A year like no other, the Class of 2021
The Class of 2021 may not have had a traditional end to their time at ISP with Distance Learning for much of the last six months of their time at the school. In May, however, the students were back on campus to mark their Graduation as they continue to be Empowered, Inspired, and Engaged on the next steps of their learning journey.
71 Grade 12 students graduated this year and the majority arrived at ISP for the commencement exercises and to celebrate in person with their peers.
“The Class of 2021 story should not be blurred by all the losses or struggles, but instead enhanced by the optimism, grit, and kindness that soared. We learned that compassion interlinks us all, and that 2-meter distancing and lockdowns aren’t automatic disconnections if our hearts and minds don’t define them as such.” – Aika, student speaker
“The journey has been long and we shouldn’t bring ourselves down about what we didn’t do and so instead, the next time someone asks you what you could’ve done differently, use your answer as motivation for the next four years ahead. And with that said, good luck to you all, and thank you.” Aleksandra, student speaker
“I just want us to remember 10, 20, or maybe even 30 years from now, that we’ve made some memories and met some incredible people at the same place we all call the International School of Prague.” Hali, student speaker.
“We are indeed so proud of your accomplishments. You have persevered in the face of some of the most demanding circumstances that any recent graduating class has had to experience. But your accomplishments are not without explanation: you are a brilliant group of young people who understand that to succeed one must work hard, and that no accomplishment is made without sacrifice.” Dr. Eric Sturm, US Principal
“There will be days full of rain, there will be days full of sun, there will be dark days and bright days. There will be happy and sad days. There will be days that we would rather forget and days that we will always remember, and there will always be a tomorrow to start again.”
Mr. Bardales, Upper School Spanish and French Teacher:
The Graduates were addressed by Benjamin Zander who is currently the musical director of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. The address from Benjamin Zander was part of the launch of Dr. Arnie and Marianne Bieber Distinguished Speaker Series, which will see influential and inspirational speakers regularly coming to the International School of Prague. The series will recognize the contribution to ISP from Dr. Arnie and Marianne Bieber, who will leave ISP after 13 successful years of dedication to the school.
