Hokuryu Town Shinryu Elementary School 122nd Graduation Ceremony: Graduates leave with sparkling eyes filled with big dreams and hopes

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

The 122nd graduation ceremony for Kitaryū Town Shinryu Elementary School was held from 10:00 on Friday, March 18th.

Hokuryu Town Shinryu Elementary School

Graduation ceremony venue (gymnasium)

This year, as a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the scale and hours of the event were scaled down, but the 19 graduating students, clad in their new junior high school uniforms, said goodbye to their familiar school with sparkling hope in their hearts.

Regarding the ceremony, in accordance with notifications from the Hokkaido Board of Education and the Hokuryu Town Board of Education, attendance will be limited to two people from each family, and current students will be limited to fifth graders and a fourth grader who will act as emcee.

The program included an academic report, a congratulatory address from the Kitaryū town mayor, a speech from the Board of Education, and a congratulatory address from the PTA president, all of which were displayed in print, and congratulatory telegrams were posted.The national anthem was played on CD, and the school song was sung in unison behind masks.

Commemorative photo

Before the ceremony began, a commemorative photo was taken of all participants.

Live broadcast of the ceremony

For students and related parties who were unable to attend, the ceremony was broadcast live via Bluetooth.

The event started with a general MC from a current student (4th year)

Graduates' entrance

Opening remarks

Vice Principal Shiro Tsujiwaki gave the opening remarks.

The national anthem was played on CD, and the school song was sung in unison behind masks.

Piano performance by current students

Academic reports and congratulatory telegrams: published and posted

Graduation ceremony

The 19 graduates slowly walked up to the stage and received their diplomas from Principal Yoshimichi Matsunawa.

My dream for the future

After receiving their diplomas, the graduates each took to the stage and spoke loud and confidently about their dreams for the future.

The graduates spoke proudly and with great enthusiasm about the jobs and dreams they want to have in the future, including "truck driver," "a job related to manufacturing, such as designing houses and cars (where I can communicate with people)," "baseball player," "volleyball player," "full-time housewife (I want to build a family that is unique to me)," "doctor," "a job that makes a lot of people smile (I want to be useful to people and want to try anything)," "temple priest," "illustrator," "nurse," "a job related to animals," "comedian (I love to entertain people)," "to become a good artist (I want to work hard at art and draw lots of pictures of what I like)," "craftsman in the manufacturing field (I love making things, I like to master one thing, and want to try many different things)," "I want to find a stable job," "photographer," and "to take over a farm."

He then expressed his gratitude to his parents, saying, "Dad and Mom, thank you for supporting and raising me until now. I know I will continue to cause you a lot of trouble and worry, but I ask for your continued support."

School Principal Speech: Principal Yoshimichi Matsunawa

"This winter has been bitterly cold, but as we enter March, warm sunlight shines through and we can hear the definite footsteps of spring. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the parents and families who have been able to attend the 122nd Graduation Ceremony of Hokuryu Town Shinryu Elementary School on this wonderful day.

Congratulations to the 19 graduating students. Over the past six years at Shinryu Elementary School, you have all studied hard, played hard, and cooperated with your classmates, and each of you has grown greatly in mind and body, and is now here.

Your achievements over the last year in particular have been remarkable. You have shown great leadership in school events, student councils, committee activities, and cleaning team activities, and have worked hard to improve school life. You have also fulfilled your responsibilities as the top grade students, and have done an excellent job of caring for and guiding the younger students.

The graduation certificates I handed to you earlier contain everything you have learned and grown in over the six years of elementary school. They are proof that you have successfully completed your elementary school curriculum.

Please go on to junior high school with pride and confidence, holding this diploma in hand, which is filled with all the hard work, sadness, happiness, and many other memories you have experienced over the past six years.

As you graduate, I would like to say two parting words to you.

The first is to be confident in your own identity.
Just as each of you has a different face and personality, the opportunities in which you can demonstrate your strengths will also be different. This is because each of you is a unique individual who cannot be compared. There is no point in simply comparing yourself to others. First of all, be confident in your own individuality and personality. Fully develop your individuality and abilities until you can thrive. I hope that you will firmly establish a foundation that will enable you to demonstrate your abilities throughout your long lives. Never give up on yourself.

The second is to set goals.
You have limitless potential. Everyone is given the same amount of time. How you spend that time will determine your life. You must cherish each and every day and cherish every moment. Continue to work hard toward your dreams. However, dreams do not always come true.

Whether your dreams come true or not, they will never come true unless you try. Even if things don't go well, don't give up and keep trying to make your dreams come true. I hope you will keep these two things in mind as you carve out your own future.

I would like to say a few words to all the parents. I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to your children on their successful graduation today. Looking at how much your children have grown, I am sure that all the hardships they have endured up until now have turned into great joy. I pray that your children will continue to grow up healthy and strong.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude for your cooperation and support for our school's educational activities over the years.
In closing, I would like to congratulate the 19 graduates for their bright future, and I would like to extend my heartfelt wishes for happiness and prosperity to all those involved and the local community.

March 19, 2020 Hokuryu Town Shinryu Elementary School Principal Yoshimichi Matsunawa

Congratulatory speech by Hokuryu Town Mayor Yutaka Sano

"Congratulations to the 19 students graduating from Shinryu Elementary School today. I would also like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to all the parents on your children's graduation.

Now, to all the graduating students, you have all learned to "think carefully and study hard" during your time at elementary school. I believe that you have thought about what to do not only in your studies but also in sports, hobbies, and the things around you, and have worked hard to find the answers.

Starting in April, you will all be studying at junior high school. Your studies may become a little more difficult. Your club activities may also become more challenging. However, please do not give up just because it is difficult or tough. Do not be afraid of failure, and keep trying until you are satisfied.

In closing, I would like to express my gratitude and respect to the principal, faculty and staff, and everyone in the local community who have given us such warm guidance over the past six years, for their hard work and dedication. I would also like to conclude my message by wishing all our graduates, who are about to take their next steps, every success.

March 18, 2022 Mayor of Hokuryu Town, Yutaka Sano

Kitamachi Board of Education Speech

"Congratulations to all the graduates.

This year, your final year at the school, was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, but we were able to successfully hold major events such as sports day, school trips, and academic presentations, and I believe you have been able to further deepen your bonds with the wonderful friends you have spent the past six years with.

Also, during the student council activities, I was impressed by how the oldest students worked hard to be role models for the younger students, and at the same time, I felt that they had grown.

I believe that through the various experiences you have had over the past six years, you have grown significantly both mentally and physically together with your irreplaceable friends. I hope that you will continue to cherish the bonds you have forged with your friends over the past six years.

Your junior high school life will be a very different environment from what you are used to, and you may feel both excited and anxious, but please never forget that you are always surrounded by your family and the people in your community who are watching over you, and by your friends who will support you. I hope that you will continue to grow even more in the future.

I'm sure that parents must be overwhelmed with emotion as they see their children, who once carried large school bags with their small bodies, grow into the fine young adults they are today, both physically and mentally. I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations on successfully completing six years of elementary school.

Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the principal, all the teachers, the families who have warmly watched over and supported the students, and everyone in the community. This concludes my speech on behalf of the Hokuryu Town Board of Education for the 122nd Shinryu Elementary School graduation ceremony.

March 18, 2020 Hokuryu Town Board of Education”

Congratulatory speech by Mr. Haruo Uematsu, PTA Chairman of Hokuryu Town Shinryu Elementary School

"Congratulations to the 19 graduating students and their parents on graduating from elementary school.

Six years ago in April, with a big school bag on his back and a slightly nervous look on his face, he was greeted by older students on his entrance day. He must have been excited about the new life that was about to begin.

While you have learned a lot each year, I believe that the second half of your elementary school life has been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is a first for us adults as well. Daily wearing of masks, temperature checks, social distancing, and other lifestyle changes have been brought about by this invisible virus.

However, this experience (although extremely inconvenient) has made people realize how happy they were in their previous lives, with things like, "I want to go wherever I want without restrictions," "I want to talk to my friends without wearing a mask," and "I want to attend sports days and school presentations without worrying about COVID." If you change your perspective, you'll realize that the everyday things you take for granted are actually wonderful.

There is a saying that "happiness is determined by your own heart." I hope that in the long life ahead of you, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in, you will be grateful for the ordinary days you have been given, and live your life feeling happy.

Once again, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Principal Matsunawa and all the teachers and staff for your dedicated guidance of our children up to this day. I would also like to thank all the parents for their understanding and cooperation with PTA activities over the years. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude.

Finally, I would like to congratulate all the graduates and wish them continued success in their endeavors.

March 18, 2022 Haruo Uematsu, PTA Chairman, Hokuryu Town Shinryu Elementary School

Farewell Song: Choral Piece "Unchanging Things"

All the graduates joined together to say their farewell words and then sang the choral piece "Unchanging Things" through their masks.

"We have just received our graduation certificates from the principal. These certificates are filled with many memories of the fun times, happy times, sad times, and hard work we have had over the past six years.

Six years ago in April, we were small children when we entered Shinryu Elementary School. The kind seniors taught us many things, even though we didn't know anything at all. We were also helped a lot by the lovely and sometimes reliable students.

I was able to spend six wonderful years surrounded by wonderful seniors and juniors. Throughout my school life, I learned to be grateful for many things and to take on new challenges. I will sing "Unchanging Things" with all my thoughts from these past six years, including the importance of working hard with goals, never giving up, and the importance and greatness of my friends.

Graduate Chorus Song "Unchanging Things" composed by Mako Yamazaki

You are here, I am here, and when I look back, there is a smile
The cherry blossoms bloomed, the seasons changed, and yet you were there

Far, far away, on the hill where heat haze rises, even if the scenery changes someday
There's something that never changes in my heart

Let's walk on, savoring the happiness of meeting you
One year from now, ten years from now, and forever

You were there when I was sad, happy, or in pain
You were there in the scenery that seemed so natural

I can't stand still forever
Someday when you let go of that hand, grab hold of your own future

Because you were there, I was able to do my best, to support each other and share
Thank you for giving me so much love

Let's walk on, savoring the happiness of meeting you
Whether it's one year from now or ten years from now, these feelings will remain unchanged from now on, forever

To all the teachers who have raised us, sometimes strictly, to all the people who have watched over us with kindness, and to our moms and dads who have watched over us, supported us and raised us every day, thank you so much! Thank you so much!

We all said together, "Thank you very much!"

Closing remarks

Vice Principal Shiro Tsujiwaki gave the closing remarks.

Graduates leave

Seeing off graduates

After the graduates left the hall, they moved outside the school building. As they approached the school gate from the entrance, current students and parents lined up in a row to send the graduates off with applause.

We send our boundless love, gratitude, and prayers to all the graduates who are graduating with many precious memories in their hearts and with big dreams and hopes shining in their eyes, while being watched over by the deep love of current students and their parents.

Other photos

Photos (119 photos) from the 122nd Graduation Ceremony of Hokuryu Town Shinryu Elementary School are here >>

◇ Photography and editing: Noboru Terauchi Interview and text: Ikuko Terauchi