A Day of Emotions and Treasured Memories: Celebrating the H-FARM International School Class of 2025

On May 30, 2025, the air at H-FARM International School was filled with emotion. There was excitement, of course, but also that familiar lump in the throat that comes with every meaningful goodbye. The students of Diploma Programme Year 2—the extraordinary Class of 2025—gathered to celebrate a moment that goes far beyond a simple ceremony: the culmination of a journey marked by challenges, growth, lasting friendships, and deep transformation.

During the opening speeches, Sara Casagrande, Head of DP and Coordinator, together with School Principal Emiliano Cori, captured the essence of the years spent together. It wasn’t just an academic journey—it was a voyage of discovery, courage, a love for learning, and a love for others. They reflected on how these students have grown, inside and outside the classroom, into curious, reflective, communicative, empathetic, and courageous young adults—qualities the world needs now more than ever. Both warmly thanked the families for their tireless support, and the teachers—true “gardeners of the soul”—for nurturing each student with dedication. Mr. Cori concluded his speech with the inspiring words of Thomas Edison: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” A powerful invitation to embrace obstacles as part of the journey.

Learning That Changes Lives

That special day reminded us of a truth often forgotten: learning is not about memorizing facts, but about having the courage to fail, to rise again, and to keep growing. Anna Karpovich expressed this with grace and strength in her speech on “Learning Success”: “Learning is not about being perfect, but about having the courage to make mistakes and grow.” Her words echoed the motto of the chemistry lab: “Here, mistakes are expected, respected, analyzed, corrected.” Anna shared her personal journey, from feeling lost among unfamiliar languages and challenging assignments, to discovering wonder, friendship, and a deep sense of belonging. “Our teachers were our guiding stars, and our classmates a second family.”

Edoardo Bonel, speaking about “Emotional Success,” opened his heart with a powerful metaphor: a kite held down by grey strings of anxiety and expectation. But thanks to H-FARM, he rediscovered the child within—“the child who hugged classmates just out of love.” With a trembling but steady voice, he shared a touching plea: “Find that child inside you again. And find the scissors to cut the strings that keep you from flying. Because flying isn’t about reaching high—it’s about accepting who we are and doing our best to make the world a better place.”

The Power of a True Community

The real magic of H-FARM lies in the bonds that are created—in shared smiles and the shoulders you can always lean on. Francesca De Stefani, part of the school since she was very young, spoke about “Social Success,” calling her classmates “my family.” She recalled how sports taught her that “the best teams aren’t built on talent alone, but on trust and mutual support.” She ended with a smile: “The impossible doesn’t seem so impossible anymore… right?”

Filippo Carraro also brought moments of humor and heart, recounting his experience with “Community Success” with both irony and affection. “H-FARM is basically in my DNA,” he said, remembering tournaments, field trips, and even the legendary “Potassium Incident.” As class representative for six years, he described his classmates as “loud, chaotic, impossible… but also incredibly lovable.” His biggest wish? “I really hope we don’t become strangers. After all we’ve shared, we can truly call ourselves family.”

Celeste Candiolo, an academic standout, spoke about “Language Success” from her multicultural perspective. She described how languages were learned not just in class, but in hallways filled with laughter and messages mixed in three different tongues. “The real internationality of H-FARM is something you live, not something you study.” She concluded by saying that academic success was only possible thanks to her friends and classmates: “They made this so much more than school.”

A Look to the Future, with Heart

Looking ahead, the Class of 2025 carries with them much more than knowledge. They carry values, relationships, and inner strength. Thanilyn reminded us of this in her moving speech on “Future Ready Success.” With gentleness and determination, she spoke of the resilience she learned from her family, the wisdom of her mother, and a guiding Buddhist principle: “Be like bamboo—deeply rooted, yet flexible in the wind.” She emphasized how real strength isn’t something to be held back, but something to be shared: “Empathy and intelligence are seeds to be planted in others’ hearts.”

These students have countless dreams: some want to pursue research, others hope to help people as therapists, and some will change the world in ways yet to be discovered. But they all share something precious—the will to make a difference with integrity, creativity, and courage.

H-FARM will always be their home. A place where they grew, stumbled, rose again, and were loved. A place that taught them not just to think, but to feel. Not just to dream, but to build.

Class of 2025, you are ready. Ready to fly. And the world is waiting for you—with open arms. 💛