The class of 2025 was able to celebrate the end of the middle school career with a celebration on Friday, May 21st. A lot of effort went into planning the event by parents, staff, and the gala committee to try and ensure a memorable experience for all the students. The weather tried to dampen the spirit of the night, but the creativity and flexibility of all made it a success. Students dressed for the occasion, looking like “red carpet” awards ceremony attendees, and were recognized for their accomplishments. 

Four categories of awards were presented to the students. 

The Growth Mindset Award is given for students who demonstrate the desire to be lifelong learners and constantly challenge themselves to improve:

• Colette Koo

• Upasana Chakraborty

•  Eujun Kim

The Community Service Award is given to students who demonstrate a willingness to help others in the community and around them and have an attitude of servant-heartedness:

• Zoe Chung

• Chloe Im

• Lydia Ro

The Leadership Award is given to students who demonstrate leadership qualities and the ability to work positively with people and listen to what others have to say while being able to guide and direct them to collaborate and work towards a common goal:

• Emily Dhong

• Dale Son

The Guardian Award goes to the student who represents all that being a YISS Guardian embodies and is the exemplar of the ESLRs - servant-hearted, compassionate, committed, creative, leading, collaborative, and truth-seeking. 

• Isabella Shin

After the awards ceremony, students enjoyed a wonderful catered meal and time to relax with their friends. Various games were set up, and lots of photo opportunities were available to be sure to commemorate and remember the event. Throughout the evening, the MCs - Priscilla Yoon and SuoYing Wang - gave out “Most Likely To Be” awards to each of their classmates, giving funny and often quite true insight into the dreams and aspirations of their peers. At the end of the night, all the students received a gift bag and flowers to take home as their lovely “parting gifts”. A million thank yous again to all the parents who put a ton of effort into the event -- several times as they set up and tore down and set up and tore down! Our students are blessed to have parents such as these who give their all to create something special for them.