Last Friday, the annual ISR Graduation Ceremony took place at the Düsseldorf City Hall. During the ceremony, 39 students from 20 different nationalities received their ISR High School Diploma; three students were already abroad preparing for their university studies.

The festive ceremony commenced with the graduates’ ceremonial entrance into the council chamber, where Ms. Jordanova, the Academic Head for Grades 9 and 10 and the IGCSE Coordinator, guided the proceedings. Following this, our ISR School Director, Ms. Lyons, warmly welcomed all attendees and congratulated the graduates on their successful completion of high school.

Afterwards, Mr. Soliman, the proprietor of ISR, addressed the guests and all the graduates with welcoming words, followed by Mr. Cete, Deputy Director and Academic Head of the Upper School at ISR, who bid farewell to this year’s graduating class with much charm and humor!

Our special guest of honor, Mr. Burkhard Hintzsche, the City Director of the State Capital Düsseldorf, congratulated the Class of 2024 in his speech. He highlighted the significant role ISR plays in the city of Düsseldorf and the long-standing partnership between the school and the city. He expressed his confidence that the graduates, with their comprehensive education, will make a positive impact worldwide in the future.

The ceremony also featured a musical performance by our two talented students, Jade and Rubi, who captivated the audience with a duet on the violin and clarinet.

In the end, Dr. Rohrbach, the parent speaker and father of two former ISR students, delivered an inspiring speech about the promising future awaiting the graduates. Following his address, the class valedictorian and salutatorian, Rinta and Marleen, shared heartfelt memories from their school years, which deeply moved their fellow students and guests.

The highlight of the ceremony was the awarding of the ISR High School Diplomas, received with great joy by the graduates. Alongside Mr. Hintzsche, the ceremony was also attended by Mr. Abe, the new School Director of the Japanese International School, Mr. Fuchs, the Chairman of ISR’s Advisory Board, and board members Mr. Nickel and Dr. Schröder-Frerkes.

After the formal part of the graduation ceremony, all guests and graduates gathered outside the council chamber for a convivial reception with drinks and delicious refreshments. Another highlight was the ceremonial cutting of the graduation cake and, of course, the traditional throwing of caps in front of the Town Hall, which marks the festive conclusion at ISR.

We reflect on a successful graduation ceremony, celebrating 42 talented and ambitious students who have received their ISR High School Diplomas. True to our motto, “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” we look forward to seeing them embark on the next exciting chapter of their lives – and always know that the doors to ISR are always open for them.