SUIS Gubei held the Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony on May 27. Graduates, dressed in gowns, joined principals, faculty, parents, and guests to celebrate the culmination of their IB journey — and the start of a new chapter. Over their years at SUIS Gubei, they pursued academic excellence and matured into thoughtful individuals, leaving a lasting legacy.
Guest Address
Speech by Ms. Maxine Lu
General Principal of Xiehe Education, Chairman of the School Board of SUIS Gubei
From Xiehe to the World: Embrace Your Wonderful Adult Life. Turning 18 is the start of a wonderfully messy, experimental adult adventure. The road doesn’t have to be straight. You can twist, turn, stumble, and try all sorts of things. Opportunity and challenge are two sides of the same coin. Stay curious, keep an international mindset, and create your own unique adult story.
* excerpts from the speech
Principal Address
Speech by Mr. Rick Spadafora
Academic Principal of SUIS Gubei
I witnessed intellectual rigor, perseverance and resilience in you all. Learning does not end at graduation, and success is never always linear. May you embrace flexibility, adaptability, compassion and strong ethics—the very qualities you have developed in your time at SUIS Gubei.
* excerpts from the speech
Parent Representative Address
Speech by Christine Liu (Jimmy Ma’s Mother) （Jimmy Ma ）
Parent Representative of the Class of 2026
We are living in a VUCA era full of uncertainty. Beyond academic knowledge, SUIS has nurtured your character, tolerance and inner poise. Success has no rigid definition. In university, seek truth, goodness and beauty, live authentically, and remember your parents will always be your strongest support.
* excerpts from the speech
School Prefects Address
Speech by Ashley Van Olphen (Head Girl), Jimmy Ma (Head Boy),
Abbie Liu (Deputy Head Girl), Thomas Chen (Deputy Head Boy)
We studied during the rise of AI and social media and survived the challenging IB journey together. We may not be the loudest or the most chaotic cohort, but we have grown, supported one another, and made it to graduation side by side. We are grateful to teachers, parents and fellow classmates for walking this journey with us.
* excerpts from the speech
Heads of Grade 12 Address
Speech by Ms. Li and Ms. Jia
Heads of Grade 12
What will ultimately define you in life is not only your university achievements; it is also the energy you bring into every room and every community you enter. Success is impressive — but character leaves the lasting legacy.
And now, I find myself asking the very same question I once asked your previous HoG: “How could you ever let them go?”
Today is a celebration of endings, but for us, it is also difficult to say goodbye. But we know that you are ready — ready to continue to grow, to lead, and to make your mark across the world.
Congratulations, Class of 2026. Thank you.
* excerpts from the speech
Wonderful Performances
The graduation ceremony was made truly special by heartfelt musical and artistic performances. Our school orchestra and talented student performers shared beautiful instrumental pieces and joyful choral songs—filling the hall with warmth, gratitude, and quiet hope for the future. Each performance lovingly reflected the energy, growth, and cherished memories of the Class of 2026.
Splendid Moment
