There is great significance in the backdrop of this photograph, Shenzhen's third-tallest skyscraper, The China Resources Headquarters. Inspired by the form of the winter bamboo shoot, the building represents many of the characteristics of our graduating class at Shekou International School (SIS)—moral integrity, resistance, modesty, and loyalty. Bamboo is also the perfect combination of strength and flexibility. All attributes the Class of 2020 have demonstrated, especially throughout the last few months.
On Friday, May 29, 2020, during a small and discreet ceremony at the Mountain View Theater in the Design Society in Shenzhen, SIS celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2020. The event marked an important milestone in the lives of our Grade 12 students.
Head of School Mr. Smith described the cohort as remarkable during his speech. "As we look at this year, it is very clear that this is a remarkable year. The impact of the pandemic and the reverberations that have echoed through the world will long remain in memory. You will forever be remarkable people. Partly because you graduated in a remarkable year, but mainly because you are who you are well before the pandemic hit us."
The graduation ceremony, attended by parents of seniors as well as some faculty, followed Covid-19 protocols. Seniors only removed their masks briefly to collect their diplomas and to pause for a photograph.
SIS strings students performed "Edward Elgar/arr. John Kinyon" beautifully during the graduates' procession as they entered the theater.
Speeches were heartfully delivered from High School Assistant Principal, Mr. Ortner, on behalf of Secondary Principal, Mr. Rogers; Head of School, Mr. Smith; faculty representatives Ms. Dowty, Mr. Bywater (remotely), Ms. Krouse (remotely); and graduating class representative, Leo.
Two of the graduates, Xinel and Jimmy, were also able to provide a musical presentation with their duet of "Seven Years" by Lukas Graham.
A combined HS Band and Choir music video was compiled remotely by faculty, Ms. Coetzee, and Mr. Krebs. "Home" was played before the presentation of diplomas, read by High School Counselor, Ms. Brunning, and presented by Mr. Smith and Mr. Ortner.
The ceremony was live-streamed to Mr. Rogers, Secondary Principal, to many other past and present SIS teachers, and to over 300 friends and family worldwide, supported by a host of SIS technical staff both in Shenzhen and abroad.
The graduates chose the song, "Don't You Forget About Me" by Simple Minds for their Recessional.
Congratulations to the Class of 2020! We wish them all the very best with their future endeavors. Go Geckos!
