Dear MSHS Families,

Congratulations to the Class of 2017! The MSHS School is pleased to announce that the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2017 was a smashing success. A crowd of over 700 parents, grandparents, family, friends, faculty and all students in Grades 9-11 filled the Sports Centre on May 26 to participate the graduation ceremony and following reception.

Befitting the occasion there were inspiring speeches by UNIS Hanoi Head of School, Dr. Barder, United Nations Resident Coordinator Vietnam, Dr. Kamal Malhotra, Faculty Speakers, Bobby Hart and Shannon Kerry, Class of 2017 Student Speakers, Kimberly Van Anh Knaggs and Son Dao and Valedictorian, Young Ju Lee.  In fact Ms. Kerry’s and Mr. Hart’s presentation we so inspiring it caused a power outage throughout Tay Ho!  A special thank you to Mr. Quach Mai Linh and his Operations Team for their quick action to get the power restored enabling the ceremony to proceed without further interruption.

Adding to the memorable event Luke DallaGrana and the MSHS Band provided live music, Hoa Phan and the Grade 11 Vietnamese class hosted the traditional Bamboo Dance, Dr. Barder presented diplomas and Chair of the UNIS Hanoi Board of Directors Mr. Hieu Nguyen moved the graduation tassel for each graduate from right to left signifying graduation has been earned. Of course the students ended the ceremony with the traditional tossing of the graduation caps in the air!

Although the achievements of the Class of 2017 were many, five students were honored with special recognition for outstanding achievement in scholarship, community service, perseverance, and contributions to the life of the school.

Award Winners

Valedictorian Award:
Presented by Deborah Wells-Clinton
Winner: Young Ju Lee
Given to the student with the highest cumulative grade point average during their high school years at UNIS Hanoi.

Council of International School’s Award:
Presented by Rebecca Bechard
Winner: Son Dao
Awarded to a student who is good representative of his/her country, with a positive attitude toward the life and culture of others, able to converse in at least two languages, a contributing force in the life of the school, with the ability to bring differing people together into a sense of community, thus furthering the cause of international understanding

The Dr. Frances J. Rhodes Community Service Award:
Presented by Sara Quigley
Winner: Kimberley Van Anh Knaggs
This award is designated to recognize a student who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the community and has manifested personal values of care and responsibility towards others.

The Director’s Award:
Presented by Jackson Garland
Winner: Tae Young Jeong
Given in honor of former UNIS Hanoi Headmaster Jim Ambrose to a graduating senior who has demonstrated persistence in achieving personal and school goals over at least two years at UNIS Hanoi.

Phoenix of the Year:
Presented by Kristen Twynam-Perkins
Winner: Morgan-Belle Bradshaw Holmes
Student who has demonstrated an exemplary work ethic, commitment to the programme along with the qualities of dedication, enthusiasm and pride. To be eligible, the student must have participated in a minimum of three major co-curricular programmes during the academic year. The individual must have participated in a balance between athletic and non-athletic programmes (e.g. Varsity Volleyball, MUN, and Choir, or JV Basketball, Varsity Soccer, and band). This award honors the all-around contributor to our co-curricular programme.

We are sure the entire UNIS Hanoi community will join us in wishing the Class of 2017 congratulations and best wishes for the future!

Warm regards,
Pete Kennedy - MSHS Principal
Marc Vermeire - MSHS Deputy Principal
Glenda Baker - MSHS Deputy Principal