Written by Lina Lee
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Adriana DiBenedetto
On the sunny and pleasantly mild morning of May 29, 2025, Tzu Chi Elementary School in Walnut, California, held its fifth-grade graduation ceremony in the school’s small auditorium. The venue was filled with warmth and joy, with large balloons in gold, blue, and white adorning the entrance, lobby, and stage. Neatly arranged tables and chairs, along with scrumptious desserts, small floral arrangements, and handcrafted decorations, created a space brimming with joy and heartfelt blessings.
Cultivating Humanistic Education
The heartfelt atmosphere of the ceremony was the result of thoughtful preparation by dedicated parents. On May 28, Peikwei Chi’s mother, who was also the president of the Parent-Teacher Association, led fellow graduating class parents and PTA members in setting up the venue. All design elements were developed by the parents themselves and brought to life with the help of a professional team, fully reflecting Tzu Chi’s educational philosophy of “uniting hearts between school and family.”
For students and their families alike, this day marked a deeply meaningful milestone. Many parents, moved by emotion, reflected on their children’s first words and tentative steps, and now proudly watched them donning caps and gowns, ready to turn the next page in their story.
Graduates present tea to teachers, as well as the CEO and Deputy CEO of Tzu Chi’s Education Foundation. Photo/Lina Lee
“The children have truly grown and flourished in the Tzu Chi environment,” shared a parent named Tingwen Wang. “I’m deeply grateful to all the teachers and staff who have poured their passion, love, and professionalism into this nurturing educational setting. The children’s growth is visible to all.”
This graduating class would also become part of the inaugural class of students at Tzu Chi Middle School, marking a significant moment in Tzu Chi’s educational mission in the United States. Families beamed with pride and looked forward to seeing their children continue to thrive in the middle school’s environment that upholds Tzu Chi’s character and humanistic education.
Tzu Chi Elementary School is beloved by families not only for its adherence to U.S. academic standards, but also for its well-rounded curriculum that includes bilingual Chinese instruction, courses in character and humanistic education, and hands-on learning at the school’s Great Love Farm. Together, these cultivate a rich, healthy, and diverse learning environment where children can evolve and flourish.
Honoring Parents And Teachers
The ceremony officially began at 9 AM, with graduates arriving early alongside their parents. Dressed in caps and gowns, the students rehearsed their speeches in both Chinese and English. Fourth-grade students also participated in the celebration, ready to present floral wreaths to their older schoolmates as a gesture of their heartfelt blessings.
The event was hosted by administrative teacher Jawad Frangien, who opened the ceremony with warmth and reverence. Then, graduates took the stage alongside special guests to perform three bows, reciting in unison, “Thank you, Master Cheng Yen. Thank you, my parents. Thank you, my teachers and classmates. Thank you for everything I have. With gratitude, please be seated.”
Afterward, Principal Benjamin Tsao, Tzu Chi Education Foundation Deputy CEO Anne Chuo, Deputy CEO and school Supervisor Ben Tu, and Tingwen Wang, mother of graduate Minhsi Chang, each took the stage to offer words of encouragement to the graduating class.
Graduates then served tea to their parents and expressed thanks for their love and care, which was received with tearful eyes and smiling faces. The graduates then served tea to their teachers, as well as the CEO and Deputy CEO of the Education Foundation, on stage. With reverence, they shared their gratitude, saying, “Today, we are about to embark on a new journey in life. At this special moment, we offer this cup of tea to you, who have quietly worked and patiently guided us all along. Thank you, teachers, for your guidance and companionship over the years. You have not only guided us academically but have also been our mentors on the path of life. Every piece of advice and every word of encouragement you have given us has become the warmest source of strength in our hearts. Please allow us to use this cup of tea to express our deepest gratitude and respect. Thank you, teachers.”
Bilingual Achievements Showcase Transformation
English language teacher Ms. Fan and Chinese language teacher Ms. Tientien Ye also addressed the students, urging them to keep striving in middle school and to broaden their horizons.
“I feel a mixture of sadness and excitement for the students. They were a group of adorable children, and I will miss them dearly. But I also look forward to seeing their future achievements,” Ms. Fan said with emotion.
These children have learned Jing Si Aphorisms and Chinese language in the Tzu Chi environment. Their hearts are filled with love and energy. Being able to continue the inheritance of Chinese culture in a foreign country is a very meaningful mission.
Another highlight of the ceremony was when graduates took to the stage one by one and reflected on their time at Tzu Chi Elementary School in both Chinese and English. Danielle Mai, Kai Isogai, Lyric Fang, Solomon Cheng, Bella Lee, Maxwell Weng, and Ella Chang spoke confidently and fluently, demonstrating the fruits of their bilingual education.
“I really like Tzu Chi because every teacher has taught me with patience. Sometimes when I’m being naughty, I think about becoming an adult, so I don’t act so naughty anymore. This year, I’m moving up to sixth grade, and I’m both excited and nervous,” said Weng.
Celebrating Graduation And Looking To The Future
The ceremony included a video montage capturing joyful moments from the students’ time at school as well, bringing back memories as laughter and applause filled the hall. Diplomas were then awarded, with graduates radiating pride and fulfillment.
As the shutter clicked for a final group photo, graduates tossed their caps into the air, their spirits soaring even higher, and expressed their best wishes for the future. Younger students presented flowers to their seniors, while parents offered bouquets and hugs.
After the ceremony, the campus was filled with laughter as teachers, students, and parents exchanged blessings and gratitude, and created even more precious memories with cameras in hand. With the principal’s encouraging speech, the ceremony had concluded successfully. The students, imbued with the Tzu Chi spirit, were ready to go forth on a new chapter in their lives.
