Credit: ISL
The International School of Luxembourg (ISL) celebrated the graduation of 114 students at the Grand Théâtre de la Ville de Luxembourg on Sunday 15 June 2025, marking the end of an academic journey and the beginning of new adventures for the Class of 2025.
Upper School Principal Iain Fish led the ceremony, welcoming families, friends, faculty and the wider ISL community, both in person and online, to what he warmly called "the best and quite possibly the hottest day of the year."
As reported by the school, this year's ceremony held particular significance as it marked the final graduation for ISL Director Dr DJ Condon, who is retiring this year. In his keynote address, Dr Condon reflected on the importance of resilience, curiosity and personal growth. He encouraged graduates to embrace challenges, learn from failure and seek guidance from mentors as they navigate the next chapter of their lives. To support this journey, each student received a journal embossed with the ISL logo, a symbolic gift promoting reflection and lifelong learning.
The ceremony featured musical performances by ISL students, including renditions of "Blómi" and "When We Were Young", showcasing the school's artistic talent.
Student speakers Raphaëla Delattre (faculty-elected) and Jaron Shepro (student-elected), both of whom have been part of the ISL community for over a decade, offered "witty" and "heartfelt" reflections on school trips, friendships and the importance of being true to oneself. They spoke candidly about shared struggles, funny memories and the strength of community that defines ISL.
Raphaëla Delattre also received the ECIS Award, given to a student who exemplifies international understanding, multilingual communication and leadership in building community; the school said she was known for her leadership, creativity and advocacy for inclusivity. She praised the class' growth and resilience, expressing her hopes for their future: "I hope that if ISL taught us anything, it would be to take risks, stand for what is right and always spread diversity and inclusivity in our world."
Jaron Shepro emphasised the power of community and reinvention, encouraging his classmates to see this next chapter as a chance to reset, take bold steps and shape their own path forward.
The ceremony also honoured students who had completed their entire educational journey at ISL from Grade 1 to 12, and recognised outstanding contributions in academics, leadership and school spirit.
As the graduates marked the end of their ceremony by turning their caps and tossing them in the air, Mr Fish echoed a message of cautious optimism and hope: "Be the people who ask better questions, who choose kindness when it's unfashionable, who stay curious when it's easier to be cynical. Be the ones who build bridges, not burn them. We have never been in greater need of thoughtful, compassionate, stubbornly hopeful humans and that means we need you."
With tears, laughter and applause, the Class of 2025 stepped confidently into the future, leaving behind memories and a legacy, and taking with them the spirit of ISL, noted the school.
