The American
Eight Academic Medals for Southbank at First Attempt
S Director of Transportation for the City of Westminster Martin Low (L) and Councillor Robert Davis (R) unveil the plaque commemorating the construction work. PHOTO BY RICHARD LEWIS
New Security at Embassy T
he new perimeter security arrangements have been completed at the United States Embassy in Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, central London. Finally – and much to the relief of Embassy staff, visitors and local residents and workers - the fencing has been removed after an 18-month construction period. On June 26 the work, which cost $15 million dollars, was celebrated as Ambassador Tuttle, along with representatives from law enforcement and the neighborhood, cut ribbons and unveiled a plaque. Richard LeBaron, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy, introduced the proceedings, saying that having arrived in August 2007 he had not seen the beginning or the middle of the project but was happy to be at its end, and that the new facilities enhance the Embassy and the Square. The project includes two new visitor-access pavilions, designed to speed up access to the Embassy while adding extra security, new landscaping and a larger pedestrian area. The northern pavilion is for individuals seeking visas, while the southern pavilion is for official visitors to the Embassy and American citizens seeking consular services. Ambassador Tuttle said that it was a happy day for the Embassy and noted, “The U.S. Embassy has a long history on Grosvenor Square, and we place great importance on being a good neighbor. The redesign we celebrate today has greatly enhanced the security of the Embassy, and of the neighborhood, while vastly improving the appearance of this stately corner of Mayfair.” He added, “The Embassy will now be better able to serve the public by providing a more streamlined, and thus quicker, access to the building. These two pavilions will allow visa applicants – and others, British and American residents and citizens – to enter the Embassy without the current long waits, often in inclement weather.” Mr Tuttle expressed his thanks to UK law enforcement, local officials, and the Embassy’s neighbors for their patient support and understanding as the project progressed. Unveiling the plaque, he raised a laugh as he said it was the first time his name had been immortalised in this way, so he may never leave London. As the U.S.A. and Britain are two great democracies, the multiple ribbons were cut by all the dignitaries together.
outhbank International School in Westminster, London, has won a team Bronze in the United States Academic Decathlon, the first year the event has been open to American International Schools abroad. The event is the premier academic competition in the United States, providing students of all learning levels the opportunity to excel academically through team competition. American students from Southbank’s Westminster campus competed online in April and May. “Many congratulations to all the students who took part, their teachers and Lisa Saleh. This really is an outstanding achievement for Southbank,” commented Westminster Principal Terry Hedger.
Individual results include Gold
Individual medals won by Southbank studios were: Bronze – Business and economics to Glen Tokola (Varsity); Essay creative writing to Jack O’Connor (Scholastic). Silver – Science to Glen Tokola (Varsity) and Olivia Tokola (Honors); Essay creative writing to Glen Tokola (Varsity) and Devika Joshi (pictured, Scholastic); Language and Literature to Brian Fitzpatrick (Honors). Gold – Mathematics to Ariel Sagalovsky (Honors). Ariel achieved the highest score at the event; Brian, Jack and Devika were the first 9th Graders to medal at the national level and Brian is the youngest competitor to win at Honors level.