Class of 2025 Graduation

 

by Liz Andrews, Secondary School Principal

 

This past Saturday we recognised the Class of 2025 at their graduation ceremony. This unique group of young people were our fifty third graduating class. The student speakers captured the spirit of what it means to be part of YIS. The first two student speakers, Mai and Kieran, led us on a journey of memories to come to the realization that  our experiences of being a Dragon, can now be used to “not only become the best version of yourselves that you can be, but to take your knowledge, your global perspective, your compassion, and your emotions, and pour them into making the world a better place, no matter where you end up in life. ” 

 

The Class of 2025 chose to donate a tree as their senior class gift. Mingyo and William spoke thoughtfully of the way in which a tree’s  roots are “deep into the soil. Those roots — they matter just as much like how YIS has grounded us. They remind us that no matter how far we go, how high we climb, we are always grounded by where we began. A tree will start off small – like each of us once did – and with time and care it grows upwards towards the sky, much like how we will take advantage of the opportunity we are given."

 

Mr Coutts reflected on what it means to be a school and community celebrating a centennial and the values and advice that don’t change, even over one hundred years. He reminded us of the importance of family as they are always there for us, travel, really noticing our surroundings, the power of leadership to make the most of the world in a sustainable way, finding time for yourself, being creative, bringing music into our lives, embracing love - and telling those who you love, remembering Japan, serving others. I encourage you to watch the video on our YouTube channel - this summary does not do justice to the inventive pairing of music and thoughts as shared by Mr Coutts.

 

The Class of 2025 reflects YIS as a long term community who also welcomes new arrivals; from the six graduates who have been at YIS since ELC to the nine who joined in Grade 11. It is also reflected in the 18 different nationalities, and 14 different languages. This diversity brings experiences, perspectives, beliefs and values from around the world to enrich and extend our YIS community. 

 

As the Class of 2025 now steps out into the world they also join our YIS alumni community and move from the Dragons in Honmoku to the Dragons spread around the world. We wish them all the best and look forward to hearing their stories in the coming years.