GLOBAL EXCHANGE The magazine of Atlanta International School
COURAGE IN THE TIME OF A PANDEMIC SUMMER 2020
ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2019-2020 Christian Fischer, Chair Verna Jennings Cleveland, Vice Chair Shelley Giberson, Treasurer Benny Varzi, Secretary
TRUSTEES Scott Britton Heidi Deringer Carrie Doyle Jeremy Faa Beth Kytle Chandler ‘98 Sandra MacQuillan Josh Moffitt Fasil Muche Susannah Parker Doug Shipman Farah Spainhour Bahns Stanley Felix Stellmaszek Frank Thomas Chiara Visconti-Pervanas ‘95 Arndrea Waters King Joyce Yamaato
EX OFFICIO
Kevin Glass, Head of School, Ex Officio Trustee Gerry Hull, Chair Emeritus Olga Plaut, Trustee Emerita, Founder Roy Plaut, Chair Emeritus, Founder Monique Seefried, Chair Emerita Deb Sudbury, Chair Emerita Laura Winchester, Trustee Emerita
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION 2019-2020
A fond farewell to Camille Du Aime, who is retiring as Head of Primary School after six years at the helm. When Camille joined AIS from the Berlin Brandenburg International School in Germany, she came with a gift - the section of the Berlin Wall that now lies within the AIS campus grounds. Her offering is not only a unique historic contribution to our school, it is a wonderful way to remember Camille and a legacy that includes the introduction of Chinese language immersion and the new Primary School building. We hope her luggage is a little lighter when she arrives in France!
AIS GLOBAL EXCHANGE | Summer 2020
Kevin Glass, Head of School Kevin Onabiyi, Head of Secondary School Camille Du Aime, Head of Primary School Jacinta Williams, Head of Equity & Inclusion Marsha Maxwell, Head of Technology & Innovation Reid Mizell, Head of Admission, Financial Aid & Marketing Kendyl Moss, Head of Development Paul Saeger, Head of Operations & Finance Gary Paterson, Upper School Principal Michelle Jones, Middle School Principal Alain Poiraud, Upper Primary School Principal Tina Clark, Lower Primary School Principal Maria Voutos, Early Learning Center Principal
IN THIS ISSUE 4 Message from the Head of School
AROUND AIS
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5 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 7 Virtual Learning Last Spring: When a Pandemic Tests & Propels You 10 Mock Trial & Model United Nations 11 STEAM in Action 12 Music 13 Theatre & Film 14 Athletics
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GLOBETROTTER 16 AIS Intercultural Events
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GIVING 18 Spring Benefit 2020
COMMUNITY IN ACTION 21 Courage in the Time of a Pandemic
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CLASS OF 2020 27 Congratulations Class of 2020 29 College & University Matriculations
STAYING CONNECTED 30 Alumni Reunions 32 Class Notes
Pilar Guzmán Striuli, Editor Alice Cappelletti, Editor Natalia Montoya, Graphic Designer
CONTRIBUTORS
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Dylan Baker ‘10 Reilly Campbell Yanaelle Cornez Paul Grether ‘95 Octave Guyard ‘21 Tiffany Holland Greg Hucks Lori Jones Pierrette Maillet Emmanuel Naniuzeyi ‘06 Kevin Onabiyi Phaeton Philbrook ‘10
Amy Wing Rajeh ‘95 Khaili Sanders Charlotte Smith Richard Smith Yannie Tan ‘19 Vanessa Topp ‘12 Maria Voutos Skylar Walker ‘20 Rob Warren Sherry Weeks Adem Wijewickrema ‘21 Jacinta Williams
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MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL Looking back, over the 2019-2020 school year, the two halves of the year were dramatically different. From mid-August to early March the usual busy school schedules and activities were punctuated by those familiar, much-loved events that give such a welcome rhythm to our school calendar and life: the Back to School Picnic, Worldfest, Dragon Boat Day, La Feria, the German Christmas market and Harambee celebrations - gatherings that would be unthinkable just a short while later. In March, COVID-19 became a pandemic and we were thrust into a new reality, one where fear and uncertainty became commonplace and there were no traditions or punctuation points - just rapid and unfamiliar change. It was, and still is, a time that has tested all aspects of our community on so many levels. Our teams worked hard to create, adjust and refine the virtual learning curriculum which saw our students practicing resilience, open-mindedness, and risk-taking as they adapted to the new schedule. Our community also stepped up to the plate with many examples of bravery and altruism which remind us of our mission: to develop courageous leaders who shape their world for the better. I’m incredibly proud and humbled at the way in which we all worked together so closely to overcome the many hurdles presented by this challenge. This summer, a defining moment in the history of AIS, the history of our city, our country and countries around the world, was sparked by the Black Lives Matter movement. In our school, through BlackatAIS, our alumni and students helped us better understand the work we still have to do as a community to uncover and remove the structures and behaviors that perpetuate racial bias and racism in our community. You can read more about what we are doing as a school to recognise, challenge and dismantle them at AIS on page 5, and I would urge you all to follow our steps in the journey ahead via our website and on social media as we strive to live our core value of intentional inclusion. There is much important work to be done. Now in August as we move into a new school year, we have welcomed students back to school on campus and virtually. Our faculty and staff have been extremely flexible and have worked tirelessly during these last few months to offer our students the best experience possible whatever the mode of learning. I cannot thank them enough for their commitment and service to our students and families.
AIS GLOBAL EXCHANGE | Summer 2020
Kevin Glass Head of School
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION This summer our Black students and alumni have told us that they have not felt that sense of belonging to a unique, international, learning community that we strive to create for all of our students. We want all of our Black students, employees and families to know they are seen, heard, treated fairly and protected, and we will take the needed actions to create this environment in our school. This work will strengthen the learning of all our students across all areas of intercultural competency and we know that these competencies are now critical in developing courageous leaders across an intentionally intercultural community that is founded in mutual respect and understanding. We all need to live and work together in this cultural complexity--wherever we find ourselves. In an international school community we acknowledge that cultural perspectives extend across many aspects of difference, and that almost everyone can be part of some minority group at AIS. This fact makes our work complex and fundamental, and of benefit to each and every student. Doing this work well for our students, employees, and families brings us ever closer to our aspirational mission as an international school in Atlanta. We want every member of this incredible community -- all students, employees and families to feel seen, heard, treated fairly, and protected. The Mission of Atlanta International School is to develop courageous leaders who shape their world for the better. We thank those who courageously stepped forward to create accountability around our vision and purpose.
AIS’S VISION A diverse, equitable, inclusive community is at the core of who we are as a school. We are committed to these values and they are vital to our mission of developing courageous leaders who shape the world for the better. We aspire to create a healthy and positive school climate and culture by providing the conditions necessary for every member of our community to feel seen, heard, treated fairly and protected. We act with courage and integrity as we actively build our intercultural competence across lines of difference and live by our core value of mutual understanding and equal respect in an intentionally inclusive, intercultural community.
Black History Month collaborative art piece coordinated by Jacinta Williams and Brittany Kirkwood. Open to all students and employees to participate. Serves as a reminder of the hope we have for the liberation of people, past and present.
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90 DAY PLAN In response to BlackatAIS and all the feedback we have received and heard rom our community, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) 90 day plan is being implemented. Its pillars of work can be found below and further details are available in the Diversity and Inclusion page on the school website. Domain 1: Systems and Policy In order to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all students we will review and consistently apply our policies related to hate speech and student behavior. Domain 2: Community Support We will create a network of effective and supportive relationships within and across racial lines of difference by focusing on community education, awareness, and engagement. Domain 3: Learning and Teaching In order to create a truly inclusive community, we will examine our practices and interactions through the lens of equity and anti-racism and act with the knowledge, skills, mindsets, and judgment required to do this work intentionally across the many lines of difference represented in our school. Domain 4: Community Composition We will recruit, attract, retain, and integrate the perspectives of a diverse, culturally competent employee and student community (including communities of color): Black, Indigenous, Asian, South Asian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern/ North African, Latinx). Domain 5: Transparency and Accountability As Senior Leadership, Board of Trustee members, and employees, we will hold ourselves and one another accountable for making progress and providing transparent communication about our successes, opportunities, and challenges in creating a truly inclusive community where all are seen, heard, treated fairly, and protected.
AIS GLOBAL EXCHANGE | Around SummerAIS 2020
COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP LAST SPRING: WHEN A PANDEMIC TESTS & PROPELS YOU By Jacinta Williams, Maria Voutos and Kevin Onabiyi Change can be challenging. It disrupts our sense of equilibrium, safety, and security. During change events, it is human nature to hold onto or overemphasize that which we believe we can hold constant. Change, like any event that people find stressful, can be handled in a way that it becomes a negative crisis or it can be managed so that it becomes an opportunity for positive growth and adaptation to new conditions. Our move from on-campus learning to a complete virtual learning model presented us with an opportunity to courageously lead through this change.
THRUST INTO AN UNKNOWN Like many schools who are actively thinking about the future of education, we have a strategic priority to explore new ways of teaching and learning within our school community, including but not limited to offering virtual learning opportunities in the future. Yet, if someone were to ask us in March if we were ready to offer these opportunities, we would have likely responded: ‘not yet.’ Like most K-12 schools nationally, we heard about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on schools in other countries who were thrust into implementing a different way of teaching and learning due to the spread and impact of the novel coronavirus. We immediately started to plan a response in the case of significant transmission of the virus in Georgia and believed we had several weeks before a potential transition from on-campus learning to virtual learning in our community. In reality, we only had two weeks with one of them being Spring Break! We were transitioning to virtual learning whether or not we were ready. Was our community up for the challenge? Teaching and learning are unquestionably social practices and are centered around groups coming together to share, question, invent, test out, and collaborate. When we first understood that we would need to move to a virtual platform, our immediate concern was around human connection and social relationships. Our wonderments and worries were centered around the potential loss of something so important and central to a school community. How would we replicate on-campus life to off-campus/virtual life? We asked ourselves; How will we stay connected? What will learning from the individual silos of our screens be like? How can we ‘feel’ what someone is saying if we aren’t near them? Will we feel as motivated and engaged if we are distanced?
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MOVING INTO ACTION
ADJUSTING TO VIRTUAL LEARNING
Our queries turned into action as we began to explore and understand the implications of this change.
Distancing took us away from one another physically and will continue to create a new look for socializing and learning. This part of the change was the hardest to accept and to adapt to.
Within two days, we transformed face to face teaching and learning into a virtual world. On our very first day of virtual learning, students were greeted by their teachers and peers, as per usual. The difference being, we were now in each other’s respective homes, learning together. I looked up and for a moment told myself that we were the real-life version of The Jetsons. As a kid, I lived for The Jetsons and thought how far off their robot contraptions and digital-age ideas were. My childhood imagination was now a reality as my students were on my screen in my kitchen, while my robot vacuumed my floor and my voice activated my devices. Connecting to something familiar is often a strategy that we promote with learners much like my Jetsons connection. It has a stabilizing force, even in this instance if it was to a once thought far-fetched idea. Students and teachers responded positively to seeing one another and were filled with a thirst for connecting. Our connections became the vessel for linking the past (familiarity) with the present (unknown).
The first Zoom playdate or adult get together was both glorious and sad. We were still grieving our loss, yet gratefully embracing and appreciating our new forms of social interaction. This duality caused great fatigue. It was within the fatigue that we moved to acceptance. We accepted that looking back is important, however in order to accept we must leave space for looking forward and re-prioritizing. If things can’t go back to the way they were, does that mean we should continue doing things the way we always did?
“WITHIN TWO DAYS, WE TRANSFORMED FACE TO FACE TEACHING AND LEARNING INTO A VIRTUAL WORLD.”
Group gatherings were now digital, small group work lived in breakout rooms on Zoom and social time came from virtually having a snack with one another and chatting. We were all in different stages of acceptance, understanding, and feelings towards this change, yet we were in it together. As a community, everyone leaned in, when we were physically distanced. Appreciation, questioning, imagining, trying, and reinventing were the strongest images of this change. Our mission of developing courageous leaders who shape their world for the better (both in times of peace and in times of crisis) guided how we facilitated age-appropriate dialogue with students about our transition to virtual learning. In these conversations, we emphasized how important it would be for students to actively use the traits of the IB learner profile to approach their experience in virtual learning just as much as they would do so to approach their classroom learning. We modeled and had conversations about the importance of being a risk-taker, or someone who approaches uncertainty with courage, forethought, and determination and who is resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change. Who students learn to be is just as important to our learning model as what they learn.
As we adjusted to this different way of teaching and learning in our community, we garnered feedback from all of our stakeholders to engage people in decisions that affected them by listening to their views and genuinely taking their opinions into account. We grappled with the guiding principle of maximizing normalcy and the implicit assumptions we made about teaching and learning in a pandemic. We were open to people’s reactions and valued the differences in opinions. We heard from faculty, parents, and students about the many things that were going well and those things that we could improve. We ideated and iterated the balance of synchronous and asynchronous learning to allow for both face-to-face teaching and for students to work and explore independently. In Secondary School, we implemented an increased awareness and practices of wellness with yoga sessions, cooking sessions, origami, and quizzes. We organized time for students to interact with field experts in virology and journalism to name a few, to help them contextualize their experiences. One of our youngest learners in 3K, as shared through his little eyes, described what we were all feeling, wanting to be with one another. Every time a friend’s video feed got magnified on Zoom, he would look at his mom so earnestly and say “Some time I want to go to that friend’s house!” That longing for opportunity to be together again, as shared through the lens of an early learning child, was one that resonated with all.
“WE HAVE STRUGGLED, RECALIBRATED AND ASKED FOR HELP; AND, WHEN WE STUMBLED, WE GOT BACK UP.” AIS GLOBAL EXCHANGE | Around AIS
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MOVING FORWARD ”In addition to live, remote classes, we are using Interactive videos, Simulators, TedEDlessons, Google form quizzes, graphic organizers, ATL thinking routines.” - Secondary School Teacher
“...the teachers have done a phenomenal job in facilitating our productivity despite the obstruction created by distance learning. They have been supportive and eager to help in any way they can.” - Grade 9 Student
“...even with all the challenges of quarantine, it has been fun to watch her learn—to see her making connections and interacting with her friends, asking questions and participating in discussions. You have been so wonderfully engaging and tireless in your efforts.” - AIS Parent
“The virtual format has created new bonds with our students, learning more about their personal interests while encouraging their creativity through the new lenses of the virtual classroom.” - Primary School Teacher
“All teachers are doing an amazing job coping with this unprecedented situation. We are very grateful for their dedication and support to our students.” - AIS Parent
Some students are thriving in a virtual world, truly in unexpected ways. Those once reserved are now stepping forward in confident, open ways. Others continue to struggle with the loss of face to face social interaction. The once bubbly and forward spoken is now quiet and unsure. We have a strong understanding that virtual learning is not a matter of one size fits all, and are continuing to uncover ways in which we need to adapt and tailor our approach to meet the needs of individual learners. By the same token, we appreciate that virtual learning can uncover a whole new set of strengths and challenges, many of which require a bespoke response. We are leveraging the many skills that students have gained in this environment, such as virtual collaboration, time management and organization that will undoubtedly propel their individual and collective learning and growth in the Fall. We have also learned that in these uncertain times it is essential to maintain flexibility and understand that when we return to oncampus learning, the reality may look very different from our previous experience. The new ‘normal’ could possibly involve blended learning, which consists of both face-to-face and asynchronous learning in order to accommodate group size restrictions or any other state requirement that might be implemented prior to allowing schools to reopen for physical learning. This flexibility will enable us to prioritize the learning experience with a view to also encouraging and supporting the wellness of our students and faculty. We are even more ready to continue to grapple with bigger questions that will allow us to best meet the needs of every student in our community while also strengthening our ability to be on the edge of the future of education. We are asking ourselves and will ask our students and parents what is worth keeping and what is worth leaving behind for us to be able to do so.
A REFLECTION We have had both high and low points on our virtual learning journey. We have seen our faculty and students flourish in this new space and go above and beyond in ways that contribute to truly building a learning community. There have been times where we have been exhausted and times where we have been elated. We have been proud of our progress and at times felt like we weren’t doing enough to support all of the academic and social-emotional needs of our students. We have struggled, recalibrated and asked for help; and, when we stumbled, we got back up. Along the way, we confirmed some key lessons/insights that will continue to help us as we grapple with the implications of the pandemic on teaching and learning across the globe and in our school community. Insight 1: In times of crisis, the true strength of a community shows. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to learn and grow in a community where we keep students at the center of our decisionmaking, support and challenge each other, and work together to ensure students receive a quality educational experience on-campus and virtually. Insight 2: We must remember to be kind to ourselves and each other as we ‘fail forward.’ Insight 3: Be brave and ask hard questions at every step, even when it’s uncomfortable, and especially when you feel sure you’re right. We must challenge our unspoken and sometimes unconscious assumptions and challenge them again. This will be extremely important as we transition back to on-campus learning. Where we will be in two months from now is uncertain but we aspire to remain highly adaptable in order to deliver teaching and learning successfully in partnership and in collaboration with our community.
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MOCK TRIAL
REGION 3 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Georgia State High School Mock Trial Regional Champions Outstanding Attorney Award: Skylar Walker ‘20 (x2) and Fiona O’Halloran ‘20 Outstanding Witness Award: ArKayla Napper ‘20 and Ronan Leudet de la Vallée ‘20 District Competition Outstanding Attorney Award : Skylar Walker ‘20 Outstanding Witness Award: Ronan Leudet de la Vallée ‘20 and Kenady Parks ‘22 Georgia High School Student Bar Admitted: Joshua Joseph ‘22
REGION 16 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Empire New York Fourth place overall Outstanding Attorney Award: Hermella Getachew ‘21 Outstanding Witness Award: Isabella Dietrich ‘21 and Ronan Leudet de la Vallée ‘20 Georgia State High School Mock Trial Placed 2nd in the region Outstanding Attorney Award: Hermella Getachew ‘21 (x2) Outstanding Witness Award: Isabella Dietrich ‘21 (x2) District Competition Outstanding Attorney Award: Hermella Getachew ‘21 and Ceylan Milor ‘20 Outstanding Witness Award: Isabella Dietrich ‘21, Ledao Gavalda ‘22 and Alya Khoury ‘22
MODEL UNITED NATIONS
Model UN: A Year of New Experiences! More than 40 AIS students participated in the Georgia State University MUN Conference, an all-time favorite, under the leadership of expert delegates and Mr. MacMahon. In addition to the traditional MUN milestones, this year saw a host of new approaches for MUN at AIS.
PANAMUN 30 delegates from Upper and Middle School attended this international conference and half of them challenged themselves to debate in Spanish.
HISPAMUN After the trip to Panama, a group of students prepared, organized, and hosted a Middle School MUN conference entirely in Spanish, under the guidance of Spanish teachers Sr. Canovas and Sr. Cardenas. The event is scheduled to happen in the Fall on the AIS campus or online, and is open to Middle School Spanish speaking students at AIS and other Atlanta schools.
WORKSHOPS WITH BEST DELEGATE Is an education company working with the Model United Nations Institute to provide training for MUN advisors and students. AIS hosted the Best Delegate MUN Advisor workshop for the Southeast in the Fall. Our Middle School and Upper School also received training during the school year on public speaking skills. We are excited about this fruitful partnership.
MIDDLE SCHOOL MUN IMPACT PROJECT Students decided to conduct 3 action-based projects on global issues including water waste in the clothing industry, plastic straw alternatives and the importance of climate action.
ONLINE MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES jrO-MUN: A group of Middle School students participated in a 2-day Junior-MUN Online conference along with students from all over the world. AIS Online Conference - Response to COVID-19: A group of AIS students prepared, led, and held the very first AIS MUN Online conference on the topic of the global pandemic.
AIS GLOBAL EXCHANGE | Around AIS
STEAM IN ACTION
The STEAM practitioners who have been invited to AIS as part of the Goizueta Da Vinci Fellowship represent a whole range of talents and include business leaders, scientists, researchers and innovative artists. Each year these distinguished individuals develop cross-curricular workshops and learning experiences for our students and community. They may come from many different disciplines, but they all have one thing in common, in the spirit of Leondardo Da Vinci, and the International Baccalaureate curriculum, they are able to combine excellence in science and engineering with diverse perspectives in design and the arts, creating partnerships that break conventional boundaries and foster a spirit of innovation and creativity. This year we were lucky to welcome:
CELESTE MORENO
CORINNE TAKARA
ROBERT IVES
A graduate student in the Creative Technologies and Design program at the University of Colorado Boulder, Ms. Moreno is a maker, technologist, and educator who collaborated with our STEAM team to design learning experiences focusing on playful computation and the integration of technology into our curriculum. The workshops she facilitated included creating Pepper’s ghost holograms with Grade 10 film class, using MakeyMakey to create crafty switches with Grade 6 computer science classes and offering a lantern-making workshop with ELC students and the wider community in which attendees learned about basic electric circuits and designed their own creative, hand made LED lanterns.
An established AIS Da Vinci Fellow, during her latest visit Ms. Takara focused on integrating sustainability into design, offering training for faculty and blended arts and science workshops for the AIS community in which they could create art through microfluidics. In one of these, students created butterflies, with bodies formed in vacuum molds made from used milk jug plastic, in which they grew mycelium incubated bark, using home grown kombucha leather for the wings. Secondary School science students focused on making bioplastics out of chitin and gelatin and investigated mealworms’ ability to break down and digest styrofoam or polystyrene and visual artists used silkworms to create bio-collaborative light structures.
Mr. Rob Ives, a popular paper engineer and author from the UK, joined a team of AIS faculty in exploring Atlanta through the lens of STEAM, making connections with what we do in K-12 to what is happening at university and industry levels. During a series of workshops, he helped primary students bring paper and cardboard to life, using simple mechanisms. They created birds that peck, nodding dogs, flying geese and many more creative designs. Secondary School students explored paper folding, levers, camtoys, and automata and his visit culminated with a Make and Take workshop open to everyone in the community.
AIS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Thank you to all those in the AIS community who have offered STEAM internships and job shadow opportunities to rising juniors and seniors in fields such as computer science, game & graphic design, architecture, mathematics & finance, scientific research, e-commerce, engineering, and more. We were lucky enough to place over 50 students this summer, despite 40 spots being cancelled due to the pandemic. We anticipate additional demand for internships next year so if you think you can help, please contact steaminternship@aischool.org
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MUSIC
This school year the spring concert and the trips to Carnegie Hall and Orlando could not take place. However, AIS choirs, bands and orchestras had two successful events with the Madrigal in December and the winter concert in January. The Madrigal Feast, a form of dinner theatre often held by schools during the Christmas season set in the medieval period, featured Middle and Upper School Choruses, student instrumentalists, and the Primary School Chorus. Merriment, jesting, heraldry, and some magnificent music were on the menu alongside courses of delicious food. The choirs performed English, Catalonian, and French carols, the music of Praetorius and Vivaldi, and closed with the traditional Carol of the Bells.
The winter concert in January featured a wide ranging repertoire from around the globe and performances by over 150 students from Middle and Upper School bands and orchestras. The concert featured the music of Spain, China, Ireland, Africa, and the Americas and it was closed by the Upper School Band sharing the frosty wonderment of the Concert Suite from The Polar Express. Our Primary School Band and Orchestras gave a fantastic performance in December demonstrating their hard work and dedication. Their performances showcased a varied repertoire from around the world featuring traditional folk songs and melodies familiar to many which were elevated by student introductions. This concert is unique as it is the first performance for many of our youngest student ensemble members.
AIS GLOBAL EXCHANGE | Around AIS
THEATRE
In November the AIS Player’s production of Disney’s The Lion King Jr was a sell-out with standing ovations from the audience. The cast and crew, comprised of over 90 Middle and High School students, rehearsed, designed & built intensively for four days most weeks, including weekends. The costumes, staging and lighting all received stunning reviews. Director, Rob Warren, writing in the student-produced Playbill, commented on how the production: “...closely speaks to our mission at Atlanta International School. The connections and parallels between the lessons Simba learns on his journey to becoming King and those our students value through the joy of learning and purposeful effort at AIS are bountiful.” The Upper School Spring Production of One Man, Two Governors by Richard Bean based on ‘The Servant of Two Masters’ by Carlo Goldoni, could not take place as planned due to COVID-19. The cast is working on a shorter Zoom version of the production and hopes to find a way to provide the community with a taste of the show and closure for the company. It will also be a final lasting memory for our senior thespians.
FILM & MEDIA
Following its launch during the second semester last year, the MYP Film program has continued to grow into two-semester classes for Grade 9 and 10 under the direction of Rob Warren and Brittany Kirkwood. The students have engaged in units on Semiotics, Storytelling, Cinematography, Documentary Film & Film Genres with the participation of guest artists from the film industry, and AIS alumn Kilian Fischer ‘12 who has contributed to the planning of the curriculum and offered workshops in cinematography and film production. In the 2020-2021 school year, the Arts Department will expand the Film program into the IBDP Curriculum by offering the two-year DP Film Course.
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FALL ATHLETICS
MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS This Fall, our MS student-athletes participated in Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, Cross Country, and Boys Soccer for a total of 8 teams. The MS Boys Soccer Blue team went all the way to the MAAC Championship, and the MS Cross Country team had multiple podium finishes throughout the year. All teams showed great commitment and enjoyed a high level of success!
UPPER SCHOOL ATHLETICS This Fall our varsity student-athletes participated in either JV/Varsity Volleyball or Varsity CrossCountry for a total of 4 teams! The Varsity Volleyball team made it all the way to the Elite Eight of the 2019-2020 GHSA volleyball State Championship tournament. The Cross-Country team was led by 2nd place State Finisher, Cara Joyce and 5th place State Finisher, Reagan Mahoney. All of our Upper School Athletic teams had a great season and represented the school very well.
AIS GLOBAL EXCHANGE | Around AIS
WINTER ATHLETICS
MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS
Our Middle School girls’ and boys’ basketball programs showed great effort this past 2019-2020 season. This is a testament to the strong, tenacious and competitive spirit of our Middle School studentathletes who played in our 4 different MS Basketball teams. We also had a very strong Middle School swim squad, with the largest team we have had in years! AIS is looking forward to the increased involvement of our winter MS sports next season.
UPPER SCHOOL ATHLETICS Our Winter Sports season was a busy one with Sideline Cheer, JV Boys, JV Girls, Varsity Boys and Varsity Girls basketball teams all in action on the hardwood! The Varsity Girls’ basketball team had their best record of 13-7 in four years and Senior Mina Loudermilk joined the 1000 point club for the Eagles. Our Swim and Dive teams excelled this year as well, with top 10 finishes in the GHSA State meet by both girls and boys relay teams, many individual successes were capped off by a 2nd place finish by Junior Caleb Duval in the 200M Freestyle!
SPRING ATHLETICS
While this Spring was unique and featured some unprecedented obstacles, all of our AIS Spring Athletic teams were poised for greatness! We had Middle School Girls Soccer, Track and Field, Golf, and Tennis. Our JV and Varsity teams were gearing up for successful seasons as well in Ultimate Frisbee, Golf, Tennis, Track and Field, Girls Soccer and Boys Soccer. As the season came to a halt, both of our Boys Tennis team and Varsity Girls Soccer team were undefeated.
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GLOBETROTTER
For much of this academic year travel has not been advisable. Many of the language exchange trips, Model United Nations conferences, theatre and environmental trips that take AIS students all around the world had to be cancelled or postponed. Photographs of Grade 5 celebrating the culmination of their Primary School years and partial language immersion with trips to France, Germany, China and Spain would normally be filling these pages. Instead, we are offering you a taste of the many ways we celebrate cultures and languages from around the globe right here at school with a selection of international events, many of them arranged by our fantastic Parent Organization.
LA FERIA
ATLANTA HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL September sees us cheer on the AIS Dragon Boat team as they compete at this colorful, fun-filled event on the shores of Lake Lanier. It is also an opportunity to witness cultural events during the opening ceremonies, and indulge in cuisine from around the world at one of the premier cultural diversity events in the Atlanta area.
AIS GLOBAL EXCHANGE | Globetrotter
A celebration of Latin diversity, La Feria is a time for the whole community to come together and enjoy tacos, bingo, piùatas, inflatables, arts and crafts, a photo booth, dancers, musical performances and more. This is courtesy of Amigos, the Parent Organization’s Hispanic Culture Club who promote our Hispanic cultural diversity with educational, social and cultural events throughout the year.
WORLDFEST Every fall, Atlanta International School hosts Worldfest, a celebration of the cultural diversity that is unique to the AIS community with authentic food, games, and family fun from every nation.
HARAMBEE Throughout the year, the Parent Organization culture club, Harambee, increases awareness of the unique perspectives, experiences and issues of those who view themselves as members of the Black and/or, African-American, African or Caribbean population. Their signature event takes place in February and this year Harambee hosted a celebration of Caribbean Culture featuring live Calypso music, stilt walkers, dancers, games, a parade, student presentations, food and fun.
THE GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET For many at AIS and in the neighboring community, the annual German Christmas market heralds the start of the holiday season. The traditional Weihnachtsmarkt is filled with booths full of traditional holiday decor, crafts, one-of-a-kind gifts, choirs, children’s activities and, of course, delicious German food and drinks.
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SPRING BENEFIT 2020: VENTURE TO AUSTRALIA
With the limitations placed upon gatherings due to COVID-19, AIS moved forward with the 35th annual Spring Benefit virtually. More than 1000 AIS community members joined in the first ever Virtual Spring Benefit: Venture to Australia on May 2, 2020. The Facebook Live broadcast included a message from Mayor Sam Massell, Honorary Chair of the Spring Benefit, and a moving speech by Sean Khan ‘15, sharing how the opportunity to attend AIS with support made a tremendous impact on his life. If you missed the broadcast, it was recorded and is still available on the AIS Facebook page. All proceeds from the Spring Benefit this year went directly to support need-based financial aid. This year’s Spring Benefit generated over $245,000 from the silent and live auctions and “Stand and Pledge.” This wonderful event is the culmination of the work of a host of AIS parent, alumni, and staff volunteers who make the silent and live auction possible. A special thank you to all the generous donors who bid high and participated in the “Stand and Pledge”. Mark your calendars for Voyage to Greece on Friday, March 19, 2021.
AIS GLOBAL EXCHANGE | Giving
2020 SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS
2020 BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORS
2020 FRIENDS OF AIS SPONSORS
2020 SPRING BENEFIT COMMITTEE Myrna Antar Thompson Keith Bogle Melissa Braddy Suzanne Smith Darley Rana El-Nahas Keisha Escoffery Jeremy Faa Emma Forsythe Kirsten Gromatzky ‘97 Shaun Kirkwood Monica McLary Aisha Nga ‘02 DeAnna Perotta Steinke Swapna Rao Patty Webb Jennifer Wilson
AUCTION DONORS Agave Restaurant Ali’s Cookies Alice + Olivia All Fired Up Alliance Theatre Company Anis Café & Bistro Aonair Wines
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Archer ASW Distillery Atlanta Botanical Garden The Atlanta Falcons Atlanta History Center Atlanta History Tours Atlanta Kick Fitness & Martial Arts Atlanta Movie Tours, Inc. Bocca Lupo Boisset Collection By Arley Lodge Andrew Carney Photography Chopt Creative Salad Company CMX Cinebistro Wendy & Jeff Clark Matthew & Monica Clouser Collegiate Licensing Company Compost Now Cultured South Taproom: Kombucha Bar & Fermentation Market Sandrine Curnyn Delta Air Lines Dermatology Affiliates Dreamdry Buckhead Dress Up Brookhaven Atlanta Fly Wheel Sports The Forum Athletic Club Fur Bus
Georgia Aquarium Glover Park Brewery The GYM at Peachtree High Museum of Art Chandra Holland Fine Art Portraits Icebox Cryotherapy Buckhead Inspire Health Kefi King of Pops Laser-Microdermabrasion Consultants Le Bilboquet Le Mèridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina Let’s Roam Lucky’s Burger & Brew Mama Bath + Body Marty Thornberg Designs Mellow Mushroom Mercedes-Benz USA LLC Metro Fresh Moe’s Southwest Grill Neil & Hermine Morrell The Music Class Natalie Carroll Design Oakland Cemetry One Stop Productions Oodazu
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Orbit Arts Academy Oriental Trading Company Mr. & Mrs. M. David Paredes Mr. Andrew Steinke & Mrs. DeAnna Perrotta Steinke Piedmont Park Conservancy Pike Nurseries Placed By Design Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Raging Burrito Saks Fifth Avenue Mr. Paul Seefried ‘01 Seraphim Skin Care Serenbe Playhouse Julie Simon Six Feet Under Skin IQ SoulCycle, Inc. Souper Jenny South of Hampton Springs Dermatology Stone Mountain Park Angela Sun Consulting & SAT Prep Spa Sydell Buckhead TaDa! The Atlanta Dance Academy Third Eye Tribe Tiff’s Treat Total Row Fitness Chiara Visconti-Pervanas ‘95 & Angelos Pervanas Maria Voutos Yonah Mountain Vineyards Zoo Atlanta
STAND & PLEDGE DONORS deLille & Mark Anthony Peter & Nancy Bauer Tobias Behrenwaldt & Cheryl Yul-Behrenwaldt Keith Bogle Alan & Christiane Box Mr. & Mrs. Robert Braddy Mr. Lucas Bravo & Mrs. Natalia Munoz-Bravo Mr. Abhishek & Mrs. Neerja Breja Mr. & Mrs. Scott P. Britton Nicholas & Teresa Brown David & Kristine Brown Susan & Frank Brown Mr. Raghu Bukkapatnam & Ms. Kalyani Bukkapatnam Wendy & Jeff Clark Dr. William & Verna Cleveland Margot & Travis Cline Mr. & Mrs. Milo S. Cogan Lanie & Casey Cox Christina & Doug Crawford Roya & Rick Curtis Mrs. Heidi E. Deringer & Mr. William G. Foglesong Mr. Hichem Kerma & Mrs. Mercedes Desio Matthew Dodge & Shalini Patel Dr. Travis Douglass &
AIS GLOBAL EXCHANGE | Giving
Mrs. Zully M. Pascual Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Doyle Ms. Camille du Aime Mr. Martin Emmett & Ms. Keisha Escoffery Jeremy & Lorilee Faa Christian & Anke Fischer Eleanor Gagon, MD & Terry Gagon, MD Dr. Lucienne Ide & Mr. Humberto García-Sjögrim Ron Carmichael & Shelley Giberson Stefani & Kevin Glass Mark & Allison Gould Mrs. Kirsten Wing Gromatzky ‘97 Avinash & Scarlet Grootens Mr. Stefano Striuli & Ms. Pilar Guzmán Striuli Lisa & Ankur Haldar Dawn & Chip Hawkins Dr. & Mrs. Matthias L. Heilmann Dr. & Mrs. Lars Hepers Vincent & Leyda Hughes Gerry & Patricia Hull Ms. Caroline A. Hutchison ‘14 Derrick & Holly Johnson Lori & Marshall Jones Clint & Michelle Jones Dr. Ajay K. Joshi & Dr. Richita C. Surana Joanne Justice Mr. Solomon Kassa Dr. Peter Andreas Kimmich & Mrs. Dawn Kimmich Karl & Tina Kottke Mr. Sean D. Koval ‘16 Ms. Martha Kytle Chandler ‘98 & Zebulon Chandler Lin Wang & Tung Lee Mrs. Eunice J. Lockhart-Moss Mr. & Mrs. Robert K. Long Mr. & Mrs. Thomas MacQuillan Ms. Pierrette Maillet Dr. J. Matthew & Mrs. Leigh Anne C. Mazzawi Chandler & Nina-Daniela McCormack Mr. & Mrs. Chris McCoy Reid Preston Mizell & Bernard van der Lande Josh & Natasha Moffitt Neil & Hermine Morrell Mr. & Mrs. Cory Moss Pedro & Britta Mota Venetia Mott Mr. Fasil Muche ‘93 & Ms. Muna Saadi Mr. Richard Nesbitt & Mrs. Rebecca L. King Nicole O’Brien Greg & Cheryl Olson Mr. Kevin Onabiyi Mark & Molly Padilla Mr. Michael D. Page & Ms. Paula V. Pardinas Dennis & Jane Panzer Mrs. Martina Striedinger Parker ‘94 & Mr. Walter M Parker III
Mr. & Mrs. Gary J. Paterson Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan D. Paton-Smith Dr. Adina Alazraki & Mr. David Pemberton Mr. Roy Plaut & Mrs. Olga Gomez Plaut Alain Poiraud & Carine Poiraud-Bouton Michael & Dawnitra Quigley Mykolas & Tamara Rambus Catherine Reimer Mr. & Mrs. Werner S. Richter Khaili Sanders, Founder of The KS Program The Schmook Family Mrs. Anja Sebunya Bijal Shah & Dwight Shipman Bas Sijgers & Angela Lyda Ms. Charlotte M. Smith Mr. & Mrs. Brian Smith Mr. Richard Smyth & Mrs. Kinnari Smyth-Patel Mr. & Mrs. Sterling Spainhour Jr. Layne & John Stabler Claire Staples Win & Morgan Stewart Dr. Kimberley Haluski & Mr. John Stoj Mr. Thomas Stoupis & Mrs. Antigoni Themistokleous Dr. Jonna Struwe & Mr. Christian Struwe Deb Sudbury & Bernd Schüttler Richard & Dorothy Sussman Mr. Darrell Butler & Ms. Kenyatta Taft Mr. Chee K. Tan & Ms. Lan Chiem Jane Kamenz & Jim Tausche Abraham Thomas & Poorvi Chordia Frank & Leslie Thomas Mr. & Mrs. Benny H. Varzi Poonam Chawla (Vats) Chiara Visconti-Pervanas ‘95 & Angelos Pervanas Mrs. Maria Voutos & Mrs. Christina Clark Rebecca Wade Mr. Rob Warren Meg Watts Ms. Wendy White Ms. Jacinta J. Williams Mary Wilson, Esq. & Robin Williams David & Lisa Willis Mr. Brent Yamaato & Mrs. Joyce Yamaato
COURAGE IN THE TIME OF A PANDEMIC During times of crisis, you always find extraordinary stories of people giving back. Meet some of our community members who have stepped up to the plate during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PHAETHON PHILBROOK ’10 “The COVID-19 crisis has impacted all of us. It is heartbreaking to watch this virus take its toll on individuals, families, and businesses around the world. However, it has been incredible to witness the selflessness that healthcare workers and civilians have demonstrated over the past few weeks. We have come together as a nation to support one another and to keep our friends, families, and fellow citizens safe. It has shown us the global impact we can have when we act united for a common goal.” After AIS, I attended college at Northeastern University. During my undergraduate schooling, I participated in both biopharmaceutics and immunology research. My passion for immunology and medicine ultimately led me to pursue my MD/PhD at LSU Health Sciences Center – New Orleans. I am currently a second-year PhD student studying cancer immunotherapy. Since the onset of this pandemic, there has been a global effort to understand all facets of COVID-19 pathogenesis. We, like many other researchers across the nation, have launched several projects in order to better understand the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the disease known as COVID-19. The quicker we understand this virus, the sooner we will be able to develop safe and efficacious therapies.
VANESSA TOPP ’12 “Following the first confirmed cases in Mogadishu, the majority of expatriate staff were evacuated from Somalia. Together with our national staff colleagues, we are now managing all of our projects remotely. Although this has been incredibly challenging to implement, it has also been amazing to see the creative solutions we came up with together as a team to ensure our work continues.” Since graduating from AIS in 2012, I completed my undergraduate degree in International Affairs at the University of Georgia and a Masters in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action, specializing in Global Health, at Sciences Po Paris. I have worked with humanitarian NGOs in France, Jordan, Greece, and most recently Somalia. In the humanitarian sector, working in crisis mode is the norm, but COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on humanitarian organizations’ ability to reach populations in need. Travel restrictions and funding shortages are making it more and more difficult to meet existing humanitarian needs as well as new ones caused by the virus.
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NURSE TIFFANY HOLLAND “Currently I am working every Saturday in Wellstar Paulding Hospital. I am taking care of ICU overflow patients (most of the ICU and overflow are COVID-19 positive). The team out there is hit pretty hard. The teamwork is amazing. We do what we can to keep spirits up and provide comfort to patients because they are alone - no visitors are allowed. I come home from work and have my own decontamination process. I try to get out all the emotions in the shower. It’s trying but we are making it!” I’m a rare breed at AIS, a genuine Georgia native! I graduated from Emory University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and have over 20 years of Emergency Room experience and I served as the Staff Educator for the ER. I’ve maintained my CPR Instructor certification along with PALS (pediatric advanced life support) and ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) certifications. My role at AIS is to serve the school’s health and safety needs. Maintaining the safety training for all employees is a challenging but vital role. I look after the secondary school students in the clinic, monitoring illness and emergencies and respond to any illness or injury needs of the ELC. During the pandemic I have been advising students of all ages on staying safe, healthy and well.
EMMANUEL “MOE” NANIUZEYI ’06 “I’m very grateful for all of us that are in good health. I continue to pray for those that have been infected with this virus. I also pray for all the healthcare professionals that are putting their health at risk. As I look back at these last two months, I’m thankful that I came back from Africa before COVID-19 took the world by storm.” After graduating from AIS in 2006, I attended Elon University in North Carolina. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Sports Science and soon started my professional career in the fitness industry. Over the last 7 years I’ve specialized in rehabilitation programs for integrated medical clinics. I’m currently still working in physical medicine as a physical therapy consultant and therapist for decompression therapy at the Atlanta Medical Center. Being in the medical field for many years has taught me the importance of not only taking care of yourself physically but also taking care of the environments around you. Ever since the global pandemic of COVID-19 has taken place, our working environment has been on high alert to ensure the safety of the staff and the patients that enter the office.
AIS GLOBAL EXCHANGE | Community in Action
PAUL GRETHER ’95
“As a transit advocate I have been distraught at the horrible impacts of the Coronavirus crisis. The crisis has forced a change in mission – move essential workers such as hospital staff, service workers, first responders and others while discouraging all other rides. The front line workers operating and maintaining urban transit are really heroes moving heroes. They continue to come to work every day and put themselves in harm’s way to ensure operations continue. On the evening of April 29, 2020 the Empire State Building illuminated MTA blue to call attention and pay tribute to these fallen heroes.” After AIS, I attended Georgia Tech and ultimately wound up in the graduate transportation program (City and Regional Planning and Civil Engineering program). After graduating I spent 7 years at MARTA in Atlanta ultimately managing the development of the Atlanta Streetcar project. After MARTA I moved to Cincinnati to work for the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority start-up, the first rail transit system in the city, a 3.6 mile modern tramway rail system as part of an effort to revitalize the downtown and historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. After a few years of being responsible for the rail and bus systems in Cincinnati, I moved to New York City to join the MTA Long Island Rail Road to direct the operational start-up of the East Side Access (ESA) project. The ESA megaproject brings the Long Island Rail Road to the east side of Manhattan through new tunnels under the East River and a new station underneath Grand Central Terminal. I have always been passionate about public transport, especially how the technology has the ability to improve many aspects of cities.
AMY WING RAJEH ’95
“The potential impact of COVID-19 in places such as refugee camps from Syria to Bangladesh is devastating to think about, but I am heartened to be a part of the work that CARE is doing to help prepare these communities by promoting hygiene messages and maintaining life-saving activities already underway.” After graduating from AIS in 1995, I attended American University and completed a B.A. in International Relations with a Minor in Russian Studies. I remained in Washington for two years, and it was after attending my AIS 5-year reunion that I decided to relocate back to Atlanta to join CARE, the Atlanta-based humanitarian organization, as a Program Development Assistant. I held several positions at CARE and left after a three-year post to Khartoum, Sudan after having my son in June 2017. I recently returned to CARE, now based from my home outside Washington, D.C., and hold the position of Humanitarian Program Manager on the Humanitarian Team.
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SHERRY WEEKS
“As we moved to our virtual teaching this past semester, I was so thankful for all my colleagues who helped alleviate the anxiety and fears of being able to deliver meaningful lessons. When I have not been zooming, I have been sewing masks for family, friends, chiropracters, caregivers and hospital workers. I have recently made some for our wonderful security and maintenance staff, which brings me to a total 130 so far!” Born and educated in England, I danced professionally for many years, before becoming an acting teacher, then deputy head of a dancing school. I also started a children’s clothing brand, ‘Small Wonders’. After a move to Belgium I became involved in the British School of Brussels, working in the theatre department and running a performing arts and sports camp during summer and winter holidays. We moved to Atlanta 22 years ago, my children joined AIS and I have been so fortunate to work here with wonderful professionals, who challenge, inspire, encourage and support each other every day. As an artist, I have always had a passion for design, shape and movement, whether working with fabric or students.
OCTAVE GUYARD ’21
“I really wanted to help out the essential workers that make our school a clean and safer place.’”
Octave Guyard ‘21 is a junior who, in his spare time, has been making face shields using 3D printers and laser cutters from his father’s company. He has donated the shields to key members of AIS staff, like our maintenance crew and nurses. When he was told of the initiative, AIS Director of Operations, Mr. James Sitzman, said: ‘This is such a generous, thoughtful action. I think it will be much more comfortable for security and the nurses who may have to wear these for hours daily, and we can sterilize these to reuse them. Thank you Octave, your excellent community spirit is a great example of AIS core values’.
AIS GLOBAL EXCHANGE | Community in Action
DYLAN BAKER ’10
“No-one wants to die alone. I took it for granted that families could be at their loved one’s side as they took their last breaths. Nothing could be more basic. During my daily calls with families, I’m moved by the resilience of our community. COVID-19 has drastically changed our society, but we remain rooted in our love and support for one-another.” Dylan completed a bachelor in Economics at McGill University, and a medical degree at St. George’s University of London Medical School. He then majored in Internal Medicine at Emory University, and will be staying on as chief-resident of ambulatorymedicine after completion of residency. Clinic is his preferred habitat, but he is finding himself spending a lot more time in the ICU taking care of critically ill patients. At the same time, Dylan worries about his primary-care patients that he’s unable to see as the clinics are closed. Tele-health visits are less than ideal for elderly patients with multiple co-morbidities, and he hopes to be able to see them in clinic soon.
YANNIE TAN ’19
“Crown Education Challenge, a non-profit organization that I co-founded, has been the most interesting project I’ve worked on. I try to make the most out of my current situation by helping students engage themselves through learning. I’ve made many new friends who are all in this mission together.” AIS prepared me very well on my journey to college. Through my CAS Project during my IB Years at AIS, I realized the importance of promoting student engagement through learning opportunities and challenges. I created Astutia, a 501c(3) organization and challenge for Girls in STEM. Using the frameworks given by the IB Curricula, I was able to learn how to develop a similar project, which definitely helped ease the process of creating the Crown Education Challenge. I’ve met so many talented students and professors at Stanford, and feel extremely grateful to be studying here. So far, I’ve explored different majors and pre-professional clubs, all of which helped me define my values and personal goals.
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‘UNITY IS STRENGTH [众志成城]’
上 海 中 学 Shanghai High School
14th
April 2020
Dear Mr.Glass, Greetings from Shanghai High School(SHS) and I hope this letter finds you and all the faculty members well. In the face of a most urgent and common challenge to this day, our concern for our sister school transcends continents and oceans. As the Chinese proverb goes, ‘Unity is strength [ 众 志 成 城 ]’ , which echoes with ‘United we stand.’ This is a time when solidarity rises above differences by means of concerted efforts to contain the virus. Standing shoulder to shoulder with you, we are keen to help in the best way we can. Everything's back to normal here and flowers are in full bloom. The students will return to our beautiful campus next week. So I have firm belief that your community is sure to prevail in the end with dedicated medical professionals, effective prevention and control measures and unwavering determination. ‘Spring is like a perhaps hand’, and I wish to see you in SHS till all these end, in honor of our treasured bond !
Best regards, Mr. Feng Zhigang Principal of Shanghai High School
For over fourteen years, AIS and the prestigious Shanghai High School have been enjoying a cultural exchange program that has enriched the learning of all those who have participated. The reciprocal visits had to be canceled this year, but the relationship is stronger than ever. In Shanghai they have weathered the worst of this pandemic and, knowing what we are going through, Shanghai High School sent us a shipment of face masks as a gift. Principal Mr. Feng Zhigang wrote: ‘In the face of a most urgent and common challenge to this day, our concern for our sister school transcends continents and oceans. As the Chinese proverb goes, ‘Unity is strength [众志成城]’. In thanking the school, Kevin Glass replied. ‘We were so touched by your and all of Shanghai High School’s generosity to us at the Atlanta International School...we value our long and deep relationship with your school through bad times and good.’ The masks arrived at school in June and we have donated some to front line workers at Grady Hospital and kept some for our own reopening.
Shanghai High School visiting students, September 2019.
AIS GLOBAL EXCHANGE | Community in Action
CLASS OF 2020 To the Class of 2020, The world before the pandemic, will mean a lot to you and the Class of 2020 will always be special to me. 2020 has turned out to be a defining moment in world history. It has given each and every one of us something different to think about and reflect upon. This black swan moment came to you on Friday March 13th, which turned out to be your last day at AIS. I think some of you knew this would be your last day. As a grade, you were highly musically gifted and your participation in the rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody last year was a special moment for me as your Head of Year. Whether you were working in the art room, reciting poetry, in the band, chorus, theater production, or partaking in a vast array of sports, it was always nice to see a different side to your nature. We are in a time of uncertainty, the old ways of doing things will change, things will be different, as we move towards the world after the pandemic. We need to think more about each other, nobody has all of the answers, it will be up to you to change this world. Get inspired to make a difference, with so much uncertainty, you must shake up this world, you have the power. Cancellation of the IB exams lead to a rush to ensure all coursework was completed to a high degree and with the help of your Grade 12 teachers and advisors you were able to meet this challenge. It has been a testament to your strong will, commitment, and steadfast approach that you were all able to deal with the three changes to the virtual teaching schedule in only five weeks. As you leave AIS and go out into the wider world you will need to reset and reboot. In the future, you will look back on this point in your life and reflect on the sacrifices you made, during lockdown, quarantine, shelter in place. You will make significant contributions to the after, you will be instrumental in restarting the process. Your graduation marks your passage into adulthood when you start to decide what is important to you and the values that you want to live by. You are about to embark on a hard yet wonderful winding path from which you can build a life and working environment that can change the world, however, it will not be on your terms or timeline. Love what you do and always be true to yourself. Do what you think is right, this will make a difference, please remember to keep the values of honesty, respect and fairness, close to your heart. You will make mistakes, learn from these experiences, help to build a community. Keep making your parents proud. My final word of wisdom to you is to hit the road, travel, and experience all of the things that this world has to offer. “Our paths are all different, however, you do not lose if you get knocked down, you lose if you stay down.” -Muhammad Ali Best wishes,
Richard Smith “rise above” Head of Year Grade 12
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CLASS OF 2020 Philip al Mutawaly, United States, Germany, Iraq
Cristina Díaz, United States, Colombia, Puerto Rico
Juliette Alibaksh, United States, France, Jack Drummond, United States Iran Taymor Flower, United States, Juliana Alscher, Germany, Mexico, Afghanistan Colombia Giulia Folli, Italy Katzi Alscher, Germany, Mexico, Sam Freeman, United States, Brazil Colombia James Gamble, United Kingdom, Hana Arslanagic, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Ireland United States Mingdao Gavaldà, United States, Spain, Anissa Ashraf, United States, China, China, Catalonia Pakistan, UAE Jacobi Glenn, United States Ellie Atkinson, United States Sophie Goguillon, France, United States Noah Bartlett, United Kingdom, Wales Meghna Grover, United States, India Aleena Bashir, United States, India, Victor Guyard, France, United States Pakistan, Norway, Singapore Claire Baucom, United States, Germany Rene Hahn, United States, Romania, Switzerland Tolga Baykal, United States, Turkey Sophia Hoffmann, United States Avi Becker, United States, India Adam Hussain, United States, Syria Fabian Blank, Germany Vea Iyer, India Claire Boudard, Belgium, France, Sarah Jaffal, United States, Jordan, Vietnam Palestine Jon Branch, United States, Guatemala Vidushi Jha, United States, India Tim Brand, Switzerland, Germany Rahmah Jingo, United States, Uganda Rose Breen, Netherlands Robert Luke Joseph, United States Tessa Breen, Netherlands Carina Kane, United States, Argentina Nia Brown, United Kingdom, Minsu Kim, South Korea, United States United States Park Bruner, United States, South Korea Kaia Klenberg, United States Emma Cagwin, United States
Max Knudsen, Denmark
Caroline Campbell, United States, Paraguay, United Kingdom
Frederik Kristensen, Denmark
Carolina Casali Lima Ibarra, Brazil Iain Chambless, United States Molly Grace Clark, United States, United Kingdom Cayla Deacon, United States, Kenya John-Gregory Dean, United Sates
Fabiola Larson, Costa Rica, United States Ronan Leudet de la Vallée, France, United States Mina Loudermilk, United States, Iran Jack MacQuillan, United Kingdom, Ireland, Czech Republic
Maanit Madan, United States, India Michael Pierre Decoufle, United States, Reagan Mahoney, United States Italy, Spain, France Nina Meier, United States, Germany Ariana DeCross, United States
Aryan Nayani, United States, India Fiona O’Halloran, Ireland, United States Anna Pahlsmeyer, Germany Kendall Parks, United States Haley Patton, United States Laine Pendergast, United States Mia Peterson, United States, United Kingdom, Trinidad Sophie Poels, Belgium, United States Emerence Poiraud, France, United States Victor Popescu, United States, Germany, Romania, Romania Adren Poulard, France, United States Loftin Propst, United States Heather Rea, United States, Ecuador Sydney Sachs, United States Tanisha Saini, United Kingdom, India Tatum Salsbery, United States Sofia Sanchez, United States, Peru Julien Simon, France, United States Mohammad Ali Subhani, Pakistan, United States Andi Tausche, United States, Canada, Germany Sander Terwindt, Netherlands, United States Chris Topalov, Bulgaria, Greece Uni Valdivieso Wooldridge, United States, United Kingdom, Panama Alec Veit, Brazil, United Kingdom, Germany Masha Volkova, Russia Alexa Wagner, Germany, United States Skylar Walker, United States Junbo Wang, China Kevin Washington, United States Justin Williams, United States Sarita Wuensch, Germany, Nepal
Victoria Dent, United States, Costa Rica Kai Mendoza, United States, Philippines Beau Young, United States Ethan Michel, France, United States Luke Zaller, United States, Slovenia Shane Dettingmeijer, United States, Netherlands, Switzerland Carlysle Devane-Schneider, United States, United Kingdom, Panama
Tim Mikan, Untied States Ceylan Milor, United States, Turkey ArKayla Napper, United States
AIS GLOBAL EXCHANGE | Class Summer of 2020 2020
Kiana Zarrabi, United States, Iran *Country of Citizenship, Country of Heritage
MATRICULATION LIST American University, United States Babson College, United States Bates College, United States Berry College, United States Boston University, United States Bowdoin College*, United States Cardiff University, Wales Drexel University*, United States École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), Switzerland Emory University*, United States Florida State University, United States George Washington University*, United States Georgia Institute of Technology*, United States Georgia State University*, United States Hampton University , United States Kennesaw State University , United States Lancaster University*, England Lehigh University, United States Loyola Marymount University*, United States Loyola University Chicago, United States McGill University*, Canada Morehouse College , United States New York University *, United States Northeastern University, United States Oxford College of Emory University, United States Purdue University*, United States Regents University London, United States Savannah College of Art and Design- Atlanta, United States Savannah College of Art and Design- Savannah, United States Stanford University*, United States Syracuse University, United States Technische Universität München, Germany
Technische Universiteit Delft, The Netherlands The University of Alabama, United States Tufts University, United States Universiteit van Amsterdam*, The Netherlands University College Maastricht, The Netherlands University of Alabama at Birmingham , United States University of California, Davis, United States University of California, Los Angeles*, United States University of Chicago, United States University of Colorado Boulder, United States University of Denver, United States University of Florida, United States University of Georgia*, United States University of Michigan, United States University of New Haven, United States University of North Carolina at Asheville, United States University of Oregon*, United States University of South Carolina, United States University of St. Andrews, Scotland University of Washington, Seattle, United States Vassar College, United States Villanova University, United States Washington and Lee University, United States Washington University in St. Louis*, United States *Universities where multiple AIS Class of 2020 graduates will be attending. List as of June 12, 2020. Additionally, we have three students pursuing a gap year upon graduation. Note: Some European matriculations to be confirmed after IB results are available.
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ALUMNI REUNIONS AIS EAGLES AT UGA VS. GT AIS Eagles alumni who are also Georgia Bulldogs and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets gathered for an early mimosas and coffee tailgate at the annual “Clean, Old Fashioned Hate” game over Thanksgiving weekend in Atlanta. Madeleine Howell ’16 and Julius Long ’16 | Julia Dorsch ’16, Nanditha Menon ’16 and Dito Montana ’16,
BOSTON REUNION Boston AIS alums braved a cold, rainy night to enjoy dinner at Post 390 on January 25. Claire Duggan ’06, Matt Keeter ’07, Tatiana Manidis ’10, Martina Mustroph ’04, and Erons Ohienmhen ’08
LONDON REUNION Head of School Kevin Glass and Head of Secondary Kevin Onabiyi hosted alumni at a cozy Covent Garden spot, The Escapologist, on January 18. Amy Tuohy ’97, Adam Dindorf ’09, and Richard Smith ’09 | Olivia Jones ’08, Nikisha Amin ’10, and Hortense Badarani ’10 | Rachel Hovington, James Brindley ’05, Veronica Plaut McDaniel ’97, Mark McDaniel, and Laetitia Butler ’12
AIS GLOBAL EXCHANGE | Staying Connected
ATLANTA HOLIDAY HANGOUT Over 60 alumni celebrated the season in Atlanta on December 21, 2019 at Fado Irish Pub. Anissa Malik ’12 and Nadine Marfurt ’12 | Sarah Muche ’13 and Nichole Smith ’13 | Bianca Paggi ’08 and Moe Naniuzeyi ’06 | Michael Delcampo ’15, August Gebhard-Koenigstein ’15 and Tomas Perez ’15
NEW YORK CITY REUNION This year’s New York City Reunion took place in Brooklyn at Vinegar Hill House on January 24. Rohan Zhou-Lee ’09 and Tessa Weal ’15 | Mirjam Grunenfelder ’05, Rob Warren, Brittany Pavon Suriel ’05, and Lily Medina | Mayke Vercruyssen ’15, Erin McDonough ’15, Neira Selimovic ’15, Guest of Erin, and Theo Viala ’15
CLASS OF 1995 REUNION The Class of 1995 gathered via Zoom on May 30 to toast their 25th reunion year and reminisce about their time on the Long Island Drive campus.
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CLASS NOTES Paul Grether ’95 relocated last fall from Cincinnati, Ohio to New York City where he now works for the Metropolitan Transit Authority. He directs the start-up of the East Side Access Project, which will bring the Long Island Rail Road into Grand Central Terminal.
leads sustainability research for the ESG Center. This past December, he graduated in the inaugural class of the Executive Masters in Social Business and Entrepreneurship at the London School of Economics. Thomas’ wife, Erin, is an English professor at Louisiana Tech University. Pictured are Thomas, Erin, and Baby Sophia.
Thomas Rudderow ’06 continues to serve as the advisor for the successful CAS group, the AIS Investment Club. In April, the Club finished first, fourth, and thirteenth statewide in the SIFMA (Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association) Stock Market Game.
Nina Box Seeberger ’98 & Lisa Box ’01 spent some time together last summer in Atlanta, where Lisa has joined the AIS faculty as an English assistant teacher in the Primary School. Their mother, retired teacher Christiane Box, shared this photo of all her grandchildren during Nina’s visit from Germany.
Jessica Haynie-Lavelle ’02 & Pauley Tedoff ’02 caught up for the first time since graduation and it was as though no time had passed! Both are pursuing graduate degrees in the subject of food security--Jessica in Sweden and Pauley in Canada.
Carla Weeks ’03 is an artist and designer based in Philadelphia, PA. In February 2020, Carla spent a week on the AIS campus installing an original mural in the staircase leading to the Visconti di Modrone Library.
Elizabeth (Liz) Warner ’08 adapted to her quarantine conditions in France by running her 29th marathon virtually in May. She achieved her goal of completing her 30th marathon before turning 30 in June 2020. Liz’s nonprofit, Run to Reach, has raised thousands of dollars for nonprofit organizations that focus on women around the globe. Read about Liz’s journey at runtoreach.com and on Instagram and Facebook.
William (Will) Bell ’06 jumped in last fall to teach students in the AIS Investment Club about economics. Will works for Intercontinental Exchange as a Product Manager. Lucy Pettitt-Scheiber ’08 has been working for the last seven years as a well intervention engineer with BP after graduating from GA Tech. She is based in Houston, TX. Thomas Singer ’02 & Jaylene Singer ’05 have both returned to the Atlanta area after years of living in various cities in the US and abroad. Thomas and his wife recently welcomed daughter Sophia and Aunt Jaylene has been visiting with her young niece as often as she can. This is Thomas’ ninth year at The Conference Board, where he
AIS GLOBAL EXCHANGE | Staying Connected
R. Paige Brownlow ’09 got married on February 29, 2020 in Alexandria, VA. Several AIS Class of 2009 alums were in attendance to celebrate, traveling for the occasion from all over the US, Australia, and Holland. Pictured from left to right are Josh Hanford, Kelsey Sanborn, Fernanda de Oliveira, Paige Brownlow, Gaelle Millien, and Monique Hasham.
Connan Moody ’10 and his wife, Michelle, opened Academy Coffee in 2018 at the Irwin Street Market. The coronavirus pandemic has significantly impacted the small business community in Atlanta, but they’re weathering the storm, and they are open Tuesday – Sunday. Connan writes, “If I could ask one thing of you as a community, please if you have a favorite small café/restaurant/bar you particularly enjoy, try and support them.” Check out Academy Coffee at academycoffeeatl.com.
Timur Selimovic ’10 & Neira Selimovic ’15 are roommates and work in Manhattan, after graduating in 2019 from Georgia State University College of Law and the Georgia Institute of Technology, respectively. Timur passed the Bar Exam in New York on his first try and has since begun his career as an international tax lawyer with PwC. Neira has begun her career in global marketing with Unilever. The Selimovic siblings are picture here with their parents, Adnan and Selma.
Gisele Ferandel ’11 is engaged to wed Samin Odhwani.
Jack Margolin ’12 is a senior analyst on counterproliferation cells at C4ADS, studying illicit networks and unconventional threats. Follow Jack on Twitter (@jack_margln), where he tweets on Eastern Europe, East Africa, and sometimes nukes. Sam Locke ’13 is a Peace Corps teacher at Waterberg Primary School in Namibia, teaching a mixture of mathematics, science, and computer science to students from Grade 4 through Grade 7. Last summer, Sam’s parents, AIS math teachers Sarah and Tony Locke, traveled to Namibia to work with Sam in his classroom, with the assistance of a travel grant from AIS.
L Katrin ’14 celebrated Naadam last summer with other Peace Corps trainees in Mongolia. After completing 11 months of training, L was sworn in as a Public Health Educator and will spend two years serving in Mongolia as a Peace Corps volunteer.
Connar Brown ’15 had fun coming back to AIS to play the Jest-Her at last December’s Madrigal Feast. “I will run the show and pour the mead. ’A female!’ You might say, ’How progressive indeed!’” Connar studied theater at Columbia College Chicago and currently works as an actor based in Chicago.
Natalie Pardy ’16 was featured in AIS’ online recipe book, AIS Cooks, with her recipe for lamb and pistachio patties. Natalie was back in Atlanta this spring finishing up her final year online at the University of Wisconsin.
Isabella Vakkur ’16 & Pablo Patel ’19 didn’t know each other at AIS but met in Maine at Bowdoin College when Pablo joined the Bowdoin Curling Team. Isabella, who had never heard of curling before moving to Maine, became team captain this year, leading the team to a berth in the national tournament. They are both pictured here with their teammates. Pablo is on the far left of the back row. Isabella is also in the back row, third from the left.
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The AIS Class of 2016 celebrated their annual Thanksgiving reunion at the Greenbergs! Pictured left to right are Rebecca Greenberg, Olivia Capelletti, Julius Long, Nan Menon, Julia Dorsch, Madeline Howell, Shona Wilson, and Alex Cueto.
Nicolas Terwindt ’18 & Nile Ziegler ’19 met up in January with AIS music teacher, Rebecca Wade-Chung, at the annual Georgia Music Educators Association conference in Athens, GA. Nicolas and Nile are both studying at the University of Georgia.
Riley Starling ’16 finished her final semester at Colorado College just in time. If she had delayed by one day, she would have been denied entry to Singapore. After fulfilling a required 14-day quarantine at a hotel, Riley joined her parents at their apartment. Singing is an important part of her life, and she has continued to sing throughout the quarantine when her father plays the piano. Despite limitations on personal freedom, she is grateful to be in Singapore, where the government has responded forcefully to the COVID-19 threat.
AIS GLOBAL EXCHANGE | Staying Connected
Pedro Gomes ’19 reunited with his AIS college counselor, Lori Jones, in Boca Raton, FL. Pedro is majoring in cyber security at Lynn University.
Yannie Tan ’19 has joined a group of college students from around the US to launch a nonprofit organization, Crown Education Challenge. The Challenge encourages K-12 students to submit an art piece, STEM project, or written work in response to the theme of “hope during a pandemic” in order to nurture optimism during this challenging time. Learn more at the Crown Education Challenge website.
THANK YOU!
Volunteers, especially our parent, alumni and parent of alumni volunteers, greatly enrich the experience for all in the AIS community. Heartfelt thanks to those who dedicated their time and efforts during the 2019-2020 school year!
2890 North Fulton Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30305
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 non-discriminatory policy in all schooladministered 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.