As we approach the end of the school year, the WAB community will begin hosting many of its major traditions and milestone celebrations, including academic accolades, artistic performances, and community events.

The first of these major activities to move online was the annual Grade 12 Awards Ceremony, recognizing students for their accomplishments in different subject areas. Students, parents, and teachers signed into a video conference together to join in a community celebration for the Class of 2020.

First, the audience took part in a virtual point-of-view style video of WAB’s traditional Long March, where the entire school celebrates the soon-to-be graduates as they go on a parade-style walk through of all of the buildings on campus. In signature WAB style, the assembly also included several musical performances by the students who tuned in from around the globe.

During the award announcements, teachers, parents, and students applauded their classmates as they called to the virtual stage. Despite the challenges we face in acknowledging these students’ accomplishments while away from campus, participants agreed that it was a warming and fulfilling experience for the Grade 12 community to assemble online.

“While an online awards ceremony was no one’s first choice, there were some interesting silver linings for the community,” said Melanie Vrba, WAB’s High School Principal. “Normally, students sit separately from family members who are able to attend, but this year students celebrated and enjoyed the event together with family. It was really heartwarming to see parents and students sitting side-by-side and taking photos with award winners as they took a moment to say thanks.”

On the Monday following the awards assembly, April 27, Grade 12 students who were in Beijing were welcomed back to campus after three months of closure. But prior to returning, the Class of 2020 gathered online for their traditional Grade 12 breakfast, which takes place after their last official day of High School. The group shared memories and thoughts about their time at WAB, reflected on the last few months of online learning, and considered all they have learned since being away from WAB's campus

The breakfast and the Grade 12 Awards Ceremony, hosted via video conference, were just two of the many WAB traditions our Grade 12 students are going to be taking part in over the coming weeks. More WAB events are on the horizon, including Rock in the Park music festival, the annual Identity Film Festival, and the Grade 12 graduation ceremony.

“Adding small touches, such as live video feeds with students as they were acknowledged and other special videos, did a lot to help the online event feel a little more ‘WABbie,’” Melanie said. “We will take all we learning in this first event and begin to plan other events with these considerations in mind, especially a graduation which will be truly special for the Class of 2020.”