Class of 2023 Graduation Ceremony
The Class of 2023 had their efforts acknowledged and celebrated in a beautiful graduation ceremony on Saturday, 3 June 2023, at the Schouwburg in Amstelveen. During the weeks prior to the event, graduates had been working hard to prepare for their IB exams, which only made the ceremony more of a memorable moment.
The evening started with the procession of the 107 students representing the following 35 countries – Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Russia, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and United States. As an international school, we encouraged students to wear the appropriate graduation clothing of their nation or culture in the ceremony. Many students chose to wear the traditional graduation cap and gown.
After the welcoming remarks from our Director, Dr. Bernadette P. Carmody, and Interim Head of Upper School, Andrew Watson, Mark Russo was invited to speak on behalf of the faculty and staff. Lastly, graduate Aronnya Saha Shaptak represented the student population by delivering an emotional speech about this new phase they are entering.
As per tradition, graduating achievement awards were presented that evening. These are presented to students in recognition of personal, academic, and ethical excellence, and faculty members vote to decide who should be awarded. Paul Griffiths, Assistant Head of Upper School, described this graduating class as an exceptional group of talented, caring, and internationally-minded individuals. Please see below a list of the awards and their recipients.
Leadership Award – Ethan Ahn & Leonor Peereboom
Given to students who model strong leadership skills within our ISA community.
CAS Award – Lucia Castillo & Inès Bredel
Given to students who embody the spirit of CAS – Creativity, Action and Service, in addition to the IB learner profile.
ISA Bears Student Athlete Award – Pauline Haeusler & Robert Tate Ransom
Given to students who have contributed positively to the ISA athletic programme and have been valuable members of various sports teams over the past years.
ECIS Award for International Understanding – Atsuya Jojima
The European Council of International Schools presents this award to a student who is a good representative of furthering the cause of international understanding.
ISA Award – Cezare Robles
Given to a student who personifies the goals of ISA. They bring a positive attitude to education and have utilised the school’s opportunities creatively to gather experience and achieved success.
The night was drawn to a close with an inspiring final speech by the mayor of Amstelveen,Tjapko Poppens, a performance of Let Her Go (Passenger) by the student band one90s, and the awarding of diplomas. A reception was held for the graduates and their families with a toast given by graduate Torick Edwards. We thank all of those who made this graduation such a special event and congratulate the graduating class of 2023 for all of their achievements!
