Yang Mei

yangmei_szdaily@163.com

THE International School of Nanshan Shenzhen (ISNS) hosted a graduation ceremony for 23 members of the Class of 2025 on Wednesday.

Amidst cheers and laughter, faculty, staff, family, and friends gathered to witness the school’s 18th graduating class receive their diplomas.

Donning traditional black caps and gowns, and with playful poses, the young scholars walked onto the stage. A touching visual backdrop displayed photos from their early childhood alongside their recent graduation headshots, illustrating their journey at ISNS.

“In four years, ISNS has transformed me into a new version of myself,” remarked Dohyun Kim, the class salutatorian, as he addressed the audience.

“Think back to those late-night study sessions, the pressure of deadlines, and the moments we doubted ourselves... The roller coaster we rode together has transformed all of us into more determined and resilient individuals,” Kim said.

Dr. Francis Pang, chairman of the ISNS School Board, delivered a message via video link. Dr. Pang emphasized the increasing influence of AI and the world’s shift towards a knowledge and skill-based economy, urging students to continuously develop their abilities.

Joyce Pang, ISNS executive director, encouraged the students to uphold the values they cultivated at ISNS. “Be curious. Never stop learning,” she advised. “Be courageous and take risks that will lead you to new heights.”

Dr. Addie Loy, head of the school, encouraged students to embrace authenticity, a value she deeply cherishes. “The world does not need perfection. It needs people who are real — who show up for themselves and for the people that they love,” she stated.

On behalf of the Consulate General of Canada in Guangzhou, Vice Consul Jon Barrett acknowledged the students’ commendable boldness in pursuing Canadian education in China, which has allowed them to learn from classmates with diverse backgrounds and insights, thereby gaining global perspectives.

He also underscored the profound significance of studying in China. “You’ve all been grounded in China, a country of rich tradition and rapid transformation that is playing an ever more central role in the story of our shared global future.”

Founded in 2002, ISNS is the first IB Continuum World School and the only Canadian school in Shenzhen. The scholars of the 2025 graduating class have been admitted to prestigious universities across the globe and collectively received over 9 million yuan (US$1.25 million) in scholarships.