The Gables auditorium filled with pride as the International Baccalaureate program held its annual IB Pinning Ceremony for the Class of 2026 juniors. On Dec. 11, students, parents and faculty gathered to celebrate the significant milestone and mark the juniors’ official induction into the IB Diploma Program. The ceremony consisted of juniors proudly getting pinned by their upperclassmen, recognizing the hard work they have put in that makes them a worthy candidate for the IB program.
As students entered the auditorium to commence the event, they witnessed a presentation of photos of themselves from their past years at Gables. After reminiscing over past memories, the juniors sat down and were welcomed by the Mistress of Ceremonies for the event, senior Melissa Hernandez.
To kick off the event, art program teachers Mr. Groff, Ms. Barrow, Mr. Rodriguez and Ms. Diaz delivered insightful presentations about the IB Art program. During their presentations, they highlighted the creative process and emphasized the importance of developing your own artistic voice. Soon after, upperclassmen from the language program began speaking in alternate languages. After much time practicing with IB Executives, the speakers perfected their multilingual speeches and conveyed motivating words to the Class of 2026 while showing off different cultures.
Following the language presentations, the ceremony transitioned to inspirational speakers who shared powerful messages to uplift the Class of 2026. Each speaker brought a different perspective, looking back on their own experiences in the IB program and offering advice on future challenges students may face.
One highlight of the ceremony for many juniors was the speech given by senior Victoria Sosa. Sosa shared her personal stories of development in IB and compared the IB program to her fear of elevators, which she learned to conquer through bravery. She explained that much like her initial hesitation to step into an elevator, entering the IB program felt frightening at first; however, through courage and persistence, she learned to face her fear, just as IB students should.
“A part of the ceremony that I found to be especially meaningful and inspiring was Sosa’s speech. Although it seemed like a funny speech, it was really meaningful and motivating to me, and I think it will stick with me for a while,” junior Alex Tam said.
The humor of the speech captured the audience’s attention, creating a great moment of both laughter and reflection. Much of the audience felt like they could relate to her metaphor, which reminded students that overcoming fear and discomfort is the key to growth and success.
“It was such a good speech. People were crying, and it made me cry as well because it gave me so much nostalgia to think that in five months, I will no longer be a child… I will be an adult that is no longer in high school, so it was really special to me, and I’m sure it was to everybody else,” senior Michelle Hernandez said.
Another inspiring speech from junior Sebastian Druck reflected on the challenges and rewards of being apart of the IB program. In his speech, he gave words of encouragement to the Class of 2026, as they embrace this milestone of their high school years.
The ceremony then continued with a presentation from IB Coordinator Ms. Van Wyk. She spoke about the values of the IB program and the significance of the pinning ceremony, encouraging students to stay committed to their academic growth. Her words described the importance of resilience, inspiring both students and parents.
“I think the ceremony embodies curiosity, celebration and career. I think the seniors who volunteered for pinning didn’t volunteer because they would get volunteer hours. They could’ve done that by ushering. They could’ve done that by doing language speaking. They chose IB pinning, because they wanted the juniors to have this moment. It is a very rewarding thing for someone to come up to you and ask if you can pin them,” senior Hernandez said.
Finally, the true heart of the ceremony was the symbolic pinning, where students received their IB pins from seniors. After Ms. Van Wyk’s presentation, juniors were called up to the stage and received flowers. Once off the stage, they received their pins. This moment celebrated not only the students’ academic dedication but also the support and team work between students and teachers that define the IB program.
“The ceremony made me feel much more connected to the IB program. It was a moment of recognition that reminded me that I’m part of a community of students who are all working toward the same goal. The ceremony created a sense of belonging in being part of IB program,” junior Adri Muñoz said.
As the magical night came to a close, MC Melissa Hernandez gave her closing remarks, congratulating everyone on their impressive achievements and wishing everyone a good rest of their evening. Afterwards, all the pinned juniors gathered on stage for a class picture. With their pins as symbols of their dedication, the Class of 2026 is prepared to overcome the academic development and hardship that lies ahead.
