Congratulations to the Class of 2023! Honouring the Pioneers!
This week, a significant chapter in the annals of Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi history has been written, as we have celebrated the graduation of our pioneering Year 13 cohort. The Class of 2023 will forever be remembered at the College, and their impact felt for many years to come. We wish them the best as they embark on their journey into the world as our inaugural International Old Alleynians.
The graduation festivities commenced on Saturday, 20 May, marking the formal conclusion of the rigorous IB exams with a traditional Graduation Dinner at the Fairmont Peace Hotel. Framed by the iconic Bund, our Year 13 students, parents, and staff from the College gathered for an evening of reflection on the extraordinary accomplishments of our students.
The Fairmont Peace Hotel and the Bund, both symbolic of the city where these students have spent their formative educational years, provided the perfect backdrop for capturing these indelible memories. Shanghai, with its vibrant culture and dynamic energy, is weaved into the stories of our students' lives, as their stories are weaved in the history of the College.
As Kelly King, Head of Senior School, shared;
“Shanghai is a city like no other. It is a city that makes you feel, a city that makes you see things differently, and a city that makes you laugh. Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi is like a miniature of this city. It is the people in the community that makes it what it is. Year 13, you are part of that community, part of that story, part of that history. And you are very much part of our legacy, which will still stand, like this hotel, long after we have all had our time here.”
On Monday, 22 May, we bid our students farewell in true Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi style. Drawing on our heritage, the day began with the traditional Alleynian Walk, a heartwarming and poignant opportunity for students from across the College to line the halls and cheer on our graduates. The atmosphere was electric, as our youngest to oldest students expressed their admiration and best wishes, their faces beaming with pride for their role-models.
The formal Graduation Ceremony commenced with an address by our Founding Head of College, Mr Ingram, who reflected;
"In one way, your graduation is part of a wider collective human experience. Finishing school is a seminal moment in every community, every country and every culture. You are joining millions of graduating students across the world - from London to LA, from Singapore to Stockholm and from Victoria to Vancouver. Some of them some of them will be your course mates, some of them will be your colleagues… The possibilities are endless and everyone here today is excited for your next steps. And a little bit emotional. And that’s ok.
But in many ways, your graduation is unique. Your pathway is like no other and I offer some reflections on your experience at Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi. You are our College community’s first graduating class - pioneers in every way. You leave a lasting legacy that future students and staff will look up to, inspiring them to aim high and work hard, be kind and respectful and make a difference. Because that’s exactly what you did. You named the Mustangs. You led the transition from Earhart House to Moussa House. You forever brightened each and every school day with hot pink lanyards.
Take pride in your legacy. More importantly, take this pioneering spirit along with you in life. Embrace new opportunities and always consider the path less trodden. Your lives will be richer for it."
In true Dulwich College Shanghai Puxi spirit, the ceremony was interspersed with moments of laughter and light-heartedness. From the Year 13’s surprise video to an epic staff band performance and a flashmob by all Senior School teachers, the ceremony culminated in a standing ovation from the entire audience.
The ceremony was followed by a Graduation Reception, where a lasting memento from the Year 13 students was unveiled; hand-painted tiles that will grace the walls of the Senior School building, initiating a legacy that will be carried forward by successive cohorts.
And then, like ships setting sail for uncharted waters, they embarked on their futures. The Class of 2023 will always be welcome back, and we are confident that they will become integral members of the Worldwise Alumni Network, sharing their wisdom and contributing to the already robust global community of International Old Alleynians.
Class of 2023, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your invaluable contributions to the College. The magnitude of your impact on the College cannot be overstated, and your absence will be deeply felt. With love from the entire community, we wish you the best of luck and bid you bon voyage!
