Tribute to CIS Graduating Class of 2011

By: Michelle Sharp, Head of Communications & Marketing

After a busy and productive school year, June 17, 2011 marked the end of an era for the 2010/2011 graduating class of the Canadian International School (CIS). We collectively said good bye to a diverse group of talented students who: studied hard throughout Grade 11 and 12 in order to graduate,
negotiated with their teachers, acted as role models for the Middle School students that they shared a campus with, built houses in Cambodia for those less fortunate, and entertained us at CIS events such as Beat Freaked.

The CIS class of 2011 donned their black caps and gowns and jubilantly crossed the stage to receive their High School Diplomas. This year’s recipient of the Governor General’s award was Eashita Ratwani. Eleven deserving graduates also had the privilege of earning the Ontario Scholars award, an award that goes to students with outstanding academic results.

The graduation ceremony included a reflection of student life at CIS across the years that brought a tear to the eye of most people in the room, teachers included. Three of the graduating class had been students at CIS for 13 years, an amazing feat for children of expats.  School Valedictorian Jamil Schultz spoke eloquently and amusingly about his graduating class, his time at CIS, and of his plans for the future. Jamil’s trademark humour came into play as he ended his valedictorian speech with a tribute to a character most of his fellow students remembered from their childhood – Pokémon!

This year’s cohort of graduates will scatter across the globe as they leave to attend universities in countries such as Canada, Australia, UK, USA, Korea, Japan and Singapore in the upcoming academic year.

We wish these delightful, young global citizens all the best for their futures. Bon Voyage and Good Luck!