Our Class of 2021 said goodbye to school on June 6th during the beautiful graduation ceremony on DAIS campus. The Head of School Dr. Blair Lee, the Secondary Principal Mr. Nathan Burton and Ms. Lisa Liang would like to wish our graduates all the best as they turn the page to a new chapter in their lives.
On Friday, June 4 we started a new tradition at Dalian American International School – Senior Class Processional. At midday, all DAIS and Huamei seniors walked through the halls of the Secondary Building one last time to say goodbye to faculty. It was one of the most touching moments of their final week at school.
In the morning of Sunday, June 6th fifty eight Huamei School graduates, their families and friends, teachers and school staff came together in the New Gym to celebrate one of the most important days in their lives – High School Graduation.
After the opening welcome speech by Mr. Burton and the senior video (produced and edited by Michael Wang), Mr. Ryne Holstrom presented the awards. In his emotional charge he inspired the graduates to fulfill their greatness and thanked them for their extraordinary contributions to DHA.
Dr. Rachel West gave the Faculty Address at the ceremony. Her speech included memories of the graduates’ journey entering high school the same year she came to DHA as a teacher. Dr. West also provided a PVLEGS rubric for each graduate to assess her speech delivery.
The Sea Dragon Award went to Jacob Tian. It is awarded to the senior who most fully achieves personal excellence and contributes to the global community. Additionally, the recipient should be involved in a variety of experiences provided by DAIS, challenge himself or herself academically, and display strong collaboration skills, excellent character and a commitment to healthy choices.
Sherry Liu was named the Valedictorian as the senior with highest cumulative GPA from DAIS courses. The recipient of this award must have taken a minimum of three AP courses and possess a faultless behavioral record too.
Click here to see more pictures.
The full video of the ceremony can be found here.
In the afternoon, fifteen Dalian American International School (international division) graduates made their way to the graduation ceremony hall.
The event started with the senior video (Producer & Editor – Jazper Lu) and the Head of School speech. Then Mr. Holstrom presented the awards: Maya Tashiro got the Sea Dragon Award, and Jazper Lu was named the Valedictorian. In his brilliant speech, Jazper addressed his classmates and said some warm words about each of them.
Live music during the ceremony (“Try Everything” and “See You Again”) was provided by the Advanced Choir directed by Mrs. Melody Gifford. Live processional music was performed by the High School Band directed by Ms. Olga van Doorn.
Mr. Timothy Sim was the faculty speaker at the ceremony. He talked about humility, love, philosophy, and of course science. “Follow your passions and free yourself of expectations. Sharing love is the ultimate success,” – with this he concluded his speech.
At the end of the ceremony Mr. Matt Krakowski provided graduates with a rose and asked them to find someone in the audience to give thanks. The theme of kindness and humility resonated in the final charge to graduates.
Click here to see more pictures.
The full DAIS Graduation ceremony video can be found here.
Congratulations and best wishes to our Class of 2021!
