Monday Memory: Setting up camp with the Class of ’97

By Sam Wong, ISB Alumni Relations, and Nick Yates, ISB Communications

Camping under the stars with friends from around the world on the Great Wall? It’s the stuff of lifelong memories.

Lalith Wijedoru graduated in 1997 when the International School of Beijing (ISB) campus was in the city’s Lido district. He recalls with great fondness the ’97 Senior class trip to the Great Wall at Simatai. It was fully organized by the Senior Class Student Council. They sorted out a camping permit to access the ruins, a coach, provisions for an overnight stay, and sleeping bags.  
 
According to Lalith, about 25 ISB students camped overnight, enjoying a magnificent sunset and sunrise, while talking, singing, laughing, joking, and reflecting on High School life in Beijing and what the future would hold after graduation. 

It was a real bonding experience for the Senior class as they prepared for graduating. No wonder Lalith and his friends look so happy and united in this photo.

“I will always be grateful for being a part of that truly international community of staff and students that has never been replicated again in my life,” Lalith said. 

This is just one of many groups of classmates to have graduated with flying colors in ISB’s 40 years. In 2020-2021, everyone is invited to join in marking the 40th anniversary through a range of events. Check out the Celebrating 40 web page for more details, and please send your photos and memories of ISB to celebrating40@isb.bj.edu.cn for your chance to be featured in one of these articles and in the Celebrating 40 Exhibition.

People in the photo: Matthew Smith, Silas Tyler, Zafar Hannan, Anish Ramachandran, Sam Voutas, Matias Illka Ristimaki, Ohad Marom, Simon Bedard, Lalith Wijedoru, Benoit Devinat, Sean Sunquist.