19th April, Dehong Shanghai celebrated its 8th Founder’s Day under the theme of “Infinity”.
The Dehong campus was adorned with colorful decorations and vibrant “∞” symbols, perfectly blending with the spring atmosphere. Students, parents, teachers, and friends gathered together to mark this milestone in the school’s journey.
At the opening ceremony, Mr. David Yung, Dehong Brand Ambassador, delivered a heartfelt speech to celebrate the school’s 8th anniversary and shared his hopes for the students: “You are growing up in a time of rapid technological advancement. This brings unprecedented convenience to your lives but also challenges you to navigate faster, more complex changes. I hope Dehong gives you more than academic growth—it should give you the courage to embrace change and the resilience to face challenges. Stay true to your values and strive to become people who bring progress and hope to the future.”
Ms. Caroline Xu, Executive Principal of Dehong Shanghai, took the audience on a heartfelt journey through the school’s past and future. She expressed sincere gratitude to every member of the Dehong community for their dedication and support. She highlighted the school’s tremendous progress over the past year, made possible by students’ effort, parents’ trust, staff dedication, and the support of EiM and the wider Dehong and DCI network. Standing at this meaningful 8-year mark, she invited everyone to look ahead to Dehong’s infinite possibilities.
To officially kick off the celebrations, Principal Xu and special guests led a lively countdown. As the final number rang out, eight colorful fireworks shot into the sky—marking the beginning of Dehong’s 8th Founder’s Day!
The exciting and diverse stage performances began with a powerful opening—an impressive choral performance by over a hundred teachers and students. Following that, both the main stage and the charity stage complemented each other, presenting a series of audio-visual feasts in turn: solo and group singing, Chinese and Latin dance, instrumental music from piano to harp and drums, as well as dramatic recitations, comedy sketches, martial arts, and gymnastics. School art groups such as the Elementary and Secondary School Choirs, the Handbell Choir, and the Orchestra all took the stage, while the Parent Choir, composed of current students’ parents, also gave a heartfelt performance.
Inside the teaching building, academic exhibitions and visual arts displays from both Elementary and Secondary School filled the halls, showcasing students’ creativity, curiosity, and interdisciplinary growth under Dehong’s holistic education approach. These works offered a window into each student’s journey and the limitless potential ahead.
In the sports areas, the Dehong community came alive with energy. Table tennis rallies, soccer goals, badminton and tennis smashes, and laughter-filled dodgeball matches created a joyful atmosphere. Parents and children teamed up for heartwarming challenges, while teachers joined students in friendly competitions. It was a day of connection, fun, and movement for all.
A highlight of this year’s celebration was the debut of the Color Run. Dressed in vibrant tie-dye shirts, community members ran through the campus, spreading joy and positive energy. At the finish line, everyone left their colorful handprints on a graffiti wall, turning the day into a lasting memory of celebration and unity.
If the Color Run was a fusion of color and sports, then the “Joint Art Creation” activity was a collision of color and creativity. Participants filled a giant canvas with unique interpretations of Dehong, using art to express their deep emotional connection to the school. Countless strands of inspiration intertwined on the canvas, collectively giving birth to a one-of-a-kind artwork filled with warmth and memories.
Surrounding the stage, “Infinity” market offered global cuisine, curated books, handmade cultural products, and a sustainable “Infinity Loop” station where old uniforms were recycled. In the charity market, students sold handcrafted items and donated secondhand goods, raising over 30,000 RMB for the Chinese White Dolphin conservation project initiated by the Shenzhen ‘One Planet Foundation’—showcasing Dehong students’ compassion and sense of social responsibility. The game booths were a hit with younger students, offering archery, bouncy castles, Tetris games, frisbee challenges, and more. Everywhere you turned, there were smiles and laughter from children enjoying their day to the fullest.
As the sun set, a dazzling light show lit up the night sky and brought the Founder’s Day festivities to a climactic close. The final event—a Zumba dance led by professional instructors—brought everyone together in a joyful celebration. Students leapt onstage, dancing with uncontainable energy to celebrate Dehong’s 8th birthday.
Dehong Shanghai’s 8th Founder’s Day concluded successfully amid the heartfelt enthusiasm and sincere blessings of every member of the Dehong community, and the exciting chapters of Dehong’s journey will continue to be written. We sincerely thank the Dehong families for their wholehearted support and all our staff for their tireless efforts—it is thanks to you that this 8th Founder’s Day was so spectacular and unforgettable. Reflecting on the eight years since the founding of Dehong Shanghai, our students have flourished across diverse fields and shone brilliantly on the global stage; all members of the Dehong community have stood together, supporting one another on this journey of mutual achievement. Looking ahead, Dehong Shanghai will continue to embrace the unknown with a fearless heart, pursue new heights with an exploratory spirit, and fulfill its mission of nurturing learners and building dreams, thereby creating infinite possibilities along its educational journey.
