12th grades of SHSID took place as scheduled in the Grand Auditorium. Laughter and conversations grew denser along the brick paths, and the campus, which had been quiet throughout the summer, was once again filled with vibrant energy. With excitement for the new semester and anticipation for their upcoming college lives, the students gathered together for their final stage of high school and prepared to embark on another unforgettable journey.

The opening ceremony was hosted by Ms. Liu Qin, High School Assistant Principal and Director of the Students' Center. Three recap videos were played to warm up the Grand Auditorium.

The opening ceremony commenced with an address by the Head of Grade 12, Mr. Hong Miao. He gave a warm reception to the juniors starting in Xianmian Building and welcomed the seniors back. He encouraged the seniors that they shall be confident for the college application season with all the support the school had provided, from the Four-Year Plan they completed in 9th grade to the Senior Orientation they will participate in the next day. He advised everyone to be true to themselves, plan properly, and he hoped that they would have an enjoyable last year of high school.

Following this, the representatives of the new Grade 12 class, reflected on the past year's blend of intensity and joy in their academic pursuits. They then shared their insights on the central theme of 12th grade: the college application. Despite the limited time left and the challenges ahead, they emphasized that this is just one challenge on the long road of life. They encouraged everyone to give their best and then let go of worries, to live in the present, and savor every precious moment.

Head of Grade 11, Ms. Zhang Yueyue, delivered a speech offering insights into the new challenges and opportunities juniors would face in the coming year. She stressed the importance of efficient time management. Furthermore, Ms. Zhang mentioned that while academic standards were evolving, students should not neglect their holistic development. Engaging in the school's various social service activities would help students discover their value within the community, contributing to the greater good.

Subsequently, the Grade 11 student representatives took the stage. Drawing from their own experiences, they urged the incoming junior class to embrace the new curriculum system with a willingness to experiment and explore. They encouraged their peers to maintain an enterprising spirit, boldly facing challenges with unwavering enthusiasm, and to break through old limitations to achieve comprehensive personal growth.

Concluding the speeches was the High School Principal, Mr. Ma Feng. He started his speech by showing a video filmed by an alumnus who is currently attending Northwestern University. In the video, the alumnus encouraged students to remain honest with their education and follow the rules. Principal Ma then asked students to think about their identities in a complex and ever-changing world. He encouraged them to take responsibility for their own lives and stay diligent. Mr. Ma highlighted some of the rules to help build a more inspiring learning environment. He also shared some of the visits in the U.S. during the summer. He reminded the audience that success for students everywhere requires hard work and action. And he encouraged the students to lead a confident and healthy life by actively exploring their interests with supportive school policies and being dedicated to their academic pursuits and other commitments in a new era of vast information.

As the opening ceremony approached its conclusion, alumnus Jung Seungoh pleasantly surprised the campus. He shared his own experiences after graduation. Despite not being that "outstanding" during his high school years and facing various challenges later in life, he found success in an unexpected turn of events when he was involved in the creation of the highly acclaimed film "Parasite". He is currently a highly accomplished movie director. His story served as an encouragement for the younger students, advising them not to be deterred by temporary setbacks and to always believe in their unlimited potential.

Lastly, the awards ceremony brought excitement to the occasion. After a year of hard work and dedication, students had achieved significant accomplishments. In recognition of their efforts and to foster a culture of academic excellence, the school presented various scholarships for academic achievements, leadership, and community involvement. Students who won the Principal’s List Award, Academic Achievement Award, and Social Activity Award all came to the stage and received their peers' warm applause.

With warm applause and celebrations, the opening ceremony for grades 11-12 came to an end. On this hopeful afternoon, like a canvas of youth, the event outlined a brave blueprint for the new academic year. Students embarked on their journey of knowledge with anticipation and aspiration. College applications might pose challenges, and new curriculum systems could be demanding, but it is the initial passion and enthusiasm that will dispel the clouds, propelling us forward. May every SHSID student, with the courage to face the unknown, move ahead with determination, and write their own splendid chapter of high school.

Lastly, let us join together and reminisce about the diverse campus activities of the eventful 2022 school year in this video produced by the High School Media Group. To commemorate SHSID's 30th anniversary this year, a series of celebratory events are being meticulously prepared. Let's look forward to them!

(Written by 12-3Angela Zhang, 12-7 Jonathan,12-5 Elizabeth Xu Pictures by SHSID Media Group Edited by 12-3Angela Zhang, 12-5Elizabeth Xu Supervised by Yueer Gao Reviewed by Qian Zuo)