2023 Graduation Ceremony

On May 28th, 2023, a day when it was said to rain but was unusually sunny, a big event was brewing on the campus of Dalian Huamei School and Dalian American International School, that is - Graduation! With tears of fondness, happy smiles and brilliant sunshine, and the warm words of parents and teachers, it was the graduation season of DHS/ DAIS for another year.

Along with the Chorale from Jupiter, led by Head of school, Dr. Swann, Secondary principal, Mr. Burton, Secondary vise principal Ms. Lubaina Essack, our Class of 2023 graduates walk into the ceremony site slowly... Tears were moving in everyone's eyes, wandering and dropping...

“In the words of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: If you can’t fly, then run, and if you can’t run, then walk, if you can’t walk, then get down on your knees and crawl, but by all mean keep moving forward. Stagnation is a sign of death and decay; in all your endeavors, projects, and aspirations, keep striving, keep moving, and never quit,” said Mr. Burton.

Dr. Swann continued: “Like the adventures and diversions of the monk Tripitaka/Táng Sānzàng (唐三藏) And his disciple - Monkey King/Sūn Wùkōng (孫悟空), Pigsy/Zhū Bājiè (豬八戒), Sandy/Sha Wùjìng (沙悟淨) in the 16th Century Novel Journey to the West (西遊記 Xī Yóu Jì)…Are you at an end? A beginning? A crossing pathway perhaps?  Who are you? What values do you hold? How will you sustain your integrity? Your open mindedness? Your instincts for caring and nurturing?” He asked graduates to keep these questions burning in their heart because they have a long way to keep finding this out in their own journey…

The ceremony proceeded in an orderly manner with the valedictorians’ speeches, teacher representatives' speeches and graduates' videos.

Student Government Advisor, AP Economics teacher, Mr. Michael Kuropatwinski said: “ Looking forward. I want to discuss AI, not artificial intelligence….the other AI: Authentic Intelligence.  This circles back to my initial advice.  To thine own self be true. The only way to better the computers (in a competitive job market) is to cultivate that which is uniquely human— the ability to dream, create, empathize, and connect.  Yes, in this era of prevalent artificial intelligence, what is needed more is true intelligence, the ability to empathize with people.

Secondary assistant principal, Mrs. Lubaina Essack presented two awards to our graduates this year: Sea Dragon Awards and Valedictorian Award. Peter Zhang won the Sea Dragon Award, which is awarded to the graduate who has most fully achieved personal excellence and contributed to society and the community. He is an active participant in the various experiences organized by the university and is a self-challenged and highly collaborative individual in his academic endeavors.

Eileen: “Over the four years, embracing this opportunity for growth led me to discover the beauty in diversity. Each of us has had our own unique encounters, challenges, and successes during our time here. Throughout our academic journey, we have been exposed to a wide array of subjects, extracurricular activities, and experiences. It is within these passions that we have discovered the fire that ignites our souls and gives us a sense of purpose. In a world that often demands conformity, I encourage every and each of you here to let your passions be your guiding compass, to stay true to ourselves, and to become who we truly want to be.”

Turning of the Tassel: When the degree is not earned yet, the tassel hangs in the middle of the right front side of the cap; when the degree is earned, the tassel hangs in the middle of the left front side of the brim. This small gesture symbolizes that the graduates have accomplished their studies here and it is time for them to fly higher!

There were also former teachers and alumni who have worked and studied here. Peter Zhang, a current student of Berklee College of Music who graduated from us last year, joined the live band as a conductor and piano player. It is the community culture, the friendship and emotional connection between teachers, students, and parents that bring everyone together.

Ms. Julie Yue charged our seniors with a very inspiring poem: “Finally, to those of you who are ‘leaving home at eighteen to travel far away,’ the teacher would like to express his blessings and expectations for you through a poem: ‘Hope you grow wings, turn into a fish of the Northern Sea; Ride the wind and waves, and rise up ninety thousand miles.’” Congratulations to the Class of 2023! Now it’s time for you to soar from the dragon's nest. Go Sea Dragons!