In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the graduating students of the “Class of 2020” of the Canadian International School (CIS) Bangalore were given a fond farewell and grand send off at a Drive Thru graduation ceremony.  Students were able to don their traditional caps and gowns, receive their diplomas, and bid a last farewell to their teachers and the school while staying safely in their cars and socially distanced.   

This unique Drive Thru event followed a digital graduation ceremony recently just one week prior. The digital event was full of nostalgia and memories and also one of looking to the future. With a graduating class of 67, students, parents, teachers, and other Canadian International School community members joined in to watch and celebrate the digital event from all over the world.

Among the highly selective universities where Canadian International School students have been accepted include Penn State University, University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, University of Edinburgh, Kings College London, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Hong Kong University of Science & technology, University of Waterloo, University of Liverpool, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland among others.

Dr. Ted Mockrish, Head of Canadian International School said, “We are so excited and proud of our CIS Class of 2019-2020 graduates!  Well done to this class that has taken multiple disruptions in stride and continued to shine right through to the end of the school year. You are truly prepared for a bright future and I honestly rest easier knowing that you all are our future leaders, and movers and shakers!  Congratulations and enjoy your well-deserved accolades!”

“Being the valedictorian isn’t just a fancy title with the opportunity to give a speech. It’s the recognition for every sacrifice, struggle and hardship endured for two years, for which, I am extremely grateful. It was always a dream to have a platform from which I could inspire young girls to chase their dreams, to reassure any little girl, just like I once was, to achieve everything they ever hoped for, especially when things don’t look easy; to push for their dreams and conquer. I want them to believe that, with a little bit of faith and a lot of perseverance, they can do anything. Don’t ever give up and don’t be too hard on yourself,” said Aarti Gunaselan, Valedictorian of the Class of 2020.

“These past two years have been some of the best of my life other than the time I have spent in school. I’ve made friends, lost friends, and made more friends. CIS has really moulded me as a student but more importantly as a person. I have had my ups and downs in this school. But I am going to miss this school and all the memories that I have created here,” said Akshat, Graduate of Class of 2020 of Canadian International School.

“This day is special for children as they take back with them a whole new experience, new friendships and much more. I would like to thank all the teachers in their selfless endeavour in moulding our children and enabling them to find a path in this competitive world.  I am overwhelmed by emotions. I wish all the graduating students luck as they climb another step in the ladder of life,” said Pranali Mehta, a parent.

Shweta Sastri, Managing Director, Canadian International School said, “Congratulations CIS class of 2020!!! You said “We’ll find a way or make one” and we did just that to give you a spectacular Virtual Graduation Ceremony. We at CIS share a sense of great pride with our graduates who walk ahead in life to study at top Colleges & Universities across the globe. Our students have worked really hard and collectively received 3.5 million USD in merit scholarships from universities across the world. We believe that Graduation is not the end but a new beginning of an amazing journey. I am confident that the students will bring laurels to our institution where-ever they are in the world and will put their best foot forward in the new world they will face now.”