-
But you must not see your learning, or your life, as a competition. You must see excellence all around you as an opportunity to learn faster, and more deeply, and grow and collaborate.
Dr. Emily McCarren
Executive Head of School
Good evening to the Keystone Academy Class of 2024 and all of us gathered here today to celebrate these fine young people. What a beautiful performance! This is the first graduating class to share their voice in a collective song like this. Several weeks ago, the teachers wondered if they could commit to the work to make this happen—as usual, they committed to a big idea and executed perfectly! And there is more to come. Beautiful!
Tonight, in celebration of these students, I’ll emphasize the extent to which this class has thrived on unity. They personify the English expression “There is no I in Team” and embody the Chinese characteristic of reverence for the collective while also lifting the capacity group through their exceptional personal achievement. They are about collaboration over competition.
I am moved by the strong collectivism of the class of 2024 because I think it means something very powerful that I hope they will continue to nourish throughout their lives. This class has demonstrated in remarkable ways their ability to maximize the potential of the collective and de-emphasize the ambition of the individual. “I became us”, “wo cheng wei women” is their anthem. It is beautiful how they have woven this feeling into collective music tonight—a pioneering first at our school that symbolizes their priority of collaboration over competition.
Wo Cheng wei women. I became us.
We will get back to them, but first, let's take this moment of the ceremony to honor the people who have made it possible for the students behind me to be sitting on this stage celebrating this big night.
First, let’s celebrate the first teachers of the class of 2024, their families. Will the parents, grandparents, and all family members of the 2024 clan stand as you can and be recognized? Congratulations to you!
Next, let’s celebrate their teachers at school! Keystone Academy's Board members, faculty and staff have given everything to these students and deserve our recognition. Will my fine colleagues, the employees of Keystone Academy, please stand and be recognized with our love and admiration.
Class of 2024: all of those people who just stood up see your success as their success. As your parents and teachers, you are our heart, living outside our body. We love you. We believe in you, we have the highest expectations for you-- for your academic achievement, and the quality of your character. You have already exceeded our high expectations, and you are just getting started.
Back to the thing I want to honor about you collectively: you have shown that you understand that the selfless act of wanting the success of others is both deeply fulfilling and important to getting important work done. It may surprise you to know that at many schools like ours, that doesn’t happen—people toil individually racking up evidence of personal merit. Their goals are individual.
Now, don’t get me wrong, you have achieved as individuals. But more importantly, you have achieved things together—you both value and work hard at collaboration. You have defied conventional practice, instead of hoarding praise, honor and achievement for yourself, you have consistently used your skills and talents to create opportunities for success in others. Collaboration over competition.
We have seen this through your commitment to projects on and off campus, to your studies, and to the ways you show up for each other and your work in athletics and the arts, you compete, but you compete together. You gracefully toggle between being the light, and the mirror that reflects it, demonstrating a wisdom and compassion that belies your years. Even the ways you tell your friends to put their phones away in the canteen when they see me coming -- you look out for each other.
What I want to say to you tonight is, don’t forget this. You won’t likely be part of a community quite like this again anytime soon. Colleges and universities will be a different landscape, big and unknown, but don’t forget this feeling of looking out for others, of focusing on the achievement and good of the collective over the individual.
Honoring collaboration over competition starts at the individual human level, and if we get good at it there, it grows to communities-- like we have seen here at Keystone-- cities, nations and then across the whole world. This fall in your college classes, at the best colleges and universities around the world and you will be surrounded by students with extraordinary accomplishments, just like you. You might be tempted to think “I can’t compete”. (and I promise someone is looking at you and thinking the exact same thing)
If you feel that, please edit that thought. It’s not that you can’t compete. Of course you can.
But you must not see your learning, or your life, as a competition. You must see excellence all around you as an opportunity to learn faster, and more deeply, and grow and collaborate. If you meet people who seem more experienced, or smarter than you, make friends, just like you have here. Build things together! Be proof that the whole is greater than the sum of it’s parts. To be part of something powerful, you must go towards greatness and big ideas and people with more experience or expertise than you so that you can be a part of amazing teams. And believe me, those teams will benefit from your extraordinary and unique versions of brilliance.
The thing is, the things that really matter, compassion, justice, respect, wisdom and honesty, are not scarce resources. There is enough to go around, you don’t need to compete, you need to amplify. That is the beautiful path towards peace on our fragile planet.
This drive for collective greatness is a characteristic of Chinese culture and society that you have inherited and will perpetuate into your futures and across the planet. You will do this in the small ways you have here and in huge ways we can’t yet imagine. By seeing the differences in the people around you as a strength and something to learn from and by emphasizing collaboration over competition, you will do the work that our fragile planet needs.
The thing is, the things that really matter, compassion, justice, respect, wisdom and honesty, are not scarce resources. There is enough to go around, you don’t need to compete, you need to amplify. That is the beautiful path towards peace on our fragile planet. Through your lives, “Wo cheng wei women” becomes a rallying cry even beyond these borders. We are all connected. You have shown us that.
Class of 2024, you have enriched our lives here at Keystone. You have made our precious school better, it’s time for you to take on bigger challenges, together. You are so ready. Thank you and congratulations!
Read her full remarks
-
Little by little, Keystone has become our second home, a place we longed to explore beyond yet felt too attached and connected to ever truly leave...It was fate that brought us here together; had I chosen again, I would still come to Keystone, and you are the reason.
Ray Chu
Student Speaker, Class of 2024
Dear students, teachers, and parents, ladies and gentlemen.
Good afternoon, and welcome.
I am deeply honored to stand before you today as the student representative and deliver the commencement address for the class of 2024.
The International Baccalaureate and college applications were never easy journeys to undertake, filled with hardships only we, the students, could truly understand. Before anything else, I believe we should all hug and say a big thank you to ourselves: thanking ourselves for not easily giving up, for standing up to the challenges, for growing into the persons we are today, and thanking each and every one of us for making class of 2024 a better place. Every student here deserves the warmest applause, and so do the teachers and parents who have supported us all along this way.
Here, sitting in front of you, is a class cohesive and bonded like no other in Keystone’s history. We are 96 sparkling, unique individuals, but moreover, we form a collective that holds as tight as a stellar cluster no matter in times of joyful celebrations or in times of rebellion and voicing our discontent. In separations and reunions, we have overcome the 3-year pandemic, survived the trials of DP, and made it through an unprecedentedly challenging application season. Whether it was dancing groove back at the end of Spirit Week, singing together at charity ball, Chinese gala, World Fair, and rehearsals for graduation, or sitting around our last OEP campfire and other moments, we have shared so many treasurable memories that will stay with us forever and may never be made again.
Little by little, Keystone has become our second home, a place we longed to explore beyond yet felt too attached and connected to ever truly leave. This campus has been a silent witness to our joyous laughter and our heartfelt tears, as well as a sanctuary that has heard our youthful cries, felt the weight of our dreams, and captured the imprints of our steps. In retrospect, when I flipped through these albums afresh, it was unimaginable to think of a life without you and this place. I am not to boast, but I would surely be proud to say to anyone that I had the very best high school classmates. It was fate that brought us here together; had I chosen again, I would still come to Keystone, and you are the reason.
Finally, if I may, I wish that we can engrave this day into our hearts forever. As Vincent Van Gogh once said, “I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.” In a world brimming with uncertainty, I wish that we can forever cherish the pieces of our innocence and passion from the high school years. By the time we reunite, may we have held onto the dreams inspired by the stars, carrying their luminescence into the uncharted future. The tears of parting taste as bittersweet as you would expect, beyond any words and descriptions. Thank you, and best wishes, my dearest classmates. Bon Voyage.
Read his full remarks
-
Envision the world through other people's eyes to experience other perspectives. In this way, empathy will begin to play a positive role in your life.
Dr. Régine de Blegiers
Head of High School
Good evening graduates, parents, faculty, and board members. For you, the class of 2024, today is a day of celebration as we come together to recognize your hard work, your achievements- your dedication to education.
As I stand before you today, I must reflect on the journey that has led us to this momentous occasion. You have all embraced the challenges of change - technological, career-related, social, and cultural - to become the people sitting before us now. I know how excited you are to embark on the next stages of your lives as you move to new places, situations, and challenges. Personally, I am joining you on this journey of change, and challenges, as I move to my next assignment in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
I entered the world in the time of Neil Armstrong when he took the first historic steps on the moon. Think about how different it was back then- not so long ago I may add- when a phone call required going through an operator, sending mail involved a trip to the post office, and international correspondence often took months to reach its destination. Compare these actions to today with Social Media platforms giving us instant communication, orbiting satellites meeting our ever-expanding technological demands, correcting your IAs with Chat GPT and a single email taking mere seconds to cross the globe. These transformations are revolutionary, so it is vital that we embrace the challenges of change. We must be open and responsive to everything new so that we can navigate change. Change is inevitable and learning how to be flexible leads to a growth mindset. Your generation will undoubtedly encounter its own set of challenges within change. It will be imperative to exercise caution with resources and ensure that new technologies yield positive impacts and contribute to the sustainability of life on this Earth.
Let me share a small story with you- some small wisdom. I remember returning for a brief visit to Paris after residing in the Philippines for an extended period. Paris seemed different- new and strange- and I found myself engaged in conversation with some strangers in an elevator. I approached them and asked how they were doing. I thought it was a pleasant exchange. I was with my sister at the time, and later, she chastised me for my inappropriate behavior. In France, such interactions are not customary, she told me. I had to ask myself if supposed “accepted” cultural norms cut us off from embracing the world, should I conform? This is all about social conventions holding us back from embracing the world and people- telling us what we can't do. We need to stop living by other people's rules, getting rid of awkward conventions, and see the world and people as possibilities for learning as we lean into new experiences. it almost like shedding our deficient model of thinking to a growth mindset.
By the way, I continue to talk to people in the elevator.
I share this little anecdote because you are on the precipice of new horizons, new adventures, and new encounters with diverse people and cultures, much like my elevator experience. I encourage you to stay curious and not hesitate when it comes to engaging with people, asking questions, and fostering meaningful conversations even with strangers. Embrace every opportunity to learn from and connect with others. These opportunities may surprise you and end up enriching your future personal and professional life. Envision the world through other people's eyes to experience other perspectives. In this way, empathy will begin to play a positive role in your life.
In my professional journey, I've experienced significant transitions, particularly shifting from the realm of business to education. This personal change represented a major shift for me, as I possessed a strong understanding of management principles but had limited knowledge in the field of education. However, I successfully navigated this transition through resilience and an unwavering commitment to learning.
I learned firsthand the importance of not seeking shortcuts but instead embracing the journey of acquiring new skills and knowledge. If you are truly passionate about your career path, it is crucial to muster the courage and dedication necessary to effect change. The last thing you want is to look back at the age of 60 with regrets about missed opportunities and lost possibilities.
Embrace challenges, pursue growth, and never underestimate the power of continuous learning in shaping a fulfilling career and life.
David Bowie sings about being open-minded in his song, “Changes.” His lyrics explore the difficulties and challenges of change, but more importantly, he suggests that it is important to acknowledge what is new and different. To be open to a world that is constantly reinventing itself is the first step to embracing change. Bowie also hints that the young people of today have a particular talent for grabbing the positive potential of change. Is this you? Class of 2024- I hope that all of you embrace change and be responsible for the transformations needed to save our planet and human kind.
Congratulations, graduates. You have accomplished so much, and I have no doubt that you will continue to make a positive impact in the world.
Best of luck to you all!
Read her full remarks
-
We urge you to hold onto the dreams and values that have shaped you thus far but also to remain open to growth and change. Life is a continuous journey of learning, and you will find teachers in the most unexpected places and lessons in the most unexpected experiences.
Kelby Govender & Vladimir Simic
Faculty Speakers and Grade Level Leaders, Class of 2024
Dear Class of 2024,
As you stand on the threshold of a significant milestone, it is with great pride and a touch of bittersweet sentiment that we, your Grade Level Leaders, advisors, teachers, and mentors, take this opportunity to address our thoughts, reflections, and hopes for you—the senior class.
Your journey through these halls has been nothing short of remarkable. Each one of you has navigated the challenges and triumphs of your high school years with resilience, determination, and grace. You have grown from eager freshmen, curious and wide-eyed, into mature young adults ready to carve your paths in the world. This transformation has not gone unnoticed; it has been our honor to witness and support your growth, celebrate your successes, and offer guidance through your trials. We need you to continue being resilient and to believe that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. If it weren't for George Westinghouse, the American entrepreneur and engineer, we would probably never have heard the name Nikola Tesla. One of the greatest minds almost went unnoticed. When he approached authorities in Belgrade with some of his ideas, they laughed at him. When he approached authorities in Paris and told them that he could light the whole city without using gas, they told him he was crazy. Fortunately for all of us, Westinghouse recognized the value of Tesla's ideas and started financing his projects. The rest is history. So, stay true to your beliefs and never give up. There is a George Westinghouse waiting for every single one of you.
Given our changing times, We urge every graduate here today to embrace a cause important to you —something you find to be a challenging issue, a profound injustice—and become an expert in it. To make it the central focus of your career would be extraordinary, but you don't have to do that to make a difference. Be an advocate. Take on big injustices. We have no doubt that it will be one of the most transformative and fulfilling journeys of your lives.
We urge you to hold onto the dreams and values that have shaped you thus far but also to remain open to growth and change. Life is a continuous journey of learning, and you will find teachers in the most unexpected places and lessons in the most unexpected experiences. Stay true to yourselves, but also be willing to listen, adapt, and evolve. This especially applies to future drivers. Some of you are from Beijing, one of the greatest cities on the planet, while others have spent many years living here. Whatever great city you continue your life journey in, be proud of your heritage with one exception: please don't drive like a Beijinger. Traffic rules exist for a reason.
As much as we want to highlight the importance of the skills and talents you have developed at Keystone and will go on to develop in the years to come, we want to make the point that you will face situations in life where you will have no relevant expertise, where you will have no evidence base to rely upon, and where your intellect will not be able to give you the answers you are searching for. In those situations, we would like to suggest that you respond with love. We promise you that there is nothing more rewarding than showing up in the world for other people, no matter how hard it may be.
As you move forward, know that you will always be a part of the Keystone community. The memories you have created here, the friendships you have formed, and the lessons you have learned will stay with you, guiding and inspiring you in the years to come. We hope that you will carry the spirit of Keystone Academy with you wherever you go, representing our shared values and making us proud.
In closing, we want to express our deepest gratitude for the joy, inspiration, and hope you have brought into our lives. It has been a privilege to be a part of your journey. As you turn the page to the next chapter, remember that you are capable of extraordinary things. We can't wait to see where life takes you and the incredible impacts you will make on the world.
Congratulations, Class of 2024. Here's to your bright future, filled with adventure, happiness, and success. Go forth and make your mark!
Read their full remarks
The Keystone Class of 2024 in photos
Destinations of Keystone Graduates
-
8%
Canada
-
76%
USA
-
10%
UK
-
2%
Europe
-
3%
Asia
-
1%
AU/NZ
Keystone Graduate Profiles
Meet New World Thinkers
-
2024
-
2023
-
2022
-
2021
-
2020
-
2019
-
2018
-
2024Soar Across the Night Sky like Stars, Brightening the World
Keystone’s seventh graduating class are a shining example of the close connections formed within the Keystone community. Although they are about to embark on their own new journeys, they will carry the brilliant light of the class with them to brighten their own corner of the universe.
-
2023It could mean something, it could mean everything.
The Keystone Class of 2023 is forged—like iron in the hottest of fires. They have been through what many adults will remember as some of the most difficult years of their lives, and they are strong and capable of doing hard things. They have shown us that they can do the hardest of things and keep their hearts full of purpose, and goodness.
-
2022A Class of Miracles: Keystone Sends Off Fifth Graduating Cohort
The Keystone Academy Class of 2022 moves forward to the next stage of their academic journeys with their heads held high as they are a cohort “full of miracles”.
-
2021Keystone Class of 2021 Celebrates Growth, Resilience, and Success Amid Pandemic Challenges
Keystone’s fourth graduating cohort has been described as the “Resilient Class of 2021” who have all persevered throughout the pandemic. The cohort was ready to take on the challenge when they began the Diploma Programme in 2019, but encountered a different reality later on.
-
2020Keystone Class of 2020 Looks to a Future That Is Worth Waiting For
Every year during fall, thousands of schools around the world welcome new and returning students for a fresh academic year. Keystone Academy has marked the season differently this year, sending its third graduating cohort off to their next journey amid the coronavirus pandemic.
-
2019An Ode to the Class of 2019
On the 25th of May, Keystone held its 2nd annual graduation ceremony. Faculty, staff, and families of the graduates, alongside Distinguished Guests and Trustees, turned their gaze towards students as they marched in unison towards their seats beneath the Academy’s Archway.
-
2018This Is Just the Beginning of Your New and Impending Journey into The Next Phase of Your Lives!
-