AIS-Salzburg Graduates 21 Seniors
June 5, 2026
The 2026 Commencement Exercises at AIS-Salzburg represent the most important and significant of all annual events at our school. Seniors commence to become alumni after receiving their hard-earned diplomas and receive our blessings and high hopes for a successful and satisfying future.
This past Thursday, the 2026 commencement exercises were once again held at the beautiful Kavalierhaus at Schloss Klessheim on the outskirts of Salzburg. By tradition, the members of the senior class of 2026 entered to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance by Edward Elgar played by the Pro Musica Quartet led by Ms. Lardschneider of our teaching faculty.
The class Salutatorian, Vladislav Martynchuk, welcomed the audience of families, friends, and classmates, followed by a speech from the ECIS Award for Intercultural Understanding recipient, Hector Lopez, introduced by Mrs. Fox.
Mr. Lichty, then introduced Valedictorian Anastasiia Bezugla, who delivered a touching and heartfelt speech thanking his friends and family.
While the Pro Musica Quartet played Mozart’s Divertimento in D, the graduates left their seats and presented a rose to their family members and loved ones; a touching and emotional expression of their gratitude and appreciation to those who supported and strengthened their resolve again and again. The photos and video below capture this special moment.
Ms. Ali Welch then presented the Commencement Address to the Class of 2026, fulfilling the seniors’ wish that she do so—an indication of the high regard and respect they have for her efforts both as an instructor and as a supporter of their labors over the years.
With the awarding of their diplomas, the individual members of the class completed the last requirement for graduating beyond secondary education and received their qualification for further studies at the universities of their choice. With caps thrown into the air, they fell into each other’s arms, rejoicing at their accomplishments, but saddened by the conclusion of their time together in Salzburg, Austria. We invite you to join us in celebrating the achievements of a class that will be remembered within our community for many years to come.
The entire event was live streamed and can we viewed on our YouTube channel, here. Highlights of the Pomp and Circumstance march and diploma reception can be viewed on our Instagram account.