AIS Global Exchange | 2022 - 2023

GLOBAL EXCHANGE

The magazine of Atlanta International School

2022 - 2023

DEAR AIS COMMUNITY,

Welcome to this year’s Global Exchange magazine!

As you turn the pages, we hope the stories showcased here capture the spirit of the 2022/23 academic year and of our inclusive, international community. From the Early Learning Center (a decade old this year) through to the Class of 2023, the newest additions to our 1,982 global alumni network, it is AIS through and through.

There have been many moments to celebrate, including the return of international travel, with Costa Rica, Provence, Berlin and Singapore amongst the countries on the itinerary. Highlights from the sporting calendar are featured alongside the arts, the world of AIS innovation, and events that punctuate our school year, such as the Spring Benefit.

Our students give their own callouts, AIS alumni share words of wisdom, and our employees offer special insights into community and belonging, college counseling, sustainabilityand even their pets.

There is so much to be thankful for, but amongst the joy there have also been moments of profound sadness. Notably, the loss of our beloved French teachers, Frédérique McGirt and François Pilot. Their wonderful presence imbued the Primary School, Frédérique starting in 1996 and François in 2019. Former board members, Sandra MacQuillan and Peter Winter, also passed this year. They will all be forever in our hearts.

During times of sadness or happiness, our students, parents, educators, and friends come together. Please join us in welcoming new members to our community this school year, from here in the US and every continent. One of these is our new Head of Primary School, Matt Hajdun. Enjoy his interview inside.

As well as new people, we have plenty of new initiatives that you can read about, including our relationship with Atlanta United FC, and the new International Baccalaureate CareersRelated Programme.

With the speed of change to the world we’re experiencing, never has a school like AIS been more needed. Especially in an increasingly important international city like Atlanta. At AIS, we embrace the future, embrace difference, embrace change and help our young people not only to thrive in this shifting future but to help shape it - for the better.

We are excited to share the journey together.

Kevin Glass Head of School

Scott Britton Chair of the Board of Trustees

CONTENTS

CONTRIBUTORS

Scott Britton

Katrina Daniels-Samasa

Dee Dee Dennis

Anna Ellington

Peluchi Flores

Megan Forrest

Kevin Glass

Jaclissa Haislip

Matt Hajdun

Greg Hucks

ON THE COVER

Kate Kauffman

Pierrette Maillet

Elizabeth Martin

Helen Muñoz

Brittany Pavon ’05

Joseph Redding

Tyler Sant

Anja Sebunya

Lin Wong

Mary Yeboah

Micaela, Class of 2027, and friend enjoying Holi celebrations on campus.

ON THE INSIDE COVERS

The garden created in loving memory of teacher and friend, Madame Frédérique McGirt (1970 - 2023)

EDITORIAL

Chika Barry, Graphic Designer

Alice Cappelletti, Editor

Emily Hands, Editor-In-Chief

Natalia Montoya, Art Director

Alex Tat, Chief Photographer & Editor

AIS BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2022 - 2023

Scott Britton, Chair

Chiara Visconti-Pervanas ’95, Vice-Chair

Shelley Giberson, Treasurer

Josh Moffitt, Secretary

EX OFFICIO

Kevin Glass, Ex Officio Trustee

Olga Plaut, Trustee Emerita, Founder

Roy Plaut, Chair Emeritus, Founder

Monique Seefried, Chair Emerita

Deb Sudbury, Chair Emerita

MEMBERS

Neerja Breja

Heidi Deringer

Carrie Doyle

Jeremy Faa

Peter Guan

Aaron Hackett

Sarah-Elizabeth Langford

Matthew Mazzawi

Fasil Muche '93

Linda Pak Bruner

Susannah Parker

Barbara Quiroga

Stacy Shailendra

Farah Spainhour

Bahns Stanley

Rick van Nostrand

Joyce Yamaato

ACROSS THE BOARD

Thank you to our volunteer Board of Trustees, for their dedication, care and stewardship of Atlanta International School during the 2022/23 academic year. During this time, Jeremy Faa, Humberto García-Sjögrim and Farah Spainhour concluded their roles as Trustees. We are grateful to them for their time and service. And it was with great sadness that we learned that former Board members, Sandra MacQuillan and Peter Winter, passed away earlier this year. As both parents of alumni and friends to many, they were wonderful supporters and advocates for the school.

WELCOME TO OUR INCOMING TRUSTEES

Beth Kytle Chandler ’98 is a Managing Director and Wealth Advisor at Cresset Capital. Previously, she served as a Financial Advisor and Vice President with J.P. Morgan Securities. Beth graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with an AB in Government and has an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.

Beth and her husband Zeb are proud parents of AIS student Clara ’33 and Celeste, who was born in 2020. Beth has served previous terms on the AIS Board since 2010.

Chandler McCormack is President of OxBlue, part of Hexagon. Before cofounding OxBlue, Chandler was a Senior Project Manager at Paulson Mitchell, Inc. Chandler holds a BSc in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Nina-Daniela and Chandler McCormack have three children at AIS, Benjamin ’27, Stella ’30 and Jonathan ’31.

Keshav (KK) Mehta is the Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer for Case-Mate, Inc. KK has held multiple roles in the organization including sales, operations, legal, and finance. KK studied mechanical engineering at the Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT), Bengaluru, India. He moved to Atlanta in 2007.

KK lives in Buckhead with his wife Riti and their three children, who all attend AIS: Krish ’29, Yash ’31 and Isha ’37.

Eric Schmook is Managing Director for Financial Risk Management Group at Regions Bank. Prior to joining Regions, Eric worked for SunTrust Robinson Humphrey. Eric attended West Virginia Wesleyan College where he earned his BS in Finance summa cum laude and an MBA from the Crummer Graduate School of Business.

Eric and Natalie Schmook have daughters Nadia ’34 and Andie ’35, both of whom attend AIS.

Lin Wang is Managing Partner and a co-founder at Carlton Credit Partners LLC, an independent investment platform. Prior to this, Lin was a partner at Chatham Capital. Lin has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Finance and International Business from Emory University.

Lin lives in Atlanta with her husband, Tung. They have two children at AIS, Daniel ’31 and Reese ’36. Lin served as the AIS Parent Organization Treasurer from 2021 to 2023.

WHAT’S NEW ’22 IN ’23 & ?

A lot! Here are a few highlights.

The Launch of the AIS Incelerator Program

AIS Incelerator is a new entrepreneurship program supported by the school's Goizueta Foundation grant. Students, teachers, parents, and alumni have the opportunity to transform ideas for products and businesses into prototypes ready to launch.

The inaugural 'Demo Day' saw winning teams, selected from 44 applications, present their ideas to a panel of four external investor/judges!

Prizes included a share of $15,000, as well as incubator spaces and professional marketing and product development advice.

AIS & Atlanta United FC

The newest diversification of our educational offerings is the collaboration with Atlanta United Football Club. From August 2023, the ATLUTD Development Academy student-athletes, who are in grades 9 - 12, will have a tailored AIS education available to them.

The hybrid schooling will allow these students to receive an outstanding AIS education, access to services such as college counseling and learning support, as well as the benefits of belonging to the AIS student body. We look forward to welcoming them into our intentionally inclusive, intercultural community!

AIS IBCP Official Candidate Status

A Look at the New Film & Media Classes

The new Film and Media classes allow Diploma Program students to engage with all phases of the filmmaking process, from creative collaboration to production roles.

In addition to practical experience, students study the evolution of film, the medium as an art form, and the importance of cultural context. No wonder it is proving to be such a popular option.

The introduction of the International Baccalaureate Careers-Related Programme (IBCP) crossed significant milestones this year - with the school being awarded official candidate status. Designed around a tailored curriculum, industry partnership, and realworld experience, the program will deliver a comprehensive framework for career exploration and educational development. Our class of 2026 will be the inaugural cohort to explore the options offered by the IBCPreinforcing our commitment to expanding and personalizing learning at high school level.

IN THE NEWS

NORTHSIDE SCHOOLS TAKE HANDS-ON APPROACH TO LEARNING

Northside Neighbor newspapers featured our wonderful Primary School in a spotlight about kinesthetic (hands on) learning for their Education Guide

20 UNDER 20: HONORING STUDENTS WHO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

AIS students, Charlotte Dixon ’23 and Max Dinerman ’23, appeared in Atlanta Intown’s '20 Under 20' honoring local students who are positively impacting their communities.

"RAINBOW IS THE NEW BLACK" AN OPINION PIECE BY MAYA COPELAND ’23

'Where Teens Speak and Atlanta Listens’ is the strapline of VOXATL, a youth publication which featured an opinion piece, ‘Rainbow is the new Black,’ by Maya Copeland ’23.

INTERED JOURNAL - THE AAIE FLAGSHIP PUBLICATION

The prestigious Association for the Advancement of International Education’s InterEd magazine published an article on interdisciplinary learning, penned by AIS Director of Innovation, Dr. Peluchi Flores.

THREE DAYS OF PLAY & WHAT DO YOU SEE?

by Helen Muñoz, Early Learning Center (ELC) Principal

Yesyou’re right, it’s the “grassy knoll” in our ELC outside classroom. But look again, what opportunities do you see?

I decided to put on my curiosity glasses and look through the lens of childlike wonder. How do they reimagine such spaces? How do they create and express themselves? What are they saying when they play here? And what can I learn?

So I embarked on a three day inquiry to discover more from this space.

Day 1

...destination unknown. Our pilot has just turned the cabin lights back on. Some of us are sleeping, others are watching movies, and a few brought brooms to clean the cabin!

So today this is not just a grassy knoll - but a plane.

Sometimes we ask parents to donate boxes… and here is why. Because they are in fact snowboards, skis, and sleds. All quite unusual to find in Atlanta, a city where it rarely gets cold! The space was again reimagined - this time as a snowy resort. And the cost of the reinvention, zero!

Day

This volcano has just exploded (corrected by a friend, “it’s erupted”) but we’ve donned special suits to be able to swim in the lava and the magma! But not just these suits. We were soon putting on our “heat protective boots” and of course protect your eyes.”

Go explore!

I could go on. Our ELC students have as many ideas and new ways to play as there are days. But this intentional three day observation certainly sparked curiosity in me to explore the possibilities of unassuming spaces. And now you too may never look at a grassy hill the same way again!

First 4K Class

First 3K Class

Maria Voutos Breaking Ground

ELC Groundbreaking Ceremony

The ELC Alex Horsley building, named after the school’s first Head of School, opened its doors in 2012. Over 50 students of that first intake are still at AIS today.

Saying Hello to Matt Hajdun!

Our new Head of Primary School tells us a little about his background.

Education was a value deeply instilled by my grandparents, who were captured in Poland during WWII and deprived of the opportunity for schooling. After university, I felt a strong calling to service and began my career as a volunteer teacher and principal at a small, private school for orphaned children in rural Honduras. I then worked as a bilingual Spanish/ English classroom teacher in Connecticut for a year, before moving back to Vermont. In Vermont, I taught 4th and 5th grade. Our district was one of the first in the USA to invite students from the Refugee Resettlement Program, hosting SomaliBantu refugees. This was an incredibly formative experience for me to understand the intersection of culture, language, identity, and trauma. After five years in Vermont, my heart pulled me abroad where I worked at international schools in Brazil, Belgium, and Colombia. While in Belgium, I met my wife, who is also from the USA. We moved together to Colombia where we began our family adding our son, Asher, and two dogs, Rio and Cali, into the mix!

Why AIS?

As an advocate for equity for multilingual learners, I was immediately drawn to a school with four language programs and an afterschool heritage language program. My grandparents gave up their language, culture, and part of their identity when they immigrated to the USA. It’s extremely important for me to guide learners in developing knowledge and skills in more than one language. Additionally, I was extremely impressed by the warmth and inclusivity of all members of the AIS community. From my first interactions, it is clear AIS values building an intentional, international community with mutual respect and kindness, values that align with who I am.

How do you believe children learn best?

The science is clear - children and adults learn best by doing. We learn when we are allowed to actively engage with a thought partner in something that holds meaning and relevance. Additionally, the newest research shows us that the bi- or multilingual brain is functionally better (more flexible, denser gray matter, improved memory, and more!) and therefore, by engaging in learning in more than one language, we solidify our skills. Students need the opportunity to inquire about real-world problems and collaborate to generate multiple solutions, prototyping to identify the most efficient or practical solution. The need for simple recall and solving single answer solutions has largely been replaced by AI. We’re now faced with the challenge of making sure learning is complex, interconnected, and problem based. Learners today need to be able to ask questions and solve problems in future scenarios that we can’t even yet imagine.

Please share some of your vision for the Primary School.

My vision is to serve my new community. I plan to begin by engaging in a process known as Appreciative Inquiry. This entails deeply listening to all stakeholders, evaluating our school as it is now, and identifying the assets that already exist within the system. With these data, the process holds up a mirror and says, “This is who we are. Does this match who we want to be? What do we want to do differently?”

Beyond that, my goals are to sustain and elevate the wonderful community that already exists and push learning to even higher levels.

SHA TANK RK

Afraid to go into the water? Not these Grade 3 students. When the challenge was set to design, produce, and market

Each class in Grade 3 - Chinese, French, German, Spanish 1 and Spanish 2 - learned so much about teamwork, the creative process, manufacturing challenges, and presentation skills through developing their Eagles' Pride innovations. And they were totally prepared when it came to having their products and processes judged by four ‘sharks,’ based on a set of tough criteria. The panel of 'sharks' were treated to hearing all about the unique features of AIS headbands; an Eagles board game; a multisport ball; friendship bracelets; a waterproof shoulder bag. Their task of choosing a winning team was made extremely difficult by polished presentations, backed up with in-depth product knowledge. Congratulations to all the Grade 3 students - every single one of them played an important role on their teams, leaving 'sharks' and teachers very impressed with their Eagles’ Pride.

G3 Chinese - Winning team

Un requin (shark)

G3 French

G3 German

G3 Spanish 1

G3 Spanish 2

t s Po e o

Iuseitallthetime

´

My Water Poem

I drink it to survive With waterIcanswim

Lullaby Lab

Asyoutuck intobed

Ready to drift offtoslumber

GabrielBravo

Doyouever stop to wonder Where lullabies come from?

Lullabiesare one strange thing They can come fromafar

Me

Very smart

I’m a human Iam very creative Cool

Robert Foltin

Renka TsaoDo

Asyourthoughts give way to sleep A melody entersyour m i n d Alullabyperhaps Maybe one from your very ownlul l a yb bal

Ormayb e f r o m y ruo pohscisumlacol

Maybeone you ’ d l i k e t o h?mu

Tr e e JaviCruz Bell

Igoon the roller coaster I go to the gift shoptobuyaposter

rolle r coaster

Onthe poster it's the roller coaster I go home andputmytoastin the t o a s te r

Iwake up and see my poster I wish I could ride ontherollercoaster

Lizzie Perryman

O h, t h e re’sapinetree.Over there is anotheronetoo . But t her e a r e s o m ayn p i en seert

Andyes,Idoubtthey say moo . Thatpinetreeover t her e I t ’ s n a m e i ns t’ .oodoG

And thosesquirrelsoverthere They justdon’tknowwha t t o d o . O h t h i s f o r e s t

C o mpletelymadeoutofplants and animalsFrom f riend l y h e r b i v o r e s ot slabinnacecreif

Thisforest has its ownwa y o f l i f e

Dragon

h d e termineddragon Nevershowing i t s e l f

13

What better way to experience a language than using it in an authentic setting?

GRADE 5 JOURNEY ABROAD

That’s exactly what our intrepid Class of 2030 got to do when they traveled to Costa Rica, France, Germany, and Singapore this spring.

Over 70 students in our Spanish, French, German, and Chinese programs had a trip of a lifetime as they experienced the final part of their AIS Primary School learning on the great Grade 5 journey abroad!

G5 FRENCH Provence

G5 SPANISH Costa Rica

G5 GERMAN Berlin G5 CHINESE Singapore

The number of programs that fall under the Innovation at AIS ‘umbrella’ is growing! And fast. This rapid expansion is not just about adding more traditional STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) classes, after school programs or internships (although that is happening.)

It’s about developing a growth mindset and a culture of innovation at every level of the school, to develop the students to be the leaders we all need, innovating for a better future for all.

Investing in innovation and technology are central to the AIS Vision for Learning 2030 Strategic Plan and this is what Innovation at AIS looked like in 2022-23! And the future is even brighter as these opportunities are set to expand.

INNOVATION AT AIS AIS FUTURE READY

Robotics Space Program

AIS Broadcasting

AISx - Virtual instruction/developing metaverse options

STEAM classes, after school co-curricular programs, and internships

ALEX ROGERS AIS TO NASA

CLASS OF 2016

We caught up with Alex Rogers, AIS Class of 2016, to discover more about his stratospheric career path.

Explain your role At NASA.

My job is in mission control for the Artemis program, which will land people on the moon for the first time in over 50 years, including the first woman and first person of color. I’m in the Flight Dynamics Office, which is the console position that actually flies the rocket and spaceship. Most of my work is in the Day-of Launch team. Other responsibilities include training the astronauts on mission dynamics.

How did your time at AIS influence your career choice?

My physics class at AIS was a direct influence on my decision to study physics in college, which led to an internship at Ames Research Center, followed by grad school and then to this job. I should really tell Dr. Stoll [former AIS physics teacher] what I’m doing now! Hopefully this article will reach him.

What advice would you give to students who want to pursue a similar career?

I have a lot to say on this!

Can you remember the moment your passion for space lifted off?

I’ve always been fascinated by space and always wanted a career in space exploration, but my understanding of the industry has changed a lot. I wish I could go back and tell my high-school self what I know now. I believe space exploration is one of the most worthy human endeavors and I count myself lucky to be where I am!

It is helpful to study physics, math, aerospace engineering, or computer science in undergrad. Most people here studied one of those.

Ask your professors for help finding relevant internships and keep a list of projects you have done (even ones in class) and skills you have developed. Good grades are nice, but experience (internships, co-ops, and projects) mean more. The best internship program is NASA Pathways.

If you want to work at NASA, look for jobs with their contractors. KBR, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Aerospace Corps, United Launch Alliance, SpaceX, Jacobs Engineering, etc.

Region Champions

Abel Starks ’24: High Jump

EAGLES' ATHLETICS ON THE PODIUM

Committed supporters, dedicated coaches and, of course, outstanding athletes all contributed to a great year for AIS Athleticsyou only need to look at the list on the right to see!

The headline story for 2022-23 belongs to our Varsity Boys Tennis team who capped the best tennis season in school history by winning the State Championship. Congratulations to all the players on the winning team and all the best to senior Heys Parker ’23 who will continue his tennis at collegiate level when he joins Washington & Lee University this fall.

Another important first was a new award for our Primary School athletes, the Jr. Eagles of the Year award, which was presented at our annual Eagles Sports Awards. The Middle School (MS) Golf team made us proud when they became Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Champions again - by four strokes! As did the MS Girls Soccer team who also won the MAAC. Of course, it is not all about podium finishes - there are so many athletes who had a standout year. Who gave their all, took a risk, beat a personal best, or helped their team. It is these stories of sportsmanship and collaboration that give us the greatest joy. Here’s to another great year for our AIS Eagles! #WingsUp

Jaclissa Haislip, Director of Athletics

Girls 4x200m Relay Team: Abel Starks ’24, Pauline Mathiot ’23, Abigail Starks ’26, Naomi Hackett ’25

Girls 4x400m Relay Team: Lilly Glass ’26, Abigail Starks ’26, Pauline Mathiot ’23, Naomi Hackett ’25

Lilly Glass ’26: 800m & 1600m

Lilly Glass ’26: Cross Country

Varsity Boys Tennis team

State Champions

Robert Payne ’23: Swimming 200 yrds Individual Medley

Varsity Boys Tennis team

State Champions

One All-Region 1st team tennis selection (Heys Parker ’23)

Four All-Region 2nd team tennis selections (Kalvin Yi ’26, Tomas Uribe ’26, Colin Crawford ’23, Sebastian Terwindt ’23)

College Athletes - Class of 2023

Heys Parker ’23 - tennis at Washington & Lee University

Stella Gall ’23 - soccer at Emory University

Wesley Bruner ’23 - soccer at Denison University

MAAC Team Champions

Boys Soccer Blue team

Girls Cross Country

Girls Soccer Blue team

Girls Swimming

Girls Track & Field Golf

MAAC Individual Champions

Boys 4x800m Relay team: Garridin Sledge ’29, Tiago Salazar ’28, Grantham CisnadoDavis ’27, Nihaal Singh ’27

Carolina Kimmich ’27: 400m

Girls 4x100m Relay team: Anouk

Robbiani-Paulet ’27, Carolina Kimmich ’27, Madison Parker ’27, Tara Tomori ’27

Girls 4x400m Relay team: Anouk

Robbiani-Paulet ’27, Carmen Ihlen del Prado ’27, Madison Parker ’27, Carolina Kimmich ’27

Girls 4x800m Relay team: Claire de Wendel ’28, Maya Mahoney ’28, Anasophia Abbas ’28, Leanne Glass ’28

Leanne Glass ’28: Cross Country, 1600m, 800m

Leela Basole ’26: Golf

Sara Abou ’27: 100m

Tara Tomori ’27: 200m

WINGS P!

Coaches and teachers work together at AIS to ensure that Physical and Health Education (P.H.E.) is incorporated into the curriculum - as well as through the 17 different athletics offerings.

In Primary School, this begins in the Early Learning Center, with gross motor skills being developed every day. From 5K to Grade 5, P.H.E. is taught on alternating days alongside 3 seasons' worth of sports offerings, all with the aim of boosting fitness, teamwork and language skills.

Building a passion for fitness continues into Middle School where a ‘no cut’ policy means that anyone who completes tryouts is placed on a team - the result is that 75% of students participate in at least one sportsomething to be really proud of! Upper School Athletics selection is based on skill, as teams compete for State Championships through the Georgia High School Association (GHSA.)

An impressive 53% of Upper School students still participate in at least one sport with some fantastic results.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS

“I was in a terrible place mentally going into that [GHSA] meet!” Robert Payne '23, our swimming state champion, told us. His worries were due to the fact that he had been disqualified from that competition the previous year (for a ‘delay’ technicality,) and had experienced setbacks with COVID, and a shoulder injury that required him to rebuild his swim stroke.

But when advised by a good friend and retired University of Georgia swimmer to 'just have fun and enjoy this last time,’ Robert listened. “I wanted to do the best I could, but I wasn’t putting any pressure on myself.” Pressure can be a motivating factor for some athletes, but not for Robert. This shift in mindset culminated with a State Championship win in the 200 yard individual medley event. “When I relax, I obviously swim pretty well!” he reflected.

Robert has been swimming competitively for ten years. He will now attend Colgate University where he hopes to continue swimming.

Within just three seasons, Heys Parker '23 accumulated over 40 career wins and only 2 losses. And his success on court is matched by the AIS values he exemplifies through his volunteer work.

In October his 'outstanding service, leadership and character' was recognised by the Atlanta Youth Tennis and Education Foundation.

Heys will continue his tennis career at Washington & Lee University.

The annual Eagles Sports Award ceremony celebrated a brand new honor - our first Jr. Eagles of the Year award. Ansley Dennis ’34 and Camille Sanchez ’34 were the first to receive the accolade for their active participation in Jr. Eagles Programs this past school year.

What a match! Our third consecutive GHSA State Soccer Finals appearance could not have been more tense. Wesley Bruner ’23 scored for the Eagles at the championship game. But old time rivals Paideia equalized on a free kick to tie the game just before heading into overtime. The agony of penalty shootouts finally ended 5-4, with the loss of our State Championship title but with pride in our Boys Varsity Soccer team stronger than ever.

Four strokes saw the Middle School Golf team Simmi Dang ’29, Kush Patel ’27, Leela Basole ’27 and Blake Anderson ’29 secure AIS MAAC Championship status for a second year. A special shout out to Leela who led the team with a -1 on the day and repeated as the Individual MAAC Champion finishing 4 strokes ahead of the top male finisher and 15 strokes ahead of her 2nd place female competitor!

Last year's Middle School Girls Soccer Blue team made a run through the MAAC Championship to become the 2023 Champions! While finishing the regular season in third place, en route to the Championship the team defeated both the number two seed, Ridgeview, and number one seeded, St. Martin's. Keeper Divya Collins ’29 and the entire defense didn't concede a goal through three playoff games and the offense was just as impressive, scoring ten goals. Congratulations to these determined student athletes!

Musical Interlude

Our Primary and Secondary School bands, orchestras, and choirs have had a tremendous year. Their concerts showcased individual and collective development through expressive performances. They explored time, place, people, and cultures through their piece selections.

We also had many AIS ensemble members furthering their musical knowledge by participating in the Georgia Music Educators Association All-State auditions.

The following students made it through the first round: Elliott Faa ’23 (euphonium), Amelie Grakoui ’25 (violin), Cierra Langer ’23 (soprano), Abigail Paid ’29 (clarinet), Joshua Paik ’25 (clarinet), Sofia Polar ’24 (cello), Win Sheng ’25 (flute), Alain Shi ’25 (oboe), Lucy Vakkur ’23 (viola), Brigitte Zhang ’27 (cello); with these students passing the second audition: Cierra Langer, making Senior Treble Choir, Abigail Paik, making Middle School Band, Alain Shi, making Concert Band; and Brigitte Zhang, making Middle School Orchestra. This is an outstanding achievement for everyone who participated!

And it wasn’t just in Georgia that our musicians flourished. Members of our Secondary School bands, orchestras, and choirs traveled to Universal Studios in Florida for the Worldstrides Orlando Heritage Music Festival. Here they performed at the nationally recognized festival, benefiting from professional feedback which proved extremely useful for their spring concerts at school.

Three magical concerts made up the spring season. Bands, orchestras, and choirs all rose to the occasion, demonstrating tremendous growth. Bravo to all!

Diploma Program Art Show

Taking visual arts as part of the AIS IB Diploma Program encourages students to challenge their creative and cultural boundaries. The thought-provoking course develops analytical skills, technical proficiency, and the confidence to explore a range of contemporary practices and media. The final Diploma Program Show is the chance for seniors to showcase all they’ve learned.

On with the shows

November saw the AIS Upper School production of Shrek The Musical presented to sold-out crowds in the Ladermacher Performing Arts Center (LPAC). Directed by Mira Hirsch, with music direction by Greg Hucks and choreography by Kristin Walterson, this was a giant green hit with audience members young and old!

Then in February, our younger students set sail on a really big adventure - the first-ever AIS Primary School theatre production. Pirates Past Noon, the swashbuckling adventure set in an 18 th century Caribbean, brought the house down with rave reviews for the cast and hearty crew, as well as for directors Kristin Walterson and Bethany Hanna, with music directed by Eric Nabeth.

April was when our Middle School students took to the LPAC stage to perform the theatrical adaptation of the classic tale Charlotte’s Web. Under the direction of guest director Wendy Melkonian, our Grade 6 - 8 student performers shone in this heartwarming story about friendship and loyalty.

2023 - 2024

AIS Theatre Season

Get ready for the The Addams Family

(Grades 6 - 12) - Nov 2023

A Year with Frog and Toad

(Grades 3 - 5) - Feb 2024

Radium Girls

(Grades 9 - 12) - April 2024

TEA WITH THE STEEPERS

Nelson Mendels ʼ23, Aryan

Sinha ʼ23 & John Brown ʼ23 all wore their hair shoulder length or longer;

rock legends like Jim Morrison and Dave Grohl would have approved. And the three looked tired. Their last AIS academic challenge, the IB exams, were on the horizon.

But when asked how their band formed, each of them suddenly beamed as they recalled their first encounters. Any concerns about exams evaporated - at least for the time being.

John described Nelson as a 'day one friend.' They met playing baseball and both began attending AIS in 4K. As they got older, John and Nelson would play music in the small practice rooms of the AIS music wing during lunch - John on guitar and Nelson on drums. They went from ‘day one friends’ to now, graduating together as 'lifers' (those who complete their entire schooling at AIS.)

Aryan’s friendship with John and Nelson began more recently. The Sinha family’s work moved them every few years, which meant Aryan had a transient upbringing. Born in India, he moved to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, followed by Singapore, then London, England. Once in Atlanta, he enrolled at AIS for Grade 11.

When Aryan entered an advisory class wearing a Green Day shirt, John and Nelson immediately introduced themselves. And when they learned he was also a musician, John invited Aryan to join their jam sessions. Suddenly they had a bass guitarist.

“He was the thing that we were missing,” grinned Nelson. But with a third member, their usual practice room became cramped. So Dina Rosas, director of Middle and Upper School bands, kindly offered her room, which they eagerly accepted.

Soon after, Keith Bogle, the AIS audio visual manager, noticed the three practicing and arranged for them to play in front of new faculty at an event. This was their first live gig and was also the moment that inspired their band name, The Steepers - due to all the tea being served!

The Steepers went on to record the school holiday music video and play at three more shows; on #MyFreedomDay, at Worldfest, and a final show for their own pre-graduation ceremony.

When asked to reflect on their time at AIS, 'lifers' John and Nelson had similar responses.

“The people, the students, and our friends at AIS have been really supportive and engaged with what we love doing,” mused Nelson.

"And very helpful in giving us places to play,” John added. Aryan took a little longer to consider, and then said warmly, “I came in eleventh grade, so my mindset was, ‘I’m only going to be here for two years. I’m just going to focus on school, get it done, and go off to a good university.’ But I’ve ended up making a lot of good friends here.”

We will miss The Steepers’ music at AIS but wish them luck in the future. This fall, John will be joining the music program at Denison University, Aryan will be pursuing mechanical engineering at Northeastern University, and Nelson will be studying quantitative economics at Dartmouth College. And all three intend to continue playing music for as long as possible.

CAMPUS STEWARDS

AIS Director of Operations, Anna Ellington, may have spent much of the summer thinking about blue and white paint, as she oversaw the refurbishment of the Secondary School, but she is just as focused on making the school more green.

According to Anna, ‘sustainability starts at school;’

“Everyone has a part to play in caring for our environment, and that starts here. If we can teach students to care for their space, they will carry that mindset into the future, ultimately leading to a greener world,” said Anna.

When asked how everyone can be a ‘campus steward,’ Anna had many examples;

“I need everyone to become a super compost-er! … understanding what can and cannot be processed by our providers, Compost Now. Did you know that any contaminated bin results in a $25 fine? So we really need everyone to be using that service correctly.”

“Also consider using public transport to travel to school. Or if you live in the neighborhood, why not join our growing group of those who cycle?"

“We are not yet in a position to offer a school bus service, but try carpooling. The directory on myAIS can show you the families who live close by.”

“We want everyone to show their Eagles’ Pride in the space we have. That means picking up trash - whether it's yours or not, joining our sustainability or gardening groups, keeping our buildings clean, using refillable water bottles, as well as saving energy by turning off lights.”

Anna has already made some important steps in this area; “By switching light bulbs across the campus to LED this summer, I hope to see a 50% reduction in energy use from lighting."

“And I hope the EV chargers will finally be operational, after a long delay caused by a technical fault. I also plan to upgrade our recycling facilities.”

Overall Anna sees a greener, cleaner future at AIS;

“I’m really excited about the improvements we’re making and hope to see everyone in our community help to keep AIS beautiful!”

EAGLE FUN

It’s no surprise that at AIS you will find something different happening each and every day! With an IB curriculum that seeks new ways to engage our students, there are always fun, engaging, and often surprising activities going on.

Courageous leaders in the making:

LEADING EAGLES

GLOBAL TALKS

High schoolers can join a Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) group from the vast range on offeror start their own! That’s what Claudia Canovas ’24 chose to do when she founded AIS Global Talks. The successful series has allowed fellow students and teachers to hear from and pose questions to speakers with experience in global affairs.

Trevor Williams, Managing Editor of Global Atlanta, was Claudia’s first guest. Other notable speakers included: Caoimhe Ni Chonchúir, Consul General of Ireland, Atlanta; Emory Professor and Nobel Prize contributor, Arash Grakoui; Dr. Jacob Phelps, environmental scientist and founder of Conservation-Litigation.

THE SANDWICH PROJECT

Just imagine serving up 1,500 sandwiches. That’s exactly what forty-seven Grade 6 students did, along with parent volunteers, when they partnered with The Sandwich Project. Together they shopped for supplies, took donations, organized volunteers and yes - made sandwiches! The result was a huge delivery to communities experiencing food insecurity. A great example of service in actionwhichever way you slice it!

GRADE 4’S SERVICE PROJECTS

Giving back starts early at AIS and in December, Grade 4 voted on ways they could serve the community. They chose projects to help other students from the ELC to Grade 3 - which involved going into the library, the school grounds, and even into classrooms. They helped the younger children with language skills through play, and with math learning tips, all coordinated by five student leaders.

IHOT ROBOTICS REACH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

One CAS group that made a big impact this year, with the whole community behind them, was the student-led robotics group, IHOT (International House of Technology). They racked up over 300 hours of extracurricular activity to design, build, program, and iterate Carbon, their most ambitious robot to date (utilizing a double-jointed arm and inverse kinematics!)

The hard work paid off, with the team securing their most successful season in their 19-year history - making it to the finals at the World Championship!

PUSHING FORWARD WITH PEDAL POWER

When a Grade 7 Individuals and Societies group visited FB4K (Free Bikes For Kidz) as part of their unit on humanitarian aid, they learned all about the nonprofit’s work to supply bikes to children. Inspired by what they heard, the Grade 7 group decided to help!

They set an aim to collect 40 used bikes from the AIS community to help FB4K, collecting them each morning during carline. Despite the early hour, friends soon joined to lend a hand and before long they steered their way to success, breaking their own target in record time!

DIGGING IN

The AIS community came together to clean up a historic corner of our Garden Hills neighborhood. Grabbing rakes and filling garden bags, volunteers cleared and tidied the remains of a cemetery that once adjoined Mt. Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church. The graves are all that remain of a once thriving area, known as Bagley Park, which was home to a Black community of some 400 families in the 1900s.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH ART

Our Primary School students, working with art teacher and muralist extraordinaire, Ashley Dopson, set about celebrating Black leaders and famous cultural figures in an impactful project across the school. They created portraits which they attached to doors and walls around the campus, bringing Black History Month directly to our classrooms.

#AISLIFE

Look out for the #AISLife series on our social media. It offers great insight into the lives of our AIS community. Here we highlight the busy lives of two 2023 graduates, Hanae Noirbent and Anjali Sankale.

Scan the QR codes below to see Hanae and Anjali’s full stories.

Hanae is the founder of the AIS Graffiti Club and co-creator of the Campulance Project, a scheme to design and paint a camper van, itself converted from a retired ambulance owned by Early Learning Center Principal Helen Muñoz and her husband Peter.

Hanae said, "...the whole point of Graffiti Club is to immerse yourself in a medium that is unfamiliar and often stigmatized, to see it in a way that is beautiful and embellishing…

… what they [Peter and Helen] wanted from us was to create these geometric landscapes, so you’ll see the mountains and the rivers. We have a lot of vibrancy and colors!...

… overall, it has shaped our skills not just as painters but also as this collaborative group."

Anjali gave us a glimpse of a ‘day in the life’ of a student who balances studying hard with playing basketball, her CAS group, and being student council president. It’s a portrait of someone who gives their all, on and off the court.

"Before I go to school, I meditate for about 10 minutes just to get focus and have a positive outlook on my day!...

chemistry test… student council meeting with senior grade reps, the VP, and our Head of Year to go over prom, the winter dance, senior skip day…

… during lunch, meeting for my CAS group

Alliance for Racial Equity in Atlanta…

After French. gave a presentation to our grade about the winter dance … team pictures for basketball... game against Brandon Hall HS which we won!”

HANAE

ANJALI

VICKY

STUDENT SHOUT OUTS!

Favorite memories, unsung heroes, standout moments, and highlights from the past academic year - our students share them all!

ALYSSA & ADITI

Funniest moments?

Playing corn hole at Grade 9 and 10 field day. things if we complete our homework.

TRISTAN

Ms. Taylor she does fun projects.

DELPHINE &

EMILIO & SAMMY CHARLOTTE

Favorite classroom?

The Spanish classroom - with 'big Joe' the beanbag.

Favorite book?

Lord of the Rings

EMMA & ALI

Field trip! The dance party, scary stories in the cabin, hiking, and classes with frogs and snakes!

Teachers' Pets

and those belonging to many other AIS employees are featured here in their fur-st ever yearbook page!

SWOOP AIS Eagles

WILLOW Anna Burns WINNIE Dina Rosas

TRICK & BEAN Lynn Martineau

TAJI Erin Robinson SPIKE Veronica McDaniel

SPENCER Emily Hands

LOUIS Alice Cappelletti

OLIVER & FINNEGAN Kelley Chiappetta

SNOW & ELVIS Kyla Corelli

QUINN Tyler Sant ROCKY & MARLEY Alicia Karpick

PIPPIN Gary Paterson

PEPPER Jaclissa Haislip

OSCAR Lisa Archibald ORIE Emily Sliman SARGENT Michelle Meyers

NINA & GREY Olga Nobleton

MOE Michelle Levin MOWGLI & MARNIE Alex Tat

MILADY Bea Biron

MIKA Venetia Mott

MEIMEI & HUAHUA Leanne Kridl

MAX Jonathan Zamarripa

BAILEY Sylvia Hopkins DJ David Colclough

DINGER Laura Doyle DEGA Natalie Tubb

CLOVER Kyla Corelli

BOOKIE Alexander Pike

BIJOU Elisabeth Guibert BAMBI John McCusker

DUKE Kevin Glass

JOSE Kyla Corelli

KA$H & TED Theresa Hall

HATTIE Claire Staples

GORDIE HOWE & PUCK Daniella Chandler

GEORGIA BELLE Erin Robinson DUKE Lucas Ellington

KARENIN Maria Cecilia López

ARCHIE Daniella Chandler ADDA Julie Audibert AXEL Shanay Bowen

SPREADING THE SUNSHINE SPREADING THE SUNSHINE

Imagine the scene… you arrive at your desk to find a cookie and a cheery note. If you work at AIS, you’ll quickly guess who’s behind it - the Sunshine Club strikes again!

Founded by employees 30 years ago, ‘to help and support each other in times of happiness and of need,’ the club is stronger than ever today. Funded entirely by donations, administered by the Sunshine Club committee; Julie Audibert, Bea Biron, Peluchi Flores, Theresa Hall, Joseph Redding, Jason Simons, Cait Sirkel, Dana Smith, Maria Voutos, and Lin Wong. They told us how they plan potlucks, help set up holiday parties, farewell luncheons, and provide snacks and treats.

They also look after colleagues, “We encourage our peers to tell us about those who are celebrating something or are in need of our support. We buy gifts and cards, or arrange a meal train. We are here in times of healing, comfort, and celebration.”

The Sunshine Club is one of many ways our community values each other. Another is the Parent Organization’s Employee Appreciation Committee, providing lunches, raffles, and events for AIS employees. Supported through donations, in this case from parents, it is something that brings joy.

Along with the support and kindness, our employees organize social clubs like walking, running, yoga, and soccer. Last year’s addition was the Employee Clay Club. Participants learned techniques and how to use the pottery wheel, all while socializing with new friends.

French teacher Thierry Darlis harnesses the power of baking by making sure there are always contributors to Cake Fridays, when Secondary School employees take turns to share baked goods with Middle School Administrative Assistant Alicia Karpick providing the coffee.

All of these endeavors enrich the community in many different ways - and have one important aim - to spread the sunshine!

LET'S GO P.O.!

Building a Vibrant Community

What was the Parent Organization (P.O.) up to this year? Worldfest, German Christmas Market, Lunar New Year, La Kermesse, Holi & Sonkran Celebration plus countless coffees, hikes, and gatherings!

These events brought our community alive. In addition, they worked hard to revitalize many committees such as Family Ambassadors, Sports Boosters, and Amigos. Their volunteers are essential to ensuring our families are welcomed and engaged all year long. A big shout out to the room parents, committee members, and event volunteers for their countless hours.

The P.O. is excited to bring even more events and opportunities this school year. So watch for emails on how you can get involved or attend. Remember, your participation makes AIS the special place it is!

We extend our deepest thanks to last year’s P.O. President, Jakelia Sledge, and Communications Liaison, Kim Palenik, for their work on the Executive Board. And we give a warm welcome to our new members pictured above (left to right): Nina McCormack (Treasurer), Rachel Sheehan (President Elect), Kate Kauffman (President), Jennifer Sand (Secretary) and Jennifer Richman (Communications).

Cultural Connections

We asked our Primary and Secondary School Community and Belonging Directors, Mary Yeboah and Katrina DanielsSamasa, about some of their formative moments.

WHERE IS ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING PLACES YOU'VE LIVED AND WHY?

Mary: A village called New Akrade in the Eastern region of Ghana. I was working as the Principal of the Right to Dream Academy, that recruits and trains talented West African youth in sport, education, and character development. Our home was on the opposite side of the Volta River to the school so I commuted to work each day in a canoe! My life in New Akrade changed how I think about time as I learned to slow down and experience the beauty of people and nature.

Katrina: Throughout my seven years in Al Ain, UAE, despite the fact that none of my students had ever seen a Black American, they, along with their parents, welcomed me with open arms. Everyday there would be a cultural exchange between us. As they taught me their religion and culture, I shared mine. I was invited to weddings, birthing ceremonies, and funerals. As my Emirati sister friend said, “It is now your responsibility to tell them the truth about us.” And that truth is that Emiratis are some of the most hospitable and welcoming people I have ever encountered.

DO YOU HAVE ANY DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & JUSTICE BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS?

K: The Person You Mean To Be by Dolly Chugh is the first book I recommend, it shows us that we are not always the people we desire to be. My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem, helps us to heal trauma that we have experienced because of racism. Lastly, Becoming a Totally Inclusive School by Angeline Aow, Sadie Hollins and Stephen Whitehead helps school leaders to understand how to create inclusion and belonging.

M: Books have opened up a whole new world of understanding and action for diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. I especially enjoy reading books by authors of color and listening to the stories of people whose experiences are different from mine. A few of my favorites are The Warmth of Other Suns: An epic story of America’s Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson, Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, and Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR?

M: One thing is continuing to intergrate social justice standards into the Primary Year Program curriculum. In line with the IB, we’re identifying transdisciplinary concepts and creating connections to the Units of Inquiry. This encourages students to discover a deeper understanding of identity, diversity, justice, and action. In implementing the standards, we learn to appreciate our similarities and differences and how unfair decisions can cause harm.

K: AIS began as a community that welcomed local and international diversity. I am excited for all of us to work in collaboration to continuously reinforce that foundation of inclusion. Through the lens of equity and justice we will work together to also ensure belonging. We are responsible for one another as a community and I look forward to working with students, parents, and staff to maintain a community of belonging.

To the incredible, amazing Class of 2023, Here I am to get the final word in! It is difficult to say goodbye, to move on, to start a new chapter, but we must always remember that with endings come new beginnings. I am so excited to see you all off on the next step of your journey, wherever you have chosen to go, even if I am also sad to say goodbye.

It is hard to summarize everything I would love to still pass on to you, to tell you and to talk to you about. Our chat sessions, have been some of the most memorable with any group of students I have taught. You are so open, honest, empathetic and caring. I am so proud to have been a part of your time here, and you mine, and proud of everything you have achieved. So out of everything I could possibly say to you, I am choosing this - stay true to yourself. You are such a wonderful group of people, and whether your journeys take you far and wide or keep you here and close, I hope you keep in touch with each other. Continue to be reminders for each other of your best attributes, of your true aspirations, of what it is you want to be and do in the world. Please know that we are always here as a community - you are not leaving us, you are just changing status. Rather than students, you are now alumni, and always a part of AIS.

It is tradition to wish you “the best of luck” for the future, and while of course I do, we all know that life is not always lucky, or fair, or kind. So not only do I wish you the best of luck, but also the strength to know yourself, to make good choices, to be who you want to be, and to overcome the obstacles and challenges that we inevitably face.

You have a community of people who believe in you, even if you no longer see us every day. We will never forget you. Be proud of who you are. Because you are amazing. Thank you for a wonderful two years as your Head of Year. I will miss you all. Please keep in touch and visit when you can!

Your Head of Year,

THE CLASS OF 2023

Nationality, Heritage

Asha Adler

United States of America, France, United States of America, Indian, French, Jewish

Shukran Omar Al Jewari

Iraq, Iraq

Joaquín Aponte

Colombian, Colombia

Lucy Wynn Atkinson

United States of America, United States of America

Henry Robert Baer-Hays

Scottish, German, Irish, British

Justice Cary Baer-Hays

Scottish, German, Irish, British

Luca Bancroft

British, Brazilian, British, Brazilian

Nina May Bartlett

British, Welsh

Marco Antonio Bertolini

Italian, Italy

Alexander Andrew Bokuchava

United States of America, United States of America

Daksh Narain Breja

Indian, Indian

John Robert Wilcox Brown

United States of America, United States of America

Wesley Song Bruner

Korean, United States of America, Korean, United States of America

Lark Anne Wright Cain

United States of America, Norwegian

Liam Holden Carmichael

United States of America, United States of America

Thomas Harrison Chamberlain

British, British

Frank Luigi Chiappetta

United States of America, United States of America,

Brazil

Kellye Liane Cleveland

United States of America, United States of America

Jordan Lamar Drake Cohen

European, British, European, African

Maya Alise Copeland

United States of America, United States of America

Colin Douglas Crawford

United States of America, United States of America

Louis James Curnyn

United States of America, Belgian, United States of America, Belgian

Jena Kwena Deacon

United States of America, United States of America

Alpha Saliou Diallo

United States of America, United States of America,

Guinea

Maxwell Seth Dinerman

United States of America, Jewish

Charlotte Kay Dixon

United States of America, United States of America

Cristian Skai Escoto

United States of America, Honduras

Elliott Henry Clement Faa

Austrailian, Canada, United States of America,

Australian, Canada

Kathryn Elizabeth Foglesong

United States of America, United States of America

Virginia Folli

Italian, Italian

Chiara Simi Fort

Brazilian, Italian, United States of America, Brazilian

Stella Kenneth Gall

United States of America, French, United States of America, French

Alina Gorenkova

Russian, Russian

Meredith Ashley Grattan-Smith

United States of America, Australian, United States of America, Australian

Caroline Marietta Lucia Gruner

German, German

Asanshay Gupta

United States of America, Indian

Nadia Aaliyah Hackett

United States of America, Filipino

Sam Jacob Heller

United States of America, Jewish

Alessandra Heurtaux Pozo

French, France

Alexis Grace Hill

Australia, Australia

Lucia Ihlen del Prado

Norwegian, Spanish, Norwegian, Spanish

Jeeho Kang

Korean, Korean

Noah Garrison Kline

United States of America, United States of America

Arya Lakshmi Kurup

United States of America, United States of America

Indian

Cierra Lynn Langer

United States of America, United States of America

Sarah Diane Lokenauth

United States of America, United States of America

Joseph John Macauley

Irish, Colombian

Maanya Madan

Indian, India

Dylan Mateo Maldonado

United States of America, Colombian, United States of America

Pauline Yaëlle Mathiot

French, French

Miguel Peixoto McGuire

Brazilian, United States of America, Brazilian

Nelson Ray Mendels

United States of America, United States of America

Daniela Victoria Meza Galarraga

Argentinian, Ecuadorian

Lucien

Paul Michel

French, United States of America, French, United States of America

Maxim Moltmann

German, German, Russian

Ava Michelle Moore-Pascual

Taino, Puerto Rican, Taino, Puerto Rican

Kellen Zack Baugh Moss

United States of America, United States of America

Noah Fasil Muche

Ethiopian, Ethiopian

Adam Vladik Nahor

United States of America, Israeli, Jewish

Hanae Victoria Noirbent

France, French, Cameroonian

Sofia Carolina Nystrom

Peruvian, United States of America, Peruvian, United States of America

Calvin Seungli Oh

United States of America, South Korean

Aysu Paksoy

Turkey, Turkish, Turkey, Turkish

James Heys Parker

United States of America, United States of America

Iulia Popescu

United States of America, Romanian, German

Zachary Connor Pryor

United States of America, United States of America

Nooa Valtteri Pudas

Finnish, Finland, Finnish, Finland

Skyler Pierce Quinby

United States of America, United States of America

Tina Merry Rahbar

Persian, Persian

Deven Ray Rajagopal

India, United States of America

Ankita Rajiv

Indian, India

Arjun Dev N. Reddy

United States of America, Indian

Vijay Samuel Romero

United States of America, Colombia, India

Paksum Ruan

Chinese, China

Anjali Marie Sankale

United States of America, Senegal, India, France

Alessandro Mariano Schaffner

Italian, United States of America, Italian, United States of America

Neiku Shahab

Persian, United States of America, Persian

Brianna Gabrielle Simon

United States of America, Chinese, Jewish

Aryan Anuj Sinha

Indian, India

Alexia Natae Smith

United States of America, United States of America

Avery Cass Smith

United States of America, United States of America

Carter Branchcomb Spainhour

United States of America, United States of America

Sebastian James Terwindt

Netherlands, Netherlands

Grace Evelena Thomas

United States of America, United States of America

Haris Roman Tsiotras

United States of America, Greek, Turkey

Mauricio Uribe

Colombian, Mexican, Latinoamérica

Lucia P. Vakkur

Switzerland, United States of America, Switzerland

Elena Marie Volkov

Russian, United States of America, Russian, United States of America

Luca Alec Andre Weick

France, United States of America, France, United States of America

Anna Katrin Wendik

Russia, United States of America, United States of Americ, Germany

Malik Mills Williams

African-American, African-American

Maxwell Roger Willis

United States of America, United States of America

Leo Graham Zaller

United States of America, United States of America

Aurelie C. Zerry

German, German, Russian

Robert Starling Payne

United States of America, United States of America

Russia

THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

by Tyler Sant, Head of College Counseling

American college admission has changed. Testing disruptions caused by the pandemic forced nearly all universities to make the ACT and SAT an optional part of applications. Some have returned to test requirements (UGA and Georgia Tech included), but overall there are now more test optional application opportunities than during and immediately after COVID.

And at the end of June, there was another significant upheaval to the college admissions landscape. The US Supreme Court ruled that the consideration of race in undergraduate university admissions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Harvard, was unconstitutional. Many American colleges have used race-based affirmative action policies to admit diverse classes since the 1970s, a practice that had withstood multiple previous Supreme Court challenges.

Despite the ruling, we know colleges will continue seeking diverse student bodies by whatever legal means they can. While a university will not be able to use a demographic check box to identify a student’s race in their application, there is nothing stopping students from self-disclosing their own life experiences. In the decision, Justice Roberts writes, “Nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration or otherwise.”

Many colleges already ask students to write essays about how they might contribute to a diverse college campus. I expect we’ll see them ask about these types of topics in their supplemental essays, and the AIS college counseling team stands ready to guide our students through these prompts.

Given the unique educational experiences of AIS students, and the emphasis we put on understanding oneself and one's community within the IB curriculum, our students are well equipped for this type of reflection. Many of our students choose to write about this type of topic anyway.

After this rulling, colleges will spend the next months sharing their plans to prioritize campus diversity in this new landscape.

I’m confident that the IB curriculum at AIS will remain the best possible college foundation, allowing all of our students to demonstrate their broad analysis, sophistication and skill, while emphasizing intercultural understanding and reflection on identity.

The college counseling office will be following developments closely in order to best guide our students and families going forward.

OF STUDENTS RECEIVE NEED-BASED FINANCIAL AID

473 DONORS EMPOWERED STUDENTS TO THRIVE, INNOVATE & BELONG

MORE THAN GEORGIA GOAL CONTRIBUTIONS $710,000

THANK YOU

to the parents, employees, grandparents, alumni, and community supporters who made a gift to the Eagles Fund. Your generosity empowers AIS students to THRIVE, INNOVATE, and BELONG

Gifts to the Eagles Fund Help Support...

Community + Belonging

Your gift helps strengthen our commitment to providing an environment where every student feels valued and celebrated for their unique background and perspective. Your support helps us to cultivate a globally minded community that prepares students to become compassionate and empathetic leaders.

Campus Stewardship

Your gift helps AIS maintain our classrooms and grounds, invest in sustainability, and create a nurturing and empowering educational experience. Your support ensures a safe and beautiful learning environment for everyone.

Financial Aid

Your gift helps AIS provide needbased financial aid for students who otherwise would not have the opportunity to have an AIS education. Your support builds an intentionally inclusive, intercultural community.

Employee Support

Your gift helps AIS invest in employees' professional development, create opportunities for advanced training, and attract exceptional teachers from around the world. Your support plays a vital role in ensuring a world-class education for our students.

Student Experience

Your gift supports the educational journey beyond the classroom. You enhance our students' holistic growth, broadening their horizons and fostering a lifelong love for learning.

Innovation (STEAM + Technology)

Your gift helps to equip our classrooms with the latest tools and resources, ensuring our students stay at the forefront of technological advancements and thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Your support empowers our students to be forward thinkers and problem solvers.

Ready to make this year’s gift?

Scan the QR code with your camera or go to www.aischool.org/give

Thank you to the 600+ guests and sponsors who attended and supported the AIS Spring Benefit, Camino to Colombia! This year’s event was alive with fantastic music, food, dancing, and fun. And at the heart of it all, the power of philanthropy.

Thank you to everyone who supported this event - by volunteering, through sponsorship, by attending, and donating to need-based financial aid. Your generosity helps students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend AIS.

A special thank you to the Spring Benefit Committee who made this evening possible!

Maria Alexander

Anna Maria Barona

Juliana Bermudez

Neerja Breja

Teresa Brown

Valentina de la Fé Salamanca

Keisha Escoffery

Angie DeMent

Arianna Graham

Rebecca King

Chauntelle Kupcik

Valentin Lemoine ’98

Sepi Meshkian

Natalia Muñoz

Maria Obel

DeAnna Perrotta Steinke

Paola Restrepo

Yeiny Sanchez

Patty Webb

Alumni Board First Year Round Up

Brittany Pavon ’05 was the first AIS Alumni Board President. As she hands over the reins after two years, she told us about the evolution of the role.

You have been President of the inaugural AIS Alumni Board from 2021 to 2023 - how did the idea come about?

I believe the idea had come up many times over the years but the timing hadn't been quite right. Then in 2020, Black at AIS was a huge wake up call for the entire school community. Alumni were outraged and looking for somewhere to turn to. When the school reached out to discuss the idea of creating a board, I answered the call to join the task force along with a few others. It felt like the right timing, if not overdue.

What have you learned from the role?

I've learned a lot from this role and this whole process. I learned about patience and showing myself and others grace. We are volunteers. We have jobs, families, and obligations. There were things I wanted to do as President that I didn't. That's sometimes a hard pill to swallow. I expected more from myself and from others but realized that we are building something that didn't exist before and you can't rush it. It's really hard to get things going but we are just getting started. I am hopeful for the future of the Board and looking forward to building on what we've created and learned so far.

Who will take over next academic year?

We have elected new leadership for 2023 - 2025. Timur Selimovic ’10 will be the next President and Emily Cohen ’13 will be the next Vice President. We also have a number of new members joining us on the board:

Kesha Kanakiya ’14

Sean Khan ’15

Hibben Silvo Rothschild ’04

Anusha Sthanunathan ’09

Brice Williams ’13

Uwem Wilson ’19

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope that we can engage more alumni through our events and initiatives. I especially want to help folks reconnect with the school and continue to build trust within the community. We plan to work on fundraising more in the coming years, so hopefully that's an area where we can contribute more. I'd love to see the Alumni Board establish a scholarship fund for students in financial need. I wouldn't have been able to attend AIS without financial aid so supporting current and future students is important to me.

Any parting words?

It has been a true honor to serve as the inaugural President of the Alumni Board. I couldn't have done it without the support and partnership of Pierrette Maillet, AIS Alumni Director, and Thomas Rudderow ’06 who served as my Vice President. To the current alumni board, thank you for putting your trust in me to get us started on this journey. It's only the beginning! I am looking forward to supporting Timur and Emily in any way I can.

Many thanks to Alumni Board President 2021 - 2023, Brittany Pavon ’05 (aka Cupid!) for sharing these stories - you can find them, along with more @aischoolalumni

Afrooz '06 & Zoë '06

Nick '13 & Grace '13

Max '07 & Courtney '07

Izy '98 & Kevin '98

Sukhi '07 & Nicole '11

Matei '14 & Neeki '14

Travis '99 & Marta '98

Rana '10 & Christoph '10

WHAT I WISH I'D KNOWN

AIS alumni around the world help us celebrate graduates by sharing their advice. We ask them a simple question: What is one piece of advice you'd like to share with a graduating AIS student?

Here are some excerpts - with many thanks to all the contributors.

Dream big and marvelous dreams, regarding them as ideas rather than ideals or beliefs. Mourn them as they wither and celebrate the ones that somehow succeed.

Stay connected to your AIS roots. The lessons learned here and friendships made are ones you will keep forever.

The next several years are the most free you'll probably ever be, so make it your job to experience as many things that challenge you and bring you joy as you can.

Pick a major that you find interesting because you're more likely to enjoy class and be engaged in the work… I majored in Biological Anthropology & Archaeology and now I work in Human Resources!

Despite differences, you can always find a commonality - it may be as simple as a favorite band, author, or food. This skill will serve you well as you continue on your path.

You're going to be fine. AIS has prepared you for the rigors of academic life in undergrad and even the graduate and PhD levels… embrace new things and change.

Stay curious, explore, seek out opportunities. Before graduating, you have this idea of who you want to be, do, or study. You can still pursue that idea or change course completely.

Jessica

Don't make any big life decisions until you're 25 or older. You are put on this earth to experience, not to accomplish. So experience as much as you can.

Timur

Lean on your support system, prioritize your relationships, nurture your curiosity, and don’t forget to have fun.

Jaylene

Take that sense of community everywhere you go and let it help you build strong foundations when things get difficult.

Moe

During rainy days you will always have memories from home and AIS to give you that ray of sunshine. Stay connected with your friends here so that when you come back, your relationships will grow stronger.

Inyegumena

Hold tight to your dreams and always move with intention. You are capable of living the life that you desire.

Chase your dreams, believe in yourself, and do not underestimate your ability to change the world for the better. Congratulations, graduates!

Instead of “follow your passion," I believe the better advice is to “bring your passion with you,” as you journey through various careers.

Charlotte

As you move into new spaces, intentionally cultivate your community of family, friends, and mentors by reaching out to others with compassion and curiosity

Daniel Frysh ’99

Veronica Plaut McDaniel ’97

Lisa Box ’01

Hibben Silvo Rothschild ’04

Carina Box Vidal ’04

Stephane Leblois ’05

Brittany Pavon ’05

Singer ’05

Kristine Vanijcharoenkarn ’05

Bronson ’06

Naniuzeyi '06

Thomas Rudderow ’06

Selimovic ’10

Nosegbe '12

Tausche ’17

OUR MISSION

To develop courageous leaders who shape their world for the better.

OUR CORE VALUES

The joy of learning and purposeful effort. Mutual respect and understanding in an intentionally inclusive and intercultural community.

OUR APPROACH

To lead as individuals and as members of their communities, future-ready young people must learn to thrive in ambiguity and uncertainty, pairing deep self-knowledge and empathy with the skills to think analytically and constructively. We believe it is essential to develop the capacity to consider one’s decisions and actions within an ethical framework grounded in a spirited sense of hope in human potential.

We create a safe, stimulating educational environment, promoting the wonder and curiosity that motivates a student to learn in and beyond the classroom and throughout life. We believe that achievement derives from sustained, purposeful effort and by learning to think critically, debate confidently, question assumptions and push our limits. We believe language and culture shape and inform identity. We delight in difference, opening ourselves to authentic and meaningful interactions with various cultures both in school and in life. We commit ourselves to grow and change individually and together, to ensure every learner’s identity, language, and values are respected.

AIS NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Atlanta International School practices a full nondiscriminatory policy in all school-administered programs and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation or gender preference in all of its admissions, educational and employment policies, programs, and practices.

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