The grand graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026

As time flows like a river and youth sings its song, Wuxi United International School celebrated the grand graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026 on 28th May, 2026. This was a moment of growth, gratitude, and farewell, but also a departure of courage, dreams, and new beginnings.The ceremony, which lasted approximately two hours, was held in a solemn yet warm atmosphere. Graduates, parents, faculty, and distinguished guests gathered together to witness this glorious moment.

Honourable Entrance, Ode to Youth

To the sound of inspiring music, all teachers and the Class of 2026 graduates entered the auditorium as the audience rose in tribute. The national anthem of the People’s Republic of China was then performed, marking the official start of the ceremony.The ceremony was hosted by Joseph Mu and Bella Xie from Grade 11, who guided the audience through a series of touching moments with their steady and warm presence.

Poet Laureates Club: A Poem from the Heart

At the beginning of the ceremony, members of the Poet Laureates Club presented an original poem, As the River Flows. As gentle and steadfast as flowing water, the poem spoke of growth, courage, and the journey toward self-realisation, setting a deeply emotional tone for the entire event.

A Harvest of Achievements

The Class of 2026 has achieved remarkable university placement results. Thirty-four graduates received 158 offers from institutions across the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong (SAR of China), and other countries and regions. Among them:· 85% of graduates received offers from QS World Top 100 universities;

· Offers spanned a wide range of fields, including science, engineering, business, humanities and social sciences, art, and emerging areas such as neuroscience, health sciences, and physiotherapy;

· IB Programme results were particularly outstanding: offers from the UK G5 universities and the “King’s-Manchester-Edinburgh-Warwick” group; first-ever offer from Barnard College of Columbia University in the US; offers from all Top 3 universities in Canada; and a “Grand Slam” across all eight universities in Hong Kong;

· Art track: all three students who applied to the University of the Arts London received offers, with total scholarships exceeding one million RMB;

· Inaugural A-Level cohort achieved remarkable success: offers from the “King’s-Manchester-Edinburgh-Warwick” group and all “Group of Eight” universities in Australia, with one student receiving offers from institutions in the UK, Australia, and the US – fully demonstrating the global recognition and flexibility of the A-Level curriculum.

Thunderous applause filled the hall in recognition of these outstanding accomplishments.

Words of Wisdom from Leaders and Educators

Co-Principal of WUIS Meng Xiaodong

Principal Meng encouraged graduates with “three embraces”: embrace your parents – be grateful and rooted, becoming a “global citizen with Chinese roots”; embrace wisdom – read deeply, reflect slowly, and pursue truth in university; embrace the future – put knowledge into practice and care for the real world. He urged students to embrace their unique selves, and said that the school looks forward to witnessing their continued growth.

Deputy Director of Xishan District Education Bureau Shi lichen

Ms. Shi extended warm congratulations to the graduates, affirmed Xishan District’s commitment to prioritising education, and praised WUIS for its East-meets-West, holistic education model. She encouraged students to remember the nourishment of their alma mater and Xishan, to stay grounded while dreaming big, and to integrate personal growth into the development of the times.

Executive Chairman of Xiehe Education Jin HuiPin

Ms. Huiping Jin shared two founding stories of Concordia’s campuses: the Wanyuan campus, surrounded by four other schools, gave rise to the Pioneer Class; and losing one project led to the birth of the Wuxi campus. These stories show that challenges and opportunities are two sides of the same coin — if you are prepared and bring value, fate will reward you in another way. This is the “Concord Law.”She also reassured parents: after your child turns 18, move from the driver’s seat to the passenger seat — be a support team, not a commander. And to students: independence doesn’t mean never relying on others; it means learning to ask for support proactively.Now the world has its eyes on China. You are not bystanders — you are the young, confident, and open face that China presents to the world. With everyone’s blessings, live brilliantly, love bravely, and create your own adult story. Set out this May!

Songs and Dance: A Tribute to Youth

Graduates Atlan Zhou and Miki Gu performed Light Wrapped in the Heart, their warm and touching voices conveying gratitude and hope. This was followed by the dance Fly Up, a vibrant and uplifting performance celebrating friendship, courage, and the spirit of chasing dreams – earning enthusiastic applause.

Home and School: A Heartfelt Connection

Parent Representative Speech Ms Shen XiaohanMy son joined Xiehe in Grade 3 and is now graduating, while my daughter will study here for nine more years. Xiehe’s greatest strength is repeatedly asking students from Grade 9 onward, “What do you want to study?” — helping them develop the ability to question themselves, form values, and find direction. The school’s motto, “Collaboration and Harmony,” is reflected in deep commitment, resilience, emotional stability, and love for learning. Xiehe never forces growth; it quietly loosens the soil and waters, letting each child grow into their own shape. Home and school mirror and support each other in trust. Our graduates’ achievements speak for themselves: 34 students received 158 offers, nearly 80% from world’s top 100 universities. But Xiehe gave you more than offers — it gave you the power of companionship, the foundation of deep roots, and the mindset to create your future. You carry Xiehe’s roots within you. Class of 2026, you are the seeds of Xiehe, and you will become the forests of the world.

Alumni Blessings: Connected Across Oceans

Alumni from around the world sent video messages, sharing their journeys after graduation and expressing deep affection for their alma mater. Though oceans apart, their hearts remain connected.

The Turning of the Tassel: A Moment of RiteThe most solemn moment of the ceremony – the tassel-turning and diploma presentation – began. Graduates stepped onto the stage one by one, had their tassels turned, and received their graduation certificates. This was the crowning moment of their growth and the starting point of a new journey.

Graduates’ Voices: Passing the Torch

Graduate Representatives：Leo QuHe first thanked his parents, teachers, and peers for their support and companionship, and congratulated everyone on completing the IB program. Looking back on his 11 years at the school, he noted that the most important lesson he learned was how to adapt. Using his Extended Essay as an example, his experiment failed and he had to start over. Despite the anxiety, he learned to accept reality, adjust his direction, and eventually finish the paper. He believes that instead of being trapped by frustration, one should calmly embrace change and keep moving forward. Although the IB is over and challenges lie ahead, he trusts that everyone is more prepared than they think, and hopes they will continue to learn, adapt, and move forward with courage.

Norah Pan & Hija PuBoth graduates transferred from public schools to WUIS – one choosing A-Level, the other IB. They shared how they evolved from relying on standard answers to thinking and expressing independently. Xiehe taught them to question, research, and take responsibility; through volunteer work, clubs, and competitions, they found their passions. They thanked teachers for encouraging expression, parents for understanding, and even their musical idols for giving them strength during tough times. Graduation is not an end, but a departure with courage toward a wider world.

Closing Remarks

Dr. Max Caruso, Co-Principal of WUISDr. Max delivered a speech titled “From Xiehe to the Stars.” Drawing on the story of Yung Wing, the first Chinese student to graduate from Yale, he encouraged graduates to become creators and bridges of the “third space” where East and West meet. He invoked the philosophy of Ubuntu (“I am because we are”) to emphasise community, and quoted the Song Dynasty poet Wang Anshi: “I fear not the floating clouds that may block my sight, for I already stand at the summit’s height.” He closed with lines from Hermann Hesse’s poem “Happiness,” reminding graduates that beyond the pursuit of desire lies inner peace. With Xiehe’s roots, they are ready to shine in the wider world.

All Grade 12 graduates sang Our Tomorrow, bidding farewell to yesterday and stepping into tomorrow. Then, Grade 7 students performed Dear You, sending their purest blessings to the departing seniors – a continuation of warmth and the passing of the torch.Students from Grade 11 also prepare a special graduation ball for the graduates, wishing that the starlight of this night would light their way forward.

Star River and Sea: The Future Awaits“The high school journey has ended, but the chapter of your life has just begun.”

In a warm and touching atmosphere, the WUIS Class of 2026 High School Graduation & Coming-of-Age Ceremony came to a successful close. After the ceremony, graduates, parents, and teachers took group photos outside the theatre, freezing precious moments in time.

May all graduates of the Class of 2026:

Carry the glory and warmth of WUIS as they journey toward their own star river and sea.

May their futures be bright and full of promise.