This year school graduation¹ was held May 11th, 2012². The ceremony was held outside in front of the school in near freezing temperatures but everyone was strong. Two students from the 11th grade acted as emcees, Sandanjigmed and Barkhassuren.

The ceremony included a variety of musical and dance numbers performed by the graduating students.  Numbers included a traditional dance by Otgonbat (accompanied by Suvd-Erdene and Bat-Erdene)

An orchestra piece led by Shinkhuu in the middle,

Some lovely group songs

and a most memorable dance number to Billy Jean

In addition to music, several students read poems, and students were awarded with medals.

After the ceremony parents gave their children gifts of candy, stuffed animals, and cell phones and took lots and lots of pictures.  Here are a few that I don’t look totally short in

Finally, each class had a party in their classroom with teachers and parents invited. The 11th grade, being so large, held their reception in the gymnasium and the tables went all around the room.

Everyone ate, sang songs, and teachers that were especially influential in the lives of the students received awards.

It was a lovely day and I wish all the graduates luck in the future.

1. In Mongolia, students currently graduate after 5th, 9th, and 11th grades. In a few years the system will completely switch to a 12 year system at which time I assume graduations will be after 6th, 10th, and 12th grades.
2. Something which I will never understand since May 11th was a full 2.5 weeks before the end of school and 1.5 weeks before finals. What incentive is there to work hard in the end of the school year if you have already graduated and partied?