It was an eloquent evening of multicultural entertainment, cuisine and inspiration.

Western Academy of Beijing celebrated its 20th Anniversary in true WAB style on Saturday, as hundreds of local and international guests attended the Tiger Tales: 20 Years of WAB Stories event. Four WAB directors, from Founding Director Ian Rysdale to John McBryde to Robert Landau to the current Director, Dr. Courtney Lowe, were on hand to celebrate with the WAB family.

At the party, organized by 20-year WAB Teacher Bob Blanch and his committee, guests went on a magnificent journey both through the school's history and through the campus, honoring WAB's past, present and future.

The night began with bubbles as WAB Director Dr. Courtney Lowe welcomed current and former 'WABbies' from all over the world.

Beijing Education Commissioner Zheng Dengwen told guests about the critical influence Western Academy of Beijing has played over the years, setting standards and reinventing methods from before the school ever opened its doors.

WAB Founder Sabina Brady spoke about the founders' vision of a school they knew would be unique in China.

"The goal was to bring together the foreign and Chinese communities to identify our mutual dream," Sabina told the party guests of their idea to start WAB. She spoke about the challenges the founders faced in their pioneering effort to open a school that inspired students to be the best that they could be in all aspects of their lives.

Applause to recognize both founders, Sabina and Michael Crook, gave way to the rumbling of traditional Chinese drums, played by a group of high school students. The APAC Choir followed with a soothing and powerful performance, washing a wave of inspiration over the crowd.

In a lantern-guided procession, the party moved from the Atrium and passed Tiger Field, which was dotted with large, exquisitely lit photographs of WAB athletes, honoring the passionate sports programs. Elementary School students played popular tunes on steel drums, as guests paraded past WAB's giant birthday cake and into the HUB Gym.

The mood became mystical and mysterious, as dancers moved slowly and deliberately throughout the dark room, lit only by a winding, abstract chandelier designed and constructed by WAB Art Teacher Tamara Palmer. Cheok Kun, a Grade 12 student, composed four original songs that resonated through the dancers and the party guests. The passion of the school was palpable, as the dancers delicately yet purposefully explored the space around a T-shaped stage. Student Jade Lin and WAB pianist Michelle Yip serenaded the party while they dined on an internationally infused cuisine with a beautiful opera piece.

Coming on to the stage, Former WAB Director John McBryde said the dance reminded him of the inspiration that flows through the school's arts program and why the founding of WAB is referred to as, "The Story of a Dream."

"When we opened the school, the colorful buildings were actually shocking," John said, expressing his wish for WAB to continue to be unique and different at a time when the school is at a sort of coming of age. "When you have success, you can take risks. And as a young adult in the world of schools, WAB is in a position to take risks."

The buildings on campus, John continued, have become a monument of the WAB spirit, exuding creativity, possibility and determination that have become such well-known characteristics of the school and community.

It was fitting then that after his speech, brightly colored blue and yellow Chinese lion dancers led through the Peace Park and to the iconic Xiang Yin Bridge, the path filled with the musical sounds of traditional Scottish bagpipe and drums. The next destination on this adventure was the high school building, which many recognize as WAB's crown jewel.

Deputy Director Donna Connolly welcomed guests to the natural Koi Garden with a final toast to the community and the school.

An inspiring performance of traditional Chinese song by WAB Properties staff filled the high ceilings of the high school. Strange Visitations, a staff band led by 20-year WAB veteran Phil Cowell, brought the staple WAB energy to the party with a full set of music that put everyone in the mood to celebrate the WAB community with enthusiasm.

Fireworks over Duck Lake served as the grand finale of a "magical" evening, a word that many say has become synonymous with WAB.

And while this 20-year milestone is one that the community deserves to celebrate, in her speech, Sabina Brady reminded us that this is also a time to focus on the future of WAB.

"We need to consider the path before us," Sabina said. "With everyone around us, we can continue to move forward and pioneer."

And that is what WAB has always been about: leading the way in every aspect of education and community, fostering the growth of our students as global citizens, and being innovative in our approach to our mission to Connect, Inspire, Challenge and Make a Difference.

Thank you to all of those who attended the event to celebrate WAB's 20th Birthday. Here's to the next 20!