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Grade 12: Coming-of-Age Ceremony Held

May 26, 2023

Cozied up by a slightly closer sun, the air smells of grass, stale rain, and possibility. We’re 18, and it is two weeks before we cross the stage, diploma in hand, ready to soar towards splendid new beginnings.

The luscious green leaves have swallowed the dull brown twigs and branches, and the occasional flower in the ocean of green, both are strong tells of an awakening in the presence of a damp warmth—that the spring season has begun and so has this new phase of your life.

On May 23, teachers and students spent the day at Pujiang Country Park doing a variety of activities as part of the class of 2023’s grand coming-of-age ceremony. Students arrived first early in the morning, fitted in formal dress shirts and polished shoes. They were joined by High School Principal Mr. Ma Feng, Director of Students' Center Ms. Liu Qin, Head teacher of G12 Ms. Wu Chen, G12 homeroom teachers, and proud parents who have traveled across the city to witness this moment.

Principal Ma was the first to deliver a speech, talking of dreams, freedom, and gratitude, expressing his best wishes and ardent expectations —and most importantly joy—for the students. He ended his speech with a special shout-out to two students whose birthday it was. Next to speak was director Liu, who began with similar anecdotes about her own experiences at this age. She cleverly shared a new interpretation of the acronym CAS: C stands for curiosity, encouraging students to maintain a thirst for knowledge; A stands for action, reminding that ideas need to be carried out and that opportunities are always reserved for those who are seeking it; S stands for success, telling students to embrace failure and be open to facing difficulties, as they are all part of the journey towards victory. Most importantly, she reminded the students that SHSID will always be a haven for its students and alumni: “You will always be SHSIDers, so believe in SHSID, and believe in yourself”. As a representative for the parents, Ms. Chen told of the countless memories and difficulties that parents and children have overcome over the past 18 years, growing together as people. Even as the children now step into the strata of adulthood, the joys and pains of the past will continue to remain in their hearts. As life continues to rush forward, may the students continue to embark on this battle of self-discovery and growth on their own. The final speaker of the day was Grade 12 director Ms. Wu Chen. Accompanied by the ten homeroom teachers, she wished the students to continue to live out their youth and ride towards their dreams, and that SHSID will forever be alongside them, through wind or rain.

After the sentimental formalities, students dispersed to change into their SHSID T-shirts which they then took turns signing. A youthful scene of color and bliss as these kids continue to leave their mark on the world, and on one another. The scene of vividness and playfulness continued throughout the 2.5-km color run, as students decorated posters, T-shirts, and one another with color, reminiscing the past 12 years.

At lunchtime, students picnicked by the lake, sharing plans for the future, singing and dancing along to songs, and playing games like Frisbee. Afterward, students split into groups to compete in a myriad of games, from archery and water bottle grabbing to tightrope walking - a true testament to the strength of friendship and teamwork.

As the day of the coming-of-age ceremony ended, students rode back to school continuing to discuss the day's events. Everyone is now ready to set sail towards new horizons, and this day will forever be cherished as a reminder of the years filled with hard work and kinship.

Year after year, a new generation of students turns 18 and crosses the threshold into adulthood. Hence, the coming-of-age ceremony becomes more than a declaration of adulthood, but also a ceremony of taking on greater responsibilities and making larger strides toward being a contributing member of society. I truly believe this group of young people will be able to reach incredible frontiers in the future!

(Writtern by 12(5) Fenya Lyn Walter Pictures by 12(10) Elaine Zhang Supervised by Menglei Wang Reviewed by Qian Zuo)