YISS Honors the Class of 2026 at Commencement

Written by Lorena Meadows, Director of High School Counseling

Yongsan International School of Seoul (YISS) celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026 on Friday, May 22, with a commencement ceremony that honored the achievements and growth of its graduating seniors. Family members, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to mark this important milestone and celebrate the accomplishments of the students as they prepared to embark on new journeys beyond YISS.

The evening began with a reception in the school lobby, where guests had the opportunity to connect with other families and enjoy some refreshments. As the ceremony commenced, a sense of pride and anticipation filled the venue, creating a memorable atmosphere for graduates and their loved ones.

Among the highlights of the ceremony was a moving performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Paul Simon, presented by the YISS High School Choir and Orchestra. The powerful performance reflected the themes of support and community that have shaped the graduates' educational experiences. Pastor James Lynch delivered the invocation, offering words of reflection and gratitude that set a meaningful tone for the evening's celebration.

Graduates also heard inspiring messages from three student speakers, who reflected on their shared experiences and emphasized the YISS core values of Diversity, Truth, and Excellence. Their speeches celebrated their friendships and shared memories that defined their time at YISS while encouraging classmates to embrace future opportunities with confidence and purpose. The departing teacher speaker added heartfelt words of wisdom and encouragement, reminding graduates of the lasting impact they can make in their communities and beyond.

The ceremony concluded with a touching tribute to parents and families. Following a heartfelt speech from a graduating senior, members of the Class of 2026 presented roses to their parents as a symbol of gratitude for the love, sacrifice, and unwavering support they provided throughout their educational journey. The meaningful gesture brought many in attendance to tears and served as a powerful reminder that graduation is not only a celebration of individual achievement but also of the families, teachers, and community members who helped make that success possible.