Graduation Ceremony

CIS hosted its Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2022 today, in an event that can only be described as a spectacular start of a new beginning.

As the first class that spent 3 years in high school in the midst of a global pandemic, our ambitious students exemplified our core values of collaboration, innovation and success, finishing the year on a very high note. This year, an astounding 84% of our graduates received university offers from top 100 universities around the world.

Today, we gathered together as a family to honor and recognize the efforts and accomplishments of this unique team of students, as our hearts filled with joy, pride, relief, excitement and celebration.

Like every year, CIS has the honour and privilege of inviting the Canadian Consulate of Guangzhou. This year, Consul Mr. Mark Vcislo joined us to deliver our keynote address.

Ms. Winnie Chen, President of CIEO, and Mr. Howard Stribbell, CIEO Director of International Education, CIS Principal Mr. Gary Rehman, and Vice-Principals Mr. Ted Barks and Ms. Gabriela Valla, were also in attendance.

The Graduation Ceremony started after a CIS tradition, our annual " Senior Walk of Fame!” Dressed in their graduation regalia, the senior class took their ‘last’ trip through the halls of our academic building while teachers and younger students lined the corridors, clapping and cheering in celebration of their achievement. They've truly become role models for our younger ones.

It has been quite a journey for Class of 2022, just like our Salutatorian Renee quoted in her speech:

“The moment that defines us is not the day when you win ‘student of the year’, but times that force ourselves to claw and scratch and fight just to get through the day. The moments when you get knocked down and you’re wondering whether it’s even worth it to get back up.”

( For the full 2022 Salutatorian speech, click on today’s 3rd post )

During the ceremony, graduates were addressed by Mr. Mark Vcislo, Mr. Howard Stribbell，Mr Gary Rehman and Mr. Ted Barks, who offered them inspiring and wise words of wisdom and experience: To remember the Canadian values of pioneering, teamwork and perseverance, to be the bridge of different cultures, to initiate positive changes to the world, and to accept failure as part of success.

Grizzly pride (and tears of joy on parents’ faces) was on full display as the graduates of the Class of 2022 walked proudly across the stage to pick up their diplomas, marking the final milestone of their high school years. As an Alberta Accredited International School, graduating from CIS means receiving the prestigious Alberta High School Diploma, a key for acceptances to top universities around the world! (Click here to read Class of 2022 acceptances.)

Academic awards and monetary grants were also conferred to graduates who attained outstanding results in all core subjects, as well as in athletics and fine arts. Indeed, hard work pays off!

“Class of 2022, your future is here! Behind you, all your memories. Ahead of you, all your dreams. Within you, all you need. To the grads who deserve it all - life awaits, and as always, CIS is beyond proud of you. We know that we will always be a part of your amazing journey. Congratulations!”

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