Volume 50 Issue 8: 2026 Graduation issue

CONTENTS

Front Cover Illustration: Erin Kim and Lucas In Back Cover Illustration: Cherie Sim

LETTERS F

EDITORS-

FROM THE

-IN-CHIEF

05 | GRADUATION 2026

messages from our

FACULTY

Dr. Le Nezet

Principal Mr. Gilmore

Dear Class of 2026, In my graduation speech this year, I will focus on all the students who do not receive much recognition in high school and yet continue on to do wonderful things in their lives. At the end of the year, with all the award ceremonies, sports banquets and graduation special awards, it can be easy to feel a little forgotten if you are not one of the names called on stage. Yet, as you leave school and start your adult life, you will slowly realise that these high school recognitions - as wonderful as they are when they are given to you - are a poor predictor of future success. I also want you to reflect on that word: success. Focusing on good grades or MVP awards or the mastery of one specific subject gives us a very narrow definition of success. There are so many better, more meaningful ways of being successful, and I hope you take the time to think about what success means to you once you are free from the definitions that have been imposed upon you since you were a child. Good luck, class of 2026! I wish you every success, in whatever form it comes.

As another academic year at SFS draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared. From the quiet moments of academic breakthrough to the high-energy roar of the crowd at games and performances, your resilience and creativity have truly defined our community this year. It is inspiring to witness how you’ve turned challenges into powerful learning experiences, always showing up with kindness and a relentless spirit.

To our returning students: Carry this year’s lessons forward. Continue to build each other up, stay curious, and shape SFS with your unique ideas and energy. I have no doubt you will welcome our incoming freshmen with the empathy and leadership that make this school a home.

Assistant Principal

To our graduating seniors: We are immensely proud of the heart and tenacity you’ve shown. As you begin your next chapter, remember that you are ready. Trust your passion and know that you will always be a Crusader. I wish you all a summer filled with rest, reflection, and rejuvenation.

You have earned this time with family and friends. We look forward to seeing you back in August, ready for the new memories that await us.

With all my appreciation, Mr. Gilmore

THE SPIRIT | 06

As we wrap up another school year, I just wanted to say how much joy it has been to witness the life of this High School community, all the big moments, the small moments, and everything in between.

Ms. Bazin

This year has been full of creativity, laughter, challenges, growth, school spirit, and memories that will stay with many of you long after graduation. Through performances, competitions, service, friendships, leadership opportunities, and everyday conversations in the hallways, you have continued to make SFS a place that feels deeply special.

To the Class of 2026, congratulations. It feels like yesterday that some of you were starting High School, and now you are preparing for what comes next. While you may be leaving campus, you will always be part of this community. We are excited to welcome you into the SFS alumni community and cannot wait to see where life takes you next.

Thank you for the energy, kindness, and personality you bring to SFS every day. Have a wonderful summer, and good luck to everyone for the year ahead.

Advisor

Ms. Bazin

Dear Class of 2026, As a farewell message, I thought I’d lean on texts you’ve studied in your English classes.

In Human Acts, we saw how memory carries both pain and responsibility. You are stepping into a world that often makes it easier to look away. I hope you choose to pay attention, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Ms. Bruski

In Cyrano de Bergerac, we saw the power of language. Words can hide, protect, or reveal who you are. Use yours with honesty. Speak with a bit of panache, and don’t hide who you are. Your differences are what make you interesting.

In Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead, we were reminded to question what seems fixed. Stay curious. Be willing to challenge the status quo.

In good kid, m.A.A.d city, we saw how identity is shaped by place, pressure, and choice. Be aware of the forces around you, but remember that your decisions still matter.

I hope you keep reading, not because you have to, or because it will get you a 7, but because it helps you make sense of the world a little better. I hope you leave SFS with the confidence to think for yourself and the awareness that your choices matter.

Ms. Bruski

Advisor

07 | GRADUATION 2026

The Spirit will always have a special place in my heart. I’m glad to have served as both a writer and editor on the Community column, collaborating with many individuals to contribute something new to the page. To the writers, thank you for always bringing eager attitudes despite the demanding schedules. I truly hope it was a rewarding year to be able to see yourself grow as both a writer and journalist. To the illustrators and photographers, thank you for being flexible with my last-minute requests written in illegible handwriting.

Furthermore, I would like to recognize those who have paved the way for us, as well as those who will continue this journey in the coming years. Celebrating the 50th year of The Spirit this year has made me look forward to the progress we will make in the future. I’m genuinely excited to keep up with next year’s issues!

With my time at The Spirit—and at SFS—coming to a close, I’m incredibly grateful for the past three years I’ve spent working with incredible writers, photographers, illustrators, and editors. My final year as an editor was incredibly rewarding as I watched my Community page writers grow and find their voices. I’m sure that, as a resilient group, they’ll continue to work to reach new heights.

Thank you to my writers for their endless stream of article ideas, and thank you to the illustrators and photographers for turning each of my layouts into something one-of-a-kind. A special thanks to our EICs, Royce and Olivia, as their responsibilities stretch far beyond what meets the eye. Their work ethic and leadership not only make The Spirit possible but have also shaped me for the better. It’s been an honor to serve the SFHS community through publication, and I’m sure that next year’s new editors will take The Spirit even further.

Not every moment in my life was I aware that I enjoy writing—creative writing, not essays, of course. I can only recollect reading the entire Elephant & Piggie series in elementary school (which clearly is not a classic “book worm selection”). That being said, The Spirit became an unforgettable experience and accomplishment—a small grape soda pin for myself—that I couldn’t imagine missing. I would like to give my special thanks to the EICs, Royce and Olivia, who have guided us through everything, and to all my Lifestyle writers that invested their time to make sense of my possibly confusing feedback. And of course, a huge shoutout to our hard-working illustrators, the right hand behind every spread, and to our diligent photographers, who decorated our beautiful covers and featuring arts. Although June came faster than ever, I’m excited to see how much better The Spirit will become next year. See you guys in August!

THE SPIRIT | 08

This past year with The Spirit has taken us further than just our spreads—complex, fast-moving, and rarely predictable. As the World page editor, it’s been a journey working with a strong magazine team as the world outpaced editorial cycles. From editing to curating layout after layout, I’ve learned how to turn up student voices, and it’s pushed us to grow together throughout.

I especially want to acknowledge my writers. From navigating complex global issues with balance and conviction to staying on top of constant deadlines, I’m incredibly proud of the journalists they’ve grown into. To the illustration team, thank you for transforming our words into something vivid and alive with each of your defining strokes. Of course, thank you to all of our readers—both the skimmers and the deep readers—for giving each issue its resonance. Looking forward to returning for the next half of The Spirit’s century!

Hard work inevitably comes with learning, and that’s what makes The Spirit so rewarding for me. As this year’s Culture page editor, I had the opportunity to explore countless fascinating cultural topics thanks to Tim, Ellie, Edilyn, and Lewis. Not to mention, fellow editors’ layouts and the work of our photographers and illustrators have pushed my perception of creativity. And for their guidance and contribution, I want to pay tribute to our EICs and Design Chiefs, whose leadership brought our creative vision to life in print (and on the web).

Art from Canva

Although finishing my third year at The Spirit feels bittersweet, I’m certain that the coming school year holds greater opportunities, as each year has somehow been even more wonderful than the last. Though we will miss the Class of 2026 pillars on our team, I look forward to welcoming both new and returning faces. See you in August!

09 | GRADUATION 2026

FA R E WELL

When I moved to SFS as a freshman student in 2001, I never thought it would be the place where I would spend the next 25 years of my life. I fell in love with my future husband, made lifelong friends, learned how to learn, how to teach, and how to coach amazing athletes. No matter where in the world I go, SFS will always be a place I call home.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift his countenance upon you and give you peace.”

With much love, Mrs. Black

Ms. Ch

Mrs. Black

My time at SFS has been very special and meaningful to me. I will miss my students and work friends as well as the amazing spaces we worked in. One of the most incredible things about SFS is how we all make each other better. I have become a better teacher, leader, and friend because of the people I’ve worked with: students, teachers, and administrators.

One of my greatest memories will always be teaching DP Philosophy.

I love creative challenges, and having the opportunity to create and teach the DP Philosophy course at SFS was an incredible experience for me. And I got to do it in a beautiful corner of the SFHS! With the most amazing students! With a Crave coffee in hand!!! Who could ask for a better job? Thank you students for taking a risk on a new class; I loved learning and growing with you!

Wait... how am I going to function without Crave coffee?!? I guess that is one more reason to come back and visit. ;)

ART BY SOOMIN AHN

Ms. Brabon

FROM OUR LEA

L NOT E S

THE SPIRIT | 10

“Thank you so much to my students and colleagues for inviting me into your lives, sharing your stories and teaching me how to love. I will miss you all!”

hung

Ms. Mishra

Dr. Le Nezet

AVING FACULTY!

As I prepare to leave, SFS will always hold a special place in my heart. It was my first international school experience, outside my home country, and my son’s first proper school. Korea, with its beautiful four seasons, made this journey even more unforgettable. My family and I built lasting friendships, and I have deeply enjoyed teaching the wonderful students at SFS. This chapter has shaped us in ways we’ll always cherish. Thank you, SFS, for the memories and the incredible experiences. You will forever be a special part of our family’s story.

I have very mixed feelings about leaving SFS. I am excited about travelling around Europe by train with my daughter for a few months, and thrilled about moving to my new home in Spain. I look forward to having more time for my hobbies: writing, reading, learning Spanish and creating poorly crafted sewing projects. I’m grateful I will be closer to my parents and my children, able to attend small occasions like birthday parties and family reunions. On the other hand, I will miss SFS terribly. From the start - even at the interview stage - I felt like SFS was my school. I love the students here and I am so sad that I will not be on stage with our classes of 2027-2029 when they graduate. I also have dear friends at SFS and I have loved working with them. Leaving them behind will be tough! I will make sure to keep in touch and will follow SFS news from afar!

11 | GRADUATION 2026

Anonymous Letters for Seniors LETTERS BY UNDERCLASSMEN | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SENIORS

Dear Eason, Thank you so much for being one of the best seniors in the whole school. I will miss all the dumb FIFA talks and physics talks we always had during lunch time. I wish you all the best in your new journey and please do contact me.

Salut Eason!

Please stop faking your British accent.

We all know it’s not real. But in all seriousness, you’re literally a genius and I’m always thankful for your relentless support for me!!

Bonne chance à l’université!

Dear Kate, This may sound cliché, but I genuinely can’t imagine high school without you. You made my experience so memorable, especially through APAC Dance (far too many moments to count). I’m deeply grateful to have had an upperclassman I could turn to, whether for advice or reassurance. I can’t wait to see everything you go on to achieve, and I’ll definitely be visiting you in California. I love you so much, and don’t forget about me.

THE SPIRIT | 12

Justin Kang, The loudest person in school who was also smart enough to get into Yale. Maybe you can focus on going to the gym when you go to the US. Make sure not to get tempted by the chick-fil-a and crumbl cookie!

Zio, Thanks for being not only my captain, but also my daddy who taught me positioning on the field and around the girls. None of my rizz would exist without your halftime speeches on the field and questionable dating advice. Love you!

Hi Cara. A year ago I would never have even fathomed that we would be as close as we are now, but I’m really glad that we are. You’re a great friend, athlete, and role model, and I can’t wait to see where you go in life.

Dear Justin Koo, Personally, out of all the Justins at our school, I think you’re the best! You’ve been such a supportive upperclassmen to me and carry such a unique aura that is so dear to a lot of people at SFS. GL in college!!

Hi Yesa! Thank you so much for staying by my side at all times.

You’ve been with me through it all (cheering together, laughing, tripping on stage) and I genuinely can’t even imagine next year without you. Thank you so so much for EVERYTHING. I can’t wait to see where you go…

PLEASE please come back soon!

Love you so much.

Hi Jaesuh!

Spending time with you sometimes can really be a pain, especially since I almost never get any work done cuz we’re always roaming around places late at night, but I don’t think I’ll ever regret any of them. Please don’t leave me on read when I text you in college. So proud & stay in touch! p.s. sorry about the cat situation

13 | GRADUATION 2026

WEARING YOUR WORTH:

BY C LA IRE H ON G | PH OT OS FRO M VARIO U S SFS INSTAG RAM ACCO U NTS

Walk through the SFHS hallways on any school day, and varsity letter jackets are a rarer sight than you might expect.

With patches and pins of sports tournaments and programs that showcase dedication, the letter jackets are undoubtedly one of the more recognizable symbols of student achievement. Yet how much a single garment means to each student, and what they choose to do with it, varies more than you might expect.

For many students, the hesitation has less to do with the jacket itself and more to do with the school’s culture around it.

Ellie Suh, currently in her sophomore year, shared that the last time she wore her jacket was at the KAIAC Girls Soccer tournament at YISS. “There is an unspoken rule

that circulates among the grades that wearing a letter jacket acts as almost a ‘rite of passage’ into upperclassman-hood, and that wearing it as an underclassman is seen as pretentious and self-righteous,” Ellie said.

Ellie’s experience points to a broader pattern among students. Survey data indicated that while students strongly value the jacket as school pride, its actual use remains significantly low, with daily wear at school averaging 2.10 on a Likert scale, a type of survey that measures respondents’ preferences from 1-5.

Concerns about being judged, or believing they do not fit the image of someone

who ‘should’ wear one, have made the jacket into something students actively avoid wearing.

However, the original intention behind the letter jacket is far more inclusive. Mr. Paul Rader, Director of Activities, emphasized that the jacket is meant to recognize student commitment across a wide range of disciplines. “The letter jacket is for any student who has earned it based on the criteria across all activities,” he said, adding that when he sees a student wearing one, he sees “someone who is involved, cares about our school, and wants to demonstrate their pride,” reinforcing that the jacket is not meant to distinguish any levels, but to signify a participation and dedication in all areas.

Within these cultures, students who earn their letters

THE SPIRIT | 14

THE CULTURE BEHIND THE LETTER JACKETS this identifies a large disparity between the original purpose of the jacket—to recognize achievements across all fields— and how it is perceived by students in practice.

Still, Ellie is clear about what the jacket means to her, and what it should mean to everyone who owns one. “I think everyone should feel comfortable wearing them no matter the occasion,” she said, “because, at the end of the day, you earned that jacket for

through performing arts programs often encounter a different form of uncertainty when deciding whether to wear their jackets. As Ellie explains, arriving at school with a musical or choir patch may be perceived as unconventional within a high school culture that remains heavily centered on sports. Clearly,

a reason.”

Mr. Rader agrees with the idea, hoping for the school to become “a community that celebrates each other’s successes and accomplishments.” At its core, in a community that prides itself on appreciating diverse forms of achievement, the real question is no longer about ‘what’ the letter jacket represents, but who feels they can wear it without judgment.

15 | GRADUATION 2026

82% never used their locker...

52% of students slept only

4~5 Hours during busy weeks of senior year!

67%

say they’ll visit as an alum!

90%

of the Class of ’26 say they will look back on their SFS experience with nostalgia.

87%

contracted senioritis during their final year.

CO26’s CRAVE Top Picks!

CHEESE CIABATTA ICED AMERICANO APPLE MANGO ADE MATCHA LATTE ICED LATTE Most-used BIG COOKIE AI model: SALT BREAD

CHATGPT

THE SPIRIT | 16

INSIDE INSIDE SFS SFS SENIOR SENIOR TRADITIONS TRADITIONS

BY NICHOLAS HA | GRAPHICS BY CANVA | PHOTOS FROM SENIORS

Every year, before the brutal end-of-year IB exams, the seniors get a couple of weeks to relax and connect with one another through a series of senior-exclusive activities. These include events such as the Senior Assassination Games, Senior Sunrise, White Lie T-Shirts, and the Senior Prank. But what actually happens throughout these traditions?

These events, hosted throughout the week, do not change much year to year. “They’re traditional events that take place annually,” Faith Dallao (12), one of the admins for the function, mentions. While they remain consistent at SFS, these traditions are not unique to the school — many high schools around the world host similar activities for their graduating classes.

One of the most anticipated events is the Senior Assassination game. Each participant is assigned a target (another member of the graduating class) to “eliminate” by snapping a photo of them. Students are granted a “safety item” such as swimming goggles, which protects them from elimination if worn when photographed. A “purge” can happen randomly, however, where no safety item will protect participants from having a photo taken of them, adding yet another layer of strategy.

So how does one survive and win? Erin Kim (12), this year’s winner, credits both luck and strategy. While “there was a lot of luck involved,” she made sure to keep her safety item on at all times to prevent any opportunities for elimination, and aimed to take out her targets as quickly as possible. “A lot of people tried to get their targets out during morning break or lunch,” she notes, but she went for them before class to catch them off guard.

Beyond the competition, the pairing selection was made consciously to allow for more connections between students who don’t know each other all too well. Faith believes this

helped strengthen relationships across the grade: “You get to interact with other people that you don’t normally talk to much,” she explains, allowing students to “bond deeper with one another” even as IB exams loom ahead.

Ultimately, these senior events offered the graduating cohort the opportunity to create lasting memories (maybe) for the last time. “You’re able to make memories with someone that you might not have otherwise,” Erin reflects. For Faith, “being able to see people interact with others” was especially meaningful, as it both strengthened relationships and decreased stress. These traditions serve as a reminder that students should step outside of familiar circles and interact with people to create unexpected memories and valuable connections.

17 | GRADUATION 2026

THE SPIRIT | 18

19 | GRADUATION 2026

What Is

| BY CHLOE JUN | PHOTOS FROM WIKIPEDIA | ILLUSTRATION FROM CANVA

SUCCESS? Why do we wake up every day sleep-deprived, yet still push through? “Success” has certainly become the answer for most ambitious questions in life. But the problem lies in its subjectivity—narrowing it down into one conclusive definition is almost impossible. With the diverse perspectives presented in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s poem “What is Success?” and the added comments from our fellow seniors Nahee Hong, Justin Kim, and Royce In, we explore the question: What is success?

To laugh often and much; We often link success with financial stability, but the opening lines say otherwise. To Emerson, the standard for success is the ever-lasting condition of happiness and joy. This is manifested almost perfectly by Nahee’s ambitions. As an aspiring theatrical performer, Nahee openly acknowledges the job’s instability in employment and how it has no guarantee of income. And yet, for the past four years, her definition of success remained the same: the fulfillment and happiness she finds in a project. Perhaps a career can shape the next thirty years of your life.

But for Nahee, she didn’t choose stability. She did it “for the love of the game.” The pure joy she embraces on stage, and the small daydream of returning from a matinee to her tiny NYC apartment— it’s exactly this happiness that she yearns for.

“Money is just one of the many mediums to reach success, not success in itself,” Justin agrees. Even with the matter of getting accepted to a prestigious college, Royce adds, “This aim of succeeding shouldn’t interfere with the idea of enjoying life along the way.”

So, before applying to pre-med, be honest: would you truly be happy?

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

?

Intelligent people will respect you for your mind, and children will love you for your heart. We often chase approval, and we only see recognition in names and titles.

Yet, neither the mind nor the heart can be faked.

To win both, hence, is to stay true to yourself. With this, Emerson reminds us that real recognition only comes to those who know who they are and what they are here for. It is not an exaggeration to admit that the future we, high school students, envision is largely opaque and unclear. How we define success is, therefore, equally uncertain. But Justin reminds us that “as long as you remember who you are deep down,” defining success is only a matter of time. Be the same person as you are in every room, and the approval and your definition of success will come to you, naturally.

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; Sometimes success is not the outcome but the journey. Royce’s most meaningful moments from quizbowl were “much smaller than winning the competition itself.” It was when a topic he studied came up, or when he got a question wrong, but realized later that he improved because of that mistake. He writes, “success isn’t necessarily something tangible you can point to…what matters is getting past the barriers that made it difficult in the first place.”

Your English teacher may have left brutal feedback on your essay, or your name might not be on the final AMIS list. But think about the literary devices you’ve learnt, the piece you’ve now mastered, and the lessons that will remain long after the disappointing results. Earning these itself is success.

To appreciate beauty;

To find the best in others; Beauty can be inherent in everything around us—it’s not always just visible art.

Nahee embodies this, connecting her love for the art and finding beauty in what most people would consider “ordinary.” To any normal person, a curtain call is simply a time to appreciate the cast and their hard work. But Nahee takes on a unique perspective: “Stop thinking of the curtain call as a way to bask in your own glory.” To her, a curtain

THE SPIRIT | 20

call is a moment where “both the performers and the audience return to reality,” and a reminder to “keep working towards the world we dream about.”

It is this very ability to find beauty and purpose in what’s often overlooked that makes a “career” an “ambition for success.” And for Nahee, each of the eleven curtain calls with the EJM theatre was a moment of glimpsing and painting that world for all of us. Success is behind these curtains, and only those who can notice it can achieve success.

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

If you had to define success in just four words, what would it be? “Trying your best. Always.” Royce’s answer resonates with us because it demands nothing extraordinary from us. And Emerson agrees. When we recall “successful people,” you would name Nelson Mandela, Jeff Bezos, Michael Jordan…and the list would go on. But Emerson notes that, to be successful, you do not have to be the first Black president, nor found a company with a $2.84 trillion net worth.

Being capable of donating to suffering children, reducing carbon footprints by growing your own vegetables, and knowing that you’ve made some kind of impact on the world—big or small—is in itself success. What’s common in all of these endeavors is the willingness to try. Try small and often. To Royce and Emerson, even these attempts are the sprouts of success.

To know even one life has breathed

easier because you have lived;

To go even further, Justin adds that he finds it “doubtful that any form of meaningful success won’t have an impact on others.” And this impact would come to many of us when we become parents. Royce describes his vision of success as the day he meets his grandchild for the first time because in that moment, he will know that he raised a child well, that his values and lessons were passed down, and that because of him, at least one life breathed a little easier.

Emerson’s poem is not a checklist. But perhaps, living by even one of its lines is to have

succeeded.

21 | GRADUATION 2026

Stablec THE MOST RELIABLE CRYPTOCURRENCY I love Korean Fried Chicken. If you order some fried chicken from the Baemin food delivery app today, it would cost about 30,000 KRW. Last October though, you could have paid the equivalent of about 20,000KRW. What’s going on? Did chickens fly away and evade capture en masse?

No. The answer lies in the world of cryptocurrency.

In South Korea, foreign laborers are increasingly requesting payment in a form of cryptocurrency called “stablecoins,” and ordinary citizens like you and I are using it to spend in their everyday lifestyles. But what are the implications of this shift, and why should we care?

What is Cryptocurrency?

Almost no modern currencies hold real value. For example, if a billionaire crashed his private jet on a deserted island, his suitcase full of bills would simply be slips of paper: worthless.

The value of money comes from the collective trust that I can trade these slips of paper for tangible items, like a new private jet.

For “traditional” currencies like the U.S. Dollar or the Korean Won, called “fiat currencies,” trust is ensured by governments. Cryptocurrencies are different because they are

decentralized, meaning they do not have a regulating authority like a government or central bank. This makes it easier to store and transfer money by avoiding banks entirely— but can also make cryptocurrencies harder to trust. For example, Bitcoin is famous for its dramatic fluctuations in value, reaching nearly $69,000 in 2021, only to lose over 70% of its value within a year.

Bitcoin is so volatile because its value behaves similar to a stock. When people believe Bitcoin will increase in value, they rush to buy it. Demand increases, and so does the value.

When confidence in Bitcoin is low, its value can abruptly plummet. If you used Bitcoin last October, KFC was cheap. But this February, the value of Bitcoin has fallen dramatically, and you might prefer using Korean Won to sate your chicken craving.

‘Stable’-coins: Stabilizing Crypto If Bitcoin’s drastic ups-and-downs aren’t to your taste, you’re in luck.

Crypto takes many forms, one of which is the less risky “stablecoins”.

This emerging form of crypto is already gaining traction in South Korea for everyday payments. “I’ve made payments using stablecoins for an Americano at a cafe, as well as

in

THE SPIRIT | 22

BY TABITHA KHO | ILLUSTRATIONS BY LUCAS IN

at pharmacies, restaurants, taxis…” noted one blogger (Korea JoongAng Daily).

Stablecoins bridge the gap between volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and reliable fiat currencies by tying the value of stablecoins to a stable asset. Some are linked to fiat currencies like the U.S. Dollar, or to physical assets such as gold.

In this way, as long as the stable asset maintains a steady value, the stablecoins’ value will also remain consistent. Thanks to this, stablecoins are more widely accepted than other forms of crypto as a method of payment, and may become suitable for widespread use.

However, risks remain: many stablecoins are managed by private companies, which can limit transparency.

If these firms mismanage customers’ assets, the stablecoins could become worthless as trust disappears (Forbes).

The Future of Stablecoin We can already observe stablecoins being “used as a default payment” in communities of undocumented foreign workers in South Korea, who often cannot open Korean bank accounts to store and transfer their wages (The Chosun Daily). For these workers, stablecoins allow them to bypass banks when sending money back to their home countries, and eliminate the risk of physical theft when storing large amounts of cash. “For someone like me without a bank account, it’s a huge relief to have my salary stored safely on my phone,” said one Nepalese worker (The Chosun Daily).

Stablecoins aren’t the currency of the future: they’re already the currency of the present. Between June and October of 2025, the total transactions of dollarpegged stablecoins in South Korea more than tripled, with a peak of 23.4 trillion won worth of transactions happening in October (Korea JoongAng Daily). The rapid increase of this large number shows that stablecoins have become a part of our daily lifestyles— as common as ordering fried chicken.

As the financial landscape evolves, understanding stablecoins will put you in control of your financial lifestyle. Ultimately, the rise of stablecoins shows why financial awareness is critical in a world where money is moving faster, further, and increasingly online.

23 | GRADUATION 2026

Why S O O O O

| BY JIA RHEE | ILLUSTRATIONS FROM CANVA

NONCHALANT? NON CHALANT?

Walking through the hallways crowded with students, many of us instinctively reach for our phones— not because there’s something to check, but because looking busy somehow feels safer than simply existing in the moment. We look for any excuse to avoid awkward silences, avoid making eye contact, or avoid interacting at all. For many high schoolers, this is the everyday reality of social interactions: avoidance, also known as ‘nonchalance.’

Why do students glorify this indifferent persona and what are the actual effects of this social trend?

Now a colloquial term, nonchalance describes someone who doesn’t display either enthusiasm or anxiety, maintaining a calm and collected image. From school classrooms to public transportation, we all share the underlying pressure to seem nonchalant, at least to a certain degree. But really, why has society normalized this persona? Almost every typical teenager is haunted by the fear of being judged; wherever we are or whoever we’re with. As a result, we often resort to keeping quiet and staying reserved—even if that may not accurately reflect our emotions—due to our diminishing tolerance of embarrassment and society’s endless, unforgiving judgements.

This internal pressure lies among most of us, even if it’s very subtle.

Some of us may instinctively feel the need to avoid conversations, due to the fear of seeming awkward or lost. Others may simply wish to embody composure, unaffected by minor disruptions, such as an annoying classmate, disappointing grade, or a stain on their clothes. An extreme case—which we see more often than not—is those who aim for pure emotionlessness; they’re unbothered by jokes and teasing comments, or rather, uninterested. This pressure to be nonchalant isn’t just a natural instinct; it’s often forced by teenagers who simply wish to fit in. Whether it’s staying silent during a class discussion or keeping one airpod in at all times, we sometimes perform indifference on purpose, especially as social media glorifies this aloof personality trait.

As a large pillar of teen life, social media plays a role in this trend of social distancing. Through apps intended to form connections—such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat—we often exhibit nonchalance within online interactions as well.

Waiting hours to reply to a message, avoiding double-texting, and being ‘dry’ on purpose, you may find yourself frequently per-

forming this “distance” to seem less eager or invested. This is even reflected in high school relationships. No matter how many times you might’ve encouraged your friend to make a move on their crush, they would always avoid texting first or saying anything to their crush, out of fear of seeming “too eager” or “too excited”.

Although these behaviors seem quietly embedded into our personalities, they may actually be taking a toll on our social lives. You must pay the cost of losing opportunities for real connections with new people, for the sole purpose of seeming somewhat “mysterious” or “cool” to surrounding strangers. You may even ruin the relationships you have already, by acting uninterested in others’ accomplishments, or downplaying their excitement. The issue isn’t being quiet or composed; it’s suppressing your true emotions and reactions and putting up a show that doesn’t reflect your actual perspective. Ultimately, you’re hurting yourself. Whether you hide your enthusiasm for your favorite hobbies or pretend you didn’t put in effort for something you worked hard on, the only result is self-destruction—slowly, but surely.

THE SPIRIT | 24

A Recipe for

Remembering KO

O

BY TABITHA KHO PHOTOS FROM 10000RECIPE.COM, 24NEWS AND MEDITERRANEAN TASTE

IN ST KAT U E HAN A N D J LOV E OIL PASTA

When I ask

you to imagine a comfort food, what comes to mind?

For Yena Park, it’s her grandmother’s cream pasta and seaweed soup. For Justin Kang, it’s his mom’s oil pasta.

For me, it’s a bowl of steamed rice, topped with a single over-medium fried egg, gim, dried anchovies (멸치), and kimchi. After a tiring fourteenhour flight from Seoul to home in Atlanta, Georgia, my exhausted mother never failed to cook me this bowl of “home-y” food. To this day, whenever I take a bite, the feeling of returning home to a loving meal and a welcoming bed envelops me, washing away the day’s worries.

The word “comfort food” can be traced back to a 1997 Washington Post magazine article: “Along with grits, one of the comfort foods of the South is black-eyed peas.” Across cuisines, every culture has certain dishes people turn to in times of need. But what really causes the magical soothing brought on by our favorite comfort foods?

As it turns out, comfort foods are comforting in both a physiological and psychological way. On one hand,

since carbohydrates are essential for survival, carb-rich comfort foods increase brain levels of serotonin, enhancing mood. However, this is only a small part of the picture.

The more significant effect of comfort food is in the psyche.

Megan Chung, for example, feels comforted by sweet potatoes, which remind her of her mom: “we both have so many shared memories eating it together, so it’s like a memory trigger.” In fact, a ‘memory trigger’ is exactly what it is: through associations of certain tastes and smells with past memories, our brain connects these sensory experiences with relationship-linked emotions of love and human connection. We are particularly drawn to foods provided early in life by people who cared for us—such as Erin Kim, who felt homesick without the 냉면 (cold buckwheat noodles) that she enjoyed when visiting her grandparents as a child.

Interestingly, several studies (PubMed) have discovered a relationship between the stability of a person’s relationships and the level of satisfaction they derive from comfort foods. “I tend to think of it in terms of classical conditioning,” says Shira Gabriel, a co-author of one study. “If you’re a small child and you get fed certain foods by

JUSTIN KANG’S COMFORT FOOD IS PHO

your primary caregivers, then those foods begin to be associated with the feeling of being taken care of.

But if, [as] a child, those connections are more anxiety-ridden […] when you’re older and you eat those foods, you may feel less happy” (The Atlantic).

While our SFS experience is full of firsts, graduation brings us a series of lasts that don’t feel like lasts. The last cafeteria lunch. The last Crave cinnamon pretzel. And somewhere in there is a last meal at the table where you first ate your favorite comfort food. But don’t worry, according to neuroscience, you will never leave that memory behind; it is stored in your mind, waiting to be recalled by a familiar smell or taste.

If you ever feel homesick, a bite of your comfort food might help you feel at home. So before you leave home, make sure to ask mom for the recipe.

ANDREW RHEE’S COMFORT FOOD IS KIMCHI FRIED RICE

25 | GRADUATION 2026

Designed by Erin Lee Background Art from Canva | Image from PNGEgg

THE SPIRIT | 26

27 | GRADUATION 2026

Recent Grads with Nowhere to Land:

TRUMP’S FEDERAL HIRING FREEZE

BY AVERY KIM

GRAPHICS FROM CANVA

W

hen Natalie applied for the Pathways Internship, the 22-year-old believed that the U.S. state program would bring her closer to a federal career. But even her impressive resume— with experience in the Environmental Protection Agency and State Department—could not prevent the news that came her way. In January 2025, two months after submitting her application, the program was canceled (The Nation). This news showed Natalie how the “pathways” that used to support recent grads are now paved over by President Trump’s workforce cuts and freezes on federal hiring. Without these opportunities, thousands like Natalie are competing for positions at NGOs and Capitol Hill offices.

Within 12 months of taking office, Trump oversaw a 10% reduction in the federal civilian workforce, amounting to over 200,000 jobs (Pew Research Center). These cuts create unique challenges for people beginning careers. Employees under 35 dropped from 18 percent of the workforce to 16.8 percent, while those with less than two years of experience fell from 16.2 percent to 10.3 percent (Pew Research Center). This hiring freeze continues into the 2026 fiscal year—with only one employee hired for every four dismissed (SHRM).

This systematic change affects far more than individual job security.

Vanishing Positions, Vanishing Programs Entire programs—such as the 48-year-old Presidential Management Fellows Program—have been removed with a single federal order (Federal News Network). In the Justice Department, the Attorney General’s Honors Program, which has placed more than 100 new law graduates into Justice Department jobs each year, has also been eliminated (Bloomberg Law). In March of last year, the State Department rescinded its 2025 and 2026 Foreign Service internships (Annenberg Media). Meanwhile, agencies tied to sci-

ence and public health—including NASA, the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Health and Human Services—have also pulled back opportunities for young applicants, and students are seeing internships and entry-level pathways disappear as well (WLRN).

Jackson Kuster saw his internship with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission disappear before his very eyes. For this sophomore at the University of Miami, a position like this

THE SPIRIT | 28

Opportunity

REVOKED

was the golden ticket: “I would have had a really cool internship this year, and likely a solid track to a well-paying career,” he told WLRN.

A Shrinking Horizon

As these golden ticket opportunities get wiped away, graduates set their eyes on alternatives. For those pursuing politics, local politics provide more security at the entry-level, given the “purges and firings” in Washington (The Nation). For others, careers in public service aren’t only looking smaller—they are disappearing. Many students who were once passionate about a position in the State Department are now looking towards consulting firms, non-profits, and graduate schools—both in the U.S. and abroad.

The Trump administration celebrates these cuts, framing them as the creation of a leaner workforce.

In March 2026, a limited “thaw” began under a new Merit Hiring Plan focused on healthcare, technology, and program management roles (Washington Post). Yet for graduates whose ambitions lie in foreign service, public health, or climate science, the reopening offers little relief. Many are being forced to make their first career choices out of absence, not ambition.

U.S. President Donald Trump with a signed executive order to extend a federal hiring freeze (Reuters).

29 | GRADUATION 2026

Anthropic’s Recent Mass Suspensions Why Claude Users Are Getting Locked Out

BY JENEVE LEE | ILLUSTRATION FROM CANVA | PHOTO FROM PYMNTS

If you use Claude, pause for a second: has your account ever been suspended with no clear explanation?

Anthropic’s recent Claude suspensions look less like random “no reason” bans and more like overly broad automated enforcement that can misfire on age checks and policy signals. The result is the same for users: sudden lockouts, paired with vague explanations and lengthy appeals processes.

What happened

According to MediaNama, several adult Claude users are reporting their suspension after Anthropic’s systems incorrectly flagged them as minors, with emails saying the company had found “signals” the account was used by a child and giving users 30 days to verify their age (MediaNama). Yet, this appeal is ultimately in the hands of Anthropic, as the only way to prove inno-

cence is through a rather “sloppy” Google Form, as former users have described on platforms such as X. Anthropic’s December 2025 policy says Claude.ai is for users over 18 years of age, requires age affirmation at sign-up, and uses classifiers to flag underage self-identification for review and possible disabling (Anthropic).

A separate April 2026 case shows a broader risk, where Belo, a fintech company, stated that more than 60 Claude accounts linked to its organization were suspended at once; this disrupted workflows, integrations, and conversation history, before Anthropic restored access just hours later and called it a false positive (Financial Express). Another post described a roughly 110-person agricultural tech company losing Claude access across the organization with no warning and no immediate explanation (2nd Order Thinkers).

to an enforcement system that is highly automated and not very transparent. Anthropic’s own safety post says it uses classifiers and review for age-related issues, including a developing classifier for subtler signs that a user may be underage, which means false positives are plausible when the system infers risk from conversation content (MediaNama and Anthropic).

That does not mean Anthropic is suspending users “for no reason.” A plausible explanation is that the company appears to be acting on signals it believes indicate policy violations, but those signals can be wrong, poorly explained, or too broad to be useful for customers trying to understand what triggered the ban (MediaNama and Anthropic).

Why this matters

For individuals, false age flags raise privacy concerns because appeals can require identity checks, including third-party verWhy this happened This recurring pattern points ification, and critics warn that

THE SPIRIT | 30

age-assurance systems can expand the collection of sensitive data, create false positives, and enable profiling (Implicator.ai).

For companies, if Claude is utilized for core workflows, a suspension can halt work across an entire team or business, and can be detrimental because teams lose access to chat logs and conversation history.

What to watch

The bigger implication is vendor dependence. When one AI provider can abruptly cut off access, keep billing, and offer only a generic appeal path, the business impact is no longer merely inconvenience but also a continuity risk (Reddit).

The controversy is likely to push for more scrutiny of AI account moderation and age

verification. It also strengthens the case for backup systems and narrower AI deployment so a single mistaken flag does not take down an entire organization (Implicator.ai). Additionally, this sparks further discussion on whether safety-driven age checks are becoming invasive and error-prone, and whether they create new harms while trying to prevent old ones.

Anthropic’s latest model

Anthropic’s recent handling of Claude accounts lands differently in the light of Claude Mythos, the company’s anticipated model that it says is powerful enough to “outperform humans on some hacking and cybersecurity tasks” (BBC).

In this context, Anthropic’s re-

cent aggressive risk and age verification may seem reasonable. However, it also raises the stakes, given that if a company is willing to be extremely cautious about a model it sees as security-sensitive, it may also be more prone to overcorrect with blunt account suspensions that confiscate legitimate users’ and organizations’ access.

31 | GRADUATION 2026

THE GREAT DIVIDE:

The Final Chapter of Seoul’s Last Slum

BY CHRIS HONG | ILLUSTRATION BY CANVA

While the surrounding Gangnam district evolved into a global symbol of opulence and high-tech urbanism, Guryong Village remained a frozen image of the city’s past, serving as the last major shantytown in the wealthiest neighborhood of Korea. This decades-long standoff between extreme poverty and luxury reached a breaking point on January 16, 2026, when a massive fire swept through the settlement’s cramped makeshift homes (AP News). Although the blaze displaced roughly 200 residents, it functioned as the final catalyst for city officials to dismantle the illegal settlement and launch a multi-billion-dollar redevelopment project intended to bridge one of the nation’s most visible social divides.

Shadows of the 1988 Olympics

Guryong Village was formed in the late 1980s by low-income residents forced out of their homes during Seoul’s rapid urban development ahead of the 1988 Olympic Games (NYT). For decades, this illegal settlement has served as a jarring reminder of South Korea’s wealth inequality, consisting of makeshift huts built from flammable materials like

plywood, cardboard, and insulation padding. These fragile structures stand in stark contrast to the towering skyscrapers of Gangnam, an upscale district globally renowned for its extreme opulence. The village’s presence in the shadow of Seoul’s most expensive real estate highlights a profound social divide that has persisted for over 40 years (USC Architecture).

From Shantytown to High-Rise Hub

In late 2025, the Seoul Metropolitan Government approved a redesign plan to replace the shantytown with a nature-focused residential complex. The project, managed by the Seoul Housing and Urban Development Corporation (SH), will create 3,739 new dwellings by 2029. The complex will feature 1,691 units of long-term housing specifically designed for newlyweds. Furthermore, 1,107 integrated public rental units will be dedicated to the resettlement of existing village residents who were displaced, while 941 units will

be available for public and private sale to the general public. Building heights will reach up to 30 stories to maximize space and modern amenities (Chosun Biz).

A Legacy Transformed

Ultimately, the disappearance of Guryong Village represents more than just a local construction project: it marks the end of an era defined by radical urban contrasts. By replacing precarious shacks with secure, modern high-rises, the city is attempting to heal a generational scar on its landscape. While the memory of the shantytown will remain a testament to the costs of rapid industrialization, the new development offers a path toward a more integrated future where the residents of Gangnam are no longer separated by such a profound economic chasm.

THE DRC’S OVERLOOKED

THE SPIRIT | 32

HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

BY AVERY KIM | PHOTO FROM AL JAZEERA

O

n March 3, 2026, a mining pit at Kasasa, near Rubaya in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, collapsed inward on itself. The catastrophe took the lives of 200 people, 70 of whom were children (Al Jazeera). The mining pit serves as a coltan extraction site, where hundreds of workers spend their days hauling sacks of the mineral critical to powering our screens. Despite the job’s fatal risks, one 15-year-old survivor said he intended to return to work quickly.

The DRC plays a critical role in the production of smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles by supplying the world with the majority of both cobalt and coltan (Wilson Center).

Of the workers performing that labor, approximately 40,000 are children, earning less than $5 a day (Humanium). Any wealth generated by the mining industry sits in the country’s eastern region, also laden with crises.

A Country in Conflict

At the beginning of 2025, the M23 rebel group seized eastern Congo’s largest city, Goma, which is also home to a significant portion of the country’s minerals trading. A few

weeks later, another eastern city, Bukavu, also fell. Within one year, 6 million people experienced displacement within the country, and 26.6 million faced acute food insecurity (UN OCHA).

In conflict investigations, UN experts assert that Rwanda has supported M23 with thousands of troops, which Rwanda denies (Global Center for the Responsibility to Protect). Of the 100+ armed groups active in the region, many are funded by the mineral trade overseas. Those who are fighting for humanitarian rights also face risks. In 2025, thirteen humanitarian workers were killed in eastern DRC, rising from nine in 2024 (Global Center for R2P).

The Global Link

Reading about the conflicts and crises in today’s DRC can make them feel a world away.

But in reality, we could not read these stories without the labor of the DRC’s civilians, without the minerals powering these very screens.

Global demand for technology continues to rise, placing more pressure on the mining industry to amp up production—and overlook safety.

In response to these dangers, the International Labor Organization launched its GALAB project in 2024, an initiative working to eliminate child labor in the mining sector (ILO).

Save the Children’s catch-up clubs have helped thousands of former child miners to return to school. Even with these efforts, however, poverty continues to define the lives of over 70% of Congolese living on less than $2.15 a day (Al Jazeera).

The DRC’s crisis cannot be solved by a single verdict or peace agreement. Until the economic and global systems fueling exploitation are addressed, the human cost of the DRC’s mineral wealth will continue to fall on its most vulnerable citizens.

33 | GRADUATION 2026

CO26 ATH

HA L L OF SFS’s Class of 2026 will go down as the grade with one of the most athletic student bodies. Every CO26 athlete deserves recognition for their athletic excellence, but here are some stand-out athletes.

Felipe Torrealba, a dedicated member of both the Varsity Soccer and Cross Country teams, brought far more than just his athletic talents to every team he joined. Lev Militsin (11) describes him as the “heart of every team he was a part of,” and that his “ steadfast compassion, determination, and positive presence” constantly uplifted others with his positivity. As the current co-record holder for SFS’s all-time 5k times, his name will be remembered in SFS history.

Isaac Kang has been a key presence on the tennis team, distinguished by being far more than just a consistent champion, but a player whose confidence, knowledge, and consistency positively support the team. Ana Park (11) describes him as “truly one-of-a-kind player” who has been a mentor and an inspiration to her personally. Isaac could always be counted on not only to win but to guide and uplift everyone around him.

Diego Sald

Angus Kett

Cara James Gartside is the definition of a coach’s and teammates’ dream. Ryan Kim (10) describes him as someone who “leads with passion and joy, inspiring everyone to pursue greatness”, whether on the court or off, lightening the mood on long international trips. He is a man of many things: “He’s an athlete, he’s a mentor, but most importantly will forever be a brother,” Ryan says. As James moves onto the future, he leaves behind every court, every classroom, every group better than he found it.

HLETICS

THE SPIRIT | 34

F FA M E

BY TIMOTHY LEE AND EMILIE LEE | ART BY SOOMIN AHN

Olivia Kim has built a legacy that few athletes at SFS can match: freshman tri-varsity athlete, 12-time APAC attendee, MVP, and all-time record holder. Her teammate Emma Han (11) reflects, “She’s one of the most accomplished athletes in SFS history,” adding that Olivia has been a role model, a sister figure, and a captain to every teammate she has shared the spotlight with. Her immeasurable impact on the SFS sports program will be felt long after her graduation.

dívar López

Kaden Gilmore

Ashleigh Kim (12) has been a backbone of the Varsity Volleyball team, leaving a mark that extends far beyond the scoreboard. As one of the most gifted outside hitters to grace our spectators’ eyes at SFS, her play speaks for itself. But it’s everything around the game that truly sets her apart. Ashleigh has a way of bringing a calm and comforting presence that her teammates leaned on without even realizing it at first. Off the court, her laugh is contagious, and her company makes every long bus ride, every APAC tournament, every locker room moment feel a little lighter. Kelly Kim (10) summed it up best: “She’s genuinely one of the best outside hitters I’ve seen and look up to.” Berkeley is lucky to have her.

a Kim If there’s one word for Lily Freeman, it’s “completion”.

Katherine Payne (11) says that “without a doubt,” Lily is the definition of the perfect teammate: “always the first to lift others after a tough game or a mistake.” But don’t let that kindness fool you. “Her physicality and talent make her a player you pray not to face on the field.” This rare combination of warmth, with a strong competitive spirit on the outside, is what makes Lily truly unforgettable at our school. We will miss you, Lily!

35 | GRADUATION 2026

BY ELLIE SUH | IMAGES FROM PINTEREST | CLIPART FROM CANVA | ILLUSTRATIONS

BY SOOMIN AHN

The Familiar Ending And so it was. Hand in hand, they made their way through the sunset, living happily ever after. That’s the industry standard, right? Pop culture has long relied on the same narrative: once upon a time, followed by a fairytale ending.

We are conditioned by a digital age that treats the “Happily Ever After” not just as a trope, but as a cultural mandate. No loose ends, no third-act breakup. We’ve grown up on the promise that every story, no matter how chaotic or uncertain, will eventually tie into something final.

These endings aren’t accidental, but constructed to resolve tension. In film, in television, in literature, the ending is typically treated as a promise that everything we’ve just watched or read has been leading somewhere definitive, the struggle amounting to something coherent, a grand finale, if you will. Because we have been consuming these narratives since the crib, they begin to feel less like intentional, formulaic storytelling choices and more like expectations.

Why We Romanticize Endings Part of this comes from our psychological yearning for closure, stemming from this inherent need to address ambiguity and impose structure on amorphous plots. But culture plays just as significant a role (Medium). Commercially, happy endings have a tendency to drive higher sales and popularity, as audiences prefer emotional payoff over lingering discomfort, which is significantly harder to market (Stevens).

Even when modern media attempts subversive or bittersweet endings, they are often framed through a lens of “meaningful sacrifice,” still ensuring that the viewer feels a sense of meaning and intention. And so, the message remains: everything happens for a reason, and everything eventually falls into place. We start to hope that our own lives will follow this cookie-cutter arc, that confusion will give way to clarity, and that we’ll be rewarded with a moment where everything fits.

THE SPIRIT | 36

WOODEN SIG

N ILLUSTRA TION

The Reality But life doesn’t follow a set script. It’s messy, and high school is no exception. How many times have you pulled all-nighters cramming for a test? How many times have you had to maintain a poker face while receiving a bad grade? How many times have you cried, telling yourself you just can’t do it anymore? Graduation is advertised as a series finale, but in reality, it’s a pilot episode for a more complicated show. Contrary to what the media has told us, there is no guaranteed resolution or “walking into the sunset” moment.

Why That’s Not a Bad Thing If traditional media teaches us to romanticize endings, real life offers something refreshingly different: continuation. The absence of a perfect ending isn’t a failure of the story, but what allows it to keep going. Without a fixed conclusion, there’s so much room for growth and change, in ways that no writer could have planned in a boardroom. Life doesn’t need to resolve itself all at once in order to be meaningful. Perhaps the appeal was never in its finality, but the hope entwined with it. We are moving toward a culture that finds more value in the “to be continued” than in “The End.” That finds value in telling ourselves that things can turn out okay, even if the path ahead is shrouded in fog.

And So It Begins

Stories may end with a fade to black, but life doesn’t. As this chapter closes, there’s no warranty of a neat final chapter waiting on the other side. But maybe that’s the point, because a happy ever after to you may look like the close of your high school chapter and an introduction to a life of university and adulthood. But it could also look like a simple idea. A happily ever after that doesn’t arrive all at once, but builds gradually over time in moments that don’t always look like endings at all. So maybe this isn’t the ending scene. Maybe it’s just the start of everything that’s to come.

37 | GRADUATION 2026

CO26

BY LEWIS CHUNG | ART BY CANVA/PINTEREST FEAT. JINA M, ALEX J, JUSEONG P, OLIVIA H, OLIVIA K, NAHEE H, JUSTIN K, JIMMY K

What is the CO26 Theme Song?

1.Wake Me Up When September Ends 2. Beauty and a Beat 3.Beautiful Girls 4. Non Stop 5.Lose My Mind

“It reminds me of growing up together as a grade, especially since so many of us have known each other since elementary or early high school” – Jina M

What Song Would You Play During Your Graduation Walk?

1.On Top of The World 2.I Gotta Feeling 3.Blessed 4. Saturn 5.39. Intro “Like Stevie describes himself “packing his bags and going away”, I feel like graduation is me, and all of us, packing our old selves up and picking our journey up in a new place with more freedom than before.”

- Justin K

PL LI AS YT

mus

[mjurzik

1. the universa mankind. a harmo between all l

2. an art of soun expresses ideas a significant forms t nts of rhythm, melo colo

"Music is all I think abo wake up in the morning asleep at night. I was bor for li

THE SPIRIT | 38

he t o t n e t s i L Scan to !

Full Playlist

sic

k] noun

What Song Best Represents Your Senior Year?

1. The Way Life Goes 2.Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst 3. Patienc3 4. Night Changes 5. Bad Habit

al language of onic connection living beings.

nd in time that and emotions in through the eleme ody, harmony and or.

out. From the moment I g... to the moment I fall rn to play. It's my reason iving" - Joe gardner

“This song reminds me that even when things feel overwhelming, life keeps moving forward, and all the ups and downs made senior year meaningful.”

- Olivia K

What Song Would You Play After Finishing Your Final Exam?

1.Wiseman 2. Party in the U.S.A. 3.We Found Love 4.God Is 5.Irony “It captures the carefree feeling of finally being done and celebrating with friends and family.”

- Olivia H

J. Cole

39 | GRADUATION 2026

BY TIMOTHY LEE | PHOTOS & GRAPHICS FROM PINTEREST & CANVA | ART BY WINSTON LEE

Dan

iel

“I will be ‘Falling Off’ when going to There’s a specific kind of loss that no graduation speech ever gets college, just like J. Cole, exploring what right. It’s not the loss of people or comes next,” said Juseong Park (12).

When J. Cole released his final solo alof a place; it’s the loss of an era.

The feeling that the world you bum, The Fall Off, it felt, somehow, like a grew up in, made sense of, and mirror. Not just the end of a discography, argued about in group chats, but the end of something personal. Senior year is its own kind of fall off: a sudden was quietly coming to an end.

If you ask the seniors of class drop into the unfamiliar, and exploring of 2026 what defined their what comes next.

William Kim (12) reaches further back to high school years culturally, you won’t get a simple, tidy Coldplay’s Parachutes, an album released answer. You’ll get J. Cole, Cold- in 2000. “When I started high school, I play, and Daniel Caesar. You’ll didn’t really listen to music,” he said. Howget a pandemic that ended child- ever, to navigate the unpredictable ups hood without warning. What ties and downs of high school, he began turnit all together isn’t a single artist or ing to songs as a way to connect with otha single moment; it’s the experience ers and find a sense of stillness in a world of being a high schooler during an era that that was constantly spinning. never seemed to slow down for them to fully understand it.

By the end of his senior year, the album had become a measurement tool for how much he’d changed. William found music doesn’t just soundtrack your life, it timestamps it. While music provided William with an emotional anchor, he also had to manage life with a new kind of logical companion: the rise of artificial intelligence. “We were the first generation of high schoolers have unlimited access to tools that made life infinitely easer,” said William.

Caes

ar

William points to something quieter but equally momentous: the arrival of AI. “I remember when ChatGPT first got big, it seemed so groundbreaking,” he says. “Nowadays, AI has become so integrated into our lives that we don’t even notice it.” These students were the first generation to navigate adolescence alongside a technology that was itself figuring out what it was.

Both seniors returned to COVID-19 in their responses, not the pandemic itself, but its end. “It felt like my life was flipped

180 degrees,” says Juseong. “At the time, it felt like a sudden, violent end to our childhoods,” William adds, “forcing us into the next chapter of our lives.”

That next chapter is here now. As Daniel Caesar asks on the song William chose as his generation’s anthem: Who Knows? Nobody does. That’s always been the point.

THE SPIRIT | 40

BY EDILYN OH | ART BY FREEPIX/PINTEREST

The Weight of a Lifetime There’s a scene at the beginning of UP that lasts just for four minutes and twenty-six seconds.

No dialogue, just a scene where Carl and Ellie meet as kids, fall in love, build a home, dream of adventure, and then, quietly, lose each other. By the time the opening montage ends, you’ve watched an entire lifetime pass. And somehow, you already feel how much that loss will shape everything that follows.

Most people remember UP as the movie that wrecked them even before it started. But the film’s real question comes after the loss: what do you do when all the things that built your world are suddenly behind you?

That question isn’t just Carl’s, it’s ours, right now, at graduation.

There’s a particular gravity to walking across a stage and receiving the diploma. The crowded hallways, the everyday chaos, the people you saw and laughed with every single day, without even thinking, you will miss them. It’s easy to stand at the edge of graduation and feel like

the best part of your life is already behind you–just like Carl at the beginning of the film. But Carl’s story doesn’t end with loss. Instead, it begins there.

Standing at the edge of change He ties ten thousand balloons to his house and takes off — not because he has a plan, but because he still has a promise to keep. What he finds on the way is not the adventure he originally planned. It’s something more unexpected: a kid who needed someone, a dog who just wanted to belong, and a journey that kept refusing to go the way he planned.

At one point, Carl finally opens the adventure book he and Ellie kept together —the one they always meant to fill. He expects to find blank pages. Instead, he finds that Ellie had already been filling it with photographs of their life together, and a note at the end: Thanks for the adventure. Now go have a new one.”

Ellie didn’t see their life as something that fell short of the dream.

She saw it as the adventure itself.

And she wanted Carl to understand that the story wasn’t over just because her chapter had ended. There was still more to write.

The Adventure Ahead You’ve spent years building so many things here — friendships, memories, inside jokes, and even the routines you don’t even notice anymore. And yes, a lot of that is about to change. Some of it will not survive the distance.

But here is what UP keeps insisting on in every frame: the house was never the point. What made it matter was the life happening inside it. The balloons were already meant to carry him somewhere new.

Your balloons are already tied.

The house is already lifting. And whatever comes next — the wrong turns, the unexpected companions, the views you never could have planned for — that is not the consolation prize for leaving this place, but an adventure.

41 | GRADUATION 2026

Hey Nicholas, Congrats on making it through a quarter of high school life! To be honest, I can’t believe that you’ll soon be a sophomore. To me, you’re always the little guy that acts like a bird with strawberries in his mouth, or the guy that sleeps with cheese on his face. We’ve always done the strangest things together, and lately, annoying you has been the highlight of my days, so I’m definitely going to feel your absence in the coming months. Don’t worry though, I’ll keep sending crazy reels to ruin your algorithm.

Sometimes, I notice how high school life is giving you dark circles and rounded shoulders, and I gleefully tell you that it’s going to get worse. Trust me, it is. But also know that I’ll only be a phone call away, and no matter what, you will be successful. photo I am excited to see how the next few years turn out for both of us. See you around.

Toodles, Sophie :) P.S. I may take up to two business days to respond.

Dear Sophie, It’s only been a year for me in high school, and I am already wondering how you survived four entire years of this. I can’t believe that I’ll be a sophomore either (maybe it was best for me to forever stay in kindergarten), but more than that, I can’t believe you’ll be off to the US in just a couple months. I’d like to say being free of your harassments is good riddance, but really, I’ll miss doing all the weird things with you, even if it means getting into trouble with Mom. Please don’t ruin my algorithm further. It’s already cooked as is.

I think I’m starting to take on your dark circles, and thanks for destroying my hopes that it’s going to get better. May the both of us succeed in any stage of our lives, and if you need anything, just drop me a line.

Cheers, Nick

THE SPIRIT | 42

Hey Nathan, Can’t believe that in only a few months I’m going to be in Houston while you’re still at home rotting away studying for your DP exams! Seriously though, it’s going to be strange without your presence only a room away. You might act like an absolute buffoon, but I’ve never met anyone as silly, loving and cheerful as you, and I hope you’ll stay that way even after I’m gone.

From putting up with me dragging you around to visit random anime exhibitions to being there for me when my cortisol levels peak, thank you for tolerating my stupid antics all these years. I’ll miss you and your out-of-tune renditions of rairaku, my number one sibling (excluding our cats)!

From the cooler brother, Christian P. S. Please stop getting injured this should not be how we continue the family legacy.

Dear Christian, Thank you for your heartfelt letter to me.

It feels crazy to think that in a couple of weeks, you’re going to be in the States while I’m still rotting away in the DP program and stressing for senior year, semester 1. You might also act like an absolute scallywagging buffoon, singing so loudly in the shower that I can hear you through my noise-canceling headphones; dealing with your high cortisol levels during your DP finals; and constantly trying to show me your Umamusume, your Oguri Cap, and screaming “Harikitte Ikou!” every 5 seconds.

But you’re still my top 2 favorite brother, and I hope you don’t fail in college and get sent to California University of Pennsylvania.

From, Nathan Lee

43 | GRADUATION 2026

Dear Logan, It’s kind of funny how when I was a junior, you were always the one waking me up after my long nights of studying, basically dragging me out of bed every morning.

But this year, as you started DP, somehow I became the one waking you up instead. That made me realize how we’ve always been, and will be there for each other through thick and thin.

Even though you’ve seen me at my absolute worst, somehow you still put up with me which I honestly don’t say thank you for enough lol. Don’t think you’re escaping me though, because I’ll still be 잔소리-ing you from college haha. Senior year will go by faster than you think so finish with no regrets bro. I’ll always be there for u~ Love, Ash

Dear Ash, Looking back at it, we both know there were so many times we fought and there were so many times I hated you. But every time, you’d walk into my room the next day and bring me fruit or look for clothes, and each time we’d act like nothing ever happened. So I thought it would always be like this, that we would always live a few steps away from each other and that there would always be someone sitting in front of me at the dinner table. And even though I tell everyone I can’t wait for you to leave for college, I can’t help but think about how I’m honestly going to miss having you around.

I’ll be waiting for your call whenever you see me wearing your clothes online, and maybe I’ll even do it on purpose lol.

Love, 지아

THE SPIRIT | 44

Hi Lucas, After 15 years, it’s finally time to say goodbye. I’ll admit, we haven’t been the best of brothers at times, and I don’t blame you; being complete opposites hasn’t exactly made things easier. But I’m going to miss having someone I can argue and fight with about literally anything, anywhere in the world.

Before I leave for my exciting next chapter in life, I want to thank you for being the biggest source of joy in my life. You might not believe what I’ve just said because I never express it, but I really think my life thus far would’ve been a lot quieter and less fun without you. I’ll miss having my go-to stylist, my default sports partner, and just having someone who’s always around to laugh with (and at).

And while you might be more athletic now, I like to think I walked so you could run—literally. You may outdo me athletically, but you gotta give me some credit for getting you started.

That being said, know that I’m proud of you and that I’ll always be rooting for you.

Take care of yourself and 제발 막내 동생 그만 괴롭히자 태현아.

Dear Royce, 15 years and you finally admit I’m the more athletic, good-looking, and clearly more talented sibling. Took you long enough.

I’ll miss our little arguments, not because I usually won, but because there won’t be anyone who I can relate to, joke with, and laugh with. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to carry on your legacy by blaming you for things even when you’re not here. It’s what you would’ve wanted. Also, “you walked so I could run”?

I think it’s more of you tripping, so I could learn what not to do.

On a more serious note, I’ll miss you a lot. Who else will be my unpaid stylist and emotional support human? I’ll miss your little bathroom tantrums, like when you complain that I didn’t wipe the bidet water, and when I secretly used your lotion. So, go crush this “Next chapter” thing, but dont forget who made you cool. From the bottom of your favourite sibling’s heart, I will miss you.

Always remember that you are my role model, and the next time we see each other, I hope you still are not a 모태솔로.

45 | GRADUATION 2026

Dear Dylan, Wow, I can’t believe I’m writing a letter to you. Trust me, if it weren’t for Royce’s request, I wouldn’t think of getting out of my way to craft you a letter. But here I am, reflecting on our relationship.

When I picture us, I’m immediately reminded of how you barely treat me as your older sister – barging into my room just for the sake of it, laughing at me and teasing me whenever you get the chance, never listening to my advice that you asked for, … the list goes on. Sure, I have stuff I’m sorry for as well, such as setting the bar so high – it’s gonna take a lot of locking in for you to match mum and dad’s elevated expectations lol!!! – or eating the last 모히또바 (non-alcoholic btw) – I really don’t know when you’re gonna get over this – but they can’t compare to you picking on me.

But on a realer note, it saddens me just a little that I’m going to have to leave our little (and big) fights back and home, as I prepare to depart. My days will feel much emptier without your devious shenanigans that were part of my daily routine. And I know you’re going to miss me more. But for now, I’ll set that sadness aside, knowing that we can return to our fights when I’m back at home during breaks. Although I’m a little worried about leaving you alone at SFS, I know you’re gonna thrive because you’re definitely more disciplined than my lazy bones. Good luck living the life as the only child, and don’t get too selfish.

- Kate

Dear Kate, Hi bro, I can’t believe you’re already graduating... It feels like yesterday when we were filming our cringe youtube videos for our minecraft channel, and now you’re off to college. Although I don’t really express my appreciation for you, I’m actually going to miss you a lot. I’ll also try to lock in for mom and dad since you supposedly set the bar so high. I’m probably going to enjoy my time as an only child for now, but honestly, it’s lowk going to be way too quiet without you. I’ll keep you updated with school, and maybe call you every once in a while. Don’t be stupid in college and don’t steal anyone’s 모 히또바s anymore.

Dylan

THE SPIRIT | 46

Wrapping up my third year with The Spirit, I find it hard to put into words on how much this year meant to me – what started as a passion for illustration and the arts quickly became one of my most defining experiences at SFS. I am extremely grateful for the memories and friendship that The Spirit has granted me this year, and I’m confident that The Spirit will continue to grow altogether throughout the future.

As for the illustrators, thank you for your time and dedication you put into making our issues visually engaging alongside our amazing photographers; your creativity truly brought each issue to life. And for our EICs and Editorial Teams, thank you for your leadership and constant support throughout the year.

Continuing on with The Spirit next year, I’m thrilled to see what is ahead of us and the opportunity to grow with such an amazing team!

It’s hard to believe that my four years with The Spirit are already over. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and experiences that being a part of The Spirit has granted me, from working with such an incredible team to being able to contribute to such a central part of SFHS’ community. Playing a role in The Spirit’s development has been an honor like no other.

I’d like to thank the photographers for always being excited to provide amazing photos. I’d also like to give a thanks to the editorial team for working incredibly hard to ensure that each and every issue is of a new unprecedented quality.

Lastly, I want to thank the readers for always engaging and providing the motivation to continue creating. Although I won’t be a part of The Spirit in the future, I am confident that the team will keep working hard and am so excited to see it grow!

Being a part of The Spirit throughout all four years of high school has been an incredible journey. From my first issue as an illustrator, to my last issue as Arts and Media Director, I have grown to appreciate everyone who made the Monday meetings fly by.

A huge thank you to our illustrators for your dedication and passion. It has been so special to watch the illustration team grow over the years, embellishing each issue with their creativity and bringing the pages to life. Thank you to our EICs, Royce and Olivia, for your leadership and constant support. Last but not least, I would like to give a special shoutout to Erin Lee, for being the most flexible and hardworking Design Chief partner.

I’m truly grateful for everything this publication has given me, especially the people, the memories, and the opportunities. Although it’s hard to believe that my journey with this team has finally come to an end, I’m so excited for what the next generation of The Spirit will create!

47 | GRADUATION 2026

FEATURING ARTS

“The First Luncheon” Sejik Lee (11)

THE SPIRIT | 48

“Sonder” Ina Kim (12)

49 | GRADUATION 2026

THE 2025-2026 SPIRIT STAFF Editors-in-Chief Royce In Olivia Wasmund

Lifestyle

Chloe Jun* Tabitha Kho Jia Summer Rhee

Advisors

Ms. Cyrielle Bazin Ms. Lychelle Bruski

World

Jina Song* Annete Jeon Jeneve Lee Chris Hong Avery Kim

Culture

Eugenie Wang* Lewis Chung Timothy Lee Eleisen (Ellie) Suh Edilyn Oh

Community Photographers Illustrators

Sophie Ha* Peter Shim* Ian Chae Chloe Kim Emilie Lee Claire Hong Nicholas Ha Sunjune (Jed) Woo

Olivia Sung* Yune Hur Ivan Kim Aidan Kong Edward Najafi Nora Wang Riyaansh Katiyar Kelly Kim

Erin Kim* Erin Lee* Na Yoon Cha-Ryu Alice Yoon Jiwoo Lee Soomin Ahn Winston Lee Hannah Oh Cherie Sim Lucas In

*Editorial Team Member

THE SPIRIT | 50

IN MEMORY OF YOUR TOK ESSAY A Mad Libs MAD LIBS BY ROYCE IN, CHRISTIAN LEE, AND IAN CHAE | ART BY PIXAR

(1. a place) It is 11 PM. Your ToK essay is due at midnight. You are sitting in ________, (2. a disgusting food) staring at a Google Doc that contains only ________ (3. a noun) eating _______________, (4. a noun) which isn’t what you’re even supposed to do. Your assigned and ________, knowledge question makes complete sense to absolutely nobody, includ(5. a number) times. You ing, you suspect, your teacher. You have read it ___________ still don’t know what it is asking.

(6. a classmate’s name) (7. verb ending in -ing) You text _________________.

They are busy ________________.

You text (8. another classmate’s name) (9. a time) _____________________.

They have been asleep since ________.

What a (10. insult attributed to both) bunch of ____________________. You consider sending your ToK teacher a Google chat. But knowing that they will never respond after 3 PM, you do not.

(11. an emotion) you paste your knowledge question into In a moment of ____________, (12. a number) paragraphs of ____________, (14. an adjective) (13. an adjective) ____________ ChatGPT. It gives you ___________ (15. a number) words. nonsense. You change ___________ (16. an emotion) you finish your conclusion. It is __________ (17. a number) In a final burst of ____________, (18. a language) You do not speak (18) sentences long. One of them is in ____________. __ . a number) sources. You You submit at 11:59. Your bibliography has (19. __________ an adjective) _________.

(21. a noun) asked AI to give a source. It hallucinated a(n) (20. ____________ You cited it anyway. It had a great title.

Three weeks later your teacher hands it back: “Interesting. Where did (23. a number) (22. website) source?” You got a __________/10. you find the _________ How you got this adjective ending with -est) mystery in the history of SFHS. score remains the (24. _____________________

Send your answers as a numbered list (1–24) to @thesfhsspirit (Instagram).

The best one wins a 50,000 Won Starbucks gift card and the honor of being reposted (inappropriate answers will be disqualified immediately)!!!

Deadline: June 5th, 2026.

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Proverbs 16:9