(Announcement) Developing Virtue High School's  Commencement at the Sagely City of Ten Thousand  Buddhas, took place at the Tao Ywan Hall on June 16, 1993.  The Acting Principle, Dharma Master Heng Jywe, in his  keynote address encouraged the Boys'-school graduates to  use the principles they have learned for dealing with people  and with the world wherever they go in the Society. Susan  Rounds, the Chairman of the School Board Committee,  encouraged students to combine their academic studies with  their education in values in their search for ultimate truth.  Dharma Master Heng Shen, a graduate of the girl's school  also gave a speech. The girl students performed a play and  songs to express their sincere best wishes. Seeing the  progress the students have made, the students' parents and  guests expressed their appreciation to the Girls' School  Principle, Terri Nicholson. Following is the speech of  Dharma Master Heng Shen, the graduate student of the Girls'  school:

All Dharma Masters, the Principle, Teachers, Parents  and all my friends,

Today is my last day in high school, and there is much that I  want to say regarding my feelings about my school  experience. One thing I'd like to emphasize here is that I'm  really pleased and proud of my parents' decision two years  ago to send me here to continue my studies. These two years  of high school education in the City of Ten Thousand  Buddhas have been a precious experience and will serve as a  lasting memory for me.     This school is relatively small compared to my previous  high school which has nearly 3,000 students. Developing  Virtue School, however, has some distinctive and significant  features that make it stand out as an excellent place for both  academic training and character development. Here in the  school we put equal weight on academic studies as well as  spiritual growth. We learn modern science and technology in  order to prepare ourselves to face future tasks and challenges. Simultaneously, we bring along the collective philosophical knowledge and teachings of Confucianism with our studies so  that we will be able to create and develop a new perception of  the contemporary world, and further make changes to improve  our lives. Here we have students from all over the world with  varied cultural backgrounds. They are many different  nationalities, different languages, and different religions. Yet  despite all these differences, we're able to get together  harmoniously as a big family. In the school, we're taught to be respectful and considerate toward our teachers and friends.  The concept and practice of morality is central to our everyday  life. Here we live as a group, yet at the same time each of us  sticks to our own principles and sustains herself as a unique  individual.

Living in a Buddhist monastery and studying in a Buddhist  school for these two years, I learned more than I could have  learned in other places. It has not only solidified my faith in  Buddhism, but has also given me a real opportunity to see the  whole community, living and practicing their lives according  to the Six Guiding Principles of not fighting, not being  greedy, not seeking, not being selfish, not pursuing personal advantages, and not lying. I really appreciate all these chances  that have been given to me by the Venerable Master, my  parents, and all the teachers and friends who have helped and encouraged me throughout my years of studies.

    Here, with a whole-hearted appreciation, I wish all the  teachers will enjoy their sacred job as life-guides for the  students. As for my friends, I wish them to be well and happy  in their studies, and be successful and prosperous in the future.