The student sat at the front of the auditorium, one hand clutching her phone and the other straightening her hair. The years before, she would watch the upper-grade students wearing black robes and black caps sit in the front. She would stare in awe as they received diplomas while imagining how excited they must be. Now she and her classmates were in the front wearing the same black robes, all with mixed emotions.
On January 5th, the halls of Cheongshim International Academy were crowded with the graduating class of 2024, 106 from the middle school and 99 from the high school. The ceremony, held in the school auditorium, was attended by families and faculty. Even students of the lower grades came to celebrate the graduation of those who had been their constant helpers and leaders throughout school life.
The graduation started with a speech from the principal, Jun Sung Eun, who urged graduates to pursue their passions and make a positive impact on the world. Following his speech were others' speeches, including those of students such as middle and high school presidents. After that, many congratulatory performances were held on stage, such as the school orchestra playing 'This is Me' and Park Subin singing ' Butterfly', songs that encouraged students to be themselves and fly towards their dreams. One school club even performed a traditional Korean ballet dance, which no one could take their eyes off.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the graduation video made by the broadcasting department. The first part of the video contained various photos the students had taken over the years. All the students were hit with nostalgia as the videos went over photos from their first day at school, containing memories of school trips, exams, and friendships. Some even teared up as memories of good times at school popped up in their heads. The second part contained short videos of teachers who had seen each student grow year by year. Although most of those videos were from current faculty members, students were shocked as teachers who had left for another school also came out. Each teacher spoke for about a minute, sharing memories and wishing graduates good luck in the lives ahead of them.
Another highlight was the distribution of diplomas. As each graduate walked across the stage to receive their diploma, they shook hands with their homeroom teacher, the vice principal, and the principal. Each student received a diploma and a rose from the headmaster, as well as constant applause from the audience. Some high school graduates were even seen bringing their phones onstage to take selfies with the principal, which brought laughter among the students as well as the parents. Also, as each class received diplomas, they stood in the front of the stage, yelling chants like "Class 4 is the best!" or " Graduation is success!"
As the ceremony concluded, the graduates threw their caps up in the air while cheering and hugging their friends around them. The transition from middle schoolers to high schoolers, from high schoolers to college students brought excitement as well as fear among them. A new beginning was awaiting every one of them.
Even after graduation, instead of going home, most students decided to stay at school for a while. Students, with their family members, wandered around campus meeting with their fellow class members and taking photos together. Even friends who hadn't been very close greeted each other and took photos with excitement. While those going to the same schools shared high-fives, friends going to different schools gathered together to exchange phone numbers and promised to contact each other in the future.
Today was probably the most exciting as well as painful day for the students graduating. The graduates were all cheering each other onto their new paths, as well as worrying about the distinct possibility of never seeing each other again. With this graduation, the students realized that they are connected through shared memories. Though every student will follow different paths in life, they will always be connected through the various memories at Cheongshim International Academy.
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