8/10/2022 Wednesday
Many of our black belts have graduated from high school this year and will be moving on to college and university this fall. They will be moving on to the next chapter of their lives and as a result will be too far away to commute to SKZ. Knowing this, we didn't want our students to simply leave without saying goodbye first. We held a small party on August 10th to congratulate our students graduating from high school and celebrate them going to college/university. The party was composed of the graduates, family members of the graduates and students from the last class of the day. We wanted to keep the celebration small, personal and slightly casual.
The graduates with family, shifus and students from the last class.
A poster decorated by some of our younger SKZ students to wish our graduates a good college/university life.
One major part of the SKZ Hello University event was passing on knowledge to younger students. Being able to give advice to students about college/university applications and the steps to take is a rare privilege for both sides. During the COVID season, their advice on being timely with college applications struck more deeply than if it were to be told by an adult. Many students gained knowledge while our graduates were able to reflect on their own knowledge.
Our graduates each gave a speech about their Kungfu experience in SKZ and growing up in the SKZ family. They were all good friends with one another and had always helped each other grow in Kungfu. As a result, they always were able to perform exceedingly well and improve at a remarkable rate. Everyone was friendly enough to speak casually with each other. Other students in the class spoke their thoughts and feeling on the graduates as well, cracking jokes and egging on their competitive natures. The students of today will be the role models of tomorrow. Our graduates were Leonardo, Lucas, Ethan, Kyle and Vandan with a guest appearance from Jasper. Unfortunately, Vandan was unable to make it to the celebration, so we gave him an honorable mention.
Our graduates each bring some food for a potluck for a final dinner together. Good eats from good people.
The Shifus taking pictures with the graduates before everyone go their separate ways. We will hold on to our best memories. Only the best for our students.
Shifu Andy wanted to give our graduates something a little more concrete before moving on to the next phase of their lives. Our graduates were handed certificate to congratulate them on their achievements. Jasper accepted a certificate on Vandan's behalf. Jasper will also be receiving a certificate as well. We wish everyone a good college/university life. Meet people, make connections, grow socially and academically.
Our students and graduates all gave a small performance for family members to witness. Everyone's in the peak condition of their lives. We hope the knowledge that we've passed on to them sticks. May you apply the knowledge you've accumulated in college/university and beyond.
