The Banner - Fall 2017

1

Contents 39 Yeonhui-ro 22-gil Seodaemun-gu Seoul 03723 South Korea T | 822.330.3100 F | 822.335.1857

4

Letter from the Board Chair

5

Letter from the Head of School

6-11

Advancement Office Update

12-13

The New SFS High School

14-15

Graduation Highlights

16-17

Alumnus of the Year

18

Alumni Committee Award

20-21

Professional Learning in the ES

22-23

Get to Know You - Q&A

24-25

SFS Sports Update

26-27

SFS Theatre Update

28-29

SFS Artists - where are they now

30-36

Alumni Visits/Notes

37

Alumni Reunions

39

Meet the New Members

Cover Photo Picture from the Elementary School 4th Grade Play “Wizard of Oz” Spring 2017

2

3

Letter from the Board Chair

Letter from the Head of School

“The Board, our Head of School, and the Senior Administration have already begun to implement the first steps of SFS’ newest five-year strategic plan.”

Colm Flanagan, Head of School with 12th grade students at their weekly lunch meeting

To our SFS Community,

Dear SFS Community, behalf of the entire Seoul O nForeign School Board, it is

good to welcome you to another school year at SFS. All over campus there is the sense of exciting things coming as the sight and sound of the new High School building construction mingles with the happy noise of our children busy at work and play.

The Board has begun our fall schedule welcoming and orienting four new Board members, as well as by making our short presentation at each section’s Back-to-School night. We hope that proved informative and helpful to you. We were glad to have a meaningful opportunity to communicate about who we are and what we do, and we look forward to more opportunities to engage with you as the year progresses.

There are other good things in store as the Board joins with our Senior Administration to move forward on initiatives toward school-wide excellence.

4

The Board’s Academic Committee is helping to bring together the efforts of the school leadership to build SFS’ academic excellence.

Each section of the school has taken stock of our previous year’s results and is developing strategies to celebrate strengths and address challenges going forward.

Our Compliance and Finance Committees are working with our new Assistant Head of School for Finance, Clif Wilcox, to ensure SFS’ financial stability through regular audits and financial planning efforts that align the School’s budget with our educational objectives.

Last but not least, the Board, our Head of School, and the Senior Administration have already begun to implement the first steps of SFS’ newest five-year strategic plan. We are planning an event to share that plan with the community on November 1. We are glad to be part of a community that can embrace each change for

hard to believe that we are I t’salready a quarter of the way

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Hebrews 13:8 NIV SFS’ future affirming together that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV) I hope you will be able to join us that evening, to hear how the School is building on our past and looking toward a future that will welcome many generations of SFS families to come.

Penelope Kim SFS Board Chair

through the academic year. As always I have been made proud by our local staff who help us ready ourselves for the new year over the summer and make SFS operate so smoothly when we get started.

Similarly, our faculty are working hard to ensure their students receive the very best education available.

Our overarching theme this year is ‘ensuring excellence through a consistent student experience,’ and such a goal is required if we are to continue to advance as a center of teaching and learning excellence.

Indeed, as I write this letter over the students’ Chuseok break, all sections of our school’s faculty are receiving training on varying aspects of quality teaching practice. Our faculty are committed to being life-long learners.

Over the last few weeks I have had the honor of meeting with groups of our 12th grade students, to talk about their experiences at SFS. These are the young people on whom we rely to go out into the

world in 2018 and make an impact.

What has struck me has been how seriously they treat their studies and how grateful they are for the support they receive. As an educational establishment, with a legacy as deep and rich as ours, it is our duty to equip them with the

“In a year in which we will be unveiling our Strategic Plan 2017-22, I want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to.... our SFS students are being inspired, challenged and supported in equal measure.” very best, before they set off to undertake the challenges of college and the working world.

campus, whichever classroom you enter, whichever academic discipline, artistic endeavor or sporting feat you encounter, that our SFS students are being inspired, challenged and supported in equal measure.

To all of our community, across the globe, let me encourage you to connect or reconnect with SFS over the course of this year to find out about all of the exciting plans and developments that are under way at Seoul Foreign School.

Best wishes and God Bless,

Colm Flanagan Head of School

In a year in which we will be unveiling our Strategic Plan 201722, I want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to wherever you travel on the

5

Advancement Office Update

SFS Annual Fund Giving Report

Dear SFS Community:

T

hank you to our Parents, Board, Faculty, Alumni, Students and members of the broader SFS community for your participation and support to our Annual Fund last year. The Annual Fund provides financial resources beyond tuition to help the school achieve education at its best. It has helped to enrich many aspects of our school’s educational environment such as enhancing academic and extracurricular programs, making facility upgrades and facilitating faculty training. It has been the best opportunity for all members of the community to support the school.

participation to the Annual Fund. Our goal in the Advancement office this 2017-18 school year is to continue generating this broad participation.

Please do look out for various events that will be hosted by our office with the first event being Grandparents’ Day on November 20th.

Last year, a total of USD 201,071 was raised of which USD 106,495 went towards the establishment of an indoor climbing wall. The rest of the funds went towards the new High School building, Endowment fund and other areas of needs. We are truly grateful for all the categories of donors listed on the following pages. We gratefully acknowledge and honor their participation and support.

With much appreciation,

Over the past few years, we witnessed an increase in our community’s

As we launch and make a solicitation to our 9th Annual Fund this year, we look forward to another year of support from the SFS community to help us achieve our vision and continue our traditions of excellence at SFS.

2016-2017 Annual Fund Donors Parents

24

Alumni

23

Board

4

Faculty/Staff

93

Other

12

TOTAL

156

Allocation of Donations (USD) Annual Fund

Yoojin Um Manager of Advancment yoojin.um@seoulforeign.org

Building for the Future Fund

106,495 87,896

Endowment

4,180

Others

2,500

TOTAL

201,071

Community of Donors Donations 2017-2018

RED AND BLACK CLUB Donated $5,000 or more during the fiscal year

Minsoo Choi and June Kang Emily Kim Rose ‘17 and Martin Kim Jack and Edie ‘77 Moon

THE CREST CLUB Donated $1,000 or more during the fiscal year

Colm and Sinead Flanagan CENTENNIAL CLUB

Donated $100 or more during the fiscal year

Chris Eensoo Kim Jennifer Koenig ‘92* Jenny Lee ‘86* The Searles Family Yoojin Um Jessica ‘15, Michael and Stephanie Woo The Legacy CLUB Made a monetary donation during the fiscal year

Wan Hee Hong Won Joo Hwang

6

Climbing Wall installed in the UAC

7

Community of Donors Donation 2016-17 The Heritage Club Friends of Seoul Foreign School MILLENNIUM CLUB Emma Lee RED AND BLACK CLUB Minsoo Choi and June Kang Rayoung (Madeline) Lee Hyungji Park ‘85 THE CREST CLUB Anonymous Yoon Suh & Jun Woo (Kevin) Chae Edward and Henry Chung Colm and Sinead Flanagan James and Sarah (Hubbard) Gunberg ‘71 Hyun Sook Hong Jason and Ryan Gurewitz and Dako Huang Ashley Jung The Kahng Family Annie (Wonhyeong) Kim Euiseok Kim and Regina Ryu ‘87* David and Sun Young Kim Hyong Seok Kim ‘12 Ian Wonwoo Kim Jee Hee Kim Jerome and Silvia Kim Nina Kim ‘83*, Peter Choi & Kate Choi Sebi Kim Yeonjae Lee Jack and Edie ’77 Moon Joon, Esther, Gabriel, and Marissa Myong The Nahm Family Katherine and Justin Oh Iris and James J. Park Paul ’04 and Hannah Rader Kasey Rhee ’17 Eulho Suh and KyungEn Kim ‘90 KeeHyun Sung CENTENNIAL CLUB Anonymous - “In celebration of the work of June Kang” William and Anna Bae Barry and Karolyn Benger Michael Busbee & Jiangjiang Chen The Bookhamer Family Chua Ken Hon Eunhi Chung Cho Young Woo Cho Alice, Philip and Alex Choi Lydia and Matthew Choi Soyoung Chung The Church Family Kimble Cook ‘83 Romulo H. Delmendo ‘79 JoAnn Dunbar Hana and Maya Eldessouky The Evans Family Greyvensteyn and Gardon Family Caroline Hahn Brian and Lisa Hall James Hopkins Judy and David Hwang Byeong-Guk Jeon Eugene Jeong Brad and Jehane Johnson John K. Johnson ‘69* The Kent Family Albert Kim ‘14 Andrew Kim ‘15 Heejin Kim Gregory ‘06 John Kim ‘71* Johnny and Penelope Kim

8

Minji Kim Ted Kim ‘03 Yerin Amy Kim Yoo Soo Kim Jasmine Kipa Michael Kirsch Haejin Koh Andy and Joanna Lee Blair, Kim, Hudson & Maguire Lee Byunguk Lee Chang Hee Lee Daniel Lee Eun Joo Lee Hugh (Heung Sang) Lee Isabelle Lee Moon Jin Lee The Lycett Family Young Sik Moon John ‘70 and Masumi O’Donnell Michael O’Donnell ‘70 Gil Pak ‘90 Chris (Tae Hyun) Park Susan Pope Chandler ‘90 The Prest Family Niklas and Mia Redler-Thompson Grace, Joshua & Allie Roth The Sanderson Family The Searles Family Tim Schulze Iris Shin Reina Shin Esther Smith, Former Faculty Justin and Shannon Smith Andrew Strege ‘11 Lauren, Adam, Jade & Ella Teather Yoojin Um Verizon Matching Fund Nathan and Megan Walker James S. Weaver, Jr. Family Fund Kwang Il Won THE LEGACY CLUB 2M 2016-17 Anonymous Young Bo Bae Meg Brainard Ja Yong Choi Jong Chul Choi Kang Hoe Do Eleanor, Dao, and Mathew Gibault Seong Hoon Hong Woo Tak Jeon Jin Hyuk Joo Byung Shik Jung Jiyoung Jung Dong Suk Kang Sang Oh Kang Cheol Hoi Kim Jung Soo Kim Hong Seo Koo Ryan and Lindsay Kuhl Byung Joo Lee Jae Hun Lee Jung Yong Lee Seong Hwa Lee Seoung Woo Lee Memorial for Gail J. Riggs Meyer ‘70 Seung Min Nam Yong Min Park Dong Jin Shin Insil Tak Emma Wang Laura Worden Mark Worden Chang Gun Yang Bo Ram Yoo

Community of Donors Donation 2015-16

THE CREST CLUB 8th Grade 2015-16 From the 2015-16 SFS Board on behalf of Mr. Minki Synn for his service as Board Chair From the Cho Family – Paul, Jiyeon, Christopher ’12 and Natalie Min Soo Choi & June Kang Daddy Daughter Dinner Dance Planning Committee 2016 Linda and Joe Erlinger Colm & Sinead Flanagan Kathleen and Timothy Gray James and Sarah (Hubbard) Gunberg ‘71 J&J Catering The Kae Brothers George Dongkyu Ko Euiseok Kim & Regina Ryu ‘87* Henry Kim & Family Jerome and Silvia Kim Jinwook Kim & Jennifer YJ Kang W. Amber Kim ‘12 in honor of Rev. Yong Il Kim W. Andrew Kim ‘14 in honor of Rev. Yong Il Kim Kenneth and Rebecca Lee Seoyoon (Annie) Moon Joon, Esther, Gabriel, and Marissa Myong The Nahm Family John ‘70 & Masumi O’Donnell Katherine and Justin Oh Jasmine, Iris and James J. Park Don and Rose Robinson

Eensoo Chris Kim Jeung Soo Kim Yoo Soo Kim Haejin Koh Zifei Liu Andy and Joanna Lee Blair, Kim, Hudson & Maguire Lee Byunguk Lee Chang Hee Lee Eun Joo Lee Hugh Heung Sang Lee Inseop and Jungah Lee Jinju Lee Moonjin Lee The Lycett Family Jack & Edie ‘77 Moon Young Sik Moon Seung Min Nam Susan Pope Chandler ‘90 The Prest Family The Sanderson Family S. Schrader & Y. Kim The Searles Family Susan Sell-Haynes SFS Faculty Misty Shipley and JJ Akin Cindy Slover Butikofer ‘71 Roy Smith Shannon and Justin Smith Frank Shyn ‘87* Adam, Lauren, Jade & Ella Teather Brad and Jo Thies Yoojin Um Esther Washburn Smith, Former Faculty Insil Tak James S. Weaver Jr. Family Fund Jessica ‘15 & Michael Woo Peter Yap Sheila Yap Myeongho Yeom and Kelly Wang Hye Sun Woo Taewho Yoon

CENTENNIAL CLUB 5th Grade 2015-16 5J 2015-16 The 5th Grade Class of 2014-2015 Class of 2016 Miyeon Bahng Eunhi C. Cho Youngwoo Cho Young Min Choi Chua Ken Hon and Family Soyoung Chung The Cooper Family Scott and Molly DeBoer Kanghoe Do Hana and Maya Eldessouky The Foord Family Gardon & Greyvensteyn Brian Hall Jeff and Jenn Holcomb Hyun Sook Hong The Hong Family James Hopkins Judy and David Hwang Audrey Im Mike and Lauren Jackson Byeong-guk Jeon Celine Jin Ji Young Jung Calvin Anthony Kamphuis The Kent Family The Kersting Family Charles Kim ‘91, Kristina Kim ‘01 & Hyunju Kim ‘02 Dae Woon Kim

THE LEGACY CLUB Anonymous Young Bo Bae Benjamin Choi Christian Choi ‘14 Ja Yong Choi Jong Chul Choi Young Woo Choi Byung Sik Chung Chan Kun Chung Paul Escalante-Mead Mathew & Dao Gibault Janelle Grover Seong Hoon Hong Wan Hee Hong Shirley and Peter Hutchin Won Joo Hwang Colin ‘22 & Trevor ‘20 Jackson Menya Jefferson Woo Tak Jeun Jin-hyuck Joo Young Nam Joo Sang Oh Kang Albert Y. Kim ‘14 Chul-hoi Kim Kyu Heon Kim Sung Han Kim Yoo Hwan Kong Hong Seo Koo Micah Kuhl Ryan & Lindsay Kuhl Ohin Kwon Byung Ju Lee Jae Hun Lee

MILLENNIUM CLUB Emma Lee Jenna Lee Jaeyoul Kim Tzu Yu (Lillian) Sheng ‘15 RED AND BLACK CLUB Danam Engineering Inc. Rayoung (Madeline) Lee

Jung Yong Lee Keun Chul Lee Seong Hwa Lee Seung Jae Lee Seungwoo Lee Sally McEachen Justyna and Triston McMillan Moonki Min Byung Sil Park Yong Min Park Paul ‘04 & Hannah Rader Grace, Joshua & Aletheia Roth Dong Jin Shin Mark and Laura Worden Chang-geun Yang Bo Ram Yoo GRADUATING SENIORS CLASS OF 2016 Christopher Chang Yu Ray Chu Aidan James Dobson Edward Drummond Marcus Foley Andreas Frame Seinna Kang Joo Young Kim Jeong-Ho Moon Claire Soo Jeong Nam Addison Smith Liliane Thoelen Andreas Wiora Qingyu Yan Erin Nayeon Yu DONATION 2014-15 THE MILLENNIUM CLUB Haelyung Hwang & Younghee Cha Jenna Lee Yong Sung Park Tzu Yu Sheng RED AND BLACK CLUB Eulho Suh & KyungEn Kim ‘90* THE CREST CLUB Anonymous Alum Robert and Sondra Black Christian ’14 and Benjamin Choi Colm and Sinead Flanagan James and Sarah (Hubbard) Gunberg ‘71 Justin Jang Euiseok Kim and Regina Ryu ‘87* Nina H. Kim ‘83*, Peter S. Choi and Kate Kim Choi George Dongkyu Ko The Lim Family - Class of ‘07 & ‘10 Esther and Joon Myong The Nahm Family Katherine and Justin Oh Jasmine, Iris and James J. Park Peter and Kelly TomHon CENTENNIAL CLUB Anonymous Alum Harold Benjamin ‘51* Christina Farley Hyun Sook Hong Mike, Lauren, Trevor & Colin Jackson The Kent Family Blair, Kim, Hudson & Maguire Lee Hugh Lee GE Star Award - Christopher Luke ‘14 Susan Pope ‘90

Elliot & Helena Prest The Rudolph Family Carol Ann Sauer LaCroix ‘71 Frank Shyn ‘87* Juhie Suh ‘92 The Teather Family Yoojin Um Peter Wang ‘68 James S. Weaver, Jr. Family Fund LEGACY CLUB Albert Kim ‘14 GRADUATING SENIORS CLASS OF 2015 Jaime Carlos Agravante Yoon Hyuk Chang Nathan Cheung Joo Hun Choi Yong Han Choi John De Less Lucy Dornbach Patrick Hahn James Hahn Chang Min Hyon Christy Joo Toby Kim Craig Jae-Huhn Kim Andrew Kim Natalie Kim Benjamin Kim Chang Hyun Kim Lauren Koo David Lee Jae Hyun Lee Kate Lee Sharon Lim Johannes Mansson Callum McEachen Leonardo Migliardi Juan Miques Ayushi Mistry Brian Park Jonathan Sheldrick Laure Shin Michelle Sohn Kai Summers William TomHon Ana Villarreal

“At SFS our children can freely explore their passions through the diverse opportunities offered during and after school; It is a privilege to be able to give back, even in a small way.”

Anonymous Parent/Faculty

9

Communityofof Donors Community Donors

DONATION 2013-14

DONATION 2012-13

1912 SOCIETY Jenna Lee

THE MILLENNIUM CLUB Do Yoon Kim Tzu Yu Sheng

THE MILLENNIUM CLUB Yong Sung Park Tzu Yu Sheng RED AND BLACK CLUB Jane Nicole Lee THE CREST CLUB Hyung and Andrea Ahn Robert and Sondra Black BT&I—Kay Song Christian and Benjamin Choi John and Alice Engstrom Christina Farley James and Sarah (Hubbard) Gunberg ‘71 Haelyung Hwang and Younghee Cha J&J Catering Euiseok Kim and Regina Ryu ‘87* Roger H. Kim ‘93 George Dongkyu Ko The Lim Family The Nahm Family Hyungji Park ‘85 Jasmine, Iris & James J. Park Peter Pin ‘77 Michelle Sohn Peter and Kelly TomHon Verizon Matching Fund CENTENNIAL CLUB Olivia and Alicia Chung Donald N. Clark ‘61 Romulo H. Delmendo ‘79 Mr. and Mrs. Brian Hunsaker Mike and Lauren Jackson Graeme and Carol Kent Henry Kim Blair and Kim Lee Brian Lee Susan Pope ‘90 The Rudolph Family Joanna Seung Richard and Cynthia Seymour Frank Shyn ‘87* Michael L. Stern ‘78 Kisoon Nam (Chun) Lauren, Adam, Jade and Ella Teather Yoojin Um James S. Weaver, Jr. Family Fund LEGACY CLUB Anonymous Christian Choi ‘14 Albert Kim ‘14

10

RED AND BLACK CLUB Jaeho and Soojin Choi Jane Nicole Lee THE CREST CLUB Hyung & Andrea Ahn Anonymous Yasmeen Bae Robert and Sondra Black Leo Cho From the Cho Family—Paul, Jiyeon, Christopher and Natalie Christian and Benjamin Choi The Kimberly Clark Foundation John and Alice Engstrom Rob and Laura Everett James and Sarah (Hubbard) Gunberg ‘71 Haelyung Hwang & Younghee Cha Euiseok Kim & Regina Ryu ‘87* Nina H. Kim ‘83*, Peter S. Choi and Kate Kim Choi Seogoo Lee & Suyoung Nam The Lim Family Hyungji Park ‘85 Jasmine, Iris & James J. Park Sookook Company Peter & Kelly TomHon CENTENNIAL CLUB Christina Farley Hyun Sook Hong Mr. & Mrs. Brian Hunsaker Mike & Lauren Jackson George Dongkyu Ko Alice D. Lavina Harry, Linda & George Rudolph ‘07 Jack and Rachel Shao Frank Shyn ’87* Yoojin Um James S. Weaver, Jr. Family Fund Rick Wilson

Community of Donors

CENTENNIAL FUND DONATION 2011-12 THE MILLENNIUM CLUB Jeremy & Hojung Cheung (Parents of Nathan & Eunice Cheung) Christy Joo Eric Joo Do Yoon Kim Kathleen and Rachel Lee Helena and Isabelle Park Yong Sung Park The Shin Family RED AND BLACK CLUB In memory of Edwin W. Crowe ’43* For our SFS children and in honor of our parents, Richard and Patricia Ashcraft and Ed and Thelma Gaylord from John and Lynn Gaylord John ‘70 and Masumi O’Donnell Tzu Yu Sheng THE CREST CLUB Jinsoo and Pearl Bae Yasmeen Bae Robert and Sondra Black In honor of the MS Faculty 2011-12 from your student, Andrew Ilhoon Byun Dong Soo Byun From the Cho Family - Paul, Jiyeon, Christopher and Natalie Christian and Benjamin Choi Noah Tae-sun Chung ’95 John and Alice Engstrom Josh, Ben and Jacob Everett Rebecca Freeman Kathleen and Timothy Gray Hana Bank—Yonhi-dong Branch Hyong Min Kim Hyong Seok Kim Nina H. Kim ’83* and Peter S. Choi George Dongkyu Ko Camila and Gabriela Gonzalez Koo James and Sarah (Hubbard) Gunberg ’71 Celine Jin J&J Catering Stephan Min Jason Oh Hyungji Park ’85 Jasmine, Iris and James J. Park In memory of Christopher Mark Thomas, loving uncle of Edward Joseph Pasternak Langston and Linda Rogde Peter and Kelly TomHon Buhm Jin Yoon CENTENNIAL CLUB Jaime Cabal Anna Castagnaro Donald N. Clark ‘61 Lydia Colston Killough ‘81 Dan & Joneen Copeland Nick, Sally, Isobel and Estella Corben Drs. JB and Bette Crouse, Jr. Patricia Robin Evans In honor of Mr. John Gaylord, from your SFS Children of our Centennial Year Chloe Dain Han Christine Jane Han Youngsook Hahm Hyun Sook Hong Ryan Jeon Jeen and Bomsinae Kim Yoo Soo Kim

John Kimm ‘84 Korea Exchange Bank – Yonhi-dong Branch Jennifer Koenig ’92* Grace and Riley Kwak Family Andy and Joanna Lee Chang Hwan Lee Haeeun Heather Lee ’05 Jaehyun Jacob Lee The Jugant Family In honor of Mrs. Mary Ellen Lee, from your 1L children of our Centennial Year Robert Lee ’60* David Livingston ’72* Monika and Ewa Marczuk In honor of Ms. Dawn Melarvie, from your SFS children of our Centennial Year In honor of Mrs. Edie Moon from the HS cast of ‘Back to the 80s’ Mitsuaki Morita ’79* John C. O’Donnell ‘70 Maura O’Donnell-McCarthy ’75* Gene Jaewoo Park Harry, Linda & George Rudolph ‘07 In Memory of Robert G. Sauer, Former Trustee & Teacher Frank Shyn ’87* Yage Song Yarene Song Hannah Summers Kai Summers Linda Wang Judi Sargent Whitmire ’78 Sen Di Ten Yoojin Um In honor of Mr. Nathan Walker from the MS cast of ‘Oliver Twist’ Morgan and Jordan Yi Youngja Yum

DONATION 2010-11

DONATION 2009-10

THE MILLENNIUM CLUB Do Yoon Kim

THE MILLENNIUM CLUB Do Yoon Kim Heather and Sunny Yi

RED AND BLACK CLUB Anonymous Chul Ho Chang Timothy Cho THE CREST CLUB Leo Cho Christian and Benjamin Choi Shirley Droese John and Alice Engstrom Josh, Ben and Jacob Everett SeungChul Peter Hyun Rachel Lee Tzu Yu Sheng CENTENNIAL CLUB Andrew Byun Rebecca Dignan The Heller Family Carol Ann Sauer LaCroix ‘71 Alice Lavina Harrison Lee Harry, Linda and George Rudolph Heidi Stallings Michael Stern Peter and Kelly TomHon St. Mark’s Lutheran School

THE LEGACY CLUB Lance, Mary, Ethan, Mason and Porter Ence Kisoon Nam Misty Skidmore

Donor Groups: LEGACY CLUB CENTENNIAL CLUB THE CREST CLUB RED AND BLACK CLUB MILLENNIUM CLUB 1912 SOCIETY THE HERITAGE CLUB

$1+ $100+ $1,000+ $5,000+ $10,000+ $50,000+ $100,000+

RED AND BLACK CLUB Kay Song (BT&I) The Kwun Family John C. O’Donnell The Shin Family THE CREST CLUB Hongchul and Yasmeen Bae Christian and Benjamin Choi James and Julie Danahy John and Alice Engstrom James and Sarah Hubbard Gunberg Celine Jin Ji Yong Lee Tracy and Tim Mohr The SFS Classified Staff Shou Liang Wang Yonhee Badminton Club CENTENNIAL CLUB Anonymous Kevin, Dee and Baker Family Andrew Byun Eunhi Cho Hyun Sook Hong Warren and Robin Hudson Carol LaCroix Andy and Joanna Lee Young Sun Lee Amy Lindholm Elizabeth Lloyd Patrick O’Malley Pete and Judy Penick Elise K. Prosser Langston and Linda Rogde Harry G. Rudolph Peter and Kelly TomHon THE LEGACY CLUB Anonymous Jeff and Barbara Benson Tony and Margaret Curran Caroline Hahn Yoo Soo Kim Insil Tahk Yoojin Um Buhm Jin Yoon Youngja Yum

Bold and Italicized = Repeat Donor

11

The New SFS High School WASC Visitation, Blair Lee

The New SFS

High School

To be ready for opening in the summer of 2018-2019 school year.

The new reality is a “learning culture” whose signature elements are: a focus on capacity building, self-managed learning, a focus on the journey not necessarily the credential, and embracing creativity.

12

I

t is no accident that Seoul Foreign School (SFS) has remained an educational force within Korea, and the region, for over 100 years. Evolving with a changing educational landscape, SFS is building a 187,000 sq. ft. state-of-theart high school. Significant thought has been given to the design of this latest structure, and the context and culture surrounding education today which will be reflected within its walls.

Currently education is transitioning between two distinct educational cultures. We are rapidly moving from the historical “coverage culture” whose signature elements include: a focus on content, tests and exams, the imitation of routines, and where earning a credential is the prize. The new reality

is a “learning culture” whose signature elements are: a focus on capacity building, self-managed learning, a focus on the journey not necessarily the credential, and embracing creativity.

To this end, SFS has fostered a fruitful partnership with New York based, architectural firm ENNEAD. Never far from the minds of the project leaders were the students who will occupy this new space. Recognizing that these students are innovators and creators, explorers and designers, they designed learning spaces with collaboration as the key driving force in the decision-making process. The notion of community has also been a large part of the cultural discussions worked into the design. The barriers of

age, ethnicity, and authority are eroded and in some cases completely broken down when people meet in shared collaborative spaces.

The world of the high school student is becoming more varied, vibrant, design focused, warm and welcoming, sharing and collaborative. By acknowledging this and the significant transition that education is currently experiencing, SFS has been able to design a building that will provide future generations of students with an excellent education and a wonderful foundation for success.

Stuart Kent, Assistant Head of School Education Operations

13

Graduation Highlights

Graduation Highlights & Awards

Congratulations to the

Valedictorian - Jenna Han Salutatorian - Chloe Son Alumnus of the Year - Mr. Nicholas Park ‘93 Scholar-Athlete Award - Moonjoo Mischa Kim IB Senior Award - Lynn Chong Fine Arts-Scholar Award - Yeram Yoon Seoul Foreign School Award (selected by the SFS Board) - Lynn Chong International Businessperson of the Year Award - Anna Pi

Class of 2017

Jenna Han Valedictorian

T

eachers! You were the best of the best supporters we could ever ask for. You prepared us for the IB as if we were soldiers going to a war and I cannot express how grateful we were to know and feel that you were on our side.

Parents! We are eternally thankful for your sacrifices. You love us unconditionally and hopefully one day, we will give back what we took for granted.

We also had each other. From the days when we were under the curse of falling during tug of war to the day we finally finished our last IB exam, we were always there for each other.

Although we may be known as the competitive grade to others, we were always united under our diversity,

14

I

and the level of competition has been mutually beneficial. We never aimed for unanimity. Rather, we learned to empower each other in our own unique and different ways.

Looking back, high school was short yet packed. It was confusing yet straightforward. It was stressful yet rewarding. It was daunting yet fun.

In fact, high school was a paradox. But one thing is clear: we learned a lot in high school in terms of academics, friendship, acceptance, global issues, and most importantly, about ourselves.

As we cross this stage, we are graduating from the protection, the excuses and even the restraints that we had as high school students. We

will be given unprecedented freedom at the cost of responsibility. But the freedom will also provide us with more chances to learn about ourselves. So let’s not equate freedom with fear.

Let’s not be too scared nor hindered about what is to come. Let’s be ambitious and prideful as we have always been.

Most importantly, let’s remind ourselves that our class shines because we are always there to support each other despite the different directions we choose to run toward.

Congratulations Seoul Foreign High School class of 2017 and thank you to everyone that brought us here.

Excerpts from Valedictorian Speech, Jenna Han ‘17

n my ten years of being a Crusader, SFS rarely disappointed. Because of SFS, I was blessed with so many opportunities that enabled my growth as a person - many accomplishments, yes, but also lots of failures. In fact, one of my most shameful moments happened in seventh grade. We received a project and were told to find partners, so naturally, I turned towards my table partner and casually asked, “Hey, do you want to partner up?”, to which she immediately turned towards a boy at the next table to partner with her. I mean, I wasn’t expecting a resounding yes or anything, but this girl was so bad at hiding the fact that she wasn’t comfortable partnering up. Well, we did end up partnering up, getting 100% on the project, and this girl, Cynthia Oh, ultimately became one of my greatest friends.

So, to the younger classes, learn from my shame. Learn that these moments can eventually manifest into valuable memories. I was somehow blessed enough to be standing up here and to be acknowledged on an academic basis, but I stumbled so much along the way.

I cried so much along the way, feeling flat-out crushed by my inability to live up to both my and others’ expectations.

Well, this may sound cliche, but if you keep trying, believe me, somehow goals can be attained - maybe not your original goals… maybe even greater achievements that you’d just never considered - I’m sure our very own athlete-turned-actor Andy Jeong is a great testament to this statement.

performed with for 13 productions.

And, of course, thank you to our entire class for being the best support system during first semester, for fighting vigorously each year and earning two consecutive field day wins, and honestly, for being a pretty nice class- so many of you are genuinely so sweet and kind.

To conclude, it may be a long time until we see each other again, and although we’ll be dispersed across oceans and continents, we’ll always be Crusaders.

Excerpts from Salutatorian Speech, Chloe Son ‘17

If there’s one piece of advice I want to share with the students in the audience, it’d be this: “Always aim for achievement, but when you do achieve, aim next to be humble.” I personally know a lot of you younger fellows who are incredibly gifted in your own unique ways, so I genuinely hope that you continue to mold your talents, but more importantly, retain a quiet confidence along the way.

And, finally, to each senior onstage with me now, all I have to say is “thank you.”

I thought a lot about what to say to you, but I think those two words really encompass it. Thank you HL Spanish for the most diversely populated class on campus. Thank you senior STUCO, especially execs, for the best ski trip I could’ve asked for. Thank you to my senior theatre crew, from makeup, props, stage managers, Crusader Live, actors, and to the select couple whom I’ve

Chloe Son Salutatorian

15

Alumnus of the Year

Alumnus of the Year

Nicholas H. Park

What makes you different makes you unique and it’s exactly this uniqueness that will set you apart from the crowd and make you successful.....embrace your individuality and live out your own dream.....

Class of 1993 To this day, I will never forget the fundamental values that SFS has instilled in me....

In true SFS Crusader spirit, I hope that you will take these values with you and share them with others just as the school has done for me.

W

hen I graduated from SFS, I was probably the last person that anyone thought would be on this stage today. I graduated as an average student, didn’t have any meaningful talents to speak of, and barely got into a decent college. Studying definitely wasn’t my forte, nor was test taking. By every general standard used to measure the success of a high school student, I was just average, at best.

But, you know what, things turned out alright. Living life has been all about finding my strengths and passions and learning how to use them. And, in the 25 years that have passed since I graduated, I learned that finding my passion has revolved around two simple truths.

First, success is not determined by qualifications and credentials. These aren’t the only ingredients for success.

No amount of studying and surely no academic degree will prepare you for this rollercoaster ride that we call life.

You will all have your ups and downs and it will take time to learn how to surf those waves. So, just because you don’t get into the school of your choice, or because you may not be able to tell the difference between a cosine and a bus sign, don’t get discouraged. Grades and degrees should, by no means, be your only measure of success. Walking around with a degree from an exclusive school is definitely an asset, but it does not in any way guarantee any type of future achievement. In order to succeed in life, you will need things like grit,

determination, confidence, hard work, and most importantly, social skills.

Looking back through my yearbook, many of my classmates that graduated in the top of my class have succeeded, and some have succeeded really big. But you may be amazed to know that one of my classmates that graduated at the bottom of our class made over a billion dollars before the age of 40.

My fellow SFS’ers, I urge you to focus on more than just your credentials and qualifications. They are only a part of success. Open your eyes and look at the bigger picture, find things that you love, make friends, make a family, and find your passions and pursue them.

Tennis Team 1993-95 Jazz Band - 1993 This leads me to my second point: everyone is different. My second realization came when I was in law school. Competition was tough. People didn’t share notes with each other and everyone was vying to graduate with top marks in order to secure that lucrative job right out of school.

Meanwhile, I was out socializing and making friends from all different walks of life, not because I wanted to network but because I generally liked being around lots of people. It turns out that many of these people became bankers, politicians, and corporate execs. People that became my clients, my business, my walk of life.

Everyone is different. While some are great at achieving academic success, others are good with social skills. Just because everyone around you is headed down one path doesn’t mean you have to follow. That’s actually one of the great things about SFS. What makes you different makes you unique, and it’s exactly this uniqueness that will set you apart from the crowd and make you successful. Only you can pursue your own dreams and that split moment you give up on your dreams is the moment you just become a part of someone else’s dream. Embrace your individuality and live out your own dream.

16

Nicholas Park at SFS High School Graduation, Spring 2017

To this day, I will never forget the fundamental values that SFS has instilled in me like strong work ethic, open heart, and desire to always do the right thing.

In true SFS Crusader spirit, I hope that you will take these values with you and share them with others just as the school has done for me and you.

Bio:

Nicholas Park ‘93 is married to Eunie Lee ‘00 and is the proud father of two girls, Yena and Celine. While at SFS, he was active in music and sports serving as captain of the Jazz Band and captain of the Tennis team. Since graduating, Nicholas has continued to stay in touch with SFS and serves on the SFS alumni committee.

Nicholas received a BA in Sociology and Anthropology from Lafayette College and went on to obtain a Master of Business Administration and Juris Doctorate from American University. He is a licensed attorney and is currently a managing partner of one of the oldest law firms in Korea, Lee International, where he represents companies in and outside of Korea on corporate and international trade matters.

In his “free time,” Nicholas serves on the board of several companies and is active in

the community working on a variety of social work projects. Currently, he serves as a Director of the Korea Rugby Union, a Special Advisor to the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Director of the Loving Snail which provides cochlear surgery and hearing aids to the hearing impaired, and as a Special Advisor to Sundukwon Girls Home through which he provides college scholarships to orphaned students.

Nicholas also hosts one of the largest car shows in Korea known as the Sundukwon Concours D’Elegance which raises funds for a local orphanage. He owns and operates a Christian book and a music distribution company, a golf wear fashion company, a financial advisory company, several online companies, and a coffee shop. He also serves as the chapter leader for the American University Alumni Association in Korea.

Nicholas with SFS Alumni John Min ‘95, Nick Park ‘93, Richard Kwon ‘94* and Robert Kim ‘89 (left to right) at the SFS Golf Tourtament, Fall 2016 17

Alumni Committee Award Recipient

Alumni Committee Award Recipient

SFS is a non-profit School. this distinction entails that every bit of tuition is directed at impacting the students’ learning.

Kasey Rhee

ANNUAL FUND

SFS excels in sports, academics and the arts, but for me, what pushes it head and shoulders above all else is this simple fact: people care. I am the producet of seven years’ worth of everyone from teachers, coaches, lunch ladies, office secretaries,“supies”, of course, bus drivers, caring about me.

I rode the SFS late Thebus,firstthetime ride took three hours.

The twist? I live half and hour away from school. I’d missed my stop, not once, not twice, but however many stops existed total. I rode South bus all the way to the end of the line. And back again. You see, I’d only moved to Korea a month or so before from a small town in Florida, and landing in a city that suddently had three more zeros on its population meant I’d now been demoted from street-smart-insuburbia (“find a policeman”) to citystreet-dumb. I finally worked up the courage to ask the driver when we’d arrive at my stop, and I have this vivid memory of his white-gloved hands on the steering wheel pausing mid-turn.

“Hapjeong?!” he asked incredulously.

“We passed that over an hour ago!”

He glanced up at the mirror and saw what was probably an 11-yearold face of panicked devastation staring back at him. By this time, it was just the two of us left on the bus, and he turned to calm me down. He was incredibly patient, coaching me through “OK, let’s call your mom” and “you’ll be fine, I’ll get you there.” His words of reassurance soon dissolved into casual conversation: I confirmed his suspicions that this was my first time in a big city, and answered that the 18

most intimidating part was definitely public transportation. Looking back, I realize that he was taking care to translate his thoughts to a sixth-grade level - he even guessed at words that I didn’t yet know in Korean. I’ll always remember that he went out of his way to drop me off right at the Dunkin’ Donuts that my mom had been waiting at. “So you won’t get lost again,” he joked, waving goodbye to me and my mom before pulling the door shut and driving away.

To this day, my bus drivers and superviers give me the gift of being able to start and end my day feeling loved and genuinely cared for. The driver that drives us for sometimes close to four hours to soccer away games usually stays for some of our game, and excitedly welcomes us back with post-game commentary and protests of “bad calls” that went against us. The three drivers who remember my lost 11-year-old self brag to the others about how long they’ve known me, and how much taller I’ve grown. When I climb onto the late bus after soccer practice, they’ll stop me to brush turf out of my hair. One even offered to pray for my college results. I’m aware that these stories sound like fairy tales, too good and sweet to be true, but they are true. They represent real and very special moments that

The Annual Fund Provides financial resources that goes beyond tuition to enhance and enrich the student experince while attending sfs.

We do great things everyday, but somedays as a teacher you have to do something extra and special... like bring in a speaker or go on a field trip to enhance their learning experience. piece together my 7 year SFS busrider career, and they’re reflective of what will make me proud to have graduated from this campus.

Yes, SFS excels in sports, academics, the arts, but for me, what pushes it head and shoulds above all else is this simple fact: people care. I am in my seventh and final year at SFS. I am the product of seven years’ worth of everyone from teachers, coaches, lunch ladies, office secretaries, and “supies”, of course, bus drivers, caring about me. This essay asks me how this would help me be a future ambassador for SFS. If being a future ambassador means anything close to working to be as sincerely kindhearted as my bus drivers have been to me...well, to not work towards that standard would be a disservice to all those people who have cared about me.

When I look back on SFS, when I’m asked to give back to SFS, when I go out and have to explain and represent SFS, these are the people that I’ll be thinking of. And I’ll care.

The annual fund is like that for a school, it allows for something extra for our students to help make it special.

SFS Faculty Donor

Your donation is an

Opportunity to affect the lives of those at SFS. Please contact yoojin.um@seoulforeign.org for more information. Donate in the envelope provided.

19

Professional Learning in the ES workshops in the Asia-Pacific region.

In March 2017, Mrs. Baird was invited as one of six representatives in the world to visit the IB Global Office in The Hague to help construct professional development training to support IB teachers worldwide.

It is with great honor that we, the Elementary School Pedagogical Leadership Team, support all Elementary School educators in their quest to become better at their craft! Our singular focus, which has children at the center, is encapsulated by the Elementary School Vision Statement, which was adopted Spring 2017:

Damian Prest, ES Principal with students

Professional Learning in the Elementary School to educationalist A ccording Dylan William, there is no

limit for what teachers can achieve if every teacher believes he/she needs to improve. Thus, we believe professional learning is one of the pillars that define success in the Elementary School. Our teachers are supported in a variety of ways to ensure they have the knowledge and understanding to support student exploration, understanding and achievement.

20

Elementary teachers have an abundance of formal professional learning opportunities within Korea and the Asia-Pacific region. Teachers are often attending conferences and workshops on weekends and with colleagues to enhance their practices. Their learning is shared with our pedagogical leadership team, and new goals are identified and set for individual growth and for teaching teams.

Learning is shared with our pedagogical leadership team, and new goals are identified and set for individual growth and for teaching teams.

On a weekly basis, each grade level teaching team meets with Katherine Baird, Primary Years Programme (PYP) Coordinator, and Erin Searles,

These meetings help form the architecture of transdisciplinary learning, which is blending relevant and engaging content from the various subjects we teach (literacy, math and the arts). As well, conceptual understandings are explored throughout each Unit of Inquiry. For example, in our Grade 2 Unit of Inquiry, students explore this central idea Choices of role models reflect and transform values of individuals and societies. Thinking and learning is focused around the concepts of perspective and change. Through Reader’s Workshop, students examine literature about specific role models who have created influence and the impact role models have on shaping us.

They compare and contrast role models and, through their reading, the children also make predictions about specific role models based on the values of a role model. Through numeracy, the concepts of compare, contrast, prediction and probability are also explored. In our Visual Arts program, the children explore the concept of perspective through the work of the role model Lauren Burch and how she is able to bring joy through her art!

One of the more valuable aspects of having such esteemed educators like Mrs. Baird and Mrs. Searles is their work with teachers. You can find either modeling lessons or team teaching in a classroom to further support teachers’ understanding of the principles and practices of the Elementary School.

Erin Searles’ role as Literacy Coach/ Library Media Specialist is a first for Seoul Foreign Elementary School!

She has taken on this exciting role to help enhance our teachers’ knowledge and pedagogical understanding of the Lucy Calkins Units of Study in Reading and Writing, which is produced by the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project out of Columbia University. Her presence and experience has had a wonderful impact on literacy instruction and practice in the Elementary School!

Inspire our learning community to model Christ-like Attitudes and to develop a heart to serve, a mind to achieve excellence, a passion to learn and the confidence to create change.

Katherine Baird, our PYP Coordinator, is an experienced educator and IB workshop presenter who facilitates both online and face-to-face IB

At auditati id que discitium, voloreprem re molor re, officiis excest dolupta de nitas corum, estiore pratestem doluptatus dellatquae mosa debis exere porpori alibea sequunt.

Erin Searles (left) and Katherine Baird (right) 21

Get to know you - Q&A

Damian Prest Elementary School Principal What do you love most about SFS? We have amazing traditions and a history of striving for excellence. SFS is always taking steps to develop and evolve to ensure our students receive the best education. SFS has a reputation for rigor, engaging students and offering relevant and challenging experiences that help students become critical thinkers and change agents.

One other significant reason for the success of SFS is that we seek to hire the best educators in the world.

How has SFS’ changes improved the school?

Improving our learning spaces and significant aspects of our curricula have already begun to move the school forward. The implementation of the Primary Years Programme (PYP)

in the Elementary School and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in the Middle School have brought with it philosophical and pedagogical changes that have helped create a team approach to preparing our students to be inquisitive, think creatively and critically and to seek ways to serve others!

We have installed rigorous teaching and learning expectations as well as ensured SFS continually evolves by striving for excellence. My goal as an educational leader at SFS is twofold: first, students will receive the best possible education and 2) I tell everyone on my staff that I want them to leave SFS (whenever that may be) better teachers than when they arrived!

How have you as an educator/lifelong learner developed because of SFS?

What are the greatest strengths and opportunities at SFS?

How have you collaborated with SFS teachers and students?

Our school’s greatest strength is our community- students, parents and teachers all seem motivated to support one another. It’s a very special environment in which to live and work.

Additionally, I believe the relationships our teachers build with students last a lifetime. My hope is that students leave Seoul Foreign School more resilient, service-minded and creative with a strong belief that he/she can succeed regardless of the challenges that lay ahead.

I start each day by welcoming the children to the Elementary School and enjoy visiting classrooms to see the teaching and learning that takes place.

I take part in a variety of meetings designed to support students, teachers and parents. And without a doubt I work with an amazing Elementary School Leadership team!

What do you love most about SFS?

Chris Rice Class of 1978

22

The multi-national community of SFS cultivated a positive identity for me as a third-culture person – neither Korean nor American, but a citizen of the world whose loyalties cross national boundaries. What I loved about SFS was being friends and classmates with students from all over the world in a way that seemed normal at the time but is far from that outside of SFS. Missionary family kids, business family kids, diplomat family

My family and I have had the privilege to live and work in the SFS community for over 10 years, and I am clearly a better educator and person because of this experience. I’m hard-pressed to come up with a more ideal environment for my two children to be raised, with the powerful combination of strong Christian values and academics! As educators, my wife, Renata (Grade 1 teacher), and myself have enjoyed learning from such creative, warm and supportive colleagues who strive for educational excellence and are models of the Christ-Like Attitudes.

meals to just stopping in to check on us, it’s been an amazing experience to feel so loved and cared for.

What are the greatest strengths of and greatest opportunities at SFS?

David Beaty Director of Technology What do you love most about SFS? The caring community. My daughter was diagnosed with scoliosis when we first arrived and the whole staff has been so supportive of our family. From bringing

At SFS the sky is the limit in terms of resources. If you can dream it as a teacher then you can probably make it happen! We’ve got great support from our local staff and there are fantastic digital learning coaches to support the integration of technology and learning.

How have you collaborated with SFS teachers and students?

As the director of technology my entire job is one giant collaboration!

I work with the tech support

How has SFS’ changes improved the school?

SFS is constantly looking at the changing world and asking, “How can we be better at preparing students for the future?” Any school that asks that question is not afraid of change and not afraid of the challenges involved in improving. I’m proud of the school improvement plans we’ve had during my time here.

What are the greatest strengths and opportunities at SFS?

kids – we all loved and respected one another and learned to see our own parents’ world as a fragment of a larger whole. Several teachers had a life-long and unforgettable imprint on my life, bringing out the very best in me from the sports field to writing to leadership.

How has SFS’ changes improved the school?

Speaking as an outside observer who graduated four decades ago and has visited SFS every 5-10 years, it seems SFS has dramatically improved the

Lindsay Kuhl MS Learning Support What do you love most about SFS? Without a doubt, the students are what I love most about SFS! They are talented, energetic, and diverse. I have enjoyed seeing so many students grow into young adults during my 10 years at SFS. Cont.d... school physically and academically to the highest levels in Asia and, with this, increased the academic competence required for students to be admitted to university.

I think the greatest strengths and opportunities at SFS are in the ministry and service opportunities. Traveling with the Philippines service trip last year provided a more meaningful opportunity to work with students.

How have you as an educator/lifelong learner developed because of SFS?

crew to make sure systems are running smoothly. I work with the Administration team to insure that we are providing the best possible systems and processes to make sure the school is keeping pace with technology. I also work with teachers to make sure they are using technology appropriately.

How has SFS prepared you for life outside the classroom?

Is there life outside the classroom?

Fun fact about your learning and teaching One of my favorite classes I’ve taught was an auto mechanics class. We serviced cars and even pulled engines out of a few cars and motorcycles.

I believe that SFS has always supported me to be the best teacher I can be. The professional development at this school is more than any I’ve had at another school. The school really wants us to be the best teachers in the world.

How have you collaborated with SFS teachers and students??

My whole job consists of collaborating with teachers and working in their classrooms. The relationships built through collaboration is what makes my job challenging yet extremely rewarding.

Fun fact about your learning and teaching a I am constantly working on my Korean.

In fact, my whole family is studying Korean this year!

countries and cultures (assuming that How have you as a lifelong learner developed because of every culture has its gifts and limits).

At its best, SFS forms students with a SFS? confident pluralism. This is no small SFS gave me confidence to cross cultural gift in a time of intensifying divides. and national boundaries, and to be curious about and appreciative of other 23

SFS Sports Update SFS Theatre

2017-18 SFS Cross-Country

2017-18 Girls Varsity Volleyball

T

he Crusader’s Girls Varsity Volleyball team carries on its winning tradition with a solid start to the 2017 season. The season started with a string of friendlies both against conference opponents and against other division opponents with the Crusaders winning all of them. So far the only loss has been to YISS on the road, which was a hard fought match against a solid opponent, and good preparation for the level of competition we will face in APAC. Led by captains Annabelle Davy (12) and Isabelle Kim (12) the girls are looking to make waves in both KAIAC and Super APAC. The team also includes seniors Tara Kim, Julie Ebbesen, Gabriella Chu, and Annette Uhm. Juniors Gracie Kwak, Olivia Kim, and Ashley Won, and sopomores Marina Jardim and Hannah Ha. The team is coached this year by High School English teacher Mr. Paul Rader, and Middle School Religion Teacher Mrs. Kristen Creech.

The sportsmanship and team spirit of the group is really strong with a great core of veteran leaders who are encouraging and supportive. So far the group has already played a number of five set matches, and has shown great resilience and focus. We have done team devotions before every Monday practice to emphasize the importance of teamwork and the real purpose of why we are joining together and playing sports, which is to learn how to work with one another, and to reach our potential through the challenges of competition.

Coaches: Nathan Mees, Kerry Mees Assistant Coaches: Adam Baird, Rebecca Mayo Captains: Erica Kim (12), Daniel Hahm (12)

This team epitomizes what SFS sports is all about. Hard work, sportsmanship, and team spirit. They show this character on and off the court, and are a credit to their parents and the school. We are very proud of them!

Vice-Captains: Josephine Vibe-Hansen (12), Charlotte Nouwen (12), Daniel Park (12), Faisal Hammad (11)

W

ith the largest team in two years, the SFS Cross-Country Crusaders once again have their sights set on both individual and team success. Led by team captains Erica Kim (12) and Daniel Hahm (12), the Crusaders have started the year off on a strong foot at the first two meets of the season. Natasha Huibers (9) won the overall meet held at GSIS while also running a top-50 SFS 5k time in the process. At the meet hosted by SAHS two male runners, Harry Kang (10) and Faisal Hammad (11) placed in the top-10, helping the team to a strong overall finish, with each running a top-50 SFS 5k time in the process.

Coach Paul Rader

2017-18 Tennis

E

verybody is very excited for the 2017 tennis season at SFS. The main goal for the season is to build on the success of the program from last year and continue to develop their skills as tennis players.

Our team this year is comprised of eighteen athletes, and half of them are new to tennis at SFS: five boys and four girls. Having a lot of new athletes means that our captains (Yunah Ough, Terryn Jung and Tawan Banyatpiyaphod) are working hard to continue to set the pace, tone and attitude at practices and matches.

24

Every day at practice and at every race the team strives for excellence. Coaches constantly remind the runners to run with joy and integrity and shouts of “all the way through” can be heard ringing around the finish line. Running is an individual sport at its heart and success looks different for each member of the team.

While finishing in the top-10 and breaking PR’s is always good, the reality of running is that each runner has personal goals and we, as a team, do our best to help them achieve that. When asked about how he defines achieving success as member of the cross-country team, Captain Daniel Hahm said, “Excellence in cross country does not always come in the form of tangible achievements. Often times, the encouragement we receive from others or the existence itself of a running community prove to be far more valuable in a runner’s career than a timestamp.”

The team has more to run for this season, including a first ever trip to compete in APAC Cross-Country at AISG. With a focus on community and overall excellence, it should continue to be a great season.

Coach Nathan Mees

The coaches (Coach Bowins, Coach Kneeshaw and Coach Callaghan) are enjoying the journey of developing these young athletes, and look forward to competing against other schools in Korea and in the APAC competition.

Coach Will Bowins

25

SFS Theatre Update An Artist in Residence With A Healing Touch Theatre...Contact P layback Improvisation...Devising through

GREASE IS THE WORD… ...and we are excited to announce that the SFS Lyso Performing Arts Center will soon be rocking and rolling with the sounds of this musical set in 1959 and filled with the angst of teenagers, young love, slick cars, rock dance and music!

Though we are most familiar with the movie version of GREASE, this year’s production is based on the stage version and yes, it is also a school version in order to broaden our potential audience base. The biggest change is that the musical is in the fall for maybe the first time in the history of SFS! This brings new challenges and new adventures as we navigate fall schedules but it is a wonderful way to kick off the SFS theatre season!

You will certainly remember the songs of Grease...who can forget “Hopelessly Devoted to You”....”Grease is the Word”...”We Go Together” so we hope the audience will feel free to sing along with every song. The rock band comprised of SFS students and 26

teachers will be on stage with the actors as part of the audience and playing an integral role in each scene.

We are also wanting everyone to get into the spirit of GREASE by dressing in their best 1950s outfits! There will be a costume contest on the night of both shows so audience members can compete for the “Spirit of the 1950s” costume prize at intermission! Add to that fun photo ops in the lobby and you can be guaranteed a night to remember with your family and friends.

I am sitting in the Lyso Center and I can hear the sounds of drilling on stage as our Crusader Live team of students and directors work on building the set. I can hear the hum of the sewing machines as Drama Mamas give their time and energy to the development of our costumes.

I am reminded again of how our

SFS student/theatre community creates the world our students need in order to thrive on stage, and how bereft we would be without them!

Tickets for GREASE THE MUSICAL will be on sale immediately after Chusok - online at the SFS website box office page! (www. seoulforeign.org/boxoffice) This year, for the first time, all seats will be numbered seating so you can select where you would like to sit before you arrive, so please get your tickets early and choose the perfect seat. After you reserve your seats, your tickets can be picked up in the Spirit Shop or they can be waiting for you at the door!

physicality and writing...Dance theatre performances. All these forms of theatre and more were offered to the students of SFS by this year’s artist in residence Eduardo Castro Neves. Originally from Brazil and most recently from Germany, Eduardo came to SFS with years of experience in the world of dance, directing, choreography and Playback Theatre. With a spirit of openness, acceptance, healing and genuine care, Eduardo was able to inspire our students to step out of their boxes of safety and take enormous risks by exploring experiences far outside of their comfort zone through participation in forms of expression that were entirely new to them. He encouraged them to find their stories and tell them, to listen to the stories of others and honor them.

The week with Eduardo has given the IB Theatre students an array of material to use in their upcoming assessments as well as inspiration for further devising of plays.

Teachers were also invited from schools around Korea to take part in a teacher and artist training workshop. On the Saturday before the week began, ten teachers gathered for a full day of training, particularly in Playback Theatre.

In letters written to our artist this year, students thanked him for “raising confidence levels”, “being moved by playback theatre”, “broadening my imagination”, “exemplifying the power and potency of playback theatre”,

“pushing me out of my comfort zone” , “helping me understand the importance of audience as part of the performance”, and “teaching me how to listen and how to tell real stories”.

There is no doubt in my mind that this upcoming year of theatre performance and creation will consistently show evidence of Eduardo Castro Neves’ influence on our students’ lives.

Edie Moon, IB Theatre Instructor

The students were also treated to an original experimental performance

by Eduardo that he is developing as a solo project. Students from the British school, the Middle School and High School participated in the week of activities and workshops.

Mark your calendar right now for October 20 and 21 in the Lyso Center for the Performing Arts at 7:00 pm and join in the fun of the 50s!!

Edie Moon, Schoolwide Drama Director 27

SFS Artists where are they now

Edward HONG ‘05

For the past seven years, I have been a working actor in Los Angeles, and I have appeared in dozens of television shows, films, and national commercials. You can see my complete work at CINNABONMONSTER. COM. But all of this was made possible and initiated years ago by the dramatic arts program Seoul Foreign High School. It was there that I was inspired to believe that

being an actor was not only a fun and fulfilling thing to do as a teenager, but also that it could be invaluable in shaping my life later on as I learned to push the boundaries of what is conventional and to embrace the power of expression in a way that could affect not only my own life but the lives of others as well.

Melissa WILDE ‘12

After graduating from SFS I went to university and carried on my passion for performing both through show choir and being a university tour guide; but now I have taken the most intimidating of stages--the classroom. I teach special education

in international schools (previously Germany and now Romania) to kids ages 12-18. I’ve been lucky to mentor IBTA

students, and I enter every classroom armed with my artistic instincts, regardless of the subject. I may not be on Broadway,

as many joked about during my senior year as a Crusader, but I am so incredibly happy that my path has allowed me to keep expressing myself through song and dance and acting.

28

Mat WHITEHEAD ‘07

After graduation I got involved in Sydney University’s dramatic society. I worked with producers and filmmakers with Australian and international films, and learned firsthand how the film industry works here.

Meanwhile, in the background, I continued to develop my writing, and eventually found a job as a Staff Writer at BuzzFeed. After two years at BuzzFeed and writing my first innocuous list, I’m now the Entertainment Reporter at HuffPost Australia.

There’s a spark in some people who crave creative outlets, and I truly believe that was fostered into a flame for me during my time at SFS where I was given room to play, to experiment and to shine onstage. Without that, who knows where I’d be.

Sarah Nayoung KIM ‘13 Doing theater at SFS changed my life.

At SFS, theater allowed me to come out of my shell and make lifelong friends who I still relate to. I was able to use my experiences in theater to write about them for college applications.

At the University of Chicago, my theater experiences at SFS again became useful.

The time management skills I learned doing theater were invaluable in helping me keep up with my studies and extracurricular activities. I also started my own theater troupe at the University of Chicago, and through this troupe, I was able to talk with various artists in Chicago including the creator of Brown Girls, a web series (which was nominated for an Emmy!), have a panel discussion with Hamilton Chicago members including Tony Award Winner Karen Olivo and MUCH MORE.

Leila ABDELRAZAQ ‘11 Author, artist & activist

During high school, I practically lived in the Lyso Center, and worked backstage on every play I could! I took both IB Theatre Arts and IB Visual Art and got my BFA in Theatre Studies at DePaul University in Chicago. In

2015, I completed my graphic novel, Baddawi, a coming of age story about my dad’s experience growing up in a Palestinian refugee camp. It was short listed for the Palestine Book Awards.

I am a freelance illustrator, and make lots of posters and artwork for social movements and organizations around the world. I’m now completing my second graphic novel, which will be published this winter! You can find my work at www.lalaleila.com.

Twinkle Bharwaney ‘13

I am presently working within the talent management department at Anonymous Content, the company that created 13 REASONS WHY. I work with actors, casting directors, and production on a daily basis.

As an artist, it’s so inspiring to witness how the seed of an idea evolves into a story, and to be a part of the hundreds (or thousands) of artists working tirelessly to share that story with the world. It’s also not too shabby getting a

sneak peek at content that is currently in the works at major entertainment companies, ranging from 20th Century Fox to Netflix to HBO.

Solène DEVEAUX ‘13

After graduating from SFS, I completed a bachelor of Fine Arts through a three year program in the international section of EICAR, a cinema school in Paris. I was

awarded second best student film by the school for my final project. I am now finishing a four-month formation with Julie Navarro, the number 1 casting director in Paris for cinema as well as advertisement, and I will be working with her full time.

EMMA SHELDRICK ‘14

It is my last year at a university in London studying theatre arts where I focus on Set and Lighting design with some performance on the side. As well as studying, I manage a photo studio in London that I helped my older brother create and build (with our own hands) using planning and building skills that I learned in my theatre classes in high school and university. I’ve also done script writing for a fashion film, writing for a magazine and Chanel, working on the set of a Netflix show and being a manager/creator for a dessert cafe in Australia. Many of the things I

learned studying theatre have helped me grow into someone who is more confident, productive and proactive. I am a better leader and a calmer, more compassionate person.

Lucy DORNBACH ‘15

I am currently a junior at the College of Saint Benedict, a liberal arts institution in St. Joseph, Minnesota. I am majoring in Gender Studies and Hispanic Studies, with a minor in Peace Studies as well. I am fortunate enough to receive a theatre scholarship through my college and am involved in the theatre department in various ways. What has really shaped my first two years has been what I carried with me from my time in IBHL Theatre Arts at SFS. In IBTA, I learned

how to write a monologue. I learned how to express my thoughts and ideas in the form of movement. I learned the importance of exploring art forms from other cultures. I learned how to use my voice. And it was in that course, that I first discovered my passion for social justice, which has now completely shaped what I am studying in college.

William TOMHON ‘15 I am currently studying chemical engineering at the University of Delaware. That’s about three or four classes a day and three to four hours of homework a week. But there is a lot more time than that in a week. I spend a lot of that time in the theatre. The second week of my first semester at university I tried out for The Fantasticks, produced by a student theatre group, HTAC, with which I have become heavily involved since. Next semester I am the technical director for our upcoming show, Something Happened on the Way to the Forum. I was also the webmaster for our company the last three semesters and have been involved in five shows in my first two years of university.

Kevin SCHERN ‘14 I am currently studying entertainment engineering and design at the University of Nevada - Las Vegas (UNLV). Before I attended SFS, my original plan for my major in college was to go into mechanical engineering and to minor in theater; however, with more research, I found that UNLV had a major that combined both. I am currently involved in various theatrical productions at UNLV, mostly in relationship to sound and audio/visuals. I am also contributing to various smaller productions scattered throughout Las Vegas, and I am involved in small film crews located throughout the valley as well.

Daniel Kyunghae LEE ‘15 I’m a rising sophomore at Yale and I am planning to pursue an art degree with a concentration in graphic design, while debating over a second degree in film & media studies.

I’ve spent this past year in college acting in plays, serving as the Korean American society’s cultural chair, and making/writing/designing cool things for my classes. If you would like to communicate with me you can reach me at dkjl9823@me.com

29

Alumni Visits/Notes

1960s Sherry Enid (Chesshir) IRVIN ‘64 enrolled at SFS in 1954 (3rd grade) and graduated in 1964. She received a BS in Education from Abilene Christian University in 1968 and later received a Masters in Liberal Arts with an Art History major in 1993.

Sherry taught Elementary School for ten years and then worked in advertising for two years. Her interest in art first led her to getting a degree in Interior Design after which she worked as a designer for two years. It was in graduate school, however, that she found her true calling in academics: Art History. She taught Art History for 13 years at The Art Institute of Houston and at Houston Community College.

Sherry’s passion over the years has been to serve in the war against Human Trafficking both in Houston and around the world. She is involved with many parachurch organizations which are networking in Houston and beyond to end sex trafficking and the exploitation of women, children and men.

Dean (Chang) PARK ‘89 attended the University of Southern California and later NYU where he majored in International Relations. His career path has led him to his current position as CEO, Baker Hughes GE Korea / GM APAC, Digital Solutions, Baker Hughes GE. “SFS provided me with the knowledge and academic discipline I needed to be successful during my university years. The level of education I received was world-class and helped create a strong academic foundation for my post-SFS studies. In addition, the diverse student community I attended SFS with allowed me to embrace multi-cultural environments and prepared me to be successful during my studies at USC and NYU. Professionally, I have continued to leverage my SFS network during the last 25 years for business connections and market intelligence. In almost every industry or geography my company does business in I can find an SFS alum who is connected. It truly is a powerful network and really one of the strengths of the school.”

1970s

1990s

Class Rep: Veronica CREVECOEUR ‘76 Class Rep: Peter DOROW ‘79 Michael P. O’DONNELL ‘70 entered Oberlin College where he majored in psychobiology.

Next he attended the University of California, Berkeley receiving a MBA in General Management and a MPH in Hospital Management. He later earned his PhD in Health Behavior and Health Education at University of Michigan.

The focus of Michael’s career has been health promotion, which is the art and science of helping people improve their health by improving their lifestyle. His newest venture is working on a strategy to improve the health of people at the state level rather than focusing on individual organizations. The biggest challenge is helping marginalized people, people with low incomes, limited social networks, and mental illness. Many do not have access to nutritious foods, live in unhealthy and unsafe housing, have stressful and/or dangerous social situations, and some are addicted to tobacco, alcohol or dangerous drugs.

In reflecting on his time at SFS, he commented “I had to work really hard to be an average student at SFS. College and grad school were relatively easy compared to SFS. If I had not gone to SFS, I probably would have coasted through high school, gone to a so-so college, never gone to graduate school and never been able to do most of what I have done in my professional career. I also learned what it felt like to be part of a close knit caring community at SFS. I have been searching for that kind of community ever since, and have not found it.”

1980s

Class Rep: Chang (Dean) PARK ‘89 After leaving SFS, Karen HENDRIX (‘80*) attended Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität in Munich where she studied medicine. Currently she is a psychiatrist in Braunau, Austria but also works as a medical Coroner Specialist for the police headquarters of lower Bavaria and is a doctor working therapeutically with farmers in and around Landshut. . She finds her work very gratifying as she is able to impact the lives of the many of the farmers there.

30

When asked about her experience at SFS, she wrote “Through SFS I was able to meet many people from various countries and cultures, which, at least in Germany, was not a common experience. I thus had a great advantage over my friends back home as I got the opportunity to forge an ‘international life’ which at all times was interesting and very fulfilling. After graduating from medical school, I spent many years in Munich, working in international emergency transport and specializing as a medical coroner, a profession previously not existent in Germany.

When asked what message she would like to send to all the students who attend SFS she replied, “It would be to grab your opportunity to study in such an excellent environment with the unique chance of meeting people from so many cultures, religions, and beliefs.

Do everything in your power to educate yourself for what you to accomplish in life.

Class Rep: David RHA ‘92 Class Rep: Benjamin CHAI ‘94 Class Rep: Renee KANG ‘94 Class Rep: Lionel CHUFFART ‘95* Yuna (Lee) LYONS ‘90 was at SFS for 5 years before graduating and entering Yale University where she graduated with a BA in Molecular Biochemistry. Later she received an MA in Science Education from Hunter College, CUNY and followed that with a PhD in Science Education from Columbia University.

In reflecting on her academic life at SFS, Yuna said “The caring teachers at SFS played a very significant role in the formative years of my life. I also think my high school teachers taught better than most of my university professors!”

When asked about any lasting impressions she had about her time at SFS, Yuna responded, “There were two things that stand out about my time at SFS: one was the relationships I formed with my teachers, and the second was having the opportunity to play team sports. I think a lot of my identity was formed around academics and learning to be part of a team.

Bruce RICHTER ‘90 “SFS wasn’t just a school like kids look at the ones here in the States. SFS had a community beyond the school as many of us lived on campus or near it. Teachers were family friends, missionary kids grew up together. We all often vacationed together, such as at Taechon Beach. It was like everything was an extension beyond the school that knitted our lives together as we grew up.

An air raid drill occurred during school one day, but it turned out to be a real one. A North Korean MiG had evidently entered South Korean airspace, and we actually went through the exercise of closing the curtains and moving the desks against the windows. I was in Mrs. Lee’s math class. We sat there against the inside wall waiting, some crying quietly to themselves and after a while the silence was broken by Mrs. Lee. ‘If we make it through this, your homework assignment is written on the board.’”

31

Alumni Visits/Notes Alfie SULAIMAN ‘91* attended Murdoch University in Perth, Australia where he majored in Multimedia In the intervening years, he has been a sound engineer, a journalist (3 newspapers), an editor (2 magazines), an investor relations consultant and, currently, is senior editor with RHB Research.

“SFS introduced me to a multicultural world that existed beyond my Malaysia- and UKcentric points of view. It also taught me that the people have many different viewpoints and yet we share so many similarities. SFS allowed me to grow as a person - showing me a myriad of people and personalities - and allowing me a glimpse of the kind of life I still try to achieve. My only regret was having to cut short my time in Korea as my father was transferred back to Malaysia abruptly. I never really had a chance to say goodbye to the many friends I made while there.”

Remi (DiFranco) FLAHERTY ‘92 attended Gordon College (Wenham, MA) where she received a B.A. in Psychology and later received her M.Ed. in School Counseling at the Citadel (Charleston, SC.) Currently she is a school counselor in Rock Hill, SC. but started her profession in Charlotte, NC. SFS impacted her in many ways. She credits her time at SFS for gaining the academic skills needed to succeed in both undergraduate and graduate schools. “Without SFS I would not have been as adventurous in choosing my college. I found the challenges I faced at SFS helped me become more focused and well rounded. Through the various Christian activities I was involved in, on and off campus, I also grew spiritually and emotionally.”

After leaving SFS Carsten NIELSEN ‘93 attended the University of York in England. His field of study earned him a Bachelor of Science in economics. Having completed his degree, Carsten moved to the States and worked on Wall Street for 7 years after which he started buying commercial real estate with his dad. Since then he has sold off all of this real estate holdings and has now day trading on the market. For anyone who knows Carsten, it’s no great surprise to see him making one career move after another.

Outside of work, Carsten enjoys working with kids and helps to teach kids jiu jitsu. In addition he donates time and money to several charities where he knows that the donated funds actually go to helping those in need.

Maria Theresa (Larsen) NORN ‘97 attended Copenhagen Business School where she earned her initial degree in Economics & Management and later a Masters and PhD in Science & Innovation Management and Policy.

After SFS, Maria took a year off to work in Malaysia before returning to Denmark to further her education. Her career took a sharp turn into academia where she got her PhD degree in science and innovation policy in 2007. “The PhD was a fantastic experience in terms of stimulating not only my intellectual development but also my professional and personal development. However, after working for a year as an assistant professor, I decided to leave academia to gain greater insight into the policy world I was researching.

“I especially want to acknowledge the importance of the teachers, who shaped our years in the hallways and classrooms of SFS. Some of those who left particularly lasting impressions were Edie Moon (whose class on public speaking prepared me for decades of public talks and teaching, and whose book of poetry I still keep and occasionally contribute to); Jack Moon (whose classes on biology yielded both curiosity, challenges and insights that led to a life-long interest in biology and science), Linda Edwards (who inspired me to write and think about writing and talk about writing), and most of all Jim Milliken (whose thoughtfulness inspired me, and whose fantastic history lessons helped me situate current events up against the past that we all too often forget). Thank you SFS, for everything.”

Upon graduating from SFS, Duyeon (Bora) KIM ‘98 went to Syracuse University for her BA and later to Georgetown University for her MS degree. In the intervening years, Bora has become a vital member of a Washington think tank community which focuses on national security policy particularly with regards to nuclear non-proliferation in the Asia-Pacific region. Bora is a respected writer and speaker to leaders of Asian countries concerning these critical issues. See her interview on CNN with Kristie Lu Stout http://edition.cnn. com/videos/world/2017/09/22/stout-duyeon-kim-nk-h-bomb-threat.cnn When asked about any lasting impressions she has of the SFS community, Bora noted two key components that we value here at SFS. Firstly, she noted the academic rigor of the school’s curriculum which prepared her well for university and beyond. Secondly, she commented on the family nature of the school where students and faculty worked alongside each other in a productive, caring, and nurturing way. It was the combination of these two factors that helped her develop her values, principles and ethics and steered her along her future career path.

2000s

Class Rep: Jennifer CHA ‘02 Class Rep: Michelle LEE ‘03 Class Rep: Alex PAIK ‘04 After graduating from SFS, Sarah (Choi) LEE ‘94 attended California State University in Long Beach where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. For the last 15 years, she has been a labor and delivery nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange, CA. Recently she has become interested in the area of nursing informatics and is interested in pursuing a Master’s degree in Nursing Informatics, preferably innovation and research. “With the transition of implementing EMR (Electronic Medical Records) in healthcare, I would like to help in making it easier and more efficient for the bedside nurse using technology and computers.”

32

Sarah commented on her academic and spiritual growth while at SFS. “Mr. Moon influenced me greatly in my career path taking his Biology IB class. Although the class was difficult and challenging, I loved the topics we studied which, in turn, made me appreciate the human body and how it functions. Later in college I took Human Anatomy and Physiology and that led me to choose the field of nursing as my profession.”

Allison O’DONNELL ‘02 fit into SFS about as quickly as anyone possibly could. She studied hard, got involved in extracurricular activities, made friends and learned to adapt to international living. After graduating, she attended Oberlin College (Oberlin, OH) where she received her BA and then went to the University of Michigan where she earned her Masters in Public Health. She has worked in public health since then and is currently focused on health diplomacy as a Global Health Officer at the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Of her time at SFS, she says, “SFS changed my life in just one year. It gave me a global perspective on life, challenged me to work hard academically and introduced me to friends from around the world. I probably would not be who I am or where I am today if I had not attended SFS.” 33

Alumni Visits/Notes After graduating from SFS, Jeeyun CHOI ‘03 attended Johns Hopkins where she completed a combined BS/MS degree in Neuroscience. This enabled her to gain entrance to Harvard Medical School where she obtained her MD. After receiving her degree she interned at Massachusetts General Hospital, and followed up with a residency in Ophthalmology at Harvard/Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Jeeyun then did a Clinical and Research Fellowship at Harvard for a year and is currently finishing her surgical fellowship in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, FL. Jeeyun credits the academic opportunities she had at SFS for allowing her to acquire all the needed AP and IB scores to complete the BA/MS 5 year program in 4 years.

Eugene PARK ‘04 attended Northwestern University after graduating from SFS where he majored in Communication Sciences and Disorders. He credits the education he received at SFS as pivotal in preparing him well for university and beyond. Outside of studying Eugene worked for a non-profit Christian clinic in the West-Side of Chicago as an HIV/AIDS Outreach Worker. After graduating from medical school, he completed a residency at the County Hospital of Los Angeles in emergency medicine. He is now a practicing emergency physician completing a year of fellowship and pursuing a business degree in medical management.

When asked about his time at SFS, Eugene wrote, “SFS had a profound impact on me.

I spent 11 years with SFS and was blessed to have been mentored by so many amazing people. A shout-out to Joon Myong who brought me into discipleship in middle school and tortured me as my HS soccer coach. Also to Amos Lyso, my cross-country coach and my HS discipler who walked with me through all the ups and downs of my last 4 years.

I committed my life to Christ while at SFS and it is a period of my life I am profoundly grateful for.”

After SFS, Jack LOWEY ‘04* attended middle and high school in Kuala Lumpur and London. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2008 with a dual degree in economics and Japanese studies. He spent the following seven years in Chicago in investment banking and corporate development / M&A roles. Jack currently lives in Evanston, IL with his wife (of three months) Kaitlin and is a 2nd-year MBA candidate at Northwestern Univ.’s Kellogg School of Management, pursuing a career in private equity.

In the community, Jack serves on the board of directors for The Penn Fund, which supports undergraduate education and student financial aid at Penn, as well as The People’s Music School, where he founded the organization’s first Associates Board for young professionals in support of providing Chicago’s underserved youth with high-quality, tuition-free music instruction.

Here’s a fun fact: Jack remains a passionate musician and became the drummer in Kellogg’s 80s/90s rock band “The Rocket Pockets” just about 20 years after selecting percussion on the first day of 5th grade band at SFS!

34

Bonnie SEOK ‘06 attended SFS for ten years, beginning in the second grade. After graduating from SFS, she attended Tufts University (Boston, MA) where she majored in political science and international relations. After college, she worked at the International Criminal Court which led her to decide to go to law school.

Bonnie studied at Fordham Law School in New York City and graduated in 2016. Currently, she works for the New York City Department of Investigation as an investigator. The NYC Department of Investigation, a law enforcement agency, is the City’s Inspector General and anti-corruption watchdog.

“I would not have gotten to where I am today without my two favorite teachers, Mr. Milliken and Ms. Denis. They encouraged me to pursue my passion for history and political science, and most importantly, they believed in me! Two of my favorite memories from my time at SFS are the Discovery Week trip to Russia with Mr. Milliken and participating in Model United Nations with Ms. Denis. The service mentality that Mr. Milliken and Ms. Denis always encouraged is most likely the reason I ended up as a public servant and attorney here in New York.”

Kimi KAO ‘09* attended SFS for 2 years during Middle School and would have graduated from SFS in 2009 had she stayed in Korea. Kimi’s fondest memories are still of her time at SFS and she wanted to show her husband, Vinh Doan, where she attended school while in Korea. She walked down memory lane as we moved around the campus visiting various venues. Her comment after we completed the tour was that while many of the facilities were still the same, they felt very different somehow. The absence of the old Robb Hall and the presence of the new MPC were the most dramatic changes that she noticed.

Kimi currently is living in Burnaby, British Columbia with Vinh and works as a graphic designer. She met her husband of one year while studying at the University of Toronto.

Most of her fondest memories of SFS revolve around cheerleading and going to basketball games, attending the MS & HS musicals, singing in choir and taking cooking classes during MS exploratory sessions. It seems that the 2 years at SFS left an indelible imprint on Kimi which we hope has been true for all of you.

Aaron KEARNEY ‘09 attended Loyola University in Chicago where he studied Journalism, Political Science and Peace Studies. Later he earned his law degree at Case Western Reserve University School of Law (JD). Right now Aaron works as a Legal Fellow for the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee in Washington D.C. He just recently moved to the position from a similar Law Fellow role at the Public International Law and Policy Group, also based in Washington D.C. In his current role, he works directly with individuals who cannot afford lawyers but who feel they have been discriminated against in their employment, education, immigration or just their everyday life.

“SFS influenced me because it taught me what it’s like to grow up as a citizen of the world. In my career, I have worked in conflict resolution and peace building at a global, international level and at a small city or even neighborhood level. In my work, I have seen how quickly people draw dividing lines and stigmatize others so as to promote their own agendas. When trying to bridge divides drawn by people in this manner, I have come to see that many individuals find it hard to understand, empathize and interact with what they don’t know. SFS taught me to embrace what I don’t know and interact with what I don’t understand. It taught me to open up my mind and to help others try to open up theirs. This has lead me into the work I do today because I hope to break down the walls I see others build.”

Koketso (Glori) MOFOKENG ‘09 “It was such as honor to be part of the SFS Performing Arts community, both as a performer and working behind the scenes. Working with Mrs. Moon and the incredible cast members over the years gave me a holistic high school experience. It was a platform where my weirdness was normal and it was a space to discuss anything from stage blocking to spirituality. The experience has taught me to execute my responsibilities with excellence, no matter how big or small, keeping in mind that we are all part of a bigger picture.”

35

Alumni Reunions Alumni notes/visits

2000s continued

Save the Date

Annie YUN ‘09 attended SFS for four years, graduating in ’09. She was accepted at Villanova University where she obtained a BA in Psychology in ’14 and later a MS in Human Resource Development in ‘15. Her career path has her serving as a HR professional at a non-profit organization in NYC called Help USA. There she works to provide housing and services to those in need, primarily focusing on the homeless population there. They provide homeless prevention programs, transitional housing (shelters), and permanent housing for low-income individuals and families. Additionally there are programs/services and housing for veterans and domestic violence survivors.

SFS Alumni Reunions 2018

Annie commented on her lasting impression of the SFS community, “It was a warm and compassionate one that helped students feel accepted and encouraged them to reach their full potential whether it was in academics, or extracurricular activities (sports and fine arts) or in developing as an individual.”

2010s

Class Rep: Kayla MOON ‘10 Class Rep: Joon KIM ‘14 Patrick TOMHON ‘14 attended the University of Richmond in Virginia where he will graduate with a BS in Chemistry and a BA in International Studies: International Economics in May 2018. Thereafter, he is intent on attending graduate school in chemistry where he will focus on organic materials research.

Patrick indicated that participation in the IB program at SFS prepared him well for the depth and academic rigor of university courses. The amazing and unique faculty pushed him to reach his potential and helped him establish the kind of work ethic and lifelong learning habits that have allowed him to excel at school and which he will carry into his chosen profession.

Seoul, South Korea - Friday, January 12th 2018 Los Angeles, USA - Saturday, January 27th 2018 New York, USA - Saturday, February 3rd 2018

When asked to looks back over his 6 years at SFS and comment on a lasting impression that it left on him, he said “Acceptance by teachers and students alike. The global nature of the school and the revolving door of students coming from places all around the world created a community that emphasized equality and inclusivity.”

Venue details and more information will be provided soon.

William TOMHON ’15 spent 7 years at SFS before graduating and moving on to the University of Delaware in Newark, DE where he is studying chemical engineering. He plans a career path towards industry.

When asked about his experience at SFS and how it prepared him academically for university, he was quick to answer, “The heavy writing components of the IB program put me far ahead of many of my more traditionally STEM focused colleagues enabling me to excel in the business aspects of the engineering program at the university.”

When reflecting on the choice of international schools to attend while in Seoul, William said, “SFS was the best choice with very strong programs in both the sciences and the arts. These two programs have had the most profound impact on my life in college, as I am not only a STEM major, but also am highly involved with student theatre on campus.

The multitude of theatrical opportunities that SFS provided me were incredibly beneficial in helping me build a theatrical skill set which allowed me to participate immediately in student theatre during my first semester at UD.”

36

SFS Alumni Interested in becoming a Class Representative?

Want to share alumni news?

Want to visit the SFS campus?

Want to host a reunion?

If so, please contact: Jack Moon at jack.moon@seoulforeign.org | 02.330.3100 ext. 19103

LIKE US https://www.facebook.com/alumnisfs JOIN US http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Seoul-Foreign-Alumni6667255?home=&gid=6667255&trk=my_groups-tile-grp TAG US https://instagram.com/seoulforeign4u/ FOLLOW US https://twitter.com/SFS4u

37

Meet the new members

Welcome New Board and Faculty members to our SFS Community!

Silvia Kim (Board Member)

Lisa Adams

Heather Adkins

Deborah Chu

Harrison Creech

(ES Counselor)

(ES ELL)

Kanjana Ekstrom (HR Associate)

Ji Young (Esther) Kim

38

Dean Park (Board Member)

(ES Counselor)

Sally Shim (Board Member)

David Beaty

(SW Tech. Director)

Kristen Creech

Libby Beaty

(SW Teacher)

Xin Ding

William Bowins (HS Science)

Joachim Ekstrom

(HS MYP)

(MS Christian Studies)

(ES/MS/BS Chinese)

(HS Dir. of College Counseling)

Sinead Flanagan

Steven Gange

Jessie Gochar

Susan Guderyon

Heather Min

Hyesoon Shin

(Interim Marketing Coord.)

(ES Gr. 3)

(MS Gr. 8 Math)

(HS Admin. Assist.)

Soora Koh

Paige Melanson

Clif Wilcox

Jessica Yang

Jillian Zappia

(AHOS - Operations & CFO)

Jennifer Woo (Board Member)

(ES Chinese)

(BS Year 2)

(SW DLC)

(BS Counselor)

(ES Counselor)

(HS ELL/LS)

(HS Korean)

39

40