DAIS 20th Anniversary Series: From Classmates to Lifelong Friends

As part of our 20th Anniversary celebration, we’re sharing favorite moments that shaped DAIS.

In 2009, four tenth graders walked the hallways of Dalian American International School without imagining that their friendship would span continents and last more than a decade. Today, Diana, Demi, Hiromi, and Clarina live in four different countries, but their bond remains as strong as ever.

^{DAIS Class of 2012, with Diana first on the right}

The group met during their years at DAIS, a time they all remember with genuine affection. Diana completed her high school journey and graduated in 2012. Demi returned to Korea, Hiromi to Japan, and Clarina to Malaysia, each carrying memories shaped by the diverse, international environment that DAIS is known for.

This year, when Lisa shared the news about DAIS celebrating its 20th anniversary, the four friends reconnected online. The call was full of shared memories and appreciation for the impact DAIS had on each of them. As Diana said, “I am grateful that the school brought us together. Now we do not see each other all the time, but when we do meet it still feels like no time has passed.”

Their friendship is a true reflection of the DAIS spirit, a reminder that the connections formed here transcend time and distance and continue to bring our global family together twenty years on. Thank you, Clarina, Demi,Diana, and Hiromi, for sharing your story and celebrating this milestone with the DAIS community!