As another year passes and a new crew runs out the grand doors of Norra Latin one final time, it is easy to forget that, for many, this is in fact their inner-child’s biggest dream. Growing up in a system driven by academics and competitiveness, we students often put aside the fact that our day-to-day lives are built around our education. We wake up and get ready- for school. We spend over seven hours a day learning various subjects, all- in school. We then go home to study- for school. Finally, after an exhausting day, we go to bed to then repeat the cycle. For over 12 years, this has been our norm, what becomes our source of comfort and identity as we grow older. Though graduating is an accomplishment and a reflection of the tremendous efforts put into our education and futures, it also means losing the routine we have relied on since our earliest days. These are universal feelings that all Grade 12s around the world feel. Some call it senioritis, others may say it’s a turning point, one that connects childhood to the next chapter of their lives.
As of today, the class of 2026 has officially graduated and the 59 students have become alumni of SIS, a remarkable group that will be engraved in the memories of many. When asking various teachers about what they thought of this year group, they all agreed that they truly had something special, giving reason for their impactful legacy.
While Ms Öman caringly shared that, “This is a really, really special group of kids”, Mr Smith and Mr Parry shared rather cryptic messages. We hope the grade 12s will understand them, as we certainly do not; “The answer is and remains, 42.” and “The only advice I could give is to not do anything I wouldn’t do, so good luck on your adventures. But my main message is, be nice. Like Marmite.” What do these mean? Who knows.
On the other hand, a heartfelt message was written by Ms Littorin who taught a large number of them in English throughout the years, “This group was so much fun to teach, though not without its positive challenges! Seeing the students really embrace and overcome frustrations through grit and determination was so rewarding. They have grown, not just academically, but as people who see the value of hard work and believing in themselves. Great things await them.”
An advisor of grade 12 and CAS coordinator, Ms Laura, shared her contentment similarly through an incredible message of gratitude: “Class of 2026, you ran out, no wait, you flew!! Graduation is about finally holding the pen to write your own next chapter. Thank you for the great memories, the laughs and the hard work. Buen viaje clase de 2026. The world is yours now!”
Mr Kleinsmith, who has taught many in their early MUN stages in grade 8, IAS during the MYP or even Economics during the DP, said “This year’s group holds a special place in my heart. They are a very kind and likeable group who I have enjoyed watching make tremendous strides academically and socially these past couple of years. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for them, and look forward to their visits back to SIS!”
Regardless of who we ask, and of the clarity of the answers given, it is evident that the seniors are loved by all, and without doubt, will be missed by many.
To commemorate the graduates, us, Quirky Quibbler editors and reporters, have compiled a playlist that encapsulates the bittersweetness, nostalgia, happiness, and all feelings in between, that were felt during these magical days of celebration. Over the years, coming-of-age songs have become staples in honouring the seniors and their transitions to adulthood; by being a source of support for many who feel understood by the art of those who have experienced this universal stage of life, they are inevitably found in every student’s playlist. The difficulty to accept change, the great divide between friendships, and the terror of facing the reality of today’s world, are all themes explored in the chosen songs, and all are felt by graduates across the world. To those who have previously received a high school diploma, those who are counting down the years till they get to follow the seniors’ footsteps, and even those who have recently walked out the doors of their schools, settle down and press play to feel a memorable rush of nostalgia, or potentially future nostalgia.
“All My Love” – Led Zeppelin [R]
“Carla’s Song” – Harry Styles [R]
“Cigarette Daydreams” – Cage the Elephant [I]
“Coffee & TV” – Blur [R]
“Din Tid Kommer – Otto Knows Remix” – Håkan Hellström, Otto Knows [I]
“Don’t You (Forget About Me)” – Simple Minds [R]
“Dream A Little Dream Of Me” – The Mamas & The Papas [R]
“Dreams” – The Cranberries [R] 💜
“Feels Like” – Gracie Abrams [R]
“Getting Older” – Billie Eilish [R]
“Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” – Green Day [I]
“If I Could Fly” – One Direction [I] 🩷
“I’ll Always Remember You” – Hannah Montana [I]
“In My Life” – The Beatles [R]
“Kids” – Current Joys [R]
“Landslide” – Fleetwood Mac [I]
“Mind Over Matter (Reprise)” – Young the Giant [I]
“My Hero” – Foo Fighters [R] 💜
“Nostalgia’s Lie” – Sam Fender [I] 🩷
“Our Last Summer” – ABBA [I]
“Ribs” – Lorde [R]
“Right Now” – Gracie Abrams [R] 💜
“Silver Tongues” – Louis Tomlinson [I]
“Slipping Through My Fingers” – ABBA [I]
“Story Of My Life” – One Direction [R]
“Up&Up” – Coldplay [I] 🩷
“Vienna” – Billy Joel [I]
“Viva La Vida” – Coldplay [I]
“We’re Going to Be Friends” – The White Stripes [R]
“Where’d All The Time Go” – Dr Dog [I]
“Wouldn’t It Be Nice” – The Beach Boys [R]
“You Only Live Once” – The Strokes [I]
“You’re Gonna Go Far” – Noah Kahan [R]
“1 step forward, 3 steps back” – Olivia Rodrigo [R]
🩷/ 💜= Editors’ favourites
Congratulations class of 26! You made it, “it’s right- [we] hope you had the time of your [lives]”. As you enter the adult world, we want to leave you with a message “If you wanna go far – Then you gotta go far” take those risks and live authentically, as in the end, you only live once, and the only person you owe anything to is yourself.
