Haikou Elementary School in Green Island Holds an “Underwater Graduation Ceremony” – Principals and Parents All Dive In

▲ Haikou Elementary School in Green Island holds a uniquely creative “underwater graduation ceremony!” (Photo / Green IslandSEA BOYProvided)

Reporter Lin Yuling / Reporting

On the 22nd, Haikou Elementary School in Green Island held an “underwater graduation ceremony,”where not only did all graduates go underwater, but principals, directors, teachers, and even many parents also dove in to witness the event, making it a truly unique celebration.Then on the 24th, a two-day, one-night growth camp was held, during which students and their parents paddled canoes around the island, covering a full 28 kilometers. It was not only an unforgettable life experience for the children but also a way to preserve their innocent and free-spirited “ocean hearts,” reminding them never to forget this hometown sea.

▲ Graduates, principals, directors, and teachers all went underwater, and many parents also dove in as observers. (Photo / Provided by Green Island SEA BOY)

The “underwater graduation ceremony” was first envisioned over three years ago by Feng Jingzhou, director of Haikou Elementary School, in collaboration with National Dong Hwa University. This year marks the third edition. Given that Green Island is surrounded by ocean, the school places great emphasis on swimming and water activity education. After taking up scuba diving in 2013, Feng had the idea to integrate the senior-grade curriculum with the graduation ceremony.

Each graduate underwent at least five training sessions before the ceremony. A “safety escort team” composed of professionals from National Dong Hwa University, diving operators, and volunteers accompanied the children underwater to ensure safety. Many parents who are diving professionals also joined the dive team for safety support, while others observed as snorkelers.

This year’s “underwater graduation ceremony” was planned and carried out by outdoor exploration instructors led by Professors Wen Zhuomou and Zhuang Xinyu from the Physical Education Department at National Dong Hwa University.Out of the 11 graduates, all except one who felt unwell went underwater. They walked along a red carpet and balloons laid on the seabed, received their diplomas from Principal Wang Erhan, and took photos accompanied by fish.Since speaking underwater isn’t possible, all speeches were replaced with “signboards,” making it a very special ceremony.

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▲ Both graduates and parents were highly engaged. (Photo / Provided by Green Island SEA BOY)

Immediately after the ceremony, the two-day, one-night growth camp and graduation trip began on the 24th. The 11 young adventurers, aged just 12, paddled canoes together with one parent, circumnavigating the island that has watched them grow. If both parents could participate, they could ride in a three-person canoe. The 28-kilometer journey was also accompanied by a safety team, including two rescue boats and a jet ski for water emergencies.

The children set off from Haiguan Port, passed through Loumen Rock, went by Youzi Lake, Haba Dog, and Sleeping Beauty, stopped at Wenquan Hill to land, and camped overnight at Ziping Camping Area. The next morning, they paddled past Dabai Sha, Nanliao Port, the lighthouse, Zhongliao Port, and finished the challenge with a “dive” from Huochuan Rock near Haiguan Bi, before paddling back to Haiguan Port.

▲ After the graduation ceremony, there was also a two-day, one-night “canoe island-loop” growth camp, allowing the children to embrace the sea that raised them, learning to face marine challenges and develop teamwork. (Photo / Provided by Green Island SEA BOY)

It is reported that the children began training in April this year, with risk assessments and controls put in place beforehand to ensure safety. Throughout the journey, they learned how to deal with difficulties at sea and subtly absorbed the spirit of teamwork. Principal Wang Erhan hopes this activity helps them retain their innocent and free-spirited “ocean hearts” and never forget this hometown sea.

Feng Jingzhou also proudly said, “Green Island is probably the only place in Taiwan that holds an underwater graduation ceremony!” Water activity teaching is also carried out to the fullest, and every year they hold a “sea sports meet” where students enter by canoe. These achievements are made possible not only because of the strong team and good cooperation between teachers and students but also because parents are willing to get involved, ensuring the events’ success.

▲ One of the challenges in the canoe island-loop growth camp is “jumping into the sea,” symbolizing a form of “breakthrough.” (Photo / Provided by Green Island SEA BOY)