June 22, 2011

 

 

Processional: Pomp and Circumstance

Welcome: Shi Ping, Executive Principal of THIS

Opening remarks: Wang Dianjun, Principal of Tsinghua High School

Presentation of 5th grade: Debbie Kurtzberg, Director of the Primary Division

Presentation of 8th grade: Martha Ortiz, Director of the Secondary Division

Keynote speaker: Sabina Brady

12th Grade Graduates’ Videos

Awarding of Diplomas: Wang Dianjun

Parent speaker: Charlie Huang

Secondary Division Awards Announcement: Martha Ortiz

Turning the tassel: Wang Dianjun
Recessional: March Pontificale

 

I believe that if all people could capture the opportunity presented to them, they would be amazed with what they can achieve.

Last May, I was assigned to do a rap “Love the Way You Lie” by Eminem.English is not my first language, so I listened to the song hundreds of times to imitate the way the singer rapped. I tried and failed thousands of times during the process. I never expected that I could rap, but I did it, and I believe everybody in this school can achieve success. Many of you are really talented geniuses; many of you are hardworking students. Cherish the good qualities you possess. Lastly, I want to say that while people come and go, leaving doesn’t mean losing; departure doesn’t mean forgetting. I really appreciate that you came into my life and were beside me all along the way. I love you all.

 

Playing the drums is mainly about keeping time, but when I play, I feel relief from the burdens of time.

I start with my bass drum on a solid quarter note beat, until it becomes an integral part of me, like the beating of my heart. I then lift my two arms and initiate a dynamic dialogue between my toms, mindful of the pulse generated by my bass drum. Gradually, I build in volume and intensity until the climax, where I release all my remaining energy and pent-up emotion, ending with an invigorating crash!

One thing I know: I love drumming. The energy, excitement, and empowerment of the drums all serve to drown out all the nuisances that I encounter on a daily basis. To me, drumming is like life itself: it’s fun, it’s satisfying, and it’s an indispensible form of self-expression, a catalyst for rejuvenation and transformation. It is an essential and undeniable part of my existence.

 

I have many beliefs. I believe that one day soon, we shall achieve world peace, that racism and discrimination will end once and for all. I believe that answering all the scientific questions in the world is not always for the best and that men should start to bond more with Mother Nature. I value culture and books because they are what make us different and interesting. I believe in valuing friends and family more than money. I value their well-being and happiness well before my own. I will never forget the memories I made with my friends here at T.H.I.S. I want to tell the next graduation class - "See you later,suckers!" Ok,just joking. I want to tell them, study hard and be ready to fill out your college applications. Don't worry, because after January you're basically free! I also want to say thank you. Thank you for all the time we spent together at T.H.I.S., thank you for allowing me to meet you all. And, thank you for becoming my second family. I'll miss you all.

  

T.H.I.S. is my first international school. Before that, I was in a Chinese school; I knew that whatI learned there was only useful for tests and exams.

Now being a graduating student, I value the time I’ve spent here. I still remember the first time I came to T.H.I.S. That first year I nearly failed all my classes. And now as I go to college, everything will be new once again, and I will soon have to adapt once more.

Schools have a tradition of graduates leaving some suggestions to the younger classes. I would say this: “I applied my mind to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. For in much wisdom is much folly, and those who increase knowledge also increase sorrow. The only thing to stop this is to give oneself more entertainment, and to relax.” That is my opinion, and that is who I am.

 

I believe that people should learn from their past mistakes. Live your life to the fullest and remember all your experiences because no matter how bad or good it was, they all play an important role in your lives, especially in helping us mature.

I believe people must learn to be independent, and once a person gets enough experience, they will become successful. Personally speaking, I think that the most important thing in life is that you can’t lose your friends. During hard times, one has their friends’ comfort and support to help them get through it. And when my life ends, I will tell God that even though my life was short, it was memorable. Thank you for allowing me to be born into a world where I had loving friends and family.If not for them, I would probably be a lost and wandering soul. I had great times at T.H.I.S. and I am happy to be able to meet every one of you, because you all are my brothers and sisters. Thank you.

 
Kevin Na

I came to T.H.I.S and learned what leadership is. When I got in student council I was the 11^th grade representative. My responsibility was to the 11^th graders and helping the faculty advisors build up our school community. To be honest, many times I was really upset with the school class president because his ideas were greatly different from how I envisioned the school to be. Once I reached 12^th grade, I joined the volleyball team, basketball team and soccer team, and became a captain for all three teams. I yelled a lot, got angry a lot, and didn’t know how to be a good team leader - someone who encourages his teammates, even when there seems to be no hope. Throughout the year, I was able to grasp the idea and what it took to be a good leader. Mr. Webb taught me this; he was like a father to me, mentoring me and teaching me about how to lead a team. Even though he always called me a loser, I knew he meant it with love. I think this school has changed me for the better; I wish you all luck at T.H.I.S., it will be a memorable part of your life.

 

 

Dear Principals, teachers, parents, students and friends,

 

Today we get together to celebrate the great achievements of our students, it’s a historic moment of Tsinghua International School because THIS now has its first ever high school graduates!

 

About 2 years ago, like many parents here, we took risks to enroll our son Daniel to this brand new school, it had brand new facilities, it had new teachers but it had no tracking records. And indeed in the first several months, various issues appeared and the school was facing serious challenges, but with strong beliefs, dedication, devotion and love to our students, the school leaders and faculty members worked together with parents, addressed issues one by one and now after two years, the school is on a solid foundation. 2 years ago I had a lot of doubts on this school,  today I have a lot of confidence in this school. So to the school administrators, faculty members and staff, I want to say that you went through difficult time and you made it! Thank you very much for giving our kids the best education they deserve!

 

Parents here with high school students will involve or have already involved with college application, we have 3 kids and Daniel is the eldest one so he’s the first one to go through it, along with parents. Although with his own efforts and helps from others, Daniel was accepted by Columbia University, his dream school, I still think there are improvements to make.

 

The biggest improvement Daniel could have made is to take SAT I and SAT II tests earlier, the first SAT test Daniel took was in September in his senior year, then he took 3 SAT IIs in October, since he’s not happy with SAT I score, he took another one in November, just on time for the January 1^st application deadline. That’s a very difficult period for Daniel because he had to prepare for the tests, he had to do a lot of school homework, he had to write applications and essays, there were countless nights he had to sleep only a couple of hours. I worried he might collapse. Thank God he survived. If he had taken care of SAT tests earlier, his last few months for application would be much easier, he might even apply for early decision which normally has higher acceptance rate.

 

College application is a daunting and very stressful experience to the seniors and their parents, I’m very grateful that the school provided good resources to help us to cope with it, Chris, Martha, Nina, Bruce and other teachers gave us many good advices. The seniors need to have a lot of encouragement in this period, especially from parents. They need to know they are not doing it alone, they have a good team to support them.

 

Congratulations to the graduated students, it’s a milestone as well as a beginning, so get ready to start a new journey, the journey to create your future!

Thank you!

 

Charlie Huang

(Father of Daniel Huang, G12)