Graduation Booklet 2024

SATURDAY MAY 2024 10:00 AM 18

Welcome to the Jumeirah

English

Speaking School

2024

Graduation Ceremony

Mr. Shane O'Brien Director

Mr. Kosta Lekanides

Deputy Head Teacher

Head of Sixth Form

Mr. Stephen Green

Head of Secondary

Mr. Steven Vickers

Assistant Head Teacher Sixth Form

Programme

Welcome & UAE National Anthem

Class of 2024 Highlights

Director's Opening Address

Mr Shane O'Brien

The JESS Journey

Daniela Gough

Presentation of Helen Bond-Sharp Awards

Mr Shane O'Brien and Cato Roeterdink

Presentation of Platinum Awards

Mr Shane O'Brien and Joshua Visser

Musical Interlude

Experience by Ludovico Einaudi performed by Shreya Nair and Vicki Schokman

Class Retrospectives

Lua Michelle Biwer and James Matossian

Roll Call & School Honours - Forms 13AH, 13JL, 13LL, 13LOR

Musical Interlude

Until I Found You by Stephen Sanchez performed by Jessie Liu

Presentation of Compass Award

Mr Shane O'Brien

Roll Call & School Honours - Forms 13OF, 13RD, 13STL

Presentation of the Sixth Form Overall Excellence Award

Mr Stephen Green

Head of Sixth Form Address

Mr Kosta Lekanides

Head Student Speeches

Anna Benson and Archie Annand

Presentation of Chairman’s Cup

Mr Stuart Walker

Head of Secondary Address

Mr Stephen Green

Graduation Cap Throw and Recessional

Student Speakers

Thank you to our 2023-24 head students, Anna Benson and Archie Annand, who have led the student body this academic year; we are extremely appreciative of the contribution you have made to school life at JESS.

Anna brings a rich blend of Irish and British heritage. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, she joined JESS in Year 9, quickly finding her stride within the community. Anna excels in academics and sports, representing JESS in diverse fields like the sciences, mathematics, swimming, cross country, and rugby. Her determination is reflected in her pursuit of excellence across all domains Beyond school, she has shone on the international stage, clinching a bronze medal for Ireland in the Junior World Triathlon Championships and a gold with the U18 UAE Rugby Team Anna is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, spreading awareness and fostering acceptance She embodies the essence of hard work and positivity, leaving a lasting impact on our school community.

Archie, who is Dubai-born and bred, has been part of JESS since Foundation One, engaging in school productions and nurturing his interest in computer science His passion for technology led him to become Head Boy, where he has played a vital role in formulating AI ethics policies. Alongside academics, he championed menstrual health awareness. Outside class, he dedicates himself to Muay Thai, honing not just physical skills but also discipline and resilience. Planning a gap year in Thailand to deepen his training, he aims to compete in his first fight. Reflecting on his JESS journey, Archie acknowledges the school's impact on his character and confidence, crediting it for nurturing his abilities and empowering him to make a positive impact on the wider community

Student Speakers

Daniela, hailing from a half-Italian, half-English background, commenced her JESS journey in 2009. Immersed in the JESS community since Foundation One, she aspired to follow in the footsteps of its leaders. Demonstrating expertise in sports, especially swimming (where she serves as Swim Captain, competing nationally and internationally), rugby, and water polo, Daniela has refined her physical abilities while balancing academic pursuits. Her dedication extends to service roles, including social coordinator for the Class of 2024, showcasing a commitment to others Excelling in BTEC Business and IB Art, she epitomises JESS's ethos of excellence in both sports and academics, driven by a passion for service and a desire to contribute to her community

Lua Michelle, representing Bolivia, the USA, and Luxembourg, has made a positive contribution to the JESS community since Year 5 at JESS Jumeirah. Her passion for sports, notably rugby and football, has defined her journey, proudly representing the Blues Team since Year 11. This dedication led to a remarkable achievement, earning her a spot on the UAE U18s Rugby 7s team and a coveted national cap. Beyond her sporting achievements, Lua Michelle's vibrant spirit shines in social settings, where she enjoys connecting with others. As she prepares to bid farewell to JESS, she reflects on shared memories with teachers and peers, acknowledging their positive impact on her journey Grateful for transformative experiences, Lua Michelle expresses appreciation for the role JESS has played in shaping her into the person she is today

James, a spirited member of JESS since Year 8, tackles challenges with determination and humour Contributing to football, basketball, and rugby, he has contributed to the 1st XV Blues squad's success. Outside JESS, he represents Dubai Tigers RFC whilst balancing commitments to bodybuilding and powerlifting, all of which have helped shape his disciplined academic approach. His academic journey shows notable progress, particularly in Sixth Form, with recognition in the British Biology Olympiad highlighting his intellectual ability. A transformative trip to Vietnam deepened his empathy, fuelling his passion to make a difference to the wider community. As James prepares to bid farewell to JESS, he reflects on the sense of community and expresses appreciation for friendships and guidance from his teachers

Daniela Gough

Lua Michelle Biwer

James Matossian

Graduating Class of 2024

Congratulations to our graduating class of 2024. We are immensely proud of you; good luck with your future careers and please continue to make a difference.

Julia Abramo

Ishaan Aggarwal

Salim Al Rawashdeh

Hamid Al Shehhi

Hessa Almheiri

Rahma Ammiche

Jake Andrews

Archie Annand

Hammad Aslam

Defne Atalay

Marya Awad

Cagla Bahadiroglu

Karran Basi

Laura Bennett

Anna Benson

Amber Bettsworth

Zeffie Bettsworth

Abir Bindra

Lua Michelle Biwer

Ava-Joy Black

Charlie Bopp

Lea Bunni

Jasmine Capaldi

Giulio Cellocco

Shahzaib Chawhan

Liberty Clark

Oscar Commane

Allegra Consolini

Riccardo Corona Garcia

Aarushi Dahiya

Yago De Leon Cespedes

Lea Eido

Alexii El - Hage

Andrew Fien

Cyrus Fotuhi

Joseph French

Mattea Gauci

Nysa Gaur

Béatrice Genillard

Darija Gjoshevska

Kashvi Goel

Daniela Gough

Charles Grainger-Jones

Iris Grant

Arianna Gusmaroli

Leo Hall

Alana Hava

Kiera Henry-Thorne

Alexander Hill

Sara Hughes Pacheco

Baray Ilkay

Danah I'Ons

Emily Irvine

Avril Jaldin Sanchez de Lozada

Frederik Jansen

Rhys Jones

Emaan Kalam

Yara Kanaan

Ameerah Kerr

Ronan Kerr

Graduating Class of 2024

Ranya Khurana

Alison King

Nathan Lewis

Yiqian Liu

Zexi Liu

Neela Maclean

Amirah Mahadiwala

Raia Mahmoud

Mohammed Manna

Lea Marhaba

James Matossian

Patrick McCarrick

Isla McIntosh

Nami Mehdizadeh Isfahani

Shreya Nair

Lena Nedeljkovic

Sophie Neille

Rumaisa Omar

Yiming Ouyang

Aayush Panse

Samaira Pareek

Jake Parkinson

Alexander Parsons

Nathan Peirson

Pedro Plantz Baisch

Neel Popat

Nika Pour Mohammad

Rhys Power

Ignacio Quindos Landeras

Amber Razzaq

Michele Resi

Gia Rishi

Celestine Robert

Lucy Rose

Khaled Saab

Hanna Sabagh

Vicki Schokman

Alara Selcuk

Momina Shazib

Cameron Sime

Armana Singh

Rhea Somani

Kezia Stevens

Arhan Tandon

Talia Tawil

Flynn Thackray

Haley Toutounji

Rowan Turbott

Henry Turner

Dalya Ulku

Maria Urioste Grillo

Cyrille Vanaudenhove

Aadi Verma

Rhea Visaria

Inaya Wajid

Pippa Ward

Xavier White

Andrea Yague Garces

Skye Young

Special Awards

HELEN BOND-SHARP AWARD

Mrs Helen Bond-Sharp was the founding Headteacher of JESS when she started the school in a large apartment in Deira in 1975 with just 17 students.

The Secondary school in which we find ourselves today was opened in September 2005 and students receive this award in recognition of their journey through JESS from Foundation 1 to Year 13.

Hamid Al Shehhi

Archie Annand

Amber Bettsworth

Zeffie Bettsworth

Abir Bindra

Ava-Joy Black

Riccardo Corona Garcia

Cyrus Fotuhi

Mattea Gauci

Daniela Gough

Charles Grainger-Jones

Iris Grant

Alexander Hill

Rhys Jones

Ameerah Kerr

Ronan Kerr

Isla McIntosh

Sophie Neille

Jake Parkinson

Nathan Peirson

Rhys Power

Khaled Saab

Hanna Sabagh

Vicki Schokman

Cameron Sime

Kezia Stevens

Henry Turner

Maria Urioste Grillo

Inaya Wajid

Pippa Ward

Special Awards

PLATINUM AWARD

This award goes to students who have consistently sustained exceptional effort throughout the 2-year Sixth Form programme.

To achieve this award, a student must have been rated as On or Exceeding Expectations across all the learning behaviours and academic competencies by every teacher, in every report cycle. This is an unbelievably significant achievement.

Salim Al Rawashdeh

Anna Benson

Aarushi Dahiya

Amber Razzaq

Gia Rishi

Special Awards

SIXTH FORM OVERALL EXCELLENCE

This award is given to one student in Year 13 who has shown true breadth and depth in their efforts and abilities in either the BTEC or IB Programme.

The award recognises not just excellence in one specialist area, but a student who excels in academic effort, extracurricular activities and, crucially, in serving others.

Daniela Gough

SIXTH FORM OVERALL EXCELLENCE

Speech by Mr Andrews

This award is given to one student in Year 13 who has shown true breadth and depth in their efforts and abilities in either the BTEC or IB Programmes The award recognises not just excellence in one specialist area, but a student who excels in academic effort, extracurricular activities and crucially, in serving others. For me, there's immense joy in handing out this award. It allows me to celebrate a student's accomplishments and highlight the unique qualities that make them who they are. This particular student possesses all of these attributes in abundance. Quoting one of this student’s teachers, “This is a student who embodies the JESS values and has consistently strived for excellence in every aspect of their journey”

Their teachers describe them as "organised," "inquisitive," "dedicated,", a "delight to work" with, and that we are lucky to have them as a member of our community. Personally, I couldn't agree more. Despite the superlatives, what truly shines through for me is their commitment to considering others, including us teachers. This student’s journey is truly remarkable, and they stand as an exceptional representative of both JESS and their parents.

She is a beacon of talent Whether it's starting her day at 4:30 AM for swimming practice or arriving at school with an infectious smile, ready to seize the day, her dedication is truly praiseworthy A role model to our younger swimmers, she's steered the JESS swimming team to another triumphant year as its captain. But her achievements extend far beyond the pool. Recently, she clinched the highest score ever attained by a JESS student in the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment examination. She is also a source of inspiration to our upcoming BTEC students Collaborating within a team, she spearheaded a new marketing presentation to the CEO and Marketing Manager at Pickl Their enthusiastic response to the team's ideas speaks volumes, as they've expressed interest in integrating them into a genuine marketing campaign for the company

She has spent countless hours in our office, working alongside me, Mr. Kosta, Miss McEllin and Mrs. Anderson to the point where we consider her an honorary member of the Sixth Form Team. She has collaborated with a dynamic team to lead several initiatives, such as the creation of the Class of 2024 yearbook, organising the Prom, and orchestrating our renowned 'muck-up' day Her primary aim is always to ensure that her peers' voices are heard and that they have an exceptional Sixth Form experience She truly epitomises altruism

This student's journey is a testament to her extraordinary abilities and tireless commitment. After 15 years at JESS, she departs as a outstanding representative of our community.

Having known her since she was in Year 7 and watched her flourish year after year, I proudly announce the winner of this year’s Sixth Form Overall Excellence Award is none other than, Daniela Gough

Special Awards

COMPASS AWARD

Donated by Vanessa North, a founding teacher, the Compass Award is for a person or group of people who have gone above and beyond in a CAS (or other service related) activity.

This person (or persons) has a strong moral character, they are a great member of the community and their activity (or activities) has made a real and positive difference to the lives and experiences of others.

COMPASS AWARD

Speech by Mrs Cole

When I was asked to nominate somebody for this award, I thought of this student straight away Since the start of Year 7, I have witnessed nothing but kindness, care and compassion towards others, from them

During this student’s time within the JESS Sixth Form, they have been a fantastic and dedicated leader of the Period Empowerment Project, working alongside a team to hand make 1000 bags to store sanitary wear for young females in Zambia After months of sewing and preparing, this student personally distributed 400 of those bags to Mothers Without Borders orphanage and Tongabezi school During the visit, this student delivered an educational workshop emphasising the importance of menstrual health to fifty teenage girls. The impact that this project had on the lives of others is remarkable. Due to the efforts of this student and her team, many female teenagers and young women are now able to attend school during their menstrual cycle, allowing for equal opportunities to thrive in education Whist in Zambia, this student conducted herself with professionalism and maturity, speaking to the students in a personal manner, demonstrating empathy and warmth.

Her care for others does not stop there. This student has a strong passion for the arts and decided to create a youth theatre group, allowing for more enriching performance opportunities for Key Stage Three students She presented a detailed, thorough and professional presentation to the Performing Arts team and began her journey of introducing YPS (The JESS Young Performers Society). After leading many sessions herself, she recruited a fantastically driven team of Year 12 students to continue her legacy. YPS is still thriving with over 25 members this term. Alongside YPS, this student dedicated time every Tuesday to leading a Year 8 and 9 dance club

Some of you may not know, but students at JESS Sixth From log all of their CAS learning experiences and projects onto an online platform. This student’s profile is without a doubt the most impressive profile that I have ever seen due to her meticulous planning and highly insightful reflections (all 156 of them) and her diverse range of service projects including her engagement within the African Impact Global Development Programme She is not only driven to supporting others, she is exceptionally talented, performing in many of our school productions including the lead female role in The 39 Steps. Quietly brilliant, I have never heard her boast about her achievements, she conducts herself with grace and kindness. Earlier this week I received a comment from Mrs Richardson who has worked closely with this student and I think it truly encompasses her persona ‘She has always seen the good in people, the aim of making a difference is naturally embedded in her’ I am incredibly proud to present this award to Sara Hughes Pacheco

Special Awards

CHAIRMAN’S CUP

The Chairman's Cup was inaugurated by our founding Chairman, Jim Berry, in 2010.

This award goes to a student in Year 13 that has set themselves the highest of academic expectations and who consistently achieves at the highest level across all areas of academics.

CHAIRMAN’S CUP

Speech by Mr Kosta

“The most talented, passionate and hard-working student I have ever encountered in my teaching career” This is how one teacher summarised this year’s recipient of the Chairman’s Cup and they were not alone in their lofty praise Others referred to them as “amazing”, “exemplary” or, my favourite, “ridiculously talented” Their science teacher added that this student “has made me a better teacher, asking me questions that I have never been asked before or even thought about myself, which has resulted in me delving further into the realms of Chemistry myself” During every parent teacher conference, I would joke with mum that she must be getting quite tired of hearing one teacher after another wax lyrical about their child’s exceptional performance in class and that it must be boring to hear the target being “continue as you are”. I promised that next time we’d meet I would have something trivially bad to say but, unsurprisingly, that day never came She simply does not get it wrong. Her academic compass was always firmly fixed in the right direction.

She was also not just an academic powerhouse but also a wonderfully warm and caring young lady Her kindness and willingness to always go out of her way to try and explain a concept to another student who was finding something difficult was often noted by her teachers Even over the last few weeks when teachers were getting inundated with TEAMS messages, this student was always volunteering to answer other students’ questions Perhaps most telling and meaningful for her teachers are her impeccable manners. Where others may have forgotten to say thanks to a teacher, this student never did Every lesson, every extra post on Team or OneNote, every conversation, the words ‘thank you’ would always part her lips It’s in the little things that we discover true brilliance, and we can honestly say this student shines bright in this regard.

Now for the geeky goodness and tell-tale signs of who I am talking about She wrote her internal assessment in Physics on the effect of sail length on the rate of damping for a cart oscillating in harmonic motion in a spring system" Her Extended Essay took on a mighty topic by exploring, and I quote, “societal acquiescence as a form of shared complicity in the maltreatment of ostracised women in the1980s”. Because of course it did. Alongside three of her peers she participated in the international Mathematical Contest in Modelling, which involved devising a predictive model based on historical data for carbon dioxide levels and global temperatures, developing a mathematical model in response, and writing a 25-page formal academic paper to communicate the team’s findings. Amidst all this and her regular IB studies she also secured her Lambda Gold Award with a Distinction by speaking on the topic of Democracy in the Age of Facebook and the Banning of Books, attended courses at the University of Pennsylvania on the integration of technological concepts and management principles and as if all that was not enough, she attempted to set up a UAE branch of the Kids’ Lit Quiz in partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashed Library You know, simple stuff one does every day!

Heading off from JESS to pursue Earth Systems at Stanford University it gives me great, great joy to award the Chairman’s Cup to none other than Aarushi Dahiya