ISKL Celebrates the Class of 2026

The journey to graduation is built through countless moments of learning, challenge, friendship, and discovery. On May 30, The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) celebrated those moments as 153 members of the Class of 2026 gathered with family, friends, faculty, and staff to mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Among the graduates were 18 "Lifers," students who have spent 12 or more years growing and learning at ISKL.

Welcoming graduates and their families, High School Principal Jeff Farrington reflected on the significance of graduation as a moment to pause and appreciate the journey that led students to this milestone.

"One of the most important purposes of graduation is that it gives us permission to pause. In a world that constantly urges us toward the next goal, the next achievement, or the next destination, graduation forces us to stop for a moment and recognize what you've accomplished. It is an opportunity to reflect on years of learning, growth, challenge, friendship, and perseverance. We will give ourselves permission over the next two hours to pay tribute to the journey that brought you here."

Head of School Rami Madani congratulated the graduates and acknowledged the many people who have supported them throughout their time at ISKL.

"From all of us at ISKL, we are grateful for the privilege of knowing these students, learning from them, supporting them, and watching them grow into the remarkable young people before us today."

Madani reflected on the role that families, teachers, and mentors have played in preparing graduates for the next stage of their journey.

"Graduation is not simply a ceremony at the end of school. It is the visible moment in a much longer story of growing up.A story of being cared for, challenged, encouraged, corrected, supported, trusted, and gradually prepared for a life that no one else can live on your behalf. Graduates, your teachers have invested deeply in you because they care about you."

Looking ahead to the graduates' futures, Madani expressed confidence in the paths they will forge beyond ISKL. "Today, with full hearts and open hands, we send you forward. Not because we care less. But because we believe in you more."

ISKL’s student-led approach was evident throughout the ceremony, including performances by the graduates themselves. The Senior Choral Ensemble delivered haunting renditions of Remember Me from Coco and For Good from Wicked, creating memorable moments for graduates and guests alike.

A highlight of the ceremony was the student address delivered by Zhi Hong C., who was selected by his peers to represent the Class of 2026. Reflecting on a shared tradition that followed the class throughout their years together, he said:

"If there is anything you should know about the Class of 2026, it's that we have a little bit of a weird obsession with the movie Zootopia. Seriously, for some reason, our grade has never been able to escape this movie. It feels like no matter where we go, it's always found its way back to us. Back in 5th grade, at our elementary school moving on ceremony, "Try Everything" was the song we sang to our parents. Fast forward 7 years to October of last year at senior sunset, and where did we end up? In that same theater, watching Zootopia together like little kids again. And today, it is literally our official graduation song."

Reflecting on what lies ahead, Zhi Hong encouraged his classmates to approach the future with courage, resilience, and a sense of community:

"In the next few years, we're going to hit a few walls, and we're going to make a few mistakes. But if our time together has taught us anything, it's that we already know how to navigate the mess. We're going to continue to find the courage to follow our heart, and to be resilient no matter what comes our way. We're going to continue to rely on each other as a community, and we're going to continue to remember the home where it all began. And perhaps most importantly, just as we promised ourselves all those years ago in elementary school, and just as we'll promise to you again today – we're going to go out into that wider world, and we're going to try everything."

The sense of connection and joy that defined the Class of 2026 was also reflected in remarks from High School Spanish teacher Leandro Venier. Describing the unique character of the graduating class, Venier shared words that captured the balance many teachers had come to appreciate in the cohort, calling them "a great cohort to work with because they found a balance between being academically curious, capable, and insightful, while still being goofy, funny, entertaining and often ridiculous."

Venier then encouraged graduates to define success on their own terms and embrace the opportunities ahead with courage and authenticity.

"Remember: you're not here to be perfect. You're here to be you. And now it's time for you to make your own definition of success, to make your own idea of a well-lived life.” 

He continued,  “It is time now for you to set your own values and priorities. And don't forget that it is your own choice how to lead your life. Show gratitude and generosity. Find the best in everybody and meet them where they are at. Give an effort and don't be indifferent. Effort always yields a positive value even if the outcome of the effort is absolute failure of the desired result. It's in the process where you will find the richness of the human experience: you don't need to continue rushing to what you perceive as a valuable end point. Life is less about having but more about becoming. So be courageous. Always. And remember: negative energy is just wasted energy."

Graduates then crossed the stage to receive their diplomas from Anna-Marie Pampellonne, Chair of ISKL's Board of Directors, Head of School Rami Madani, and High School Principal Jeff Farrington. The 18 Lifers were also recognized as they joined a unique group of students who have spent their entire school journey within the ISKL community.

The ceremony concluded with the Class of 2026 tossing their caps into the air, marking the end of their school days and the beginning of their next chapter.

Following the ceremony, graduates, families, and faculty gathered to celebrate and capture memories of the day. Graduates posed for photos in an ISKL-themed Class of 2026 magazine and a nostalgic Jalan Balik Kampung ISKL display, filled with memorabilia from the past year, provided another opportunity for graduates to reflect on their shared experiences and celebrate with friends.

As a final surprise, graduates received portraits of themselves beautifully illustrated by Elementary School students, highlighting the creativity, connection, and sense of community that define the ISKL experience.

The Class of 2026 leaves ISKL ready to navigate the world with confidence and purpose. Graduates are heading to universities in 16 different countries, with the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada, and South Korea among the most popular destinations.

Their readiness reflects ISKL's learner-centered approach, which offers multiple pathways to success, including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), Advanced Placement (AP) courses, the Pursuits Program, and the ISKL High School Diploma. Through these experiences, students develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

More importantly, the Class of 2026 leaves with the curiosity to keep learning, the confidence to embrace new challenges, and the compassion to make a positive difference wherever their journeys take them.

As they join ISKL's global alumni community, one message remains constant: Once a Panther, Always a Panther.

To learn more about how ISKL nurtures future-ready learners, visit our Learning page or discover more community stories in Panthers of ISKL.