HONG KONG (SE): Pride, resilience, and a sense of achievement filled the air as Daughters of Mary Help of Christians Siu Ming Catholic Secondary School in Kwai Chung marked the graduation of the Class of 2026 on May 23. The event marked the end of a challenging secondary journey for 107 graduates, whose years of hard work and perseverance reached their peak in a lively ceremony witnessed by families, faculty, and special guests.
The ceremony opened with a formal procession of distinguished guests, among them Professor Amy Lee Wai-sum, director of Student Affairs at Hong Kong Baptist University; Sister Kenny Luk Kum-lee, provincial of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians; Chan Wing-king, Independent Manager; Dr. Chan Yee, parent manager and Parent-Teacher Association chairperson; Ms. Chau Po-shan, alternate parent manager and vice-chair; and Ms. Michelle Tang Wing-yan, chair of the Past-pupils Association.
Graduates in black and blue gowns entered the hall, greeted by the proud gazes of their parents. Sister Luk began with a prayer, reminding all that graduation is not only about academic results, but also about spreading joy, inspiring others, and building a just and peaceful world.
The principal, Leung Pui-shan, commended the graduates for their resilience, recalling that their secondary journey began during the pandemic. “Our graduates embody resilience and spirit. They are ready to carry these values into the wider world,” she said, echoing the school’s motto. Leung encouraged them to show love, care, and concern for others, and to make gratitude a lifelong habit.
Guest speaker, Professor Amy Lee Wai-sum emphasised that care for community, family, and oneself is essential. “Care is not what you feel but what you do next,” she said, stressing that compassion in all aspects of life promotes resilience and strengthens society.
In addition to numerous external awards, internal recognitions, and scholarships, the students demonstrated remarkable engagement across all areas of achievement. Some of the notable prizes included:
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Striding On Scholarship – Jasmine Ng Wai-lam [2025 graduate]; The Association of Head of Secondary Schools of Tsuen Wan, Kwai Chun & Tsing Yi District’s Tsuen Kwai Tsing Outstanding Student Award – Venus Li Wing-sum [5D]; Link REIT’s Link 20th Anniversary Outstanding Students Scholarship – Evelyn Liu Hei-yau [5C]; Joint School Music Association’s Gold Award for the Joint School Music Competition 2026, Chinese Ensemble – Chinese Orchestra; The Hong Kong Virtuoso Chorus’s Gold Award in the Hong Kong Inter-school Choral Festival 2026 Competition cum Masterclass – School Choir.
Valedictorian, Mandy Ng Yee Ching reflected on joining secondary school as part of the “pandemic class,”, adapting to online lessons and learning perseverance through isolation. She recalled the transition back to face-to-face learning and building memories in lessons, at Sports Day, Talent Quests, and school picnics. She thanked teachers and parents for their support, and said the graduates would move forward with courage, compassion, and integrity.
The ceremony also included musical performances, with the Handchimes Team playing Echoes of the Heart, and the school choir delivering moving renditions of Tread Softly and the Chinese song Before We Grow Up.
The Class of 2026 leaves with more than academic success—they carry the values of their Catholic education, equipped to become beacons of hope and leadership in a changing world.
As the ceremony concluded, hope and promise lingered—a reminder that education is a lifelong journey.
