All that glitters may not be gold — sometimes it’s diamonds! Nagoya International School’s Diamond Jubilee 60th Anniversary Celebration was the perfect occasion for the entire NIS community to come together, dress up in their finest, and celebrate six decades of learning, growth, and connection.
Throughout the year, the school celebrated this milestone with a series of special activities, from creating a time capsule and decorating the campus with a historic timeline, to unveiling a new Dolphin mascot and a new commemorative history book — completed just in time for the Jubilee!
The Diamond Jubilee, the grand culmination of all the smaller celebrations, was held in one of the sparkling ballrooms of the Nagoya Hilton and was a testament to the dedication of NIS staff and a team of wonderful mothers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the vision to life. It was truly a full-circle event, with current students, alumni, former and current parents, friends, and teachers all coming together to celebrate all that NIS has become. Highlights included a champagne toast, heartfelt speeches by Head of School Matthew Parr and Board Chair Michel Weenick, and a lineup of musical performances by students that made the evening extra special.
"The event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the rich history of NIS." said FSA President Kimberly B. "Enjoying the evening alongside former students, current staff and other parents was so special. It made me incredibly thankful to be a part of the NIS community and a small part of the history of NIS. Our diversity is what makes us so unique but our unity is what makes us so special."
And thanks to the parent-led planning team, every last detail for creating the evening of fun was fully executed! "It was such a pleasure to work with such a fun, creative and laidback group of people. We each brought something special to the event that helped to bring it all together. We had such great feedback and many requests to have this event again next year!" said Victoria S., who led the planning team.
Adding to the excitement, guests enjoyed a lively history quiz that spotlighted the school’s rich journey, and a silent auction featuring thoughtfully donated prizes — from a seasoned bonsai tree to woodblock prints and organic rice and fabulous coupons for services, among others. Thanks to the generosity of the NIS community, the auction raised over ¥250,000 in donations in support of the Wing Building renovations planned for this summer.
"Witnessing the NIS community come together to celebrate this significant milestone was incredibly moving." added Ashley C., one of the emcees for the evening. "As a member of the planning team, the highlight for me was seeing everyone relax and enjoy themselves, connecting with each other."
Thank you to everyone in the NIS community who joined us for this special evening. It was a night of glamour, sparkle, and shared memories — a true celebration of all that NIS has been and all that it will continue to be: a strong, supportive family shining bright into the future.