On 31 May, the vibrant and uplifting music echoed across the Huitong campus, heralding the official arrival of the Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremony. Under the watchful eyes of teachers, classmates and graduates' families and friends, the Class of 2024 welcomed their moment of glory.
The entire school community gathered in the atrium, cheers and applause filling the air as the children looked up in anticipation. The graduates of Huitong Class of 2024, draped in Huitong sashes, walked down the atrium stairs with confident and steady steps. At that moment, their hearts were filled with both nostalgia and hope, carrying with them countless memories of their years at Huitong.
Huitong's unique education system from kindergarten to twelfth grade fosters a distinctive legacy. The Class of 2024 is truly unique, embodying qualities such as confidence, kindness, resilience and focus that exemplify the virtues of Huitong graduates. They have become the best role models for the younger students.
The students' growth over the past few years would not have been possible without the dedication of their talented and caring teachers. At the end of the procession, the graduates greeted their teachers - mentors and friends who have been with them day in and day out - and presented them with flowers as a token of gratitude for their guidance, care and support. A cascade of balloons, symbolising the countless memories and heartfelt wishes of over a thousand teachers and students, cascaded down the atrium. With this warm and solemn ceremony, we celebrated the Huitong graduates as they embarked on a new journey.
The Grand Graduation Ceremony
For this graduation ceremony, we not only invited parents and friends to witness the occasion, but also welcomed back alumni from previous graduating classes. A heartfelt chorus of alumni and teachers brought deep blessings to the graduates:
"Have you made precious friendships at Huitong?"
"What unforgettable moments have you experienced?"
"What would you like to say to your future or past self?"
...
In a video, the students shared their memorable moments, and these beautiful memories will give them the courage to explore and move forward.
Michael Mok, the witty and knowledgeable twelfth grade teacher, delivered the "last lesson" to the students on this special occasion. His words were filled with pride as well as a touch of nostalgia and reluctance to say goodbye.
"As you embark on your next journey, I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some wisdom that I have learned deeply as someone approaching forty.
Wisdom One: Listen to your heart. It will guide you to what you really want and need to do.
Wisdom Two: If something scares you, you still have to do it, but try to make it enjoyable.
Wisdom Three: Most things in your life are a reflection of your choices.
If you want different results, make different choices; if you don't make different choices, it may mean you don't really want different results. This brings us back to Wisdom One - listen carefully to your heart and pursue what you truly desire. May the wisdom shared today illuminate the path ahead, guiding you through life's important moments and helping you to embrace a future of infinite possibility and success.
Pan Yulin, a representative of the Class of 2024 who will attend the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, recalled the time he spent with teachers and classmates. He spoke with deep emotion about his personal growth.
"I remember when I first came to Huitong, I was a very introverted kid. But after just two weeks, I realised that my worries were unnecessary. The students here were unexpectedly friendly, warm and easy-going, and of course the teachers too. Now that we are graduating, this moment is special because we have formed a deeply rooted community - the Class of 2024. This community has shaped our personalities and witnessed our transformation from children to adults. Although we will go to different parts of the world, speak different languages, and follow different paths, we will always be part of the Huitong community that has guided us through the most critical moments of our lives. I believe that the bonds of the Class of 2024 will stand the test of time and will forever be a part of who we are.
On this day, the mother of Zhong Wenxiao, a founding student of Huitong who has been accepted to the University of the Arts London, witnessed this sacred moment as a parent representative. She shared her heartfelt blessings and gratitude.
"Today, the children have successfully completed their high school education, marking an important milestone in their life's journey. Watching them grow from little boys and girls into the talented young adults they are today fills our hearts with pride and joy! Children, you have not only gained knowledge, you have also learned to think independently, to work with others, to face challenges and difficulties, and to understand what it means to create. This is the treasure trove of life energy that you have built up through years of hard work, enough to sustain you as you spread your wings and chase your higher dreams! Thank you for challenging and surpassing yourselves throughout this demanding academic year. Your efforts and perseverance have allowed us to witness your growth and progress, filling us as parents with immense pride!"
The Graduation Ceremony Concludes
Mr Jim Hawkins, Principal, led the students in a solemn reading of the Huitong Graduate Pledge. We believe that the Class of 2024 will become knowledgeable, innovative, expressive, well-rounded and influential individuals.
In the presence of all the teachers, students, parents and friends, Principal Jim Hawkins moved the tassels on the graduates' caps and Principal Zou Yanhan presented them with their diplomas. Accompanied by the exhilarating musical performance of the Huitong Youth Band, the 2024 Huitong Graduation Ceremony was officially over!
We would like to share the joy of the Class of 2024 once again.
The graduates of Huitong's Class of 2024 have received offers from top universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands and other countries, with an average of five offers per student. Among them:
- 70% were admitted to the top 40 US universities or institutions ranked in the top 30 of the QS World University Rankings.
- In the visual arts, 100% of art students received offers from world-renowned art institutions such as the University of the Arts London, Rhode Island School of Design, School of the Art Institute of Chicago and ArtCenter College of Design.
- In terms of major choices, students will pursue their passions in social sciences, economics, business, STEM, the arts and other fields. We believe the Class of 2024 will excel in their chosen fields, build confidence and benefit from these experiences for a lifetime.
The Warm Graduation Dinner
The warm graduation dinner arrived as planned. By the flickering candlelight, students and teachers engaged in friendly conversation, reminiscing about their time together and expressing their reluctance to part. The evening began with a heartfelt piano duet between teachers and students.
"Dear Class of 2024, the three years we have spent together have been a wonderful journey. We have shared many moments of joy and sorrow, but every moment has been the best memory for me."
In a video, teachers recalled their years with the students, and many couldn't help but cry.
As night fell, the Huitong Class of 2024 Graduation Dinner came to a quiet end amidst the students' singing and laughter, but a whole new journey was just beginning for them. Whether this journey is filled with surprises or challenges, they will face it fearlessly and move forward with courage.
For the bonds formed within the Huitong community will serve as emotional ties that bind us all together. When we meet again, we will greet each other with warmth and familiarity.
To the Huitong Class of 2024, Happy Graduation!
