TIS Marks 2026 Graduation with Top University Offers Worldwide
The 2026 Graduation Ceremony of The International School of Macao (TIS) was proudly held on Saturday, June 6th, 2026. Attended by family, friends, teachers, guests, and TIS leadership, the event celebrated the graduation of 69 students. Notable guests included the Education and Youth Development Bureau of Macao SAR (DSEDJ) Head of Division of Secondary Education Mr. Leong I On, Canadian Consulate General to Hong Kong and Macau, Vice-Consul & Trade Commissioner, Ms. Janet MacPhee, and TIS School Supervisor Dr. Howard Stribbell.
This year’s graduating class achieved outstanding results, receiving over 1,750 offers worldwide. More than 74% of all graduates received offers from universities ranked in the top 100 globally, with 90% earning a place in the honour roll. Scholarships totalled 752 Million MOP. University destinations include leading institutions, such as the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University (Ivy League), UCL (QS #9), The University of Hong Kong (QS #11), University of California, Berkeley (QS #17), the University of Melbourne (QS #19), the University of Toronto (QS #29), The Chinese University of Hong Kong (QS #32), as well as leading UK Russell Group institutions such as the University of Edinburgh (QS #34), King’s College London (QS #31), the University of Manchester (QS #35), and the University of Bristol (QS #51).
Our Award Winners:
A special mention must go to our award winners, who truly embody the spirit of excellence. Here's a quick look at their achievements:
Governor General's Award: Leanne U
The Governor General’s Academic Medal was established in 1873 to encourage academic excellence across the country. It is awarded to the student who is graduating from a Canadian high school with the highest average through grades 11 and 12.
The Patrick Mitchell Community Citizenship Award: Samuel Liang
The Patrick Mitchell Community Citizenship Award, presented in honour of TIS' first principal, is awarded to a well-rounded student who demonstrates academic achievement as well as extracurricular participation.
Neil P. Johnston Fine Arts Award: Lucas Logan-Wright
The Neil P. Johnston Fine Arts Award is given in honour of Neil Johnston, one of the founders of TIS, a long time educator, and a strong supporter of the arts.
DSEDJ Lotus Awards for Academic Excellence: Donald Lao and Leanne U
The Lotus Awards for Academic Excellence are awarded by the DSEDJ on behalf of the Macau Government to the female and male students who have maintained the highest grade point averages for grades 10, 11 and 12.
DSEDJ Prémio Li Bai Award: Dicky Yuan
The Premio Li Bai award is presented by the DSEJ on behalf of the Macau government to the top student of Chinese Language and Culture.
The Spirit of Canada Award: Cloris Yan
The Spirit of Canada Award winner does not only hold his or her academic career in high regard, and has a well-rounded school life, but believes in balance. This balance can be achieved in many ways, such as being an active participant in various extracurricular activities in and outside of school. Furthermore, the award recipient shows leadership in the school community and works well in an international and multicultural community.
Valedictorian Award: Cloris Yan
The valedictory allows a representative of the graduating class to bid a final farewell to the students and to the school, as the graduates prepare to disperse and to begin the next phase of their lives.
In his address, TIS Head of School Lorne Schmidt said “As I look across the graduating class today, I can see how each one of you has grown and matured. You are ready for what lies ahead. You have the tools and attributes to not just be a successful individual, but to also be part of a successful generation that seeks a more harmonious and productive world.”
Valedictorian Cloris Yan also spoke to her fellow graduates, stating, “The future might be riddled with new uncertainties, and no longer guaranteed by traditional paths. (...) But uncertainty is exactly what we have been trained for. TIS has created an infinite [future] for us, for in our growth lies the solution of change and stability.”
The ceremony marked a culmination of years of hard work and personal growth, celebrating not only the achievements of the Class of 2026, but also the journey they have shared with their TIS community. The school looks forward to witnessing the positive contributions these graduates will make as they join the global network of TIS alumni, already making their mark on the world.
