On Saturday 10 June 2016, a total of 99 students drawn from 23 different countries graduated in a ceremony held at the Grand Theatre in Luxembourg-Limpertsberg from the International School of Luxembourg (ISL).

In the presence of school staff, family and friends, ISL Director Nicki Crush addressed the graduates: “Life is a journey and you’ve just completed the first 18 years of it. Sometimes you can take it at a leisurely pace, sometimes you have to run to keep up and so my advice is very simple: Plan the very best possible journey you can! Keep on learning, be thoughtful, be curious, be grateful and say thank you – to your parents, your teachers, your friends – they have helped you on your journey and are your biggest supporters. And finally, be happy and enjoy every day.”

Mike Hitchman, ISL’s Upper School Principal, described the class 2017 as “great performers” and during the celebration the graduates showcased their talents with various music including Van Halen’s “Jump” and Childish Gambino’s “Redbone”.

The student speakers, Daniel Perlman and Eline Munster, shared memories of precious moments at ISL and Eline emphasised “We are prepared for whatever will come”. 

A number of awards were given to students in recognition of outstanding efforts made during their time at ISL. For the first time two ISL students received the prestigious “National Merit Scholarship Award”: Carlos Cipollitti and Alexis Rakochy. In addition, 19 students received the K through 12 Award, for having studied at ISL since kindergarten.

After the presentation of awards, Daniel Ham, a former ISL Alumni, addressed the graduates in a refreshing and inspiring speech. His career developed tremendously after graduation from ISL in 2004. He studied History at Cambridge University, UK where he graduated with a First Class Honours degree, a followed by a Master’s and PhD in History. After working in different countries, he is now based in New York and works for the United Nations World Food Programme.

Daniel left the students with valuable advice: ”You have a world of choices in front of you. Seize your opportunities. Be champion for equality and pursue your passion.”