From innocent children to spirited teenagers, from the uncertainty of first stepping onto campus to the steadfast readiness for high school — time flies. The past three years have left profound marks on every young life. On June 17, 2026, Tsinghua International School held its 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony. All 8th grade students, teachers, and parents gathered together to witness this celebration of growth and achievement.
The ceremony was co-hosted by three 8th grade students: Hazel Huang from 8 White, Anthony Qiu from 8 Lavender, and Seanna Song from 8 Purple. Seamlessly switching between Chinese and English, they not only showcased the linguistic confidence of THIS students but also connected every moment of the ceremony with warmth and sincerity.
1 Academic Principal's Opening Remarks: Embrace Challenges, Stay Curious
The promotion ceremony opened with an inspiring address from Academic Principal Mr. Scott Pare. He guided the audience through a reflection on the students' journey — from their innocent 6th-grade selves to the confident young people standing before him today. "You are more confident, more capable, and certainly taller than you were in 2023. More importantly, I have watched you develop into thoughtful, caring and responsible young people.
Looking ahead to high school, Mr. Pare offered three pieces of advice: Embrace challenges — obstacles are not designed to stop you but to help you grow; Value your friendships — the bonds formed during middle school are among the greatest gifts of this time; Stay curious — don't lose the curiosity that carried you through middle school, even as grades and college applications loom large. He also reminded students that if they ever feel overwhelmed, they should talk to their teachers, homeroom teachers, or counselors — "Remember, everyone at THIS is here to support you."
2 Songs and Memories:Those Shining Days
The 8th Grade Choir took the stage with a moving performance of "Keep Moving On." Their song carried both a deep appreciation for past experiences and friendships, and a steadfast hope for the infinite possibilities that lie ahead.
Following the performance, each of the three classes shared their unique memories through beautifully crafted videos — every scene moved teachers, parents, and students.
3 Student Voices:We Define Our Own Growth
8 White | Sylvia Wu & Eason Cui
"I grew a solid 10 centimeters this year, meaning I can finally look down on Sylvia. Literally." Eason's opening drew laughter from the audience. But beneath the humor, the two speakers voiced the quiet anxieties shared by every 8th grader: next year, they might not even be in the same class; their grades will start counting toward university applications. "It's like I keep waiting for a moment where a switch flips and suddenly everything feels completely under control. But what if that switch doesn't exist? What if we're never 100% ready?"
Their answer: Perfection is not our goal. It is only when we keep trying, learning, and growing through real experiences that things slowly begin to make sense. Maybe we will never feel completely ready. But if we put our full effort into what lies before us and truly live each day with intention, then not knowing exactly what the future holds doesn't have to feel so frightening anymore.
8 Lavender |
Ayanvitta Kalsi & Winston Dai
Ayanvitta from 8 Lavender shared her seven-year journey of transformation at THIS. From the frustration of mispronouncing words in first grade to standing confidently on stage today — "I have learned that growth isn't a straight line. It's found in the moments we feel most uncomfortable — the first time we raise our hand in a difficult class, or make a friend in a language that isn't our own." She spoke with deep emotion about how this school became more than just a building — it became home. Her classmates stopped being strangers and became family. Winston added: "As we enter high school, there will be more freedom and more responsibility. Instead of being sad about the pressure, we should cherish the growth we have shared together."
8 Purple | Yolanda Yu & Elsa Liu
"We walked through these doors as 6th graders, entirely overwhelmed. Where exactly did all that time slip away to?" Yolanda and Elsa began with a touch of wistfulness, yet their words were filled with the certainty of growth. They reflected that what truly shaped them was never found in the lesson plan — "the friendships that started over something so small and gradually shaped who we are; the conversations we never planned on having, but somehow changed the way we see the world."
They offered a beautiful reflection on these three years: "If these three years were a chapter in something larger, then it was the chapter where we stopped living by someone else's definition of who we should be and began authoring our own." Fear and courage were never opposites — they were always the same step, taken in different light. Everything that comes next — every chapter still unwritten, every version of ourselves we haven't yet become — starts here. We turn the page.
4 Head of Secondary's Message: Carry Your Confidence Forward
THIS Vice Principal and Head of Secondary Ms. Weiky Liu delivered a heartfelt speech. She traced the small yet profound changes over the past three years: from 6th graders who barely knew what GPA meant to 8th graders with clear direction; from students shorter than her to young people now taller than she is; from playful children to middle schoolers capable of independent thinking, meaningful relationships, and emotional awareness.
"Behind every step of your growth stand two groups of people: your parents and family, who rejoice at every bit of your progress and worry over your occasional rebellions; and your teachers, who from 6th grade onward have never stopped seeing you and lifting you up."
Looking ahead to high school, Ms. Liu reminded students that coursework will become more demanding, the pace faster, and the pressure of academic ups and downs real. But she urged them to have confidence in themselves: "The ability to think independently, to get along with others, and to face your emotions — these are the solid foundation you have built over these three years. Carry this foundation with you. Take every subject seriously, make every new friend sincerely, accept every disappointment calmly, and fight bravely for every goal you want to achieve."
5 Blessing Video and Certificate Presentation
THIS teachers surprised the 8th graders with a specially recorded blessing video. Their words — some humorous, some tender — were filled with genuine affection and hope for these young people.
Homeroom teachers called out each student's name as THIS Executive Principal Ms. Zhu Ying and Academic Principal Mr. Scott Pare presented every 8th grader with their graduation certificate. Receiving this certificate was not only recognition of three years of hard work but also the official beginning of a new journey.
Reach, Grow, Soar
As the promotion ceremony drew to a close, the 8th graders are now ready to embark on their high school journey. Moving from middle school to high school is more than a change in grade level — it is another leap forward in life. May every 8th grade student of THIS carry forward the wisdom of their teachers, the bond of their peers, and that ever-burning flame of curiosity as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. As the theme of this ceremony declares — young ones, continue to reach for your dreams with courage, grow with purpose, and soar into the boundless sky!
