More Than a Ceremony: The Journey and Preparation Behind AISG’s Class of 2025 Graduation

Picture of last year’s graduation ceremony for the Class of 2024, image from author

Eduardo D.

May 27, 2025

As seniors wrap up their IB Diploma Program (DP) exams, all eyes now turn to the next big thing: graduation. Despite being off school and having an incredibly busy schedule over the last three weeks, there’s still one more important date marked on their calendars: Thursday, May 29. Even though it requires meticulous preparation, it’s a day that celebrates hard work, resilience, and the relief that comes after conquering the IB.

First, Mr. John Kennet, the DP Coordinator at AISG, provided some insight into the graduation preparation process, “The prep for graduation takes place over many months of senior year.” He continued, “[This preparation consists of] preparing the time capsules, selecting the faculty and student speakers, cap and gown fitting and then cap and gown photo day.”

“This allows students to ease into this major transition. After the DP exams are done, students have a full day graduation rehearsal the Monday following the last exam.”

Mr. Siddhartha Bose, a 12th grade advisor, shared a rather deeper, non-logistical perspective on what the preparation process truly consists of, “Preparing students for graduation involves guiding them through academic milestones, fostering personal growth, and ensuring they feel confident and ready to embrace the next chapter of their lives.”

Mr. Ron Omadat, the grade-level leader of 12th grade, shares that the process involves the seniors from start to finish, as they must submit clearance forms and rehearse extensively.

He elaborated more on the logistics behind their rehearsal, “On rehearsal day, they get to practice everything from walking in to ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ to crossing the stage as their names are announced. There is even a special moment for the Time Capsule burial, during which students reflect on their high school memories and dreams for the future.”

Mr. Ron finished by saying, “The Class of 2025 has truly taken ownership of the event, and their excitement is contagious!”

Clearly, the faculty surrounding the seniors at AISG is eager to send off the seniors with a proper celebration, but it’s also important to remember the stars of the show: our very own 12th graders.

Dominika K., a senior who is graduating from AISG, was asked about the feelings she felt leaving her final IB exam. She responded, “I felt such elation when I was done, and I could literally feel all the hard work of the past two years give me the reassurance that I did as best as I could.”

Looking forward to graduation, Dominika shares that she’s excited to spend one last event with her classmates “where we celebrate that we made it through IB all in one piece.”

Meanwhile, the looming reality of senior year is starting to sink in for Doreen P., an eleventh-grader. She shared, “Seeing them finish DP reminds me of how I will be entering my second year of IB very soon. I don’t think it has changed my perspective much, just that I am realizing how they won’t be at school anymore.”

Reflecting on seniors’ emotions leading up to graduation, Mr. Kennet shares an interesting observation he’s noticed over the years. He detailed, “Seniors seem to be less nervous about graduation over the last few years, but more nervous about their exams!”

He continued, “A lot more students take the opportunity to decorate and personalize their graduation mortar board nowadays, which is a nice touch to the event. It is about the graduate after all!”

Dominika shares her perspective on this. When asked what she considered to be her main priorities between her last exam and graduation, she didn’t once mention the graduation itself. Rather, she outlined that she would prioritize rest, packing for her university move, and learning the various skills necessary for an independent adult, including budgeting, staying safe, and balancing responsibilities.

“I’m also stalking my university on Instagram, so I know everything to expect,” she added.

However, she clarified that her most important priority is making lasting memories with her friends – and graduation is simply another place to do just that.

On the topic of making and remembering memories, two 12th grade advisors, Mr. Bose and Mr. Habib Ulhaq, were asked to share some of their favorite memories with the departing class.

Mr. Bose begins as he shared “Some of my favorite moments with my Grade 12 advisory this year have been watching them bond during our team-building activities and seeing their excitement as they discussed their plans for the future.” He continued, “Their growth, resilience, and shared laughter during the year have been truly inspiring.”

Mr. Ron added, “I’ve really enjoyed watching the Grade 12s of the Class of 2025 come together to plan and pull off some unforgettable moments, like the Senior Lock-In and Assembly. There was something special about seeing them all work as a team, having fun, and making memories together.”

Mr. Ulhaq echoes Mr. Bose and Mr. Ron, noting that his favorite moments were participating in grade-level events and playing board games with them.

As the day approaches, the faculty is starting to taste the bittersweetness of saying goodbye. Mr. Ron began by expressing, “I’ll definitely miss their energy and how they’ve supported one another through the ups and downs of senior year.”

He continued, “The Class of 2025 has created such a tight-knit community where everyone feels like they belong, and it’s been such a joy to watch. AISG will feel different without them around, that’s for sure.”

Mr. Bose added also observing the unique energy they give off, “I will deeply miss their unique personalities, the energy they brought to every conversation, and the way they supported each other like family. Saying goodbye to such an incredible group is bittersweet, but I feel so proud of the amazing individuals they’ve become”

Finally, Mr. Ulhaq shared that his conversations with his seniors is what he’ll miss the most.

As everyone aims to make the final day special, Mr. Kennett provided some insightful advice on what to do between now and graduation, “My advice to students for all of senior year is to enjoy themselves, take time to make connection and create memories with your classmates and friends at AISG.”

He concluded by saying, “You don’t want to spend your whole time locking yourself away in your room studying and miss out on the fun that senior year can also bring (though please don’t ignore your study!!)”

Finally, the advisors share what they look forward to on Thursday night. Mr. Bose detailed, “I’m most looking forward to seeing their proud, confident smiles as they walk across the stage, knowing how hard they’ve worked to get to this moment.”

Mr. Ron added, “I’m most excited to see them all walk across that stage, proud of everything they’ve accomplished. It’s such a special moment when you see their faces light up, knowing they’ve made it. I’m also looking forward to hearing what the student speakers have to say, and it’s always inspiring to hear their reflections on the journey. ”

After Thursday night, all eyes will be on the Class of 2026, who are starting to feel the weight of what’s to come. “I can’t honestly imagine how next year is going to turn out as my thoughts on how next year would [have never been] accurate,” Doreen admits. “I am just hoping that I can enjoy my senior year and successfully make it through IB exams until graduation.

Another 11th grader, Kelvin L., shared a more optimistic outlook. “Seeing the current 12th graders finish their exams has made me more confident in my skills and makes me more excited for graduating,” he said. Watching the seniors prepare for their big day has sparked his own anticipation, “I can’t wait to put on the graduation robe next year.”

Finally, when asked what advice she could give to the rising seniors at AISG, Dominika had a lot to say.

“I would say keep working hard in your classes because all the skills you’re gaining now will absolutely help you in your DP exams and will alleviate some of the stress of exam season.” She added, “I know 11th graders are working really hard in their academics so I wanna say that all that time and effort put in will pay off for you in the long run.”

As the Class of 2025 prepares to cross the stage and close this chapter, their journey serves as a powerful reminder to all that while the road may be challenging. The memories, growth, and sense of accomplishment make every step worthwhile.