Graduation 2001

Awards, speeches, performances, photo-ops -- all of these characterized graduation at ELI in 2001. Six times a year, the graduation ceremony provides a chance for reflection and laughter, tears and hugs, as each group of students leaves the English Language Institute to pursue the next stage of their lives.

In March, valedictorian Byoung-wha Kang spoke of how the ELI experience taught him how to "take charge of his own learning." In April, valedictorian Viviana Rico told how her studies not only improved her English, but also enriched her personal life.

"It taught me to be patient, to be tolerant," she said.

Honor students display the coveted ELI T-shirt at the Graduation in April

Co-valedictorians in June, Claudia Lopez and Diana Vivas thanked their teachers. Then they spoke of their future hopes of returning to Colombia to build the country of their dreams.

"You," they said, referring to all their friends in the audience from around the world, "will be with us forever."