As the years quietly passed by, the farewell song of graduation season has begun to play. The Class of 2026 at Dehong Shanghai has reached an important milestone — their high school graduation. Looking back on their time at Dehong, students pursued knowledge with curiosity and determination, refined their thinking through inquiry and discussion, and grew alongside one another through shared experiences. Through their own hard work, the professional guidance of the academic and university counselling teams, and the outstanding resources of the Dehong and DCI network, they have earned recognition from many of the world’s leading universities.
Last week, the Dehong Shanghai Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony came to a splendid close. Now, let us revisit this memorable celebration of growth, gratitude, and dreams.
Before the ceremony officially began, the graduating students gathered in front of the signature wall to take photos with their families, teachers, and friends. Their bright smiles were captured in each frame, preserving the most touching moments of graduation and the warm memories of those who supported and accompanied them along the way.
The ceremony officially opened with moving musical performances by the graduates. Caroline Xu, Executive Principal of Dehong Shanghai, and Ryan Miles, Head of Secondary School, then took to the stage to offer their heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the graduating class.
Over these years of youth and growth, you have learned, grown, and transformed on this campus, becoming increasingly composed, confident, independent, and courageous. Today’s world is changing rapidly, with AI evolving at an extraordinary pace. Artificial intelligence may replace humans in completing many tasks, but it can never replace human emotion, vision, or creativity. I hope you will remain optimistic and humble, embrace new ideas and changes, continue learning throughout your lives, and keep improving yourselves so that you always have the confidence and courage to meet the future. At the same time, remember to love life itself and treasure the warmth of human connection — these are the most precious forms of wealth in life. Please take good care of yourselves, and always remember to come home often.
——Caroline Xu, Executive Principal, Dehong Shanghai
At this moment, you are standing at a turning point where your perspective on life is about to change significantly. You are entering a world where you must make your own decisions: you will define success for yourselves, and you will manage your own time. In that world, your happiness, resilience, fulfilment, and inner peace often depend not on how much you possess, but on how you choose to see things. So cherish everything you have — the opportunities before you, the people around you, the challenges you face, and the memories you create. Stay curious, stay humble and authentic, and above all, stay kind.
——Ryan Miles, Head of Secondary School
At this meaningful milestone, Grade 12 student Jack, speaking on behalf of the graduating class, reflected on the knowledge and skills gained throughout his journey at Dehong. He expressed gratitude to teachers, family members, and classmates who had supported him, while also looking ahead with excitement towards the future.
Today is a milestone for every graduate here, representing years of perseverance, growth, and determination. Whether facing the rigorous demands of the IBDP or the depth and focus of A-Level study, we have all experienced countless moments that tested our resilience. During our years at school, we learned far more than formulas, essays, theories, and subject knowledge. We learned how to think critically, how to remain calm under pressure, how to collaborate and support one another, and how to become people who can make a positive contribution to the world around us.
——Jack, G12 Graduate Representative
Family members are always the warmest supporters and strongest guides on a child’s journey of growth. Happy’s mother, representing IB graduate families, Evelyn and Julia’s mother, representing A-Level graduate families, shared their reflections on education and the experience of accompanying their children, offering heartfelt blessings to all graduates.
As a mother, I have always believed that life is about enriching one’s experiences. That is why we chose international education for our child — we hoped they could view the world through both Eastern and Western perspectives, and develop their own worldview and values through exposure to diverse cultures. I am deeply grateful for Dehong’s IB education. The spirit of inquiry, collaboration, and empathy it nurtures will become our children’s greatest strength in the AI era, helping them move confidently through an ever-changing future. To all the graduates: may you one day ride the winds and waves, and set sail towards the vast ocean ahead.
——Happy’s Mom, Parent Representative of IB Graduates
As the parent of students from Dehong’s first A-Level cohort, seeing these poised, confident, and accomplished young people graduating today fills me with emotion. My two daughters experienced a beautiful transformation at Dehong. The school respects individuality, encourages exploration, and embraces diversity. It not only equipped students with strong academic abilities, but also nurtured them into independent thinkers with kindness, sincerity, confidence, and an open mindset. This growth will become a lifelong treasure for them. Graduation is not the end, but the beginning of a new journey towards the wider world. May every graduate carry the knowledge and confidence gained at Dehong, continue to pursue what they love, stay true to themselves, and grow brightly towards the future.
——Evelyn & Julia’s Mom, Parent Representative of A-Level Graduates
All Grade 12 Dehong families presented the school with a glazed crystal artwork featuring a clear lotus pond scene, with blooming lotus flowers and koi swimming side by side. It symbolised the students’ growth and strength nurtured by their alma mater, preparing them to leap towards broader horizons, while also carrying the families’ heartfelt wishes for the continued flourishing of Dehong and its students. Parents of the graduating class also personally presented bouquets to their children, expressing their hopes and blessings for bright futures ahead.
Graduates then walked onto the stage one by one as Mr. Ryan Miles presented each student with their graduation certificate. Ms. Caroline Xu personally performed the tassel-turning ceremony for every graduate, marking the formal completion of their studies through this solemn tradition. As each tassel was gently moved from right to left, it symbolised their academic achievement and the beginning of a brand-new chapter in life. The atmosphere of the ceremony reached its emotional peak during this meaningful moment.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the graduation cake was slowly brought onto the stage. Grade 12 students, teachers, and parents gathered together for group photos, preserving the brightest smiles of this special time. Afterwards, students shared the cake with teachers, family members, and friends, with every bite carrying hopes and excitement for the future. Laughter and blessings filled the hall, bringing the students’ years at Dehong to a warm and memorable conclusion.
At this moment of graduation, Grade 12 students also shared their reflections and hopes for university life ahead.
The night before graduation, I was so excited that I couldn’t sleep. Everything felt a little unreal — after spending six years studying and living at Dehong, it was only when I was truly about to leave that I realised how reluctant I was to say goodbye. Suddenly, I understood that once I step beyond these school gates, this place will become my “alma mater”, and all the ordinary moments of being protected and supported here will become some of my most precious memories. This autumn, I will be heading to the United States to study alone. Honestly, I do feel nervous — I worry about making friends, keeping up with the pace, and even whether I’ll adapt to the food there. But beyond those small anxieties, I feel even more excited about the future. I want to tell myself: don’t be afraid. Be brave enough to experience and try new things, and trust that you can achieve everything you hope to do.
——Janny
In the blink of an eye, my five years at Dehong are coming to an end, and my IB journey has finally reached its conclusion. The past two years have been incredibly intense, and looking back now, I feel both emotional and grateful that we persevered together as classmates. Right now, I mainly feel excited and hopeful for the future. Next, I will head to Boston in the United States to study Economics and Finance. I hope to find a fulfilling career after graduation, and during university, I also hope to meet like-minded people and build meaningful connections.
——Howard
I joined Dehong back in Secondary School, and before I realised it, so many years had passed. This place holds far too many memories for me. Now that I’ve finally graduated successfully, I feel like a huge weight has been lifted — IB was definitely not easy, so being able to persevere and receive offers from my dream universities makes me incredibly happy. Next, I’ll be heading to the UK for university. I hope to take lots of beautiful photos, create more artworks that I truly love, and fully enjoy every moment ahead.
——Tammy
Having successfully completed my high school studies, I will soon head to the UK to study International Relations and Business-related subjects. I would especially like to thank my Mathematics, English, and Economics teachers. They not only guided me academically, but also continuously supported and encouraged me in everyday life — they were not only my teachers, but also like friends to me. I hope that when I enter university, I can continue pursuing my interests, build a meaningful life for myself, and keep learning and growing. I also wish all Dehong graduates a bright and successful future ahead.
——Adele
With ambition in our hearts and dreams in motion, we witnessed the perfect conclusion of another graduation season filled with growth, memories, and the warmth of youth. Though the ceremony has ended, the journey of growth is only beginning once again. Dehong Shanghai is deeply proud of every graduate and sends them forward with the warmest blessings as they embark on new adventures. May every Dehong student set sail with thoughtful reflection as their compass and action as their sail, moving forward courageously across the vast seas of life to create brilliant futures of their own.
