On Tuesday, June 4, the Canadian International School of Hefei’s Class of 2024 gathered in our school’s auditorium to celebrate their graduation ceremony. With a welcome address by our Head of School, Mrs. Peggy Gorman-Mitchell, assisted by MYP/DP Principal Ms. Tilly Erguder, it was a joyous celebration of hard-work, dedication, and growth for all in attendance. Friends and family stood in congratulations as the graduates walked down the aisle, wearing their caps and gowns with pride.
To open the graduation proceedings, we were honored to have a congratulatory message from Dr. Francis Pang, our Chairman of the Board for AKD.
His speech was followed by kind words from Madam Du Juan, Executive Director of CISH, and from Mr. Donavan van Vuuren. Both of their speeches highlighted the importance of building relationships and taking advantage of this fresh new start to make a positive difference as a global citizen.
We were then honored to welcome Mr. Ryan Donaghy, New Brunswick Deputy Minister of Education and Early Childhood, as our guest speaker. His speech emphasized the interconnectedness of today’s society and the value in our student’s international background saying, “you are equipped to bridge divides, foster collaboration, and lead with a global perspective.”
His speech was followed by our Giving of the Rose Ceremony, where each graduate was given a rose to hand to someone special in their life in recognition of their unwavering support. As the music played, the graduates descended into the audience and into the embrace of their eagerly awaiting family.
To wrap up the ceremony, Martin Sulik, Class of 2024 Valedictorian, delivered a particularly moving speech, thanking the teachers for their support and reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of everyone’s high school journey. He ended his speech wishing each student success in the chance to make a difference to the world in their own unique way.
As each graduate walked across the stage to receive their diploma, there was a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment in the air. The ceremony ended with the traditional tossing of caps and in the end, our Class of 2024 emerged from their graduation ceremony as confident, capable young adults ready to make their mark on the world.
As they embark on their next journey, we wish them all the best and congratulate them on their remarkable achievement. Here's to the Class of 2024 - may your futures be bright, and your dreams be endless. Congratulations!
Martin Sulik, 2024 recipient of the Governor General’s Medal presented by Mr. Ryan Donaghy, given to the student with the highest academic standing in the graduating class of 2024.
Oskar Opfer, recipient of the Birks Medallion, presented by Mr. Ryan Donaghy, given to the student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in student activities throughout high school.
Henry Bai and Harold Heo, recipients of the Salutatorian, presented by Mr. Andy Truong, Executive Director of AKD International and Co-founder of Canadian Alumni Network, given to the student(s) who have the second highest academic standing in the graduating class of 2024.
Martin Sulik, recipient of the Teacher’s Award of Merit, presented by Stephanie Tomlinson, Education Specialist for the Province of New Brunswick from Atlantic Education International, given to a deserving student as selected by the CISH teachers who displays outstanding enthusiasm, involvement, and school pride.
Diplomas for each graduate were handed by Mr. Ryan Donaghy, Mr. Andy Truong, Ms. Peggy Gorman-Mitchell, and Ms. Madam Du.
