Celebrating the Class of 2021

On a crisp and beautiful afternoon of June 4, 2021, the Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2021 took place in the YISS courtyard. The 69 graduates and their families along with the entire high school faculty gathered under COVID guidelines to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of this remarkable group. 

The ceremony was highlighted with live chamber music performed by Alex L. (11, violin) and  Alice L. (9, cello), accompanied by Ms. Esther Jeon. There was a choral performance by the Faculty Quartet to honor the graduates, as well. The commencement speaker was Ms. Andrea Maraat, a beloved but departing science teacher who challenged the Class to live a life of “being” rather than “doing.” Three graduates who earned top distinctions, Dyanne Ahn, Christian Um, and Ulus Jones, also spoke on the topics of truth, excellence, and diversity, respectively. 

Among this impressive Class of 2021, eight will be heading to Europe, six to Canada, and two to Japan. Ten will be attending Ivy League schools, a handful pursuing art and design, and one is hoping to soon debut as a hip-hop artist. This talented group of young men and women will be dearly missed by the YISS community as they take their future by the horn. Congratulations and God Bless!