Bangalore, April 11: An evening marked by pride, reflection, and the celebration of achievement defined the Graduation Day ceremony of the IB Diploma Class of 2026 at Greenwood High International School, Sarjapur. Held under the theme “Pioneering Possibilities,” the occasion brought together students, parents, and faculty to commemorate years of perseverance and academic excellence, as the graduating cohort prepared to embark on the next chapter of their journeys. The ceremony was further distinguished by the presence of Chief Guest Shri Nara Lokesh, Honourable Cabinet Minister of Andhra Pradesh for Human Resource Development, IT, RTG, Electronics and Communications, whose address added inspiration and significance to the milestone event.
In a keynote that reflected on purpose, resilience, and the evolving role of education, Chief Guest Shri Nara Lokesh, Honourable Minister of Andhra Pradesh for HRD, IT, RTG, Electronics and Communications addressed the graduating cohort with a message that was both reflective and forward-looking and said
“Education is not just what you learn but it is about how you learn to think and that is something I strongly see here, a system that prepares you not just for exams but for life.” Describing the occasion as “not just a graduation ceremony, it is a special moment where memories meet dreams and students here become future leaders,” he encouraged students to approach the next phase of their lives with clarity and conviction. Urging them to make choices anchored in meaning, he remarked, “Don’t follow trends, follow purpose. Trends change but purpose will always sustain. Always choose the road less travelled.” Emphasising the importance of integrity and describing ethics as one’s greatest strength, he added, “Never do anything that you cannot openly tell your mother,” highlighting ethics as a lifelong compass. He further spoke about the need to remain adaptable, resilient, and curious, while carrying a strong sense of responsibility towards society and the nation.
His address to the graduating class inspired students as they stepped into the next chapter of their lives, carrying forward the values of innovation, resilience, and purpose. His message reinforced the importance of education as a force for meaningful change, making the Graduation Day a truly memorable and impactful occasion.
The Class of 2026 has demonstrated exceptional academic distinction, securing admissions to globally renowned institutions including Brown University, Dartmouth College, University of California, Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins University, University of California, Los Angeles, and University of Southern California. Additional offers have been received from New York University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Boston University, Purdue University, and the University of Washington. In the United Kingdom and Europe, students have gained admission to leading universities such as Imperial College London, University College London, University of Edinburgh, and Bocconi University, while Canada and Asia placements include the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
On this momentous occasion, Mrs. Niru Agarwal, Managing Trustee, Greenwood High International School said,
“This Graduation Day marks not an ending, but the beginning of a future shaped by ambition, purpose, and possibility. The accomplishments of the Class of 2026 reflect not only academic excellence, but also resilience, integrity, and a strong sense of character. At Greenwood High, we believe that dreaming big while staying grounded in one’s values is fundamental to meaningful success. It is a matter of great pride to witness our students grow into confident, capable individuals, and we wish them every success as they embark on the next chapter of their journey.”
Further strengthening this achievement, students have been awarded significant scholarships from globally reputed institutions. Deepti Prabhakar secured a Presidential Scholarship exceeding $262,000 from The College of Wooster, while Aanya Shrivastava received a $100,000 Presidential Scholarship from American University. Aneesh R. Krishnan was awarded multiple scholarships totalling over $168,000 from Case Western Reserve University and $140,000 from Denison University. Several other students earned scholarships ranging from $100,000 to over $120,000 from institutions such as Rochester Institute of Technology, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and Boston University.
The ceremony featured formal recognitions, student-led segments, and moments of reflection, culminating in the traditional cap toss that symbolised both completion and new beginnings. The evening concluded on a note of pride and optimism, marking the emergence of a globally prepared cohort ready to contribute meaningfully to the world.
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