Heidi and I attended our first ISKL graduation. For us, it was a beautiful ceremony, reminiscent of many we have observed back home. But for much of our audience, this was a novel experience. They do not have HS graduations in most of the world. In Australia they may have a dance a few weeks before the end of term and perhaps a year ending awards assembly, and then out the door they go to wait several months while their final exams are graded. Same with most of the rest of the world. The HS Graduation is a North American thing, but since we’re an international school, we can adopt what we like….and it seems we like the pomp and circumstance of a traditional High School graduation.

Ours was held in the ballroom of the Royale Chulan Hotel, a beautiful high end hotel in downtown Kuala Lumpur. Chairs all set up, large big-screens affixed at each corner, potted plants, the stage had risers with fabric colored chairs for the graduates. Lovely setting.

Doors opened, our orchestra played, parents seated, dignitaries (like Heidi and I, ahem, ahem) were seated in the front row. The graduates came in two at a time, down the center row, up the steps to the stage, all 141 of them. Pomp and Circumstance was played, tears began to flow, cameras flashed. You held your breath hoping the girls wouldn’t trip on the carpet with their high (some really high) heels. Each year the PTA purchases these beautiful sashes for each graduate to wear, always a batik. Then the high school faculty entered, again in pairs but in order of seniority. They were seated in a special section to the left of the stage. There were the speeches, a few awards, entertainment, and finally the turning of the tassels, a balloon drop and PRESTO…off into the world they go. After the ceremony there was a dinner for the graduates and families, a high end buffet, deliciously catered.

Of the 141 graduates, 95% are headed to universities. Selected at 30 of the top 50 universities in the world. Three are headed to UW !!! 2.9 million USD in scholarships were awarded…that is right, 2.9 million….an average of 20,500 per child. Amazing. Over 90% of the graduates were accepted at one of their top three choices. Pretty special group of kids.

Thank you for joining us on this journey of ours, been good to have you along. Home is tugging on us…tugging hard. The days have slowed to a standstill, time seems to have stopped….but this Friday Heidi flies home, home to family and friends and the familiar. I will follow on Tuesday. We can’t wait…can’t wait to hold and hug grandkids, have coffee with friends, drive with people who stop at red lights, eat at McGlinn’s, climb SaddleRock and gaze at our beautiful valley…so much to fit in a short time. See you all soon!!!

Bob and Heidi-

Daily run around lake with views of the city…..occasionally the lake lives up to the name “Stinky Lake”.

HOME !!!