On the afternoon of November 28, 2025, the 14th Stars Project Graduation Ceremony—a leadership training program of Xiehe Education—kicked off with an energetic opening performance by the trainee teachers. The venue was filled with distinguished guests, including leaders from the Xiehe Education Decision-Making Committee, members of the Stars Project Steering Committee, heads of various central departments, school-level leaders from SUIS campuses, and outstanding alumni representatives from previous Stars Project cohorts. Together, they witnessed this highlight moment in the trainees’ professional careers.
The ceremony was hosted by Shirley Meng from SUIS Hefei and Benny Xu from SUIS Hongqiao. Mr. Rick Spadafora, Academic Principal of the host campus, SUIS Gubei, delivered the welcome address. He commended the trainees for their dedication and highlighted the special significance of holding the graduation ceremony in the innovative and integrated environment of SUIS Gubei.
Guided by Vision, Illuminating the Path of Growth
A central highlight of the ceremony was the keynote speech delivered by Mr. Tang Jiangpeng, Vice President of the China Education Association and Director of the Institute of Contemporary Education at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Starting from the macro trends in educational development, Mr. Tang provided an in-depth analysis of the growth trajectory, opportunities, and challenges facing mid-level leaders in the era of technological transformation, charting a clear forward direction for all educators present.
A Look Back: Glittering Footprints of the Journey
A thoughtfully produced review video transported everyone back to the moments of the past nine months. Every instance of mentors generously sharing their knowledge, every late night spent diligently working on projects, every spark of inspiration from collaborative discussions with peers… each frame on the screen captured the solid footprints of the trainees’ growth and the brilliant moments of their transformation.
Following this, the exciting certificate presentation ceremony brought the event to a heightened level of celebration. With the heartfelt blessings of their mentor, Ms. Catherine Qin, the trainees took to the stage one by one to receive their graduation certificates from the presenting guests—symbols of honor and recognition.
This weighty certificate serves not only as the finest affirmation of their diligent efforts but also as a passport to a new stage in their future educational practice.
Peak Sharing, Wisdom Illuminates the Future
Amidst great anticipation, the top three trainees of this Stars Project, based on comprehensive evaluation, took the stage one after another to share their learning gains, practical insights, and reflections on the future. Though their speaking styles varied, the presentations of these three outstanding individuals were closely centered on the core theme of “AI empowering education.” They demonstrated how they creatively applied theoretical knowledge to real teaching scenarios, addressed authentic challenges, and achieved personal breakthroughs in the process. The depth of their thinking and the breadth of their practice resonated strongly with their peers in attendance, providing profound inspiration.
▲ Joe Zhu (First Place, SUIS Qingpu) shared on “AI, True Love”
▲ James Xie (Second Place, SUIS Wuxi)
presented “Classroom Revolution: The Leap from Chalk to Algorithms”
▲ Theresa Tian (Third Place, SUIS Gubei)
explored From Instructor to Alchemist: Reimagining Education in the AI Era”
Message for the Future, Embarking on a New Educational Journey
With the heartfelt and powerful closing words of the hosts, the 14th Stars Project graduation ceremony came to a successful close. Although the nine-month learning journey has ended, the exploration of education knows no bounds. May all graduates of the 14th Stars Project carry this honor, wisdom, and passion forward as they continue to cultivate the fertile soil of education. With AI as their sail and compassion as their helm, may they ride the winds and waves on the vast platform of Xiehe Education, embarking together on the next journey filled with starlight!
