Marking a Milestone: Celebrating the Class of 2026 Graduation
Graduation season arrived on the Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong campus with a gentle summer breeze. After many days shaped by dreams, perseverance, friendship and growth, students gathered to celebrate one last treasured moment.
On 22 May, the Class of 2026 at Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong marked an important milestone. Students, parents and staff came together on campus to witness a graduation ceremony defined by farewell, gratitude and new beginning.
Farewell and New Beginnings: Graduation Procession
The celebration began in a warm and joyful atmosphere. Dressed in their graduation gowns, the graduates set off from the DUCKS campus and made their way across the school, passing classrooms, corridors and playgrounds filled with shared memories.
Parents, teachers and younger students lined the path, applauding and cheering as the Class of 2026 made their way through.
This final walk through the campus reminded graduates of how they have been shaped over many years at school, giving the Class of 2026 a moment to reflect on shared experiences and revisit memories with their fellow graduates.
A Milestone of Growth: Graduation Ceremony
Following the procession, the graduation ceremony took place in the theatre. In front of families, teachers and peers, graduates walked across the stage one by one to receive their diplomas. As each name was called, the room filled with applause, recognising academic achievement while also celebrating personal growth, lasting friendships and a growing sense of responsibility.
During the ceremony, Mr Garry Russell, Head of College of Dulwich College Shanghai, delivered an inspiring address. He encouraged graduates to pursue their dreams with confidence, remain true to themselves, and carry forward the Dulwich Pudong values as they step into a wider world with courage, kindness and resilience.
Graduates' representatives Mahek D, Amaia C, Sherry D, and Coll M shared reflections on their time at the school and their hopes for the future, speaking with gratitude and a sense of farewell. Their words resonated deeply with students, parents and staff, bringing warmth and sincerity to the ceremony.
Continuing the Journey: Alumni Tree Planting
Graduation is not only a farewell, but also a continuation. Planting a tree in the alumni grove is a long-standing tradition at Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong, symbolising hope and future growth. The Class of 2026 took up shovels and planted their saplings on campus, leaving a lasting mark on the school community.
These saplings reflect the graduates’ lasting connection to the school and the growth that lies ahead. Wherever they go in the world, this campus remains their shared starting point, and the trees they have planted will continue to grow alongside future generations.
Starlit Celebration: Graduation Dinner
That evening, the Class of 2026 gathered with parents and teachers at the Bulgari Hotel Shanghai for a warm and memorable graduation dinner, set against the glittering city skyline. Laughter, reflections and well-wishes filled the evening as everyone raised a toast to the years gone by and the journey ahead.
In the years to come, the Class of 2026 will travel across the world to pursue their passions and ambitions, carrying with them the growth they experienced at Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong as they begin a new chapter.
As part of the global Dulwich alumni network, they will remain connected with peers around the world, continuing to make an impact on a broader stage.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026. May you move forward with confidence and purpose, and follow the horizons that are uniquely your own！
