CDR IGDVS Graduation Ceremony

On Saturday, June 19, 2021, The City of Dharma Realm Instilling Goodness Elementary and Developing Virtues Secondary Schools (CDR IGDVS) held its graduation ceremony for a sixth grader and an eighth grader who completed their course of study. In attendance on site and via Zoom were volunteer teachers, previous graduates, and students’ family and friends from overseas. In celebration of the 10th anniversary of CDR IGDVS, previous graduates were invited to share their experiences and pearls of wisdom with the current students. Former and current volunteer teachers were invited to comment as well.

Principal Dharma Master Heng Shr opened the ceremony by speaking of the school’s history, the importance of volunteer teacher system, the various landmarks along the way, including the approval to issue I-20 Forms for non-immigrant students from overseas in 2016, as well as future plans. In fact, the two graduates this year are the beneficiaries of this program. Sixth grader Li Yinxian (China) and eight grader Fang Song-Kai (Taiwan) both shared their experiences of the past two years that helped them grow not only academically but also as individuals with the Eight Virtues teaching in classes and in their daily lives since they could not return home for summer or winter due to the pandemic. As a result, their English progressed speedily and their patience and attention span have also improved significantly.

CDR IGDVS has continued the volunteer teacher tradition established by the Venerable Master. Volunteer teacher system sets up a model of incorruptibility for teachers. As the school’s core mission is to teach the basic virtues of being human, the volunteer teachers’ full commitment is undeniable since there is no monetary incentive, other than the reward of seeing the students grow and improve. Many teachers commented on their personal growth with students whom they teach and from whom they learn. A common theme among the teachers is their appreciation of the opportunity to teach at CDR IGDVS. Students’ parents also commented on their appreciation of the schools’ meticulous care of their children during the pandemic and how they have observed their children’s growth and maturity during this time.

The ceremony concluded with videos of previous graduates Zooming in from England and New York and who are continuing their studies in pharmacy and nursing respectively. They talked about how their education and experience at CDR IGDVS helped and continues to help them be more confident in everything they do both academically and personally. The pharmacist-to-be spoke of his discussion of the Eight Virtues as an integral component of being a good pharmacist during his interview with the professor.

Located in West Sacramento, CDR IGDVS, in partnership with parents, work to instill and develop in students the core virtues of kindness, filial piety, respect, trustworthiness, fairness, citizenship, integrity, and humility. We provide an environment for students to achieve their full academic potential and become outstanding citizens who will contribute to making the world a better place. For more information, please contact info@cdrigdvs.org.