Celebrating the Class of 2026: High School Graduation

With pride, gratitude, and more than a few tears, the DAIS and DHS community came together on June 7 for the Graduation Ceremony to celebrate the remarkable journey of the Class of 2026 — a class defined by passion and diversity.

The celebration began on Friday, as graduates processed through every division of the school, greeted by younger students and teachers who lined the halls in applause and admiration. It was a powerful reminder that every Sea Dragon journey begins with curiosity and grows through community.

On Sunday, June 7 families, faculty, and friends gathered for the official graduation ceremony, honoring both DAIS and Huamei graduates.

At the beginning, Dr. Craig Wilson, Head of School, shared: “When I look around this audience today, I see future engineers, entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, educators, and leaders. But more importantly, I see young people who are prepared to navigate a world that is complex, interconnected, and constantly changing.”

Secondary Principal Mr. Burton reminded students: “Your unique background, your perspective, your culture, your way of seeing the world – these are not noise. They are your superpowers.”

The ceremony was enriched by music from our Advanced Choir, directed by Terry Saez, who performed "Connected", and the Full Advanced Orchestra, who performed "Polaris*", composed by 2021 DHS graduate Peter Zhang.

Michael Kuropatwinski (AP Microeconomics & AP Macroeconomics Teacher, Student Government Advisor) reflected: “The miracle was never simply your differences. The miracle was your connection. The fact that all of these wildly different stories somehow converged in this place and time and became a community.”

Ms. Iris Jia, Mandarin Literature Teacher, reminded graduates: “No matter how technology evolves, what truly moves us will always be human feeling, human reflection, and human choice.”

Special recognitions were awarded to Austin Li and Anna Zhao, recipients of the Sea Dragon Award, and to Julius Chen and Amy Sun, who were named Valedictorians. As part of our graduation tradition, each valedictorian delivered a speech, sharing reflections, gratitude, and words of encouragement with their classmates and the wider community.

Julius encouraged his classmates: “Wherever you go, don’t just chase success. Chase meaning — everything else is just noise.”

Amy shared: “I believe that the memories we have created together will continue to give us strength and carry us forward in the years to come. I wish all of us the very best in whatever paths lie ahead.”

Mr. Robert Flanagan, Dr. Xiaoming Liu and Mr. Jordan Reed delivered their charge to the graduates at the end of the ceremonies.

Mr. Robert Flanagan (Social Studies, MUN, AP Human Geography Teacher, Assistant Director of Athletics) advised: “Find friends who want to learn, improve, and grow. Find people who will listen to your ideas and challenge your thinking. It has often been said that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason. Most importantly, find people who accept you as you are.”

Dr. Liu’s (AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP Physics C Teacher) Charge Speech reminded graduates: “True confidence, mastery, lasting success — they aren’t given. They must be built by you. They are found in the consistent dedication shown in the lecture hall, the lab, the persistent focus of a future career.”

Mr. Reed, English Language Arts Department Head, added: “Don’t be defined by your mistakes. Own them. Look them in the eye and say, ‘I did that. I’m going to do better.’ That courage is what I charge you to find in yourself. It will make you a fuller, more compassionate human being.”

As the Class of 2026 turns the page, they carry the stories, friendships, and quiet strength of the Sea Dragon wherever they go. And we will miss them so much!

Class of 2026 College Matriculations

We are proud to share the university destinations of the Class of 2026. Their next steps reflect years of dedication, growth, and ambition — and we look forward to celebrating the paths they will take around the world.

Let's take a look at where our graduates will be continuing their academic journeys:

United States*

• Boston University – Ranked among the top universities globally with a strong international reputation.
• Drexel University – Known nationally for its co-op education model and strong career outcomes.
• Gannon University – A student-focused private university known for strong support and career preparation.
• Michigan State University – Ranked among the top 100 universities in the U.S.
• Santa Clara University – Ranked among the top regional universities in the U.S. West.
• Savannah College of Art and Design – A globally recognized leader in creative education.
• University of California, Davis – Ranked #9 among U.S. public universities, with strong programs in electrical and computer engineering, agriculture, and environmental science.
• University of California, Irvine – Also ranked #9 among U.S. public universities, with strengths in sociology, health sciences and engineering.
• University of California, San Diego – Ranked #6 among U.S. public universities, known for STEM and oceanography.
• University of California, Santa Barbara – Ranked #14 among U.S. public universities, with strong research output.
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Ranked among the top public universities in the U.S., with world-class programs in engineering, computer science, and business.
• University of Rochester – Ranked #46 nationally, with a flexible curriculum and strong interdisciplinary options in health, psychology, and public policy.
• University of Washington – Ranked among the top universities globally for research output.
• University of Wisconsin Madison –  Ranked #12 among U.S. public universities, known for excellence in research, engineering, and business education.
• Washington State University – A respected public university with a strong national reputation.

United Kingdom*

• University of Bristol – Ranked among the top universities in the UK and part of the Russell Group.
• University of Manchester – Ranked among the top universities globally and a Russell Group member.
• University of the Arts London – Ranked #2 globally for Art & Design (QS).

Canada*

• McGill University – Ranked among the top universities globally and one of Canada’s most prestigious institutions.
• University of Calgary – Ranked among the top universities worldwide with strong research impact.
• University of Waterloo – Home to the world’s largest co-op program, recognized for employability.

Australia*

• Australian National University – Consistently ranked among the world’s top universities.
• Monash University – A top 100 global university with strong international standing.
• University of Melbourne - Ranked #1 in Australia, globally recognized for research excellence, graduate employability, and a vibrant academic community across diverse disciplines.
• University of Queensland – Ranked among the top 50 universities worldwide.
• University of Sydney - A top 30 global university (QS 2026), known for cutting-edge research, vibrant campus life, and global impact.

*universities are listed in alphabetical order

China (Mainland)

• Communication University of China – A “Double First-Class” university known as China’s leading media institution.

Ireland

• Trinity College Dublin – Ranked #75 globally (QS 2026) and #1 in Ireland.

Japan

• Sophia University – One of Japan’s top private universities with a strong international reputation.

New Zealand

• University of Auckland – Ranked #1 in New Zealand and among the top universities globally.

The current list of matriculations is not yet complete, as additional offers are expected over the summer.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!