AMERICAN SCHOOL OF TEGUCIGALPA 70 YEARS OF EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

70 YEARS’ BASH Tentative date: Saturday, May 14th, 2016 Please keep us in mind this coming summer! Our school will be celebrating its 70th anniversary! We would love for you to join us, but for now, please enjoy this brief trip down memory lane! If you have more facts and pictures to share with us, please email to americanschoolalumni@amschool.org 1 Newsletter created and researched by Alina Fernandez/ Alumni Coordinator with collaboration by Moi Ulloa (2015)

Beginnings…

The Escuela Agrícola Panamericana was established in 1946. Along that same time, more American based companies came to Honduras. The American Embassy saw the need for a bilingual school for the children of the families moving to this country to work in said companies. Mr. James Webb, the American Embassy Cultural Attaché, served as a liaison between the American families and a group of Honduran visionaries who were willing to invest in this project. This is how the first bilingual school, The American School of Tegucigalpa, came to be, located in Barrio La Ronda in downtown Tegucigalpa. The initial school had 42 students and three classrooms.

article for the AST 60th Anniversary Edition in La Tribuna, December 2006 SIMS Publicidad by Miguel Morazán (1988

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The American School of Tegucigalpa, since it’s inception, followed both the American and Honduran educational systems. Mrs. Mary Sager ( above) was the first school director and administrator. She was in charge of grades 3-6. Her personality, professionalism and love for the school set the tone for future, staff of this great institution. Later on, Mrs .Sager was joined by Mrs María Teresa Castro de Ellison (Sub-director) and Mrs Matilde de Izaquirre ( right).

High School classes started by correspondence with The University of Nebraska and the University of Galvet.

These courses were supervised by an American professor. ~ article by Angel Leal in American School Magazine Número I/ 1/3/2004

Article written by Miguel Morazán ( Class of 1988) of SIMS Publicidad for the AST 60th Anniversary Edition in La Tribuna, December 2006.

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In 1946 the school was founded and there were 2 teachers for 43 students. Progressively more teachers were brought in from the United States, more American and Honduran students were enrolled into the school. In 1961 the faculty grew to 33 employees.

Article written by Miguel Morazรกn ( Class of 1988) of SIMS Publicidad for the AST 60th Anniversary Edition in La Tribuna, December 2006.

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In the 1950’s negotiations started between the US Embassy, the American School and the Honduran government to see if land could be donated for the construction of our school. A collaborative effort between our SEIT Board president of the time, Mr. Augusto Rodriguez Ulloa and Mr. James Web is what brought about the donation of the land where the American School of Tegucigalpa is built upon today.

Honduran Ex– President, Dr. Juan Manuel Galvez donated the land( originally owned by Don J. Alfonso Mejía). The government originally proposed one of two locations: a lot in El Pedregal, near the airport, or a lot in a section of the outskirts of town later know as “Las Lomas”.

The U.S. Embassy later donated $100,000 dollars for the initial construction of the new school fifteen years after it’s establishment. With this money, the school started construction, dug a water well, bought buses, and a purification system for the water. The school was initially equipped to accept 500 students.~ Notes from Mr James Webb and article by Angel Leal in American School Magazine Número I/ 1/3/2004

Construction company V. Williams y Cia was the company originally hired for the construction of the school. Ing. Antonio Bendaña and Ing Jorge Costabal were the architects who originally designed the school.~ old newpaper article clipping

Dr. Paul Vinelli ( SEIT President), Dr. José Martinez (Education Minister),Dr. Charles Burrows ( U.S. Ambassador), Dr. Ramón Villeda ( Honduran President)

Article written by Miguel Morazán ( Class of 1988) of SIMS Publicidad for the AST 60th Anniversary Edition in La Tribuna, December 2006.

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Aerial View 1982 According to a deed recorded in 1987,the original land on which the American School of Tegucigalpa was built, belonged to Mr. J. Alfonso Mejía. It was purchased by the Honduran Government who, in turn, donated the land to the SEIT organization of the American School of Tegucigalpa in September of 1954.

Since the areal picture taken in 1982 (above), the following changes have occurred: Constructed: 1. Preschool Building (1990) 2. High School Building (1990) 3. Gymnasium (1989) 4. Cafeteria (2012) 5. Parking structure (2015)

Aerial View 2015

Remodeled: • Covered courts (2015) • Front entrance of school (2008) • Middle School (2000) • Library (2003) • Elementary School (2013-2015) • Soccer field (2012) • Pre School (2012) Since then, SEIT has continued purchasing adjacent land owned by the realty office that negotiated the original transaction, Lotificadora Las Lomas, which at that time, was owned by Mr. J. Lloveras Jr. and Mr. Marco Tulio Mendieta. The latest purchase was made in 2012.

Picture Courtesy of Skyfie Productions; Daniel Irías ( Class of 2008)

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In the 1950’s The American School of Tegucigalpa was the first school to offer a degree as a bilingual commercial secretary.

The school also offered English courses at night, as an added income for the school.

7 Article written by Miguel MorazĂĄn ( Class of 1988) of SIMS Publicidad for the AST 60th Anniversary Edition in La Tribuna, December 2006.

Throughout the 50’s and 60’s the graduation classes ranged anywhere from 3 to 20 students. The first graduates of the 1950’s phase of the American School who graduated with a diploma officially recognized by the Honduran government were: Lottie Izaguirre, Margarita Elvir, Eca Zepeda and Federico Brevé. This is the first graduation class, who’s members could continue their studies in Honduran Institutions of higher education! Prior to this group, all those who graduated from the American School only graduated with a high school diploma.

Primera Promoción de Graduados 1960 desde 1er a Duodédimo grado con High School Diploma.

8 Article written by Miguel Morazán ( Class of 1988) of SIM Publicidad for the AST 60th Anniversary Edition in La Tribuna, December 2006.

Four Pillars of the American School of Tegucigalpa The American School of Tegucigalpa is guided by four organizations which are considered to represent the pillars of the institution: • Sociedad Educacional Interamericana de Tegucigalpa (SEIT) • Superintendent • Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) • Student Council (STUCO) Our Eagle Monument is dedicated to these four organizations. Each panel lists the president of each organization all the way back to the mid 1950’s.

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S.E.I.T. – Sociedad Educacional Interamericana de Tegucigalpa Since the beginning, the American School of Tegucigalpa has been the property of the SEIT. That is, parents of students of the American School, are the owners of the school.

The American School has always been a non-profit organization; all it’s income gets invested back into the school and the education of its students. The SEIT elects their board representatives for a term of two years, with a possibility of being elected for a total of two consecutive terms. After a period, members can run again after their 4 year term. The same goes for SEIT president. But presidential terms alternate with the other board member terms.

Please go to the Eagle Monument at the front of the school for a complete list of SEIT Board presidents.

2015-2016 Board Members Top row: Coronel Stephen Stanley (US Embassy ), Liliana Jenkins, Dennis Figueroa ( Board President), Gabriel Ayón. Middle row: Juanita Bueso, Mirna Zelaya, Reina Mejia, Marco Tulio Hernandez. Bottom row: Lizza Castellon, Julio Di Bono, Alejandra Schumacher

AST is incorporated and accredited by the following programs: •

Honduran educational system, offering a sciences and humanities diploma ( Honduran Plan).

•

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), offering a High School diploma ( American Plan)

•

International Baccalaureate Program, offering an IB Diploma

10 The American School Magazine, Número 1, 1/3/2004 pg 9

International Baccalaureate Program

The yellow tassel worn at graduation means that this student was part of the full IB program

Nikki Rodriguez Class of 2006

IB classes are very demanding and promote critical thinking.

The IB program is an international accreditation program which has been in existence since the 1960’s. It was developed by the English/ Swiss as a way for students who transfer from one country to another, to meet the general requirements of colleges in Europe. This program requires more from the high school student, but ends up saving them tuition and time when they get to college.

This program was brought to AST in 1999 by the Superintendent, Mr. Donald Groves. Mrs. Maria Motz became the IB Coordinator. Originally the program was not too popular, but since it’s implementation, students have recognized the value. In sixteen years, the program has gained acceptance; it has gone from having barley 13 students to having 90% of seniors taking some IB courses and 27-30% of this same population participating in the Full IB program. ~interview with Mrs. Maria Motz and Mr. Daniel Dobbe 11

The first Student Council formed at the American School of Tegucigalpa dates back to 1963, with Richard Ades being the first STUCO president.

In 1966, The STUCO president that year was the future president of Honduras, Carlos Flores.

Richard Ades 1966 STUCO

For a 1971-2015 list of STUCO presidents, you can visit the Eagle Monument at the front of the school.

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The first Student Lounge was built by the 1979 - 1980 STUCO. The 2013 STUCO built the latest version of “The Student Lounge” called the “AST Plaza”

1974 “Champas” were where the students lounged before having a student lounge

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STUCO gives back to AST 1963 STUCO donated the cheerleading uniforms for the very first AST cheerleaders ~1963 yearbook

“1987-88 STUCO built bleacher stands for the outdoor basketball courts. We also painted what was then the pre-school playground.” Lourdes Zablah 1984-85 STUCO had a public phone installed on campus~ 1985 yearbook

1986-87 STUCO donated the sound system for the Old Cafeteria

2012-13 STUCO • Willow Path • STUCO Plaza

1988-89 – Donated two trophy cases for our Athletic Department

2004 STUCO donated a statue of an eagle. 2009 STUCO had the pedestal on which the eagle is perched.

1989-90 – Donated an Electronic Scoreboard for our basketball court together with the American Embassy

STUCO 2005-06 and 2009-2010 Donated several of these park benches

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The American School Alumni Association Founding members: Carmen Zepeda ( 1975)- President, Rafael Quan (1985)- Vice President, Monica Daccarett (1997)- Secretary, Juanita Larach (1985)- Treasurer, Jose Jose Rafael Rivera (1991)- Fiscal, Michelle Corrales (1993)- Vocal I Yuri Gonzales (1990)- Vocal II Lori Flefil (1993)- Vocal III Martha Tom茅( 1990)- Vocal IV

The American School of Tegucigalpa Alumni Association (ASTAA) was started by Ms. Vicky Diaz (Class of 1990) in the year 2002 And became a legal entity in 2003 with the help of alumnus Abogado Gustavo Le贸n G贸mez (Class of 1990)

By 2003 the Association had an alumni board of directors. By 2009 the ASTAA had a page and a group on Facebook. By 2013 part time alumni coordinator was hired. The ASTAA has been active, participating in school events, organizing alumni sports tournaments and getting our alumni more involved in school events.

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Mrs. Matilde Izaguirre, was the first Honduran Director at AST. She worked for the American School of Tegucigalpa for 40 years.

The High School Building was dedicated to Mrs. Matilde Izaguirre

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Mrs. Liliana Flefil Class of 1974 With AST 30 years

Mrs. Linda Matamoros Class of 1964 1974-1998

Mrs. Elcenora Valladares Class of 1972 1981-2011

Mrs. Lourdes Vides Class of 1990 With AST 21 years

Mrs. Victoria DiaZ Class of 1990 With AST 14 years

Mrs. Anahi Vargas Class of 1992 With AST 10 years 17

These teachers have been at AST for 30 or more years!

Liliana Jenkins 30 years/ Justa Corea 34 years

Patricia Canales 30 years

Connie Gallardo 30 years

Stanley Padgett 31 years

Cynthia Zavala 37 years Teresa Sanchez 37 years

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Dr. James Shepherd Superintendent 1988-1995

“ Dr. Shepherd , our seven year long superintendent, came to this school at a point in time in which if no changes were made to the existing structure of the school, we would have fallen to be just another bilingual school. Dr. Shepherd worked hard for us, helping us not only meet the requirements needed to be an accredited school, but also establish the foundation for what has turned out to be the best school in Central American” ~1995 yearbook

“Each

“To be a maker of history and not a mere observer “ is the challenge Dr. Shepherd offered the Class of 1989. It seems like he accepted his own challenge. During his administration the following structural changes took place at AST: New gymnasium/ Auditorium Covered Courts New High School Building New Pre School Building

day presents unique opportunities to achieve or to fail. Each day’s decisions affect tomorrow’s results. The choices one makes affect us all, as time waits for no one. “ ~Dr. Shepherd

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Mrs. Liliana Jenkins Superintendent 1998Present

During Mrs. Jenkins’ 18 years as superintendent, many changes have happened:: · IB Curriculum development. · AST was divided into four distinctive schools · Classroom sizes were dropped to 20 students per class · Implemented standards based curriculum around internationally benchmarked performance indicators. · Adopted common core standards for language, arts and math · Supported innovative school systems and practices such as online curriculum, first web page, student management system, interactive classroom design. · Expansions of infrastructure in the Pre– School, Middle School , fine arts and Elementary buildings. · The construction of the dining hall let AST be a self sustained system were outside catering of events has become obsolete. · Supported AST Athletic Department , by allowing programs which foster better athletes, construction of facilities such as lighted artificial soccer field, special flooring for covered courts, and fitness center.

In 1998 Mrs. Jenkins became Superintendent .

She is the first appointment that came from within the country and school. Before this time, all Superintendents had to be North American. Mrs. Jenkins is the only Superintendent to be an alumna of the school.

~interview with Mrs. Liliana Jenkins and Mrs. Anahi Paredes.

The new elementary building has been dedicated to Mrs. Jenkins

Constructed in two phases 2013-2015 20

Music has always been part of AST Culture.

In 1967 AST had a school band called “The Raiders” and they would play at all the school dances~ 1967 yearbook

Our school bands have participated in numerous music festivals and have won many awards.

“Our band performed twice at the Sept. 15 parade...lots of fun, and I vaguely recall it was raining during one of the events. We also started a concert band back then, and gave several performances, both at school and in the community. We played at the Elvel school once, if I am not mistaken. I remember that all my students used to call me "Zopilote" because that was the first word I learned in Spanish. They still call me that when I correspond with them!

We also did a musical there back in 1981, called "Doctor, Doctor". ~Jay Winograd In the early 2000’s the school band was dormant. It was Mr. Mauro Valladares who brought the band back , also bringing on board Mr. Marco Ferrera and Mr. Walter Arita.

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The American School of Tegucigalpa Anthem American School’s Anthem EAGLES’ NATION Lyrics:

Mr. Jay Winograd, music teacher from the late 70’s- to early 80’s composed the music and wrote the lyrics to the American School Anthem.

“We're the Eagles, we've got pride.

And we cannot, be denied For we are Escuela Americana: mighty Eagles, stay in stride!

For we've got......lots and lots of spirit!

Come on up so you can hear it!

Spirit's our key!

We're just one big family: and we're dedicated to our school.

So let us soar to new achievements using spirit as our guide!

Strike up the band!

We've got the best in the land!

At Escuela Americana!!!!!”

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Some of our Eagles who have gone on to have careers in the music industry: Do you know of any more? Let us know at americanschoolalumni@amschool.org

Carlos Machado Class of 2004 Producer

Patricia Zacapa Class of 1978 Singer Sebastian de Peyrecave Class of 2000 Producer

Anna Sofia Machado Class of 2006 Recording Artist

Javi Touche Class of 2011 Musician

Roberto Espinosa Class of 2005 Producer

JosĂŠ Villeda Class of 2004 Producer

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1969

1990

AST Choir– In 1969 we have records of the first choir group which was formed by elementary school kids. In 1975 the AST Choir was invited to appear on television, during a Christmas Concert.

In 1990 the choir group won first place at the festival held in San Pedro Sula.

1975

Aida Zacapa in her senior year choir in 1975

2014

ALUMNI ACTIVE IN CHOIRS TO THIS DAY

Do you know of any more? Let us know at americanschoolalumni@amschool.org

Leonardo Ulloa Class of 1993 director of the Coro Filarmónico de Honduras

Aida Zacapa Class of 1975 director of the Bel Canto Choir

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From the 50’s through the 90’s AST participated with marching bands, cheer squads, baton twirlers and marching squads in all of Tegucigalpa’s “15 de Septiembre” Parades.

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Originally the American School of Tegucigalpa did not have a uniform code, but the administration decided that in order to distinguish our Eagles from any other student or adolescents in the community at large, it was best to have our students use uniforms. Maintaining a positive school image at all times. ~Interview Mrs. Matilde Izaguirre La Tribuna, Dic 14, 2006

1972 our students started using the , now traditional, blue with white stripes jumper and pant uniforms. ( research from yearbooks)

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1980’s 1950’s

1990’s

AST has had a few different styles of school banners since the school first started back in 1946.

2000’s

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Originally the AST students did not use the modern “togas” for their graduation ceremony. The celebration was housed in an auditorium and the graduates used fashionable attire. In the 1970’s Eagles went on to use caps and gowns in a ceremony held in the Manuel Bonilla Theater and the togas were a dark blue and the material of the gown was very heavy.

Since the 1990’s after the construction of the AST’s gymnasium/auditorium, the graduates continue using a cap and gown of a light weight blue material, but the ceremonies have been kept “in house” at the school’s auditorium.

Photo (above ) courtesy or our alumna Emilia Zuniga

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Three of our current alumni staff members were distinguished by the honor of being appointed Valedictorian or Salutatorian of their classes.

Victoria Diaz Valedictorian of the Class of 1990

Cecilia Maduro Valedictorian of the Class of 1994 “ It is necessary for us to reach out to broader horizons in order to continue growing intellectually, spiritually and emotionally.� Cecilia Maduro Linda Vinelli Salutatorian of the Class of 1995

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1970’s

1993

Juramentación a la Bandera is the official ceremony marking the graduation from high school in the Honduran educational system. In the 1970’s, our Eagles would use their daily uniforms for the ceremony. It was in 1991 that the official uniform for this important ceremony was changed to a red jacket and blue tie. In 2012 the color of the jacket and tie were changed to dark blue and red. This change came about at the suggestions of the seniors, who felt the new color scheme would be more formal and appealing.

2014

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1991 the inside cover of the graduation diplomas had the sketch of the high school building.

In 2009 a senior, Isabela Bueso, suggested that the inside covers should have the sketch of the front entrance of the school. She felt that more people would identify with it, so a new sketch was elaborated and donated by Arq. Roberto Jenkins for the subsequent diplomas.

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Through the 70’s to when the Eagles’ Cafeteria was demolished in 2012, the place where the students and staff gathered to have lunch was called the Eagles’s Cafeteria. It was a one room structure with one counter and a bunch of lunch tables. It was sub-contracted to the PTO for them to manage and collect the funds. There were many PTO representatives throughout the years, but during the last 12 years, Mr. Franklin Hasbun ( RIP) and his wife, Mrs Betty were the ones to manage the cafeteria. They dedicated many years to the school and provided many fond memories for our Eagles.

With the construction of the new two story building in 2012, AST decided not to sub-contract anymore and hired ex alumna, Angélica Diaz del Valle ( Class of 1997) to manage the Dining Hall. Since then, Angélica and her staff have catered countless events at the school and offer a variety of delicious menus for our Eagles.

The Dining Hall was dedicated to all the past, present and future teachers at AST .

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In 2008 our former Eagles’ Cafeteria had a big fire and part of the structure had to be closed off. The firemen who came to the rescue were presented with a plaque of appreciation at a general assembly in their honor.

This is the fryer that was accidentally left on and sparked the fire. Within minutes the fire department was present to contain the fire.

Interview with Mrs. Liliana Jenkins.

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Since the 1950’s AST has had boys’ and girls’ sports teams. Popular team sports were basketball, soccer, track and field, gymnastics, volleyball, softball, etc.

It was until 1979 that AST started to participate in ABSH (Association of Bilingual Schools of Honduras) athletic competitions.( 1979 yearbook) Although AST participated in AASCA (Association of American School of Central America) in the late 1980’s, it was not until 1992 that AST participated in these types of competitions on a regular basis. ~Interview with Ela Hernandez

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1971 Cheer Squad

Cheer Squads date back to 1963.

Throughout the years, the members , uniforms and cheers have changed, but the school spirit continues!! WE ARE THE EAGLES, THE MIGHTY, MIGHTY EAGLES! 1980 Cheer Squad

1968

In 2013 Cheerleading became a sport coached by Stacey Wiles and run by the AST Athletic Department.

In 1993 The American School Cheerleaders attended a competition held in Miami, Florida. Captains were Lorena Maduro and Paola Matamoros.

2014 Cheer Squad 35

Info from 1963,1968 & 1993 yearbooks as well as Vicky Diaz

Since the 1940’s our school’s mascot has been the Bald Eagle, due to our North American roots.

But it is until the early to mid ‘90’s that we actually have had a “Mr. Eagle” to help us add a little Eagle Spirit to our events. In 2013, our Eagle was in need of a “facelift” and STUCO collected funds to purchase a new Eagle.

Sources: Mrs. Katie Zablah , Mrs. Vicky Diaz 36 and Moises Ulloa.

1980 Girls’ Soccer Team with coach Antonio Rivera

Although AST had a girls’ soccer team in 1980, it is not until 1993 that a female soccer team was formed to participate in an AASCA competition. By 1994, our girls’ soccer team was able to reach 3rd place at the AASCA tournament held in El Salvador.

In 2015 our girl’s soccer team became first place winners six years in a row!

1994 Girls’ Soccer Team 3rd place champs

2015 marks the first time an alumnus forms part of the coaching staff. Daniel Flefil (2010) was assistant coach for the boys AASCA Soccer Team.

2015 Girls’ Soccer Team Our Hexa Champions

nformation researched in the 1980, 1993 and 1994 yearbooks

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1980’s Mr. Richard Bradley started the Tegucigalpa Little League. Teams from all Tegucigalpa would compete and the coaches were all parents.

38 1994 yearbook and Interview with Justa Corea

1994 Eagle League started by Mr. Wilmer Miralda and Mr. Robert Rinaldo.

1996 Eagle Cup started by Mrs. Claudia Vasquez Eagle Tots came along a short time later 2015 Rebeca BrevĂŠ becomes the first alumna coach (not a volunteer) of these intramural programs

The purpose of these leagues is to foster athletic skills and good sportsmanship in a non-competitive environment.

2012 alumna, Rebeca BrevĂŠ

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Interview with Ela Hernandez

Originally the Big Toy was a maze of wooden pieces and ropes. In 2002 the PTO ( headed by Mrs. Claudia Vasquez, replaced the old structure with a modern version made of plastic, with tunnels and multi platforms to climb onto. With the construction of the soccer field in 2012, the Big Toy was moved to the front of the school near the elementary school.

Elementary school kids varnishing the Big Toy

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Today’s business office building used to be the library in the ‘70’s through ‘90’s. What we presently know as the elementary and high school library building, used to be, at one time, the business offices (60’s) and later was converted to a gymnasium/ auditorium ( 70’s-80’s) Library 1980’s

Library 1990’s

Library 1992

Today’s Media Center provides • Over 1000 books • E-books • Computers • DVD • Magazines

Wide assortment of materials for literature appreciation and academic research

Library 2000’s

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Yearbooks have had various names since they were first issued in 1963.

Originally the yearbooks were named “Guijarros”. By 1980 the yearbook name was changed to “Aquilaeon” which means Eagle. From 1997– 1999 each senior class decided to publish their own yearbooks because the school stopped production of them. In 2000 a yearbook was published, and it too was named Aquilaeon. From 20012005 the school did not publish yearbooks, so an alumnus, Carlos Bogran (1974) made CDs. By 2006, because of the urging of students, the school started to publish yearbooks again, but the name changed to “Eagles”

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1968 -“Zenith” was the school’s literary magazine . It was a collection of short stores, essays and poems written by AST Students.

1970- “Sounding” was the school newspaper. It’s goal was to promote harmonious relationships between all members of the school.

1990-“Eagles’ Post” was a means of communication between the students, faculty and administration. It united the creative minds of many students providing humor, interesting articles and student opinions.

2013- “HWNT” or “ENN”, was founded by alumnus Aeden O’Connor. It was a weekly video news broadcast done to inform about the weekly school activities.

2004- “Kaleidoscope”, founded by alumna, Nikki

Rodriguez, was a magazine published by AST

students which was distributed at AST, alumni and sponsoring businesses. It contained articles about student life.

2003 The American School Magazine & 2014 the Eagle Life Magazine were published ~Yearbooks: 1968, 1970, 1990, 2004

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The American School of Tegucigalpa has had many “looks”.

In the 90’s this structure below (same one pointed out to the left) was where the business offices were located

In the 70’s through 80’s this structure ( the white square building to the right) was the auditorium and gymnasium

In the 2004 this structure to the right was remodeled and equipped to house the elementary and high school libraries.

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In 1989 the big gym/ auditorium was built in the back of the school.

Class of 1990 was the first graduation class to have their graduation ceremony in the school gym.

In 2009 the gym floor got a new finish which, even to this day, improves shock absorption and decreases sliding.

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Sources: 1989 yearbook, Ela Hernandez & Vicky Diaz

In 1995-1996 the Pre–School was moved from the elementary school building to it’s brand new home at the entrance of the campus.

AST added Nursery school in 1990.

By 2012 Pre School was expanded from 3-4 sections to accommodate for the demand and allow the classes to remain at 20 children per teacher and assistant ratio.

46 ~ 1995 and 1990 yearbooks

Before Middle School came along, AST had Elementary ( 1-6th grades) and High School (7-12th grades).

Former High School

Current Middle School

In the late 1990’s ( circa 1998) there was a short circuit that sparked a fire on the roof of the middle school building. By 2000, we had a new middle school and our very first middle school principal.

47 ~Interview with Mrs. Liliana Jenkins

Class of 1991 was the first group of Eagles to spend their senior year in this building

It took the AST high school building 25 years to go from the “new kid on the block� to the oldest building at AST!

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In

2007-2008 the face of the American School of Tegucigalpa gets a new look.

The School front entrance gets a new look January 23, 2008. Mr. Wilmer Miralda (SEIT president) spearheaded this project. This building included: offices for the principal and assistant principal, infirmary, counselor, storage space, diagnostician and an art classroom. It was dedicated to all alumni of AST.

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From the 60’s to the early 2000’s , our soccer field was nothing but dirt and patches of grass. Many softball, soccer and recess games of tag were played there, but you can imagine how unpleasant it was when it rained or when there were strong gusts of wind! In 2012, thanks to the efforts of Vicky Diaz (Class of 1990) and the Development Office, funds were raised to install an artificial turf. Major Donors were Grupo Ficohsa (Alumni Hmnos. Atala Faraj ) and Pepsi Co. In 2015 another mega school fund raiser reulted in the addition of lights.

2012 field construction

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In 1991, STUCO President, Karim Faraj, asked Mrs. Jenkins if they could level off the back, vacant lot. They wanted to have a place for the students to park their cars. At the time it was a dirt parking space. Later on, during the administration of the SEIT president, Elvin Santos, that dirt field was paved.

By the mid 2000, parking for events and the flow of traffic at times of drop off and pick up of children was such a problem, that finally, plans to make a three story parking structure were approved.

Information derived from interview with Mrs. Liliana Jenkins and 1993 yearbook

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From the 70’s-90’s the area that we now know as the “Covered Courts” was simply a cement slab where the kids had recess, parades, and physical education class. In the early 2000’s a roof was constructed over the cement so that the kids would not get wet or heat exhaustion when doing their activities. By 2015, a major school fundraiser led by the Development Office, resulted in the purchase of a protective plastic tile flooring which was placed over the cement in order to further protect from injury while the students use the playground.

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Courtesy of Skyfie Productions

In 1995 Linden College Fair makes it’s first visit to Honduras and The American School of Tegucigalpa is the host school. AST continues to be the host school for this very successful college fair.

AST hosts several college fairs throughout the year. CIS College fair being the largest one.

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Some of our alumni who currently appear in the Honduran political arena.

Ricardo Alvarez Designado Presidencial Class of 1981

Rigoberto Cuellar

Jorge Aguilar

Fiscal Adjunto Class of 1990

Diputado Class of 1984

Rossana Guevara Designada Presidencial Class of 1979

Ana Joselina FortĂ­n Diputada Class of 1990

Antonio Rivera Diputado Class of 1981

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Presidential Visits to AST 1962– Ex President José Ramón Villeda 1985– Presidential Candidate, Carlos Flores 1993 -President Rafael Callejas 2000’s -President Ricardo Maduro

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First Web Page When José Manuel Mendoza started working at the American School of Tegucigalpa in 1997, our school was not on the web.

Mrs. Jenkins entrusted José with creating our school’s first webpage. While looking for a webpage domain, he realized that their where many “American School” results when doing a web search. During the time when he began working at AST the school was referred to as “La Escuela Americana” ( EA) or “ The American School”. He decided to give the webpage the name “The American School of Tegucigalpa” making it easier for anyone browsing the web, to find our site. He noticed that the first initials of the school’s name were AST, thus he started to refer to the school as “AST” on the webpage and soon enough, more and more people started using that term. That is how our school made the transition from being known as EA to AST.

“In the 1990’s AST had two different logos, one with just the word AMERICANA inside the logo and another with fuzzy colors and text to the right saying "THE AMERICAN SCHOOL". I created the first logo using a combination of the first logo adding the word "ESCUELA" on top ,embedding the words in the logo. For the second logo I used these words "THE AMERICAN SCHOOL at the right of the logo using a better resolution. “ ~José Mendoza

Brought Wi Fi to AST

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1985

Originally, in the early 70’s AST had an event called “Track and Field Day” which was an opportunity for the students to develop their sportsmanship through grueling competitions. There was a brief period in which this tradition was not observed. In 1985 Field Day made a comeback and has been alive and well since then.

1973

2015

1971

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AST USED TO HAVE SCHOOL DANCES AT SCHOOL!!!

The American School had school dances several times a year. ~ 1967 yearbook

1950’s Dance

2004 Mobster’s Ball

STUCO President: Fabiola Abudoj and Advisors Tim Catalano and Todd Lyle

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1984 Certain fun traditions have remained strong at AST; dressing up in crazy costumes is one of them.

2004

1974

2013 CLASH DAY

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1987 and 1987 1988 and 1988 In the late 80’s through early 90’s AST had a Student Exchange Program Exchange students would spend one week with a “host” family from the “sister” high school. One such high school was LSU Laboratory High School. The other schools were in Minneapolis , Park and Woodbury High Schools.

1990 Minneapolis Exchange

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First documentation of club activity at AST appears in the 1968 yearbook. Later on, different clubs such as dance, choir, chess, archery, photography, and drama were formed. Some of these clubs faded away and some we maintain to this day. Although there was one club in 1970 which was known as the Community Service Organization, in the 2000’s we see many more leadership and community outreach type clubs being formed.

1969

1970

2014

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2013 LEAD Club

In the late ‘60’s the American School had a Community Service Organization in which several members would go to Hospital San Felipe to work in the children, polio and maternity wards. They also went to the Hogar de Niños and Hogar Infantíl. AST continues with such charitable practices.

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Through the efforts of our 1983 school principal, Mrs. Ann Lockledge, The NHS was finally brought to AST and 10 students had the privilege of being its first members. The first NHS president was Jacqueline Casanova (Class of 1983). In 1984, in addition to charitable acts in the community, the NHS planted 30 trees on our campus, making sure future Eagles had plenty of green to enjoy.

Information researched in the 1983 and 1984 yearbooks

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AST Participated in the Presidential Classroom for Young Americans Program. From the late 70’s through the mid 90’s junior and senior year students from all over the world would meet in Washington D.C. for a week. They would get a chance to learn , first hand, about the US federal government. They got to participate in workshops, visit museums and national monuments. Upon occasion they would be able to meet international ambassadors, U.S senators and representatives, etc. They were also given the opportunity to participate in political discussions.

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In the early 1990’s AST hosted and participated in a Community Leadership Program. It was the first time this program was hosted outside of the USA. “Community Leadership Programs are local day-long workshops hosted in communities in which Presidential Classroom has designated Field Coordinators who are familiar with its programs and missions, such as staff members or participants. The purpose of the Community Leadership Program is to develop deeper awareness and appreciation of the local and federal leaders. Communication between the students and adult leaders of each community.”

~1990 yearbook

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In 1994 AST organized a special conference and invited all bilingual schools associated with AASCA. This program focused on the learning advantages of leadership in growing and maturing youths.

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In 1993 AST hosted and participated for the first time in an AASCA Knowledge Bowl . The four person team, Samer Farach, Javier Prats, Alex Zablah,JosĂŠ David and Alejandro Gramaglia wins first place.

In the 1994 Knowledge Bowl Tournament, AST took first place again. The team members were; Javier Prats (Captian), Anais Henriquez, Leonidal Rosa, Alex Zablah, Raquel Losk and Oscar Flores.

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Drama Club 1968

Drama Clubs

and AST’s participation in Drama Festivals has been documented back to 1968. In 1980, AST hosted the VIII Central American Speech and Drama Festival and in 1991 the Drama Spring Festival. Throughout the 80’s and 90’s AST did very well in these competitions, receiving high ranking awards in various categories. AST had both English and Spanish Drama Clubs.

Pantomime by the 1975 Drama Club

Drama Festival 1990

In 1980 Christian Barcellos is the winner of the best actor award at the Speech and Drama Festival.

1984 Jorge Aguilar was awarded Best Supporting Actor at the ABSH 68

Some of our Eagles who have gone on to have careers in the film industry: Do you know of any more? Let us know at americanschoolalumni@amschool.org

Walter Krochmal Class of 1978/ Actor

Rick Rios Class of 1989/ Director

Natalia Lazarus Class of 1982 Director/ Actress/ Screen Writer

Gabriel Vallecillo Class of 1994 Director

Giovanni Porta Class of 2007, Actor

Daniel FraĂąo Class of 2010 Director

Ana Belibasis Class of 1995/ Actress

Christina Barcellos Class of 1980/ Producer

Patricia Cervantes Class of 1972/ Actress

Aeden O’Connor Class of 2013 Director

James Joint Class of 1995, Director/ Actor

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Science at AST

The American School had it’s very first Science Fair in 1967 and it was open to the public( 1967 yearbook). AST has a yearly science fair.

SOME ALUMNI WHO HAVE MADE A CAREER IN SCIENCE Do you know of any more? Let us know at americanschoolalumni@amschool.org

Costantino Agnesi Class of 2010 Physics

Alex Fraño Class of 1997 Physics Maria Eugenia Lainez Class of 1982 Micro Biology

Steve Padgett Class of 2002 Aero nautics 70

Art Clubs date back to the 1970’s when Mrs. Nury Reina de Toffe came to AST.

Every year, AST has an IB art exhibit

Mrs. Toffe was the high school art teacher from 1970-1987

SOME ALUMNI WHO HAVE ELECTED CAREERS IN THE ART WORLD Do you know of any more? Let us know at americanschoolalumni@amschool.org

Celsa Flores Class of 1969 Painter

Julia Galeano Class of 2008 Painter

Juan Carlos Fernandez Class of 1998 Painter

Fernando Alvarez Class of 2008 Painter

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Please note that collection of our school’s history is a work in progress!!! You can help by…

• Helping us get our facts correct. Let us know if you remember the things on this newsletter differently.

• Sending pictures of you or your classmates when you were at school…the more “vintage” the better!

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