Embracing the Future: HKA Bilingual Department’s 2024 Graduation Ceremony
On June 29, 2024, Nanjing Hankai Academy’s Bilingual Department hosted the Graduation Ceremony and Closing Ceremony for the 2023-2024 academic year. This significant occasion celebrated the accomplishments of our graduating students, marking both the end of one journey and the beginning of another. With a theme that combines traditional elegance and youthful energy, the event reflected the spirit and ambitions of the Class of 2024.
Graduates of School Year 2024!
Honoring Tradition and Embracing New Beginnings
The ceremony opened with a vibrant, retro-inspired dance performance, setting a joyful tone for the celebration. Emcees Luo Minyu, Liu Zhengxin, Yang Sunni, and Jin Kecheng led the proceedings with grace, while the national anthem stirred pride and nostalgia among students preparing to venture beyond their hometown and alma mater.
Vice Principal Ni Jingjing delivered a heartfelt speech, thanking the leaders, teachers, parents, alumni, and friends who have supported the Class of 2024 throughout their journey. Reflecting on students’ growth, she shared cherished memories and valuable advice, encouraging graduates to embrace their passions, experience life in its fullness, and face challenges with courage.
A Glimpse into the Future: University Acceptances and Achievements
Guidance Counselor Xu Xin shared the remarkable university placement data for the Class of 2024:
• Oxford and Cambridge Acceptances: Achieving the prestigious double with offers from both Oxford and Cambridge.
• Top 10 Global Universities: 21% of students received offers from universities ranked in the world’s top 10.
• Top 30 Global Universities: 67% of students secured spots in the top 30 universities globally.
• Top 80 Global Universities: 92% of students gained admission to the top 80 universities worldwide.
Notable Admissions by Region:
• United Kingdom: 95% of students received offers from the UK’s top 20 universities.
• United States: 100% acceptance rate into public Ivy League schools and the top six campuses of the University of California system.
• Canada: 100% acceptance rate into Canada’s top four universities, with all offers accompanied by scholarships.
• Hong Kong: Noteworthy offers included two from the University of Hong Kong, one full scholarship from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and four full scholarships from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, totaling approximately RMB 7,580,000 in scholarships.
These outstanding results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, and parents, embodying the spirit of excellence at HKA.
These outstanding results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, and parents, embodying the spirit of excellence at HKA.
Gifts of Inspiration and Responsibility
In keeping with the HKA tradition, Director Sun Rong presented each graduate with personalized mementos, including an engraved keepsake, a symbolic boarding pass, a canvas bag with a custom cartoon likeness, a letter with HKA’s custom stamp, and a copy of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China to signify maturity and responsibility. As graduates step into adulthood, these gifts serve as reminders of their roots, values, and the supportive community that will always be there for them.
A Legacy of Friendship and Gratitude
The celebration was filled with heartfelt moments, as teachers and friends bid farewell to the graduates. Students and teachers shared their blessings on stage, honoring the guidance and companionship that have enriched their journeys. Graduate representatives Wang Zimeng and Ge Qiyu presented HKA with a commemorative puzzle featuring images of the Wuhua Road and Yuhua Ecological Park campuses, symbolizing the cherished memories and lasting connections made during their time at HKA.
Passing the Torch: Continuity and New Beginnings
To mark the transition of leadership and responsibility, A-Level students Sun Zeya and Sun Xinming passed the symbolic flag of honor to IG students Chen Jiaqi, Ju Xiaobei, and Si Chenyan. This gesture reinforces HKA’s spirit of unity, excellence, and shared values, ensuring that each graduating class contributes to the legacy of the academy.
Celebrating the Milestones
The ceremony’s highlight was the conferral of diplomas, where graduates walked the stage accompanied by their parents, and received their diplomas from Principal Wang Zhanbao and Vice Principal Chris. The tradition of tassel turning marked their formal graduation, symbolizing readiness to embark on new journeys.
Vice Principal Chris delivered parting words of wisdom, reminding graduates to stay true to their values and to have the courage to do what is right. He also announced the establishment of the HKA Global Alumni Association, linking Hankai graduates around the world in a community that spans continents.
Lasting Bonds and Fond Farewells
The event concluded with a beautiful rendition of “Remember Me” by the HKA choir, as photos of the graduating class played on screen. Teachers performed a surprise song, “Farewell Blossoms”, encapsulating their pride, hopes, and love for the students as they step into the future. The Class of 2024’s journey at HKA may have ended, but their adventure has just begun, carrying the HKA spirit as they soar into the world.