DragonTales Summer 2018 by Hong Kong International School

The Right to Speak Up Our students told the world what #freedom means to them. Thank you @cnn for including us in the #myfreedomday project and for educating our students on modern day slavery. #hkis #hkisms #slavery #getinformed #mekongclub #endhumantrafficking

SUMMER 2015 2018

Photography: Sidney Choi ’18

dragonTales

Table of Contents Letter from the Head of School

Advancement Annual Fund Committee | HKIS Legacy Master Facilities Plan | UP update 2018 Annual Ball Bob Christian Alumna of the Year Award James A. Handrich Service Leadership Endowment Fund Alumni Scholarship in Memory of David F. Rittmann Alumni Career Workshop

2 4 6 8 10 12 13

Class of 2018 Matriculation Prom Senior Spotlight

14 16 17

Cover Story The CNN Freedom Project

Leadership Updates

Chinese Studies

HKIS Then and Now 1968 & 2018

Community The Booster Club Parent Faculty Organization (PFO)

30 31

Corrections: We would like to correct three errors in our Winter 2017 issue: (1) Matt Sears is a Class of 2002 graduate, not 1997, as captioned in “Alumni Career Workshop”; (2) HKIS’s first building was opened in 1967, not 1968 as stated in “HKIS: A Home in Repulse Bay”; and (3) In “Alumni Tour the New Lower Primary School,” Johnny Kong ’01 and Verna Ho are pictured together but are not married to each other. Verna Ho is married to Justin Liang ’01! Please accept our apologies! Thanks to our sharp-eyed readers for catching these errors.

Student Life High School Journalism Conference High School: 20 Years of Service High School: Spring Varsity Sports Roundup Middle School: Creative Writing Lower Primary and Upper Primary: Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo Performing Arts Feature: Little Shop of Horrors

33 34 36 38 40 42

Events North American Alumni Tour Alumni Homecoming Class of 1981: 35th Reunion

44 45 46

Alumni Making Moves

Milestones Thom and Mary Garetson

Staying Connected In Memoriam Class Notes

52 55

The Last Word Janet Tan

Social Sensations

HKIS Student Art Galleries Lower Primary Upper Primary Middle School High School

9 32 35 37, 39

DragonTales is produced by the HKIS Marketing Team Marketing Director Carrie Chen cchen@hkis.edu.hk Communications and Public Relations Manager Veronica (Galbraith) Booth ’97 vbooth@hkis.edu.hk

Letter from the head of school

Digital Content Manager Liz Kingston lkingston@hkis.edu.hk Marketing and Advancement Executive Secretary Noel Leung nleung@hkis.edu.hk

In partnership with the HKIS Advancement Team Chief Advancement Officer Maziar Sabet msabet@hkis.edu.hk Development Manager Lina Doo ldoo@hkis.edu.hk Annual Fund Manager Jacqueline C. Yang ’98 jyang@hkis.edu.hk Alumni Relations Hillary Sandeen hsandeen@hkis.edu.hk Development Coordinator Ceci Lau clau@hkis.edu.hk

Design Linne Tsu ’96

Thank you to our contributors Ethan Alter ’96, Sadie Done Anderson, Mary Ellen Bailey, Geoff Ballard, Michelle Bang, Weda Bory, Brent Brayko, Christopher Burgess, Felicity Carter, Tracey Cheung, Edmond Chen ’68, Erita Chen ’22, Laurel Chor ’07, Joanne Chow ’99, Suzanne Chu, Mindy Gooch Deaver ’68, Linda Dunoyé, David Elliott, Cami Endicott, Annette Faldyn, Anne Ferrara, Lauren Fine, Sam Sam Fleischmann, Sean Furlong ’19, Mary Garetson, Thom Garetson, Pat Hall, Natalie Hamilton, Geoff Heney, Kensuke Hirata, Jason Holly, Jennifer Howell, Julianne Johnsky, Claire Kirk, Kirk Kenny, Nancy Kroonenberg, Andrew Kwan ’97, Kit Lang, Brad Latzke, Jasmine Lau ’08, Wendy Lau, Celeste Lee ’18, John Lee, Sharon Leung, Houston Li, Vincent P. Li ’73, Eva Lind-Mallo, Laura Lorentzen, David Lovelin, Lindsey Luo ’18, Robert Mahoney ’74, Elanna Mak ’22, Madeleine McGarrity, Anthony Ng ’95, Norbyah Nolasco, Joe Nolasco, Celine O’Connor, Paul Passamonte, Cora Poon, Ron Roukema, Marty Schmidt, Matt Sears ’02, Danielle Solan, Heatherly Stephens, Beverly Stevens, Margaret Still ’68, Phoebe Sze, Janet Tan, Shumin Yan, Mark Wallis, Christy Wendell ’69, Sarah Wheatley, Navia Zhang ’22, And our amazing student artists!

Dear Alumni, Parents, & Faculty, The 2017-18 school year has come to an end, and I am pleased to be able to write to you after completing the year as your Interim Head of School. Highlighted in the following pages, you will read how our students are making a difference in the #MyFreedom Day project; meet our David Rittmann Scholar, Celeste Lee; learn about the incredible contributions of leaving faculty and administration; and be introduced to new faces that will be a part of our school next year. Also in this edition, you will get to enjoy photos from the Annual Ball, the High School prom, and graduation festivities from the Class of 2018. All of this is what makes HKIS such a special place. One of my favorite parts of DragonTales is a glimpse into the future for our students. Our 51-year history is rich with stories, experiences, and most of all, people. Our Alumni Making Moves section makes it real. We see so many alumni consistently give back to their communities and bring those experiences back to HKIS to inspire young minds, and for that we are grateful and proud. This June marks the parting of several long-standing members of our community. Maya Nelson and Paul Passamonte have both served as Principals for 11 and 8 years respectively. Janet Tan retires after 17 years at HKIS, and Thom and Mary Garetson say their goodbyes after a combined four decades of teaching at HKIS. These educators and many others have left imprints on our school, our children, and our community. We welcome them to our distinguished alumni community. This year also marks the end of Maziar Sabet’s work tenure at HKIS. As our longest-standing Chief Advancement Officer to date, Maziar has achieved outstanding results in raising the level of engagement in advancement activities at HKIS. Not only has his team been responsible for the highest level of generosity in gifts, but they also established a parent committee dedicated to supporting the Annual Fund and Alumni chapters in 13 major cities worldwide, leading to an unprecedented level of connections across members of our community. As Maziar goes on to manage his own consulting and executive search businesses, we wish him equal success and look forward to his continued engagement as a parent at HKIS. As we look forward to the 2018-19 school year, I will continue leading the school for another year while we search for a new Head of School. It has been my honor and privilege to be a part of the lives of the whole HKIS community and I look forward to building more memories together. Wishing you a safe and restful summer! Sincerely,

Ron Roukema, Ed.D INTERIM HEAD OF SCHOOL

Maziar Sabet, Chief Adv anc & wife Tina Taheri Moaye ement Officer 2013-18 d SUMMER 2018 DRAGONTALES

Advancement

annual fund committee

Thank You for Helping to Grow Our HKIS Legacy By Christopher Burgess and Suzanne Chu, Annual Fund Committee Co-chairs

Each year within the Annual Fund Committee we have a chance to examine our progress and efforts and view them through the lens of “how did we make a difference.” And each year, we have a duty to commence with a heartfelt thank you to the community, as it is YOU who have joined us to build HKIS into an exceptional school. Looking back, the Annual Fund Committee started roughly 3 years ago as a grassroots organization of parents, organized by the Advancement Office. We were and remain passionate about providing the best resources for our children and the entire student body. We give, we volunteer, we stumble sometimes, but we align ourselves with fellow parents, faculty, and staff, united in one cause. At the outset, we created a community — getting the word out through letters, emails, and the constant stream of newsletters which carried our tune to “elevate the experience.” Our branding and message were on plastic (no more!), and children were excited to see new bookbag tags, some of which are still seen as reminders. We continued with the tags and created tree ornaments (recycled) for a newly-sponsored occasion, The Tree Lighting. The event drew a crowd and we gathered to rejoice and give thanks.

Hundreds of community members gathered in the High School plaza to take part in the 3rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Christmas.

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Christopher Burgess, Jacque Kaori Ito-Stoehr, Tina Taheri line C. Yang ’98, Jutta Guiati, Moayed, Suzanne Chu, Jennifer Debow, Catherine Kim

This past year, we evolved and brought a new campaign to HKIS which, to our surprise, set new records and reached new heights of participation. At the same time, we encouraged sustainability and added a whimsical way for students and parents to see their gift of a shrub or tree thrive, as a reminder of what we want to provide for our future leaders. The Tree Lighting was truly heartwarming, as the students’ music rang clear and true — it was a gathering of hundreds, where smiles abounded and hearts were full.

“It has been such a meaningful experience bringing the Middle School Band community together to support the Adopt-a-Tree campaign. Through the generous support of the band families, every students’ name in the band program during the 2017-18 school year will forever be commemorated on the plaque that will adorn the campus. Through this collaboration, we have been able to rally the spirit of the community, honor the environment, and support our School. It has been an honor and pleasure!” Dr. Douglas Jordan, Middle School Band Teacher

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els his inner chef by Co-Chair Christopher “Burgers” Burgess chann ted guests, personally serving scrumptious burgers to deligh g. including Ms. Zella Talbot, at the tree lightin

We are pleased to unveil a new logo for the Annual Fund! The words “Annual Fund”, embedded into a refreshed HKIS roundel, reflect the importance of the Fund to the school. This logo will be used in all Annual Fund activities, most prominently for the parent-led Annual Fund Committee. This passionate and committed group works closely and tirelessly with the HKIS Advancement Office and provides regular updates to the Advancement Board Committee to ensure the sustainable and sustained success of our school.

Once again, we thank each of you for a wonderful year. Our commitment is to our children, not to a balance sheet or filling the coffers. Our participation numbers create the environment, not our dollars, and in giving, we give with thought and engagement, not simply our credit cards. We want the best for our children, as you all do, and as we patiently wait for results each year striving for what may seem like unreachable giving targets, we surpass all expectations and are grateful. In 2018-19, we are excited as ever to bring a new light to the Annual Fund. Our goal is greater transparency, clarity and focus. We want to keep it simple and direct. We’re going live digitally soon, so watch this space for #HKISGives. Join us again and bring HKIS to new heights. n

The High Scho ol perfect evening band performed Christmas favorites, creatin for Christmas ch ga eer.

Chief Advancement Officer Annual Fund Committee gathers together with . Cyrus son his and Sabet Maziar

The Tai Tam Tigers soccer team banded together to adopt a tree at the main entrance to the Middle School.

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master facilities plan update

Artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rendering of the entrance to Upper Primary.

An Upper Primary UP-date The excitement is palpable as the renovation of our original school building, opened in September 1967, moves into its final months. The building, which originally held kindergarten through grade 12, will be home to our Upper Primary (Grades 3-5), with a bridge linking it to the new Lower Primary building across the street. August will see students in the renovated sections of the building, with new structures opening in the weeks that follow as government permits are granted. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to see the building in its full glory in our next issue! n

The scaffolding came off in early June!

HKIS Leadership contemplates color palates and designs.

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Scaffolding covers the original steeple, which will be repainted over the summer.

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We have to wait until January to see the completed indoor two-story playground with its show-stopping climbing lantern.

Those entering the UPS will come through the UP Office. Classrooms are coming together as August approaches!

The indoor playground needs more time to achieve the fullness of its play!

Students will access their Chinese Studies classrooms through the Chinese Culture Center.

Cafeteria counters take shape.

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2018 Annual Ball

Kaori Ito-Stoehr, Mina Doud

The HKIS Annual Ball is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and support the community we are a part of. It is a lively evening filled with excitement, music, fine dining and dancing to thank our community for your continued support. All proceeds from the Ball go to the HKIS Annual Fund and will impact every student. Gifts to the Annual Fund support a number of areas, such as scholarships, music and sports programs, science and innovation labs, and allow us to bring world famous authors and speakers that elevate the student experience. This year, we used green and emerald as the decoration colors for the Ball. It was inspired by the very successful parent-led Adopt-A-Tree campaign. We also played a whimsical yet touching video featuring many students across all campuses to say thank you to the HKIS community members for their wonderful support and participation. Please join us in celebrating our amazing community next year! n Nikki Pang ’01

Scott Strickland, Kim (Kuok) Strickland ’96, Marisa Zeman McConnell ’96 and David McConnell

DRAGONTALES SUMMER 2018

Brian Smith, Wend

y Smith, Kathryn Dra

Anne Ferrara and Alexandre Bellaiche

Four-time Olympic gold medal winner for table tennis and HKIS parent Zhang Yi Ning. The opportunity to train with her was the hottest bid of the night!

Advancement Pastor Joel Scheiwe

Thank you to our premium table sponsors: Learning

Mr. Julian & Mrs. Ada Wang Cheng ’90 Mr. Julian ’80 & Mrs. Michele Hui Mr. Jimmy & Mrs. Carman Tsang Mr. Philip & Mrs. Isabella Liang Mr. Eric Wong ’93 & Mrs. Katherine Koo Wong Mr. Martin & Mrs. Karen Sze Luk

Community Lincoln Chan ’88 and wife

Mika

Timothy Tan ‘93 and Kelly Ma Hah

Jessie Chen, Ivan Zhong, Ruihong Wang, Carman Ng, Jing Liu, Ying Deng, May Lin, Jie Chen, and Gwen Liang.

Mr. Alan & Mrs. Michelle Chan Capital Group The Stoehr Ito & Wilcox Blot Families Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Ltd. United Asia Finance Limited

Collaboration

Ms. Noelle Kwok Mr. Yong & Mrs. Cai Yun Tang Mr. Warren & Mrs. Susanna Lee Mr. Jack & Mrs. Sally Song Mr. Bryant Lu

Creativity

Mr. Hon & Mrs. Marcella Lau Mr. Daniel & Mrs. Billie Cheong Mr. Ji-II & Mrs. Gae Young Kwon Mr. Timothy Lam, Jr. Mr. Michael Wang

Sandy & Ken Fowler and Mike Nelson

May Lim ’99 and

Resilience

Michelle Cheng

Mr. Massimo & Ms. Jutta Guiati Mr. Christopher & Mrs. Katrise Burgess Mr. Hamilton & Mrs. Yolanda Choy Tang Mr. Stephen & Mrs Lucy Suo Mr. Daniel & Mrs. Judith Tseung Mr. Timothy ’92 & Mrs. Carrie Chen Mr. Simon Yick & Ms. Leontine Chuang ’93 Mr. Desmond ’91 & Mrs. Elizabeth Chu Mr. Jeffrey & Mrs. Emily Shiu The American Club Marriott International

Harold Kim, Luiz Sim ione and Ana Paula Vernieri Simione

Lillian ’00 and Andrew Yang

Elizabeth Chu, George and Ame Coombs, Desmond ’91 & Zella Talbot, Marty Schmidt and Janet Taylor

David Lovelin

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Advancement

2018 | bob christian alumna of the year award

Established in honor of HKIS’s first Head of School, the Bob Christian Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Award is presented to alumni who have made a strong, positive contribution to society while living the HKIS Mission and Student Learning Results. n

Laurel Chor ’07 Laurel with Ron Roukema

2018 Recipient

Laurel Chor ’07 is an award-winning journalist and National Geographic Young Explorer. She is currently the Asia producer for VICE News Tonight, a nightly show on HBO. A lifelong nature lover, she’s the founder of the Hong Kong Explorers Initiative, which encourages people to explore and appreciate the city’s wild side, and has given many talks on Hong Kong’s biodiversity. In 2013, Dr. Jane Goodall appointed her as the ambassador for the Jane Goodall Institute in Hong Kong. She has previously worked on western lowland gorilla conservation in the Central African Republic, Chinese white dolphin research in Hong Kong, and an undercover documentary on the ivory trade in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Laurel graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University and played in the 2017 Rugby World Cup as a member of the first Hong Kong team to qualify for the tournament. Laurel truly embodies the HKIS mission of giving back to others and contributing to society in a positive and impactful manner. We’re thrilled that she’s our Bob Christian Alumna of the Year Award recipient. n

It is a huge honor to receive this award here today. The Bob Christian Award was established my junior year at HKIS and every year since I’ve seen it being given to exceptional people who have made such an impact on the world. So I am so very humbled to be named amongst them and getting recognition like this will inspire me to keep striving to contribute to society — as HKIS teaches ‚— because it’s not really always the easiest path to take. To all the teachers, thank you for everything you do because you’re truly nurturing the next generation of people who will change the way the world works and who might be able to get us out of the mess that we’re currently in. To all the students here, I urge you to really take a moment to appreciate where you are. The last time I spoke here in this gym was to my graduating class — over a decade ago — and although I knew we would go on and do big things, it’s really with hindsight that I can tell you that this is a special place that makes special people. I took it for granted at the time, but I realize now that I owe much of who I am to this school. You’re on a beautiful campus surrounded by nature, in one of the world’s most interesting and dynamic and fun cities. You’re in an environment where you are encouraged to explore, to experiment, to push the boundaries in order to further not only yourselves but humanity. It was here that I first heard Jane Goodall speak, and that inspired me to fight for the environment and start an education project about Hong Kong biodiversity called the Hong Kong Explorers Initiative. It was here that I started playing rugby seriously and learned to balance sports with everything else, and to this day I still play, and in fact I played in the Rugby World Cup last year. It was here that I went on service trips in other countries, broadening my worldview and giving me perspective — the same perspective that drove me to cover stories like the Nepal Earthquake of 2015 or the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis. HKIS taught me that I come from a place of privilege, and that gives me both responsibility and power to leave the world a better place. And as a teenager, I realized I really could, if I wanted to. This is a place of opportunity, and I hope you take advantage of it, because I guarantee you, a few years down the line, you’ll be grateful for what it’s enabled you to do — because you will do big things, as long as you try. Thank you again for this award, and to all the students here, I wish you the best of luck, and I’m excited to see what you all end up doing.

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HKIS Gallery

Lower Primary Student Art

This year, Lower Primary students explored and experienced new mediums and techniques in our brand new art rooms! Just one look at their art and you can see the strong foundation our youngest students have. Since August, they have drawn from observation, built pattern, experienced the design cycle, and implemented the Elements of Art into their artwork. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re excited by their collections, and are happy to draw you into their discussions about art.

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2018 | james a. handrich service leadership endowment fund In the 2017-2018 school year, the James A. Handrich Service Leadership Endowment Fund proudly supported four student and club projects that embody HKIS’s spirit and passion for self-motivated learning and giving back to society.

Green Initiative: EcoCycle Claire Liu ’18, Matthea Najberg ’18, Gabrielle Vardanega ’19, Joy Chen ’20, and Melanie Chan ’20

Green Initiative’s passion for sustainability and relentless grit on educating the HKIS community about food waste has led to the increased awareness of food sustainability practices at HKIS.

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” –Native American Proverb

Green Initiative is a high school club led by students passionate about sustainability. In the summer of 2017, the club formed EcoCycle, a studentled sustainability project prompted by Nature Conservancy’s Nature Works program, a program run by HKIS alumnus Matthew Sears ’02 along with Amy Vlastelica ’02 as mentor. The EcoCycle project addresses two critical problems at HKIS: 1) How to divert food waste from the cafeteria from going to landfills; and 2) How to educate HKIS on the proper ways to separate waste so it can be composted. This year the James A. Handrich Service Leadership Endowment Fund provided Green Initiative with a composter for their EcoCycle project. The composter allows Green Initiative to convert food waste into fertilizer for HKIS gardens. The club believes that “by reducing the amount

of waste sent to the landfills, there is a clear environmental benefit which benefits the citizens of Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s landfills are going to be full by 2020. As students who are passionate about the environment we realized that without more efforts to cut down on what we send to landfills, the urgency of this issue will only exponentially become worse. As the world’s emerging leaders, we can create a web of global citizens that can preserve our environment.”

The EcoCycle project had a “snowball effect” on the HKIS community. Through the club’s hard work, they were not only able to educate the students on their impact on the environment, but they also encouraged action by faculty, staff, and Sodexo, HKIS’s inhouse catering provider.

“After introducing a compost system to the high school cafeteria, Sodexo decided to further their own composting initiative during the 2018-19 school year. Since a larger composting unit will be used next year by Sodexo, it is really important to start the waste separation system early so it becomes a habit. As for the original compost machine we purchased, we plan to have it moved to the Middle School Culinary Arts department for their use and continue to build sustainability in more parts of the school.” Green Initiative continues to learn many life lessons from the EcoCycle project. “Our group learned a lot about collaboration, responsibility and

perseverance. Our first setback was when we didn’t receive funding from the Nature Conservancy. Despite this disappointment, we persevered and were fortunate enough to be funded by the Handrich Fund. Once we were able to purchase the composter, things weren’t exactly smooth sailing. With a second semester that was made up of two school breaks, AP exams, Interim, and a multitude of other breaks, we had to make a group effort to recognise our commitment and consistently transfer food waste to and from the composter.”

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Cooking with Kids! Celeste Lee ’18, Rei Yamada ’18, and Tricia Cheuk ’18 Seniors Celeste Lee, Rei Yamada, and Tricia Cheuk have a passion for cooking, nutrition, and kids. They partnered with the Chai Wan Salvation Army Center and hosted a series of cooking sessions for kids aged 8 through 12 with 7 students per class. Each class focused on

“how to make an easy, nutritional recipe, and reinforce English vocabulary around ingredients from recipes.”

The project was beneficial in two ways: “The kids learned important life skills, and we developed our own communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. Most kids in our session had parents who come home late due to long working hours and may not have a guaranteed healthy meal every day. We taught the kids how to make healthy snacks with simple and easy recipes so that they can recreate the recipes at home while waiting for their parents instead of eating junk food.” The group learned many life lessons through working with the students.

“It was a great learning experience for us to get involved with kids and teach them how to cook. At first, we struggled with how to effectively teach the kids, but as we got to know the characteristics of each student, we were able to adjust our plans and actions to find the most effective and entertaining way to teach them. We definitely grew personally, learning how to cooperate with each other and adjust to the kids, while developing our organisational and leadership skills.” As each of the students embarks on a new journey post-graduation, they want their project to reflect the HKIS Student Learning Result of contributing to society. “All three of us have been living in Hong Kong for

quite some time. Some spent 11 years, some spent our whole life. We are grateful for what we have been given throughout the years, and through this project, we can give back to HKIS and the Hong Kong community.”

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Girls Health Awareness in Action Teenie Siu ’18 and Saskia Sinha ’18 Girls Health Awareness in Action is an initiative designed to help relieve financial burdens placed upon women around the world, particularly in Asia, caused by the need to buy feminine hygiene products each month. Teenie Siu ’18 and Saskia Sinha ’18 designed a curriculum providing young women health lessons, a reusable pad prototype, a pad-making manual, and sample kits that were distributed to women of the Child Rescue Organization in Cambodia. “Along with the creation and distribution

of our reusable pads, we will provide girls health lessons, in which we discuss (depending on the audience age) subjects such as puberty, menstruation, sexual assault, and STDs. These are areas rarely discussed with girls in Asia, leaving them confused when something happens to their bodies and they too scared to speak out about it.”

Justice League: The Children’s Reading Club Rachana Hegde ’18, Joanne Liu ’19, Julia Bryant ’19, and Ashley Huang ’19 In 2017, Rachana Hegde ’18, Joanne Liu ’19, Julia Bryant ’19, and Ashley Huang ’19 formed the Justice League Club with the mission to create long-lasting impact through community engagement and education, and to help alleviate social justice issues. The Children’s Reading Club project is an English-based program to aid underprivileged Hong Kong asylum and refugee-seeking children in their confidence in literacy, reading comprehension, writing skills, and critical thinking. “Our passion

for the project lies in promoting accessibility to quality education and creating a platform and relationship in which HKIS students can engage in meaningful cross-cultural exchange.”

The Children’s Reading Club hopes that “it will give those involved a chance to alleviate the social stratification caused by Hong Kong’s wealth gap and engage in a new kind of service learning.” Through the James A. Handrich

The project has the goal to “stand up for the girls whose voices are not heard and who are suppressed at the hands of patriarchal societies in developing countries. We aim to be enablers for a smart new generation who are not academically constrained by bodily functions that they have no control over. By distributing these reusable pads to regions in dire need, we provide empowerment to the women in the local area to have the confidence to continue their education without the fear of embarrassment from their periods each month. Embarrassment was not the only tactic we aimed to combat either. Hygiene is another massive obstacle that women in these regions face, as they are inclined to use pad substitutes, anything from leaves to cloths and rags, to prevent leakage. Often these methods are highly unsanitary and only have negative consequences, including greatly increasing the risks of infection.” In completing the project, Teenie Siu and Saskia Sinha realized the

“service project has had a massive impact on our personal growth. It has not only made us more confident that with perseverance we can achieve any service goal we desire, but also taught us about fundamental values that form the foundation of success. These are communication, navigation, and organization, all of which were extremely important components we learned to utilize more throughout the duration of our project.” n

Service Leadership Endowment Fund, the club was able to purchase Kindle Fire for Kids and starter materials. Currently, the Children’s Reading Club partners with the Vine Church to reach primary-school asylum seeker children and are making plans to expand the project for the coming 2018-19 school year. “The main goals we identified for this

project are 1) Promote creativity through writing and storytelling 2) Build confidence in children’s English reading and writing abilities, and 3) Instil an early passion for books and lifelong learning.”

Through the Children’s Reading Club, each member learned many lessons. Rachana Hegde reflects: “I’ve learned more about the refugee

community in Hong Kong and how I, along with other members of the HKIS community, can better serve their needs.” Similarly, Julia Bryant learned “I’ve been able to build communication and organization skills through interacting with a team and adapting plans to fit the needs of the people I’m serving. I’ve found that while at times this was stressful, I’ve been able to learn more about the steps needed in order to establish an active service project”. The Reading Club encourages the community to get involved with service work, whether it’s with refugee or asylum seekers or other communities in need in Hong Kong.

The James A. Handrich Service Leadership Endowment Fund was created in 2007 to honor one of HKIS’s most dynamic educators. Mr. Handrich served as Elementary Principal, High School Principal and Head of School between 1983-2007. The Fund helps further the school’s Mission, Vision and “Self Motivated Learning” and “Contributing to Society” Student Learning Results. The Fund continues to support projects thanks to our community’s generous donations. Please visit www.hkis.edu.hk/giving to see how to support our students’ service work. n

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2018 | alumni scholarship in memory of

david f. rittmann Converting Fear and Challenges to Pursuing Passion and Doing your Best Celeste Lee ’18 came to HKIS in grade 10 from St. Catherine’s School for Girls. She found the student and learning environment at HKIS to be vastly different from her old school. At HKIS, Celeste was able to devote her time to academics and causes that she was passionate about. She describes that the “the stress at local school on

student’s academic performance left fewer opportunities for students outside of the classroom”. Celeste was able to channel her passion into “serving the local communities,” which resulted in her joining and

Celeste Lee ’18

leading High School clubs: Service on Saturdays, Sharon Lutheran Group, Chinese Tutoring Center, and Z Club.

2018 Recipient

When Celeste first attended HKIS in grade 10, she “had many worries and didn’t think I would do well here. But after studying in HKIS for three years, I realized that I have so much potential in different areas, such as economics and service. Studying at HKIS helped me realize my potential in those areas.” Celeste loved “the fact that HKIS provides students with a wide range of courses to choose from. Before attending HKIS, I was already interested in graphic design and computer science, but I couldn’t choose these courses because my old school didn’t provide them and had strict limitation on student course selection. For example, if I decided to study science, the only courses I can take are Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Once I got to HKIS, I had the chance to take courses that I couldn’t take in my old school, for example, choir, graphic design, and programming.” Celeste describes her experience at HKIS as “innovative, productive, nurturing, supportive, high-tech, and dedicated.” Her fondest experiences at HKIS are her two Interims to India and Japan. “During Interim,

I was able to fully immerse myself into the local cultures. I also challenged myself to do things that I never thought I could do before — serving the underprivileged community in India and trekking on the Nakasendo Trail in Japan. For me, those memories are something I’ll treasure forever.” At university, she plans to study for a BBA in business economics or statistics, both interests she developed after taking AP Microeconomics/Macroeconomics and AP Statistics. She learned

“that nothing is impossible if we challenge ourselves to do our best.” n

The Alumni Scholarship in Memory of David F. Rittmann provides full tuition for worthy and talented students to attend grades 10-12 at HKIS. The scholarships are awarded on a merit and need basis. To help HKIS continue to welcome students like Celeste, please consider a donation at hkis.edu.hk/giving and designate your gift to this scholarship. n

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alumni workshop works out! By Matt Sears ’02

On February 7, 2018, 15 alumni joined more than 100 high school students for the second ever “Alumni Career Workshop,” an event that connects current students to our alumni community in order to introduce students to a wide range of jobs, career paths, and industries. This year, we were lucky to have so many alumni willing to volunteer their time to share their stories with students, and such diverse industries represented — some of which students may not have realized were even possible to pursue in Hong Kong. Students learned about careers in museum design, journalism, branding, venture capital, traditional Chinese medicine, and more, all from alumni who were once in their shoes.

Cinci Leung ’00

The HKIS Alumni Association – Hong Kong Chapter thanks the High School Counseling Department and the National Honor Society student leadership for all their support in organizing this year’s workshop. n

Liz Liang ’04

Coco Chan ’03

Pictured from left: Johnny Kong ’01, Arthur Law ’02, Justin Lui ’04, Matt Sears ’02, Arun Govada ’07, Amy Vlastelica ’02, Cinci Leung ’00, Coco Chan ’03, Tony Cheng ’07, Liz Liang ’04, Natasha Khan ’03, Brian Li ’03, Justin Lui ’04, Jocelyn Liipfert ’03, Michael Au ’00 and Henry Wong ’00.

Matt Sears

Justin Liang ’01

’02

Johnny Kong ’01

Jocelyn Liipfert ’03

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Class of 2018

Class of 2018 The Golden Class

The Class of 2018 is special to HKIS as they earn their diplomas on the golden anniversary of our first graduating Class of 1968. As time marches on, the pride we feel in our graduates remains. Congratulations, Class of 2018. We celebrate your achievements, your perseverance, and all that you have given HKIS. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors. We are proud to welcome you as our newest alumni. Stay in touch! n Here is our new Alumni logo! Alumni are integral to the HKIS community. The placement of the word “Alumni” in the refreshed HKIS roundel is symbolic of the foundation that you set as former students, faculty and administrators at our school.

“Life would be tragic if it weren’t funny.” — Stephen Hawking CLASS MOTTO

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College Enrollments Students from the Class of 2018 will enroll at the following colleges and universities. Many students received full or partial scholarships to attend these institutions.

USA

Australia

Art Center College of Design

Trinity College

Bates College

Tufts University

Berklee College of Music

Tulane University

Boston University

Union College

Brandeis University

University of California, Berkeley

Brown University

University of California, Los Angeles

Claremont McKenna College

University of California, San Diego

Colgate University

University of California, Santa Barbara

College of William and Mary

University of Chicago

Cornell University

University of Colorado at Boulder

Emory University

University of Illinois at

Hong Kong

Endicott College

Urbana-Champaign

The University of Hong Kong

Florida Institute of Technology

University of Miami

Fordham University

University of Michigan

Furman University

University of Oregon

Georgetown University

University of Pennsylvania

Georgia Institute of Technology

University of Richmond

Grinnell College

University of San Francisco

Japan

Hartwick College

University of South Carolina

International Christian University

Johns Hopkins University

University of Southern California

Loyola University Chicago

University of Utah

Macalester College

University of Virginia

Marymount California University

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Miami University, Oxford

Virginia Military Institute

New York University

Wake Forest University

Northeastern University

Washington University in St. Louis

Northwestern University

Whitman College

Occidental College

Yale University

University of Sydney

Canada Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning University of British Columbia University of Toronto University of Waterloo

Italy Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

Singapore Singapore Military Service

Switzerland Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne

Oxford College of Emory University

Durham University

Parsons School of Design

Imperial College London

Pennsylvania State University

King’s College London

Pomona College

Queen Mary University of London

Purdue University

Royal Holloway, University of London

Rhode Island School of Design

School of Oriental and African Studies

Santa Clara University

The London School of Economics and

Skidmore College

Political Science

St. Olaf College

The University of Edinburgh

Syracuse University

University of Bristol

Texas A&M University

University of St Andrews

The George Washington University The University of Texas, Austin

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Class of 2018 Sarah Dong

Stars in Our Eyes By Sean Furlong ’19 Prom 2018 was held at the Kowloon Shangri-La on Saturday, May 19. This year’s theme was “City of Stars.” The event had a record turn out of over 300 students, alongside 19 faculty members. The prom court positions were awarded to seniors James Drake (King), Phoebe Chen (Queen), Liam Carvey (Prince), and Dixie Lonergan (Princess), as voted on by the student body. Prom 2018 was organized by High School Counselor Ms. Anne Ferrara, junior Sean Furlong, and the Junior Class Officers (Guinness Chen, Marcus Fong, Mike Smith, and Darren Yang). This year’s prom was a huge success, and the entire high school is looking forward to another unforgettable night! n

Lauren Fine, David Lovelin, Brent Brayko

Selina Li, Euihyun Choi, Samantha Lee Joshua Ip, Merton Ngan, Kenji Ho, John Pang, Ethan Watts

Sebastien Leahy and friend, Hannah Gordon and Sean Furlong

Prom King and Queen James and Phoebe

Rosamond Chung

Nazanin Soltan and Alex Lam

and Udy Kumra

Selfie time!

Claire Muldowney, Rac hana Hedge, Tricia Cheuk

Vanessa Cheung , Bertrand How, Tevy Koh, Mina Ak aishi

Alex Edwards, Nathan Liang, Kristine Lam, Elian Wan, Lindsey Luo, Vishal Dhileepan

Julia Hetherington, Philip Van Oppen, Alexandra Swanson-Bell

an, Serena Tam, Serena Ch Pun Sophia Mark, Andrea

Photos courtesy of Karin Bremer Photography 16

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Class of 2018

senior spotlight On June 3, 2018 during the annual senior convocation dinner, the administration recognized three senior students for their outstanding service, academic excellence and leadership. Senior Outstanding Service to the HKIS Community Award This service award recognizes the senior who has selflessly contributed their time, energy and talents to the school community over the course of their high school career at HKIS.

Serena Chan

Response of the Graduates Following the Awarding of the Diplomas, new alumna Lindsey Luo ’18 gave this fun and moving speech reflecting the Class of 2018. Congratulations class of 2018! We’re done. No longer are the other grades “underclassmen”. Now, they’re “high schoolers”, and we’re “alumni”. Of course, this fall, we’ll be freshmen again. But for now, we are finished. Hello parents and family, “high schoolers”, teachers, counselors, and administrators. There are much more entertaining ways to spend your Friday evening, so thank you for being here tonight. Class of 2018, these past four years have been an experience. We’ve had our wins and our losses, or as I like to call it, “our wins and our spirit weeks.” Sadly, tonight is the probably the last night we will all be gathered together in one room. While there will be reunions, none of them will have a turnout like this. Seriously. Tonight we’ve got 100% attendance. But before we move on, let’s take some time to look back at the start. Our first Interims, when we worried about whether the seniors would be nice to us. Our first China Cups, decked out in ill-fitting pants and too heavy travel bags. Our first time using our senior privileges, so we could buy cup noodles at Wellcome. It’s always easiest to remember the struggles, but I hope those don’t come to define your time here. Remember the way we screamed our lungs out to get points on spirit day. The way we crammed all of our IFs into the last weeks of each semester. The way we begged our teachers to let us watch APAC games instead of class.

Senior Scholar Award

Senior Leadership Award

The Senior Scholar Award recognizes a senior student whose academic work reflects consistent effort, thoroughness of preparation, concern for learning, and a positive regard for scholarship.

The Leadership Award is given to the senior who has most exemplified the qualities of a servant leader.

Lindsey Luo

Jonathan Chung

There are, of course, some experiences that will be unique to you. For a couple of us, waking up late on the morning of an AP exam. Tucker hiking the entire MacLehose trail; Jonathan, Matthea, and Nicole creating Humanities 2 in Action; Samy breaking a Hong Kong rowing record. Houston and his team bringing tears to our eyes with the class video. Sean and Emily bringing a smile to our faces when we see their artwork on the senior rock. These are only a few of the amazing accomplishments we have spread across our class. For a number of you, it’s been fourteen long years. To put things in perspective, the first season of Hannah Montana would be released two years after you started school. I imagine it feels strange to step away and start somewhere new, but I have full confidence you will contribute to the world around you just as steadfastly as you contributed your tuition money. To be honest, our parting is probably for the best. I will miss you all dearly, but it’s time for us to take one for the team and separate. Because I don’t think the universe can handle a gathering of such greatness for much longer. We are a combination of athletes and mathematicians, musicians and scientists, activists and artists. And by this I mean you are not one of these labels, but a combination of them all.

And for the parents, a huge thank you as well. Thank you for all of the early mornings and the late nights, and even for the arguments, because arguing is just loud caring. You loved and supported us unconditionally, and you are the reason we all here today. Let all give our parents a round of applause. I’d like to end with an idea. “It didn’t get easier. You got better.” Our class is one that has always fought hard. We’re feisty and resilient, pushing against the boundaries that are set against us. Some might even say this is our legacy. So if there’s any advice I could impart, it’s to never be afraid to have spirit. When you fight for something, you make yourself vulnerable, because you admit that you care. Doing so is scary — you’re opening yourself to pain. Still I encourage you to do this. You’ll learn much more by being open than you would have by holding back. Live so you can look back on a life full of adventure. Most things are scarier in our minds than they are in real life. So reach out to the people you didn’t have the courage to this time around. Take the class you could never fit in your schedule. Try out for the team sport you thought you wouldn’t make.

Of course, this wasn’t a journey we navigated on our own. I’d like to give a huge thank you to our teachers for their patience and support, for reading all the essays we started the night before, the projects we started the night before, and the homework we started in class. You inspired us, and taught us to keep questioning.

One of the great strengths of our class is that we were never afraid to have spirit.

I’d also like to thank our counselors, who supported us through the most stressful part of high school…course registration. I’m only half joking. Thank you for getting us into college.

To the class of 2018, I wish you all the best, from the bottom of my heart.

We were never afraid to be honest about the things we wanted, be it a spirit week victory or our quote on a rock. It was in these moments, taking on the world by storm, where we came together as one.

Thank you.

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Cover Story

#MyFreedomDay Returns to HKIS For the second year in a row, HKIS participated in My Freedom Day, part of CNN’s Freedom Project, which aims to end modern day slavery. Brought to our school in 2017 and led by Ella Hurworth ’18 and a group of passionate students, My Freedom Day aims to raise awareness about modern day slavery and human trafficking by following a day of activities in schools around the world as students join together, on campuses and across social media, to think about these lives without freedom, and what they might do to end this injustice. This year, My Freedom Day fell on March 14, right in the middle of High School Interim, limiting the High School’s participation. Building on the groundwork laid last year, Middle School students rose to the occasion and broadened their participation, which included a Socratic seminar, creating a Freedom Wall made up of messages about what freedom means to students, making hundreds of buttons, and an assembly that included guest speaker Matt Friedman and a performance by the Middle School Choir. All of these activities were again filmed by a CNN crew, this time led by correspondent Anna Coren, who broadcast the activities live into millions of homes across the world. Read on for coverage written by students Kha-Nhi Nguyen and Grace Gidding in the South China Morning Post’s Young Post, and stay tuned for next year! n

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Cover Story 8

youngpost

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Edited by Charlotte Ames-Ettridge

campus life Why #MyFreedomDay is so important in HK With slavery still a reality, Hong Kong International School was proud to join the freedom movement, write HKIS students Kha-Nhi Nguyen and Grace Giddings

s sunlight splashed the walls of Hong Kong International School, the excitement on campus was palpable. Students were eagerly awaiting the arrival of CNN’s news crew. But behind the cheer was a sobering, eyeopening cause.

CNN’s My Freedom Day, which takes place every year on March 14, raises awareness about modern day slavery, which remains horrifyingly prevalent today. This year, CNN chose HKIS to participate in this important event. What students discovered during the event is that slavery often happens right in front of us. The students and staff at HKIS – in particular, the Student Leadership Team – worked tirelessly with CNN to put on a range of talks and activities to provide others with a better understanding of modern day slavery. One event which stood out was the Socratic Seminar, in which students from different eighth grade classes sat down to discuss why slavery isn’t simply a

problem overseas, but one that affects people here in our city. Students also attended a Freedom gathering, where special guest and human rights activist, Matt Friedman, detailed the different forms slavery can take, from working on fishing boats to children being made to beg on the streets. He shared some

The event was a celebration of freedom, diversity and inclusivity

of his experiences in Nepal and India where he was working with the United Nations to stop slavery. Students were visibly affected when they heard the horrors Friedman had witnessed. But the activist reminded students that slavery isn’t some developing-nations issue; it happens in Hong Kong. As many as 25,000 domestic helpers are imprisoned by their employers; it’s vital, therefore, to be able to spot the warning signs. Students shared their definition of While the event raised “freedom” on the Freedom Wall awareness about a grave issue, it was also a celebration of freedom, diversity and inclusivity – values which HKIS hold dear. Throughout the day, students were able to write

on a Freedom Wall about what freedom means to them. For 13-year-old student Aliyah He, freedom means “being true to your own beliefs and being able to freely act upon them.” Her classmate, Claire Fu, 13, said that while slavery can’t be eradicated overnight, there are small acts each of us can do to be less complicit, such as by buying fair trade products. She felt hopeful that HKIS had helped to raise awareness. Meanwhile, HKIS Choir did their part by performing uplifting anthem This Is Me, from the film The Greatest Showman. The Student Leadership Team also handed out 700 handmade pins that read “Freedom Day” in different colours for students to wear. What’s more, the entire school chipped in by wearing the flags and colours of their nationality Hearing statistics about slavery can be overwhelming and disheartening, but HKIS students are keen to be part of the solution. Indeed, this year’s event touched people all over the world; #MyFreedomDay posts reached more than 100 million Twitter accounts on March 14, while the #MyFreedomDay hashtag was used in posts from more than 100 countries. Many antislavery NGOs also spread the message on their social media accounts, including Free the Girls, Lumos, The Freedom Fund, No More Slaves, Stahili Foundation, A21, International Justice Mission, Fairtrade US and Polaris Project.

The Socratic Seminar gave students a chance to have an in-depth discussion about modern day slavery. Photos: Hong Kong International School

Published in the South China Morning Post’s Young Post on Sunday, March 25, 2018. Print-ready article provided courtesy of Young Post.

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Cover Story

Middle School students run a Socratic seminar to discuss issues related to modern-day slavery.

Middle School Choir

performs LIVE!

Middle School Language Arts teachers Felicity Carter and Weda Bory help kick-off the session.

Nancy Isra el Elmes ’7 2, Donald Rabe ’76, Pip Simpki n and Barbara Is rael Warre n ’69.

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Cover Story

MS Associate Principal Greg Ladner and Grade 8 students Kha-Ni and Grace are interviewed live on CNN.

CNN correspondent Anna Coren reports live from the HKIS Middle School library on what HKIS students were doing for The Freedom Project.

Anna Coren interviews 8th grade students Subin Shetty, Hiroko Kawase, and Irene Park on their involvement with the project.

SUMMER 2018 DRAGONTALES

Leadership Updates

lower primary principal

An Ode to Maya Nelson By Michelle Jungmin Bang

Bidding Farewell to our Lower Primary Principal Trailblazer, Leader, Thoughtful, Wise – these are just a few of the adjectives given to Maya Nelson by our HKIS community – although Maya isn’t too concerned with praise and she likes to keep a low profile. Many might not suspect just how bright her career has been and how lucky we are to have had her at the Lower Primary for the past 11 years. Prior to coming to HKIS and building our wonderful new Lower Primary facility (a six-year accomplishment that was no small task), Maya built the first ever School Within a School Program for students with learning needs in Taipei. She is also one of the rare individuals to have been promoted internally from Associate Principal to Principal at the Lower Primary, after just one year upon her arrival to HKIS and at the encouragement of her then PAG. An international educator, parent and third culture kid herself, Maya grew up in Japan, England, Germany and Indonesia and has taught all over the world, all experiences that have helped Maya to make our Lower Primary what it is today — a shining beacon in early childhood education that serves as an educational role model globally.

This year will see Maya’s first graduating class at the High School in HKIS and the first operating year of our newly-built Lower Primary where our excited students (who helped Maya in the planning process) raced through the doors eager to learn. Maya has created a legacy, which will leave a lasting imprint on our students and for generations to come at the Lower Primary. Although I say this with great sadness, it seems fitting that this would be the time for Maya to move on to her next adventure and next great career opportunity — to head the elementary schools at Jakarta International School where she taught and attended as a student. Thank you Maya for creating, for so many of us, our home away from home, for being my teacher in early childhood development, and for the countless lives that you have touched in our community. It has been an honor to work alongside you, to know you and to be your friend. You will be greatly missed.

There is an incredible amount of trust that you place in an institution and its leaders when they care for your children. This choice sets a precedent on how your parenting is shaped. In Hong Kong where the prevailing emphasis on academics and rigor can sometimes eclipse what is actually in the best interest of young children, Maya takes a brave stance placing at the center of HKIS’s Lower Primary philosophy the concept of play, an often-neglected aspect of childhood education. Each aspect of the Lower Primary program is intentional, carefully cultivated to equip our children with the skills Maya understands they will need in their more complicated futures. This was particularly important as I was navigating the learning process of my children, both of whom have absolutely blossomed as empathetic, confident and passionate learners after having gone through their Lower Primary experiences with Maya. I owe so much to the times that I have leaned on her for advice and wisdom, and for the wonderful transformations that I have seen in both of my children who have grown up in a foreign country away from family. I remember when I first met Maya when my son started HKIS in R1. She was steely-eyed and formidable, and I could not have imagined that I would have gotten to know her as I do today. For the past five years, I have worked alongside Maya as a PAG member of the Lower Primary. This volunteer work has provided me with a privileged window as a parent to understand her as a leader and as a person, as well as some of the inner workings of our school. I have witnessed with pleasant surprise the fierce loyalty that Maya engenders in her outstanding faculty and staff, and how she makes no decision at the Lower Primary without counsel, collaboration, careful consideration and a ton of research. I have come to understand just how much Maya knows and cares for each of our children. I now truly appreciate the challenges, sheer amount of work and dynamic leadership that goes behind making a complex and large school exceptional. And I can see how much Maya loves her job and how deeply she understands our children’s educational needs.

Note about the writer: Since 2014, Michelle has served on the Lower Primary Parent Advisory Group and since 2015, on the HKIS Parent Faculty Organization Board as Lower Primary Divisional Representative. She has two children at HKIS, Elliot Wong ’26 and Amber Wong ’28.

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Leadership Updates

lower primary principal

A Chat with Geoff Heney Incoming Lower Primary Principal

A Fond Farewell The children of Lower Primary, together with dedicated faculty, created an original publication called Ms. Nelson Built a School. Presented to Maya at a secret farewell assembly on June 8, 2018, the children were bursting with excitement to unveil this product of love to their beloved principal. Maya shared with the children how remarkable it was that “not one student had let the surprise slip during the whole planning process!” Authors Claire Kirk, Kit Lang, Danielle Solan and Laura Lorentzen described in rhyme the intricacies of the years and years of perseverance and passion that went into building the new Lower Primary that opened in August 2018. Illustrated by Grade 1 and 2 classes, the book was a heart-warming memoir that Maya will take with her to Jakarta, and will surely be in circulation at the Lower Primary library for years to come.

Geoff Heney has devoted his entire career to early childhood education. He comes to HKIS from the American School of Doha, where he has served for 11 years, most recently as the Upper Elementary Principal. DragonTales sat down with the incoming Lower Primary Principal during a whirlwind visit in April to pick his brain and learn about what’s important to him about education at the Lower Primary School.

“The number one thing you want to provide for any child is a level of learning that can be achieved by creating a fun and engaging environment. This is true not only for the facilities, but also for the programs of study and the way you develop kids personally. The more opportunities you give kids to play, the more they learn. Inquiry is how we all learn. We want them to ask that question and ignite that curiosity that drives us to learn. Providing them with the language and the questions allows them to wonder and ask themselves “what else could I do?” and “how far could I go with this?” Collaboration, creativity and resilience are so important in the whole learning process. If you don’t have productive struggle then they won’t develop that resilience that they need. Play is where they are learning those skills to be compassionate and to have justice. You often hear “oh that’s not fair.” That’s where they begin to understand that we’re equals, and I want to make sure I’m treating you the way I want you to be treating me.” Geoff will join us in Hong Kong in August 2018 together with his wife Kate, and their two children Megan (Grade 9) and Ben (Grade 8). Kate will teach Reception 1. It’s all in the family! n

SUMMER 2018 DRAGONTALES

Leadership Updates

middle school principal

Aloha Mr. Passamonte! Quotes and stories collected by Celine O’Connor June 2018 sees the end of 8 years at HKIS for Middle School Principal Paul Passamonte. Hear from parents, colleagues, and students all that he contributed to the Middle School program, to the community and to their lives. As he prepares for his new post as Principal of the Mid-Pacific Institute in Manoa, Hawaii, the HKIS community says farewell with gratitude and lasting fond memories.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”

-Nelson Mandela, former President South Africa

We have known Paul and his family for over 12 years, first as friends in Manila. When our daughter started at HKIS, we were greeted by bear hugs and that wonderful Passamonte smile. His compassion for students and their families, coupled with a fantastic sense of humor and a solidly confident, yet ever approachable demeanor, make him an exceptional leader and individual. — Jennifer Howell, parent Paul and I spent 6 years working together in Manila, my very first teaching position. During those years I was inspired by a Principal who always showed a genuine interest and concern when it came to students, and worked closely to support and encourage the faculty and staff. During those years I also had the joy of teaching and directing Hannah and Madison during their Middle School years, as I saw both girls begin to grow into the amazing young women they are today. The Passamonte family was growing, and I admired Paul and Stephanie for always putting family first, even with the day-to-day madness of being a Principal and a Counsellor. Fast forward another ten years, and it’s incredible to think that we’ve now spent 7 years working together in Hong Kong. I count it a privilege to have taught Isaiah and Malakai, to have known Paul and Stephanie on a more personal level, and to see Hannah and Madison beginning careers that aim to change lives. Paul, Stephanie, and the whole Passamonte family have a very special place in my heart and, although they will be missed, I know this next adventure will be a fantastic one. — John Mullhal, Middle School Drama teacher While my twins were students in the Middle School, I heard them mention “Papamonte.” It was not a derogatory term and I knew that it was spoken in love and respect. Thank you, Paul, for three (relatively) worry-free years! — Don Shono, parent

Illustration for Mr. Passamonte by faculty after his first year as HKIS’s Middle School Principal! Paul and Stephanie Passamonte at International School of Manila.

Having interacted with Paul as both a parent and a member of the PFO Board, I have continually admired his energy, positivity and sense of humor. Paul truly has a smile for everyone, and his down to earth personality and leadership style were a perfect fit for the Middle School. — Beth McNicholas, parent, former PFO President Working with Paul over the last four years has been an honour and a privilege. His insight and experiences reflect the consummate professional and devoted educator that he is. I feel so fortunate to have had a year with Upper Primary School in Tai Tam. It has allowed for collaboration, creativity and connections between our students and faculty. — Jennifer Delashmutt, Upper Primary Principal

2017-18 Middle School faculty on “Paul Passamonte Day”.

DRAGONTALES SUMMER 2018

Thousands of children have passed through the halls of the Middle School during Mr. Passamonte’s time. All the students (and us parents) are so lucky to have had such a caring, thoughtful, and visionary leader!

Leadership Updates

middle school principal

Welcome Brad Latzke!

Eight years includes many memorable moments, such as saying farewell to Ken Rohrs, HKIS’s longest-serving teacher, June 2015.

The search for a new Middle School Principal continues, and in the interim, we were able to persuade Brad Latzke, a beloved Middle School principal and teacher for several decades, out of retirement. A true Middle School educator at heart, Brad has been in the lives of lucky students most recently at Shanghai American School and the American School of Doha. Though he hails from the Midwest, he has served in China, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and Tanzania. We can’t believe he hasn’t taught in Hong Kong yet, and are thrilled that we have him for a year at HKIS. n

The whiteboard in his office is always filled with goals, plans and ambitions for the Middle School. Thank you for your visionary approach to these so important middle years of our children! — Jill Nielson, parent One of my enduring memories of Paul is how he took on one of the toughest volunteer jobs at PFO World’s Fair, directing traffic at the High School entrance in soaring temperatures (not all of them to do with the weather). With patience and good humour, baseball cap perched over his smiling eyes, he directed stressed-out drivers. Paul is your go-to guy. He will be much missed. — Sharene Mak, parent As an alum (Class of ’84) and parent of two daughters, Middle School under Paul’s leadership has grown from strength to strength. Paul has a knack for listening, being receptive to ideas, is approachable and down to earth, fostering a sense of community and fun. He brought in new faculty to strengthen academic teams and the ‘buddy system’. Hawaii’s gain is HKIS’s loss. — Pattie Gordon ’84, parent We have always been impressed by Paul’s presence at HKIS. His role as a caring and supportive principal, who nurtured a strong community spirit, is well respected. — The Deignan family Students are naturally intimidated by encountering the principal. Imagine yourself walking into the principal’s office being scolded, punished, or taught a lesson. However, my experience with Mr. Passamonte can prove that the reality is quite the opposite. From time to time when we bump into him on campus, we would have some pleasant chats, and I could see that he enjoyed interacting with students. Last year I took the Public Speaking elective, with Mr. Passamonte as my instructor. Looking back at my experience in that class, I couldn’t have expected a teacher better than him. Along with being a pro teacher at techniques, Mr. Passamonte showed how supportive and caring he really is about his students. He gave us proper guidance, and encouraged and prodded me towards the right direction. — Navia Zhang ’22 When I first met Paul as part of the GED refugee program I was worried about my lack of mathematics knowledge. But I didn’t need to worry as he had a natural ability to make all the class feel comfortable while his passion for teaching shone through. For me personally, Paul has provided invaluable help on planning for my future career. More like a brother than a teacher to me, he will be missed by all of the refugee community. — Sogo Seyoud, Christian Action. Paul taught classes through Christian Action at HKIS on weeknights for refugees, and Sogo Seyoud was a student. Paul, it has been another amazing time for our family here in Hong Kong. As we leave HKIS, we are so grateful for our fond memories and friendships, further evidence of God’s faithfulness and stronger family. You have kept students first and remained the Principal we all admire, been our leader at home and a man of integrity, while remaining my best friend and love of my life. How very blessed we are! I’m excited to be by your side for the next chapter full of Aloha. — Love, Stephanie n

Brad Latske with daughter Kiah and wife Kathy.

Get to know Brad! 1. Brad first visited Hong Kong in 1983 during a year-long around-the-world travel adventure and was among the very first independent travelers allowed into the PRC. 2. Brad performed as King Richard in a Shanghai American School middle school production of Robin Hood. This was a secret to the student performers until the final dress rehearsal...hm, there’s an idea! 3. Brad’s daughter, Kiah, followed in her parents’ footsteps and just graduated from college with a teaching degree. Kiah and her mother Kathy, who is also a teacher, will both be teaching at International School Bangkok in Thailand this coming year. It’s all in the family!

SUMMER 2018 DRAGONTALES

Leadership Updates

high school principal An Interview with Dr. David Lovelin, High School Principal new bell schedule that allows for one common lunch hour, and time for our students to gather in the morning with each other and with faculty, will be a conduit for allowing these relationships to ﬂourish. In the end, our high school is a community. I have enjoyed working with our students, faculty and parents to help support a positive open environment where students can thrive!

What aspects of Student Life at HKIS do you participate and enjoy? How do you get to know students?

Dr. Lovelin chats with high school

students in the Plaza.

You’ve joined us from Seoul and it’s been a year. But let’s get to know you a bit more. How did you and your family end up here? My wife and I both grew up and started our careers in Oregon. As we started a family, we knew that we wanted our children to have a broader perspective of the world, and around four years ago, we were looking for a change. It was really Theresa’s idea to try to ﬁnd a position overseas. Relocating to Korea was a great experience both personally and professionally, and we truly enjoyed many aspects of Seoul. On a vacation to Hong Kong, however, we fell in love with the city, and learned about HKIS and its Mission and Vision. As we boarded the plane, we said to each other that we would be willing to make a move for our family if the right opportunity at HKIS presented itself. A year later, here we are! We love and appreciate our new home.

Each morning, we welcome our students at the gate and it is there that I hope to begin a relationship with each student. I love being part of the many diﬀerent events and happenings at our school. As a person who loves co-curricular activities I always try to ﬁnd the time to be part of these events and to get to know students this way.

What’s unique about HKIS teachers? What have you found most rewarding about working with the HKIS faculty? The teachers at HKIS care deeply for our students and work tirelessly to give them an amazing educational experience. Our faculty are service-minded and as servant leaders push our students to think diﬀerently about the world and our place in it. As an educator at HKIS, we believe in the Mission and Vision of our school, and I truly appreciate how everyone does their part to make these core attributes live within and beyond the walls of the school.

What do you hope students get from their time at HKIS? It is my hope that our students leave our school ﬁlled with positive relationships, memories, and the conﬁdence to pursue their passions. We want our students to come back to visit and feel that HKIS is their second home! ■

What were you like in High School? I was passionate about student leadership, choir, acting, dancing, American football and wrestling — I know, it’s a wide range. I enjoyed being part of a team and though I was not a very talented athlete during my ﬁrst two years of school, my athletic ability turned around as I matured during junior and senior years. I loved high school, and was frequently on campus late into the evening each and every day. I was fortunate to have positive mentors who pushed me to recognize my potential, and was given a number of opportunities to lead my classmates in the school, on the ﬁeld, and as part of a club.

What attracted to you about HKIS? What was special about this school? Prior to ever being on campus, my wife and I talked about the Mission and Vision of the school and how these core beliefs directly align with who we are as educators and community members. Digging a little deeper we watched a number of YouTube videos made by high school students and watching the students laugh and cheer each other on through the various skits reminded me of some of my best high school memories. All of these things were important to my wife and I as we were looking for a place to raise our girls (Lucille ’28, Ruby ’30). HKIS was rich in diversity, and was an environment that was open-minded, thoughtful, and caring.

What’s unique about HKIS students? HKIS students are universally courteous, committed, and privileged without a sense of entitlement. Doing service for others is part of the High School DNA rather than it being imposed as an expectation. I found that the students were immediately welcoming to a new principal...principals are not usually the ﬁrst people students turn to! They are also very ambitious, and have high expectations of themselves, of teachers and of principals, as they should.

What have you focused on during this ﬁrst year? We have been working in a number of areas this year but the main focus has been to build quality relationships between our faculty and students while looking at educating our students in creative ways. We have amazing students and a creative faculty who, when given the space to think outside the box, have brought forward some great new opportunities for our students. Our 26

DRAGONTALES SUMMER 2018

Dr. Lovelin contains multitudes: A football/dance star.

Three fun facts about Dave Lovelin 1) I taught tap dancing for a dance studio in Portland, Oregon. 2) I was captain of the wrestling team and captain of the dance team at the same time in high school. 3) I love to cook, especially BBQ specialties!

Chinese Studies

Supporting Chinese Studies with a Gift for our Future Families and Friends of HKIS, Teachers and Administrators, Students: We gather to celebrate and give thanks to God for the wonderful resources, talents and loving care with which HKIS has been blessed. We also give thanks to David and Amy Tian for their very special gift sponsoring this classroom in support of our Chinese Studies program. Today we recognize the dedication of this gift and new resources with the installation of a commemorative plaque.

On May 29, 2018, HKIS was honored to unveil a plaque in recognition of support from Mr. David and Mrs. Amy Tian, current parents of students in Grades 1 and 3. The Tian family has pledged $2.5 million to the Kaleidoscope Fund in support the Lower Primary Chinese classrooms. Here are the remarks made by Vincent P. Li ’71, member of the Board of Managers, on this auspicious occasion.

The dedication of new resources to Chinese Studies is an important reaffirmation of one of HKIS’s six Student Learning Results: Chinese Culture. At HKIS, we want our students to “gain an understanding of China and an appreciation of the Chinese culture.” This SLR is a reflection of the unique position of Hong Kong, and also the unusual mix of family backgrounds that has always marked the HKIS community. When I graduated from HKIS 45 years ago, we were only just beginning to get a glimpse of the changing relationship between China and the US and the rest of the world. Nixon had just visited China in February the year before. China was still in an internal power struggle under Mao and caught in the tail-end of the Cultural Revolution. How different things are in China, the US and the world today! Students today are similarly getting a glimpse now of new world roles and development patterns. Communication, knowledge and understanding — we need these outcomes of our Chinese Studies program more than ever in today’s world. So, to our Chinese Studies teachers and administrators, be aware that you have a very important part to play, not only in HKIS students’ lives but also in molding history! On behalf of the Board and HKIS faculty, we want to thank not only the Tian family but all HKIS parents for their ongoing participation and support of our educators. Together we look forward to continue building on the strengths of HKIS education.

Vincent P. Li ’73 On behalf of the HKIS Board of Managers

Communication & Relationship

Anthony Lin (Grade 9)

Why do people communicate with one another? It is a way to connect with others, including developing relationships with others based on trust. Nowadays, there is a lack of communication between children and their parents. As China shifts from being an agricultural to an industrial society, more and more children are left at home as their parents go to work in the city. It doesn’t help that parents may only call their family members twice a year. Due to the lack of parents, it can be assumed that the children are raised by their grandparents. No matter how far a child’s parents are from them, they still eagerly wait for a call. Children don’t remain in the same body forever. They eventually turn into teenagers with raging hormones, which makes them rebellious. At the same time, they have a plethora of ideas, yet are either unable or unwilling to express them. It may be impossible for parents to understand or even comprehend their children’s thoughts, making it easy to misunderstand them. For example, sometimes I am in a bad mood for no reason. In response to this, I either listen to music or surf the web. In the end though, I still communicate with my parents. Without proper communication, conflicts may arise. I simply cannot begin to comprehend what it would be like without my parents. How would these neglected children feel? Asian children are most likely the victims for this kind of miscommunication, because Asian culture isn’t like Western culture, where everything is more transparent between members of the same family. In Asian culture, “面子” (face) is a very important aspect. Often, in order to maintain or save their dignity, they simply don’t communicate with their parents. For example, if a child whose parents have received western education gets a bad grade, he would most likely have no fear of telling his parents. However, we have all heard about the dreaded Chinese Tiger Moms, who yell at their children for not being the best at something. Regardless of whether it is parents or friends, without communication, there would be a lot of misunderstanding. The power of communication must not be belittled. It can resolve many conflicts and open a window to people’s hearts.

沟通是维系情感的桥梁

林俊佑（9）

人们为什么会沟通？沟通是一种能把人和人连接在一起的方式。人们沟通多了，就会产生一种感情。那是一种彼此之间的相信之情。现在社会中就有许多孩子缺乏与父母的沟通。随着中国工业的发达，留守儿童和老人的数量越来越多，出去打工的父母也渐渐增多。父母给家人打电话，多半是一年两三次。他们常年在外工作，可以说孩子们都是爷爷奶奶养大的。这些父母在外的打工，常常会没有时间给家人打电话。但是无论父母离家多久，一通电话总能够让家中的父母放心，这一通电话也是孩子们的等待的动力。时光匆匆，曾经听话的小朋友长成了血气方刚的青春期的少年。处于青春期的少年多少少有一点叛逆心理，心里有很多想法，但又不愿意来表露。家长们也不知道孩子的想法，所以会经常误解孩子。就拿我来说，有的时候心情莫名其妙的不好，就会听一下音乐，上一下网。总而言之，没有沟通妈妈不了解我，我也不知道她的想法，就会发生种种不愉快。我还算是有时间跟父母说话的小孩，许多在外上学的孩子，更是没有机会跟父母沟通，他们和父母之前的关系更是没有。中国或亚洲的孩子是这种误解的第一目标。为什么呢？因为亚洲的文化没有像西方的文化一样，不会像西方文化那样支持孩子与家长的沟通。在中国文化中，“脸”是一个非常重要的东西。常常，孩子们会因为要脸而不跟家长沟通。比如说，如果一个外国小孩在数学考试中考得很差，他们会跟家长沟通，找出能让自己提高的方法。中国小孩却不会跟家长沟通。常常，中国孩子会因为考出差的分数而受到家长的咒骂。这样，因为孩子不想挨骂，就不会主动找父母来沟通。不管是父母还是朋友，没了沟通彼此之间会产生许多误会。而许多中国孩子缺乏这种机会。沟通的力量不能被小看，它会化解一些误会，淡化一些矛盾，从而拉进人与人的内心世界。

SUMMER 2018 DRAGONTALES

HKIS Then and Now

1968 & 2018 Then and Now Class of 1968 Answers Questions from the Class of 2018 Fifty years ago, HKIS saw its first graduation. To commemorate this, DragonTales asked the Class of 2018 if they had any questions for the Class of 1968. Here are responses from Class of 1968 graduates:

Edmond Chen

ts: c a F t Fas

Class of 1968

Students

29 186

Women

13 90

Men

16 96

Years at HKIS

2 years (4 students) 1 year (25 students)

Mindy Gooch Deaver

Class of 2018

8.6 years (average) 12-14 years (75 students)

Margaret G. (Still) Hornbostel

How did HKIS shape you?

Who was your favorite teacher & why?

Arrived in HK in ’67, I had one year to prep myself for US college entrance application. HKIS basically reshaped my thinking and provided all college prep work. Without it, there would have been a gap as wide as Grand Canyon. I was glad to have the opportunity to attend HKIS at that time since none of other HK schools had US curriculum. — Edmond Chen

All teachers were extremely kind to me and allowed me to use dictionary in exams! — Edmond Chen

It made me conscious and respectful of others regardless of nationality, color, sex, gender, religion and economic status. — Mindy Gooch Deaver I would like to think that as a member of the first HKIS class, that I shaped HKIS. But I was just passing through, and whatever HKIS is now is nothing that I was. — Margaret Hornbostel

My favorite teacher, my senior year, was Dr. Fred Staubach, a guidance counselor. I can see him clearly in my mind’s eye. He had come out of retirement to work at HKIS the first year or two. He cared deeply for the students and it showed. He made me feel good. — Mindy Gooch Deaver My English teacher, Barbara Christopherson, took an interest in me and encouraged me to do more writing. She also worked with me to improve my final grade in the class. I hated textbooks and preferred to choose my own reading. Somehow, she got me to read at least half of the assigned reading. She was enlightened and tolerant and just what I needed at the time. I also remember that she had the courage to take a stand against the Vietnam War. Mrs. Maché, my art teacher (I was also her “Art Assistant”), was a smart and similarly tolerant person who treated me in exactly the way I required at the time. She never disapproved of me – and I was kind of weird. — Margaret Hornbostel Senior Day saw students teach their peers; here Peter Swaine takes on English.

Senior Officers: Sharon Kim, Secretary; Serena Tam, Vice President; Houston Li, Treasurer; Jonathan Chung, President 28

DRAGONTALES SUMMER 2018

Peter Lipschultz and a friend enjoy Sadie Hawkins Day.

HKIS Then and Now Mindy Gooch Deaver addresses students in the cafeteria.

Prom was organized and set up by students, and held in the cafeteria.

Angela Mason an d as prom queen & Peter Lipschultz king.

What was your favorite class/subject?

What sports were popular? Were there big tournaments?

Rev. A.K. Boehmeke who made religious class, yes daily chapel, interesting. It covered all sorts of subjects in the 60s! — Edmond Chen

Basketball, tennis and many others. One time we played an international school basketball tournament at Stanley. — Edmond Chen

Anything extra-curricular! No, seriously, history. I loved history – still do! — Mindy Gooch Deaver

I was a competitive swimmer, sprinter, high jumper and hurdles gal at Glenealy, KGV, and Brent School. I also played softball, basketball, and tennis. There were big tournaments and inter-school competitions. In the Philippines I was the top female athlete at Brent School and was invited to try out for the Philippine Olympic Team my Junior year. My future husband was the top male athlete and he was also invited to try out for Javelin and Shot Put. Neither of us won, but we loved being on our own and away from school for the long weekend! Mr. Christian tried to get me to be in sports at HKIS but I was 16 years old and not the best student and wanted to buckle down my senior year and pick up my grades for college. — Mindy Gooch Deaver n

Shenanigans on Repulse Bay Beach on Sadie Hawkins Day.

What did you do with your friends outside of school? Where did you hang out? Life was much simpler then. We all had uniforms. School had organized activities such as Sadie Hawkins Day on Repulse Bay beach. We had home parties or visited friend’s home. After school, sometime we would thumb a ride to Central before the No 6 bus. Only Peter Swaine had a Mini. One time we piled six of us in it. — Edmond Chen

Best wishes to all of you as you graduate and go on to college! Congratulations! — Mindy Gooch Deaver Photos of 1968 courtesy of Edmond Chen.

I was a high school senior 50 years ago! Let’s see what I remember. HKIS was in Repulse Bay then. We hung out at the Repulse Bay Hotel, and sometimes at Repulse Bay beach (but it wasn’t a very clean beach). Instead of swimming there we would walk along the beach and around the bay. We all ‘loved’ Big Wave Bay!!! It was far away and took a long time to get there but it was worth it! The beach was clean and we had many, many fun times swimming and hanging out there. Even further away was a favorite, secret, fresh water swimming hole on Lan Tao [Lantau]. We had to take a ferry and a bunch of us would eat dried fish and play cards and tell jokes. It was an all day trip and so much fun! Lan Tao was a pretty deserted island so we had to bring everything with us including all food and drinks.

Sadie Hawkins day was the only freedress day permitted.

t The whole high school wen for a field trip aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. In 1968, e many US servicemen cam to Hong Kong for R&R.

There were a lot of old war caves high up the hills on the way from mid-levels to school. They were hidden in the hillsides and I don’t really think they were safe to climb around in, but we used to spend a lot of time investigating. I think it was pretty dangerous, now that I think back on it. We went to dance clubs and danced on weekends. A whole bunch of us would go. In those days most of us grew up in Hong Kong (our families lived there 10-15 years or longer). It was only later that people lived 2-4 years in a country before moving on. Also, since many of us had lived in Hong Kong before HKIS opened, we knew kids from other schools and hung out with them too. I had gone to Glenealy School in mid-levels, then to King George V (KGV), then to a boarding school called Brent School (Baguio City, Philippines) before HKIS. Lastly, I remember we would go to movies, and also to Chinese theaters to watch Chinese language movies together. We would eat hot chestnuts in the winter that we bought from street vendors downtown. We loved Dim Sum, sour plums, and moon cakes. So many good memories! — Mindy Gooch Deaver

Day The United Nations dents, Assembly saw all stu ough from kindergarten thr er. eth grade 12 gather tog

Senate Executive Committee: Caroline Spackman, Secretary; Rael Baird, Senator of Student Life; Kristine Lam, Senator of Public Relations; Vishal Dhileepan, Senator of Academics; Rachel Sih, Senator of Athletics; Tae Kyu Kim, Senator of Discipline; Serena Chan, Senator of Service; Maxwell Sheremeta, Presiding Officer; Sophia Naqvi, Treasurer.

SUMMER 2018 DRAGONTALES

Community

the booster club

Spirits Soars with Booster Club! By the Booster Club The HKIS Booster Club, a volunteer-run organization since 1994, operates and manages the Dragon Shop and reinvests all profits to support Dragon athletics, arts, co-curricular activities, and events to promote school spirit. This past year, over 60 parent volunteers worked in the Dragon Shop. The sales saw an increase over last year, and we were able to grant $461,469 to faculty and student requests across all divisions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; nearly $100,000 more than last year! All students and faculty are encouraged to apply for grants from the Booster Club, and the applications for next year are already open online! In addition to our grants program, the Booster Club was active in spreading school spirit on all campuses. We passed out the ever popular orange slices, enjoyed at LP and UP field days, handed out sno-cones which brought smiles to the Middle School and High School, and popped popcorn kernels aplenty at concerts, productions, and tournaments. Our Spirit and Hospitality teams received warm appreciation from visiting schools and our Dragon pride swelled with the strong sense of community we felt at these events. We look forward to another spirited year and encourage any interested parents to join the fun. Wishing all a wonderful summer and... 4th graders bring school spirit on Pajama Day.

budding engineers at Torch cheers on these etition hosted at HKIS. mp Co s otic Rob VEX the

tournament hosted at To kick off the APAC rugby ity rugby players visited vars or juni and HKIS, varsity as they got off the bus. ents stud ary our Lower Prim 30

DRAGONTALES SUMMER 2018

Enjoying the fruits of their labor durin g Halloween cookie decorating at the Middle School!

Community

parent faculty organization

HKIS Celebrates Unity in Diversity at the PFO’s World’s Fair! By the Parent Faculty Organization Did you know that in 2018 there were 41 nationalities represented by the student body at HKIS? That vast depth of diversity was celebrated at the PFO’s 2018 World’s Fair on April 14 at the High School campus. With the theme “Unity in Diversity”, the fair boasted the rich blend of cultures that is specific to HKIS and to Hong Kong through decorations, food, and fun.

Upper Primary studen t join hands to create a striking visu al to welcome World’s Fair attendees.

The International Family Food Feast is always a highlight at the World’s Fair and this year was no different. The generous and talented family food teams offered cuisines from eight different cultures: American (including Hawaiian Shave Ice), Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Middle Eastern, Filipino, and Thai. The World’s Fair is one of two annual festivals led by the PFO incorporating all four divisions — truly bringing together the ENTIRE HKIS community. From the initial planning meeting to the final clean up, parents, administrators, faculty, alumni, staff, and students came together to make this community building event a success. Some of HKIS’s youngest students were hand models for what became a mural that hung at the entrance to the high school on the day of the event. Others were found conquering the games and laughing on the bouncy castle. On the entertainment stage there were back-to-back performances by students from R1 to G12. HS service clubs showcased their charities to raise awareness about their service initiatives. MS and HS students volunteered to set up/clean up and run games. HKIS parents committed their time, talents and resources to the planning and execution of the event, and faculty, administration and staff provided the PFO with the support and space needed to make this event a success. Esteemed alumni sponsored, donated and attended. Divisional principals MCed on the stage and Torch made a special appearance. It was amazing to see such a deep level of unity in a wonderfully diverse community! A huge thank you goes out to the entire community for your involvement in the World’s Fair and creating such an impressive community bonding event. Until next year! n

The Japan huge hit!

station was

The kids’ favorite: Games, games and mo re games!

Display of national costumes, representing our diverse community.

tos.

of student pho Unity banner made up

Parents from the Thai community, dressed in full traditional costume, served scrumptious Thai delights. SUMMER 2018 DRAGONTALES

HKIS Gallery

Upper Primary Student Art

These 4th Grade map murals are a collaborative work of our communities we live and work in. The three maps are of Stanley, Repulse Bay and Tai Tam. The maps are low reliefs with the added dimension made by building layers of glue lines. The glue lines are the roads, trails and borders of the land. Students also used aluminium and Sharpie Markers.This was just one of many art projects undertaken at Upper Primary this year See below for more!

Bon Voyage Ms. Bailey! Before coming to HKIS 14 years ago, Mary Ellen Bailey had a colorful career, including doing relief work in Africa and working as the head of merchandising at a large US department store, before finally becoming an art teacher. At HKIS, she has been committed to the school, whether through building the UP Green Dragon program or showcasing student art at countless World Fairs and Pumpkin Festivals. Every year, she teaches over 600 students each 6-day cycle â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a dizzying feat on its own right! Our very best wishes on your new adventures, Ms. Bailey!

DRAGONTALES SUMMER 2018

Student Life

high school Journalism Conference

International High School Journalism Association Conference By Sarah Wheatley Last November, the Junto staff at HKIS had the privilege of hosting the inaugural International High School Journalism Association Conference with guests from the Warrior News staff at the American School of Warsaw. In an era of click bait and fake news, there may be nothing more important we can teach students than the ability to separate fact from fiction. And the best way to do that is to have students research and report on the world themselves. The International High School Journalism Association brings students from around the world together to practice journalism in real-world contexts. By studying with working journalists, comparing their own practices as student journalists, and taking their skills to the streets of world cities, students learn how to gather information, check facts, and report clearly and honestly on what is happening around them. In so doing, they become better readers, better thinkers, and better citizens of the world.

Delegates from HKIS and the American School of Warsaw dining together at Tung Po.

The conference included a journalism workshops with HKIS parent and CNN anchor Mallika Kapur; HKIS parent and Bloomberg journalist Bruce Einhorn; Jim Gould, Head of Radio 3 Hong Kong; Keith Richburg, Director of the Journalism and Media Studies Centre at Hong Kong University; Masato Kajimoto, Assistant Professor of Practice at Hong Kong University; Jennifer Jett, Senior Staff Editor for the New York Times; Gabrielle Kirstein, director of Feeding Hong Kong; and Eleanor Miller, Mobile Editor for the Wall Street Journal. Field trips included a tour of the Hong Kong offices of CNN, the New York Times, and the Foreign Correspondentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Club. n

Keith Richburg

Students met with Dr. Francis Lee, Director of the School of Journalism and Communication at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The talk took place at the Foreign Correspondentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Club, organized by FCC board member Jennifer Jeff of the New York Times. Thank you Dr. Lee and Jennifer!

Mallika Kapur Workshop Group

Mallika Kapur Workshop

SUMMER 2018 DRAGONTALES

Student Life

high school Service on Saturdays

Twenty Years of Service HKIS’s alumni, whether they graduated in the 1990s or just this June, know the Service on Saturday program. What many don’t realize is how long HKIS has had a relationship with some of the organizations students serve through SOS. Take the Saturday Oral English Class program at Hotung Secondary School, which has been running since 1997. In the words of their teachers: “Hotung girls have been given most valuable assistance on a regular basis by volunteers from the Hong Kong International School in the learning of English. Patient, affable, and committed, these youthful tutors have done a marvellous job not just in stimulating our students’ interest in this important international language, but also in inspiring them to make a great effort to master it. In particular, we are enormously indebted to Mrs. Linda Dunoyé, the driving force behind the program, for her persistent dedication to the project, for the thorough training that she proves to her student tutors as well as the high standards of performance that she demands of them.” Thank you to all who have served in this program over the years, and to Mme. Dunoyé for sticking with it! n

HKIS students convene, teach and have a good time at Hotung Secondary School during the 2016-17 school year.

DRAGONTALES SUMMER 2018

HKIS Gallery

Middle School Student Art LEFT TO RIGHT:

Autumn McCareins ’23, Alejandro Glinoga ’23, Natalia Sinibaldi ’22

Lora Oh ’23

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP:

Abigail Davis ’22, Thea Tachibana ’24, Harry Chua ’24

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

Nate Choe ’24, Bill Lam ’23, Aubrey Cantrell ’22, Anna Kwan ’22

SUMMER 2018 DRAGONTALES

Student Life Varsity boys

’ rugby

high school Dragons 2018

Spring Varsity Sports Roundup Our HKIS sports teams continued their winning ways and brought home an impressive 14 China Cup, 8 APAC and nine local ISSFHK league championships during the 2017-18 school year. See for yourself the spectacular results that our student athletes produced. Go Dragons! Varsity girls’ soccer

A Heartfelt Thanks A big thank you to our parent community for their hospitality through hosting student athletes attending our overseas tournaments. Thanks to our coaches who did an amazing job with our teams. And, a huge thanks to the Booster Club who supported our teams with popcorn, snacks, and Icees during our tournaments and hosted our three sports awards nights, including the player banquets for China Cup and APAC. Thank you for a great and successful year.

Girls’ Swim Team Our girls’ swim team was named the top girls’ international school swim team globally. They swept the ISSFHK champs, HKSSF(D3) and APAC, and HKIS now holds 7 of 15 APAC swimming records including the 4 x 50 meter free relay and the 4 x 50 medley relay set by our girls in January.

In the Big Leagues HKIS has seven senior athletes who will be going on to participate in university level competition. Bailee Brown (triathlon), Arthur Chau (tennis), Jason Fan (golf), Jack Gallagher (rugby), Samy Morton (swimming), Matthea Najberg (soccer), and Ivy Richter (swimming) will be trading in their Dragons uniforms for a collegiate one! Congratulations to these determined and talented student athletes.

Jason Fan Arthur Chau

Invitational Championships Golf-Shanghai Invitational JV baseball-HKIS Invitational

China Cup Trophies Varsity and JV baseball JV girls’ softball Varsity boys’ and girls’ basketball Girls’ swimming Varsity and JV boys’ rugby Varsity and JV boys’ and girls’ tennis JV girls’ rugby Table tennis JV boys’ soccer APAC Championships Baseball Swimming Girls’ basketball Softball Boys’ rugby Girls’ table tennis Soccer

Female and Male Athletes of the Year Bailee Brown

At this year’s convocation, Jack Gallagher and Rachel Sih were named Male and Female Athletes of the Year. Jack captained both the boys’ rugby and boys’ soccer teams while Rachel played basketball and softball. They were named to the All-APAC team for both of their sports. In addition, Rachel served as Athletics Senator on the school’s Ex-Co. Rachel Sih

Matthea Najberg Samy Morton

Ivy Richter 36

Local League ISSFHK Championships Varsity girls’ basketball Girls’ swimming Golf Girls’ and boys’ tennis JV boys’ soccer JV boys’ volleyball Varsity girls’ soccer Varsity girls’ volleyball

DRAGONTALES SUMMER 2018

Jack Gallagher

HKIS Gallery

High School Student Art: Illustration

Jewels Lin ’18

Pallav Panigrahi ’18

Jocelyn Pang ’18

Rei Yamada ’18

SUMMER 2018 DRAGONTALES

Student Life

middle school Creative Writing How We Said Goodbye By Elanna Mak ’22

The phone illuminates your face as guests congregate around the dining table. The living room seems like an entire ocean. We float at opposite ends. We used to float together. We shared a lifejacket. The phone used to illuminate our faces, entranced in a game of Tap defense. You always let me win. Staring at your black-rimmed glasses, I wonder how things have been for you. A gauntlet of questions, cached in the back of my mind, and yet I can’t force myself to dig them out. All those questions that I could have asked a lifetime ago. Not here. Not now. Probably never. Because you left, because you boarded a plane to New Zealand. You took all of yourself there. You only brought part of yourself back. Planted like a soldier to his post, I refuse to move. Even when our eyes meet for the briefest of seconds, and immediately move down like strangers on a street. And I know. I know from the blue ticks, from the missed calls, from your frozen tongue the entire car ride back, from your forgotten promises. You take all our memories and put them in a box. Then you lock it and give it back to me. You swim away. And in the ocean that was once our kingdom, I drift away with a box that was once ours. Alone.

DRAGONTALES SUMMER 2018

The Garden of my Mother By Erita Chen ’22 In my mind, there is a scenea garden of zen; a comforting garth. Willow trees with soft branches billowing in the breeze, a babbling brook to accompany birds in singing their arias, a perfect little world of tranquil peace. Redolent in the light scent of grass and florals, this is the tableau of my mother. The place of my sanctuary, where secrets are kept hidden in the wind, where I live in a bubble of happiness. Problems are easily solved; one embrace and they float away. The crystal stream gurgles and spews out a rhythm; it is the accompaniment to the birds’ melodies. Mother is there to support us all, as the steady beat that holds the song of my brother and I’s lives together. The willow tree’s leaves are a sweeping blanket, like her cooed comfort when we do wrong. A protective shell that shields us from sorrow. That scene is what protects us from the worst of the dangers, and yet, when the wind blows, the blanket of leaves sweep off and the streamlet’s tempo goes awry. That is when we learn to make it on our own. But I know that when we are in need, the serene scene will still be there to give us solace and peace.

HKIS Gallery

High School Student Art: Digital Art

Alex Swanson-Bell ’19

Charmaine Fong ’18

Chloe Maderios ’18

Thomas Cernosia ’20

Sean Nagao ’18 SUMMER 2018 DRAGONTALES

Student Life

lower primary and upper primary Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo

Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo Musician-in-Residence During his tenth visit to HKIS, and his seventh trip as an artist-in-residence, Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo, a professor of ethnomusicology at the University of British Columbia, sat down with DragonTales to talk about the joys of music.

DRAGONTALES SUMMER 2018

Student Life What do you most enjoy about coming to HKIS?

Everything. The openness open-mindedness of faculty and students. The eagerness to open up opportunities for students to experience things outside their comfort zones and cultures. It’s as if you say, “we want to learn and we want to learn from wherever knowledge is coming.”

What has been your experience like with HKIS students?

Excellent. Every day, sitting on the floor with kindergarteners, their smile, the joy in the faces; even if I’m tired with the world, the moment I walk into classroom, these kids want knowledge, and I forget that I’m tired. My experience here is distinctive because I come often, there’s some continuity. I fit into the tradition here. The kids who I taught 10 years ago are now in High School, and when I reconnect with them, they come to me and sing children’s games.

How has your life or career changed over the course of the ten years you have come to HKIS? I first came as a Ph.D. candidate in the US, and now, I’m a professor at UBC. The significant change for me is following through on my dream of setting up a school in my village in Ghana. HKIS played a huge role, even if it has been indirect; over 80% of funding for the school came from my pocket, and coming to HKIS as an artist in residence has been a major source of that funding.

Could you describe the experience of working across the whole school?

My first and second trips to HKIS, I worked in Middle School and Upper Primary, and with High School in 2007 and 2008. This trip I have been with all divisions, in different music classes. The one thing we did this year that we haven’t done in the past was to have professional development with faculty. First time I’ve had workshop with music faculty — it was incredible. And every single faculty who came that day, showed interest and participated wholeheartedly.

You travel the world teaching music to students of all nationalities and languages. What can music teach us about people from other cultures, and how can it help us connect?

There are many things we find difficult to express using language, but music breaks those barriers easily. Teachers and students learn more about me, my culture, and my country through music than if I were to give a two-hour lecture. Through teaching a song, dancing, making a game — this gives me the opportunity to say what the song means, how it was created, how it is preformed, in what context, and many more things.

In English we have a saying that music is a universal language. Do you agree?

Yes, on the one hand music is a universal language, but then it isn’t. Music is everywhere. The sonic entity is the universal language. But the meaning of music is different, and that makes it not universal. Because if I were to sing a song from my village, it could be beautiful, mournful, and to me, who knows context and condition it would have a deeper meaning, and may not be suitable to sing outside a specific context. But in this way, music is a starting point for a discussion about my culture — I can explain the context and story around the music and you will understand more.

Who or what sparked your love of music and made you want to become a musician?

My community my culture, my village did. I grew up with it. Your mother carries you on her back when she dances, your father puts you on his neck when he drums. So you are at the center of the performance. But formally, many people have influenced me. Who I am is a child of the village, of the community, my experiences are communal, are collective, so I hate to name my mentors; this narrows down my total experience for me.

You have founded a school in your village, Dzodze. What is the history of Nunya Academy and what is your vision of its future?

I’m a child of the village. I’m from a very poor background. Music was one thing that kept me in school. So starting from my graduate studies, I would buy one instrument each month and link it to one kid in my village. Then I thought, why not put all this together – the child doesn’t have an instructor; at a school they can share together and gain knowledge. So we started building the school.

What are some important values you have as a teacher? What are some aspects of your philosophy of teaching that will be incorporated into Nunya Academy? My philosophy is, teach the younger generation who they are, so they can speak for themselves. So they can control their own thoughts and their own knowledge. The school is for them to understand their culture, language and music, and how to present it to the outside word. I wanted to create a school for who they are, and that allows them to take control of their identity.

Your school is named Nunya Academy. What is the meaning of the school’s name?

Nunya means knowledge. It comes from a profound proverb: “Nunya, Adiodoe: Asi Mesu Ne O”, which is: “Knowledge is like a baobab tree, no one person’s hand can encircle it alone.”

Please tell us a little about your village, Dzodze, in Ghana, and what music is like in your culture?

Music is the village and the village is music. If you go to my village from 6 a.m. to the next day at 6 a.m….if any minutes pass by with no music then you haven’t been to my village. It is a way of communicating. Music permeates our lives. n

Learn more about the Nunya Academy – check out their website www.nunyaacademy.com With thanks to Danielle Solan and Laura Lorentzen, Lower Primary Music Teachers

SUMMER 2018 DRAGONTALES

Student Life

performing arts feature

Little Shop of Horrors is Big Show of Talent Sid Sengupta

This spring, the High School Theater program put together the hilarious, gruesome and wacky Little Shop of Horrors. Performers gave meaty performances full of heart and wit to packed houses over four days of performances. Special props to the Technical Theater Club for expertly lighting and miking the stage, to the Stagecraft class for bringing the man-eating Venus flytrap Audrey II to life, Cy Udall for the musical direction, Mike Ross for conducting the band, and drama teacher Heatherly Stephens and Associate Principal Brent Brayko for rallying the troops and directing this rollicking good time. After the show, audience members went up on stage to take pictures with the actors & plants! n

Dixie Lonergan

Gweneth Humphreys

Taylor Burrows

A.J. Winegar Noa Yehudayan

Samara Krause 42

DRAGONTALES SUMMER 2018

Student Life

CAST

Prologue Voice

Chiffon

David Lovelin Noa Yehudayan

Crystal Gweneth Humphreys Ronnette Taylor Burrows

Mr. Mushnik

Rohaan Vaswani

Audrey Dixie Lonergan / Julia Demar

Seymour Krelborn

Customer #1, Mrs. Luce

Samara Krause

Ms. Chang, Customer #2

Heather Wong

Orin Scrivello, D.d.s.

A.J. Winegar

Young Orin, Dental Patient, Bernstein

Sean Furlong

Orin’s Mother

Sarah Inglis

Audrey II

Felix Yeung

Little Girl, Skip Snip

Quynh Harris

Patrick Martin

Suhjoon Kim

Siddharth Sengupta

Crew

Stage Manager

Margi Lonergan

Choreography

Gweneth Humphreys

Publicity & Costume Design

Heather Wong

Hair & Makeup Design

Lighting & Sound Design

Amogh Patil, Benny Berkenkotter, Liberty Chapman, Angelica Cheng, Isabella Tan, Grace Yang, Elly Wolhardt, Dexter Wan, Brendan Tan, Zach Brady

Set & Prop Construction Stagecraft Set Designer & Playbill Cover Art

Pit Band

Sofia Berman-Rodriguez

Photo Credit

Liberty Chapman Keyboard – Vanessa Tang Piano/Synthesizer – Tina Chou Electric Bass – Joey Mok Guitar – Preston Kra Drums – James Drake Percussion – Heather Wong Houston Li and Geoff Ballard

Rohaan Vaswani

SUMMER 2018 DRAGONTALES

Events

North American Alumni Tour By Hillary Sandeen, Alumni Relations We began this visit as the “West Coast” tour, but perhaps it is more fitting to refer to it as the “North American” tour, being that two of the stops were in Canada and one in the Midwest. For the first time, HKIS had an official alumni reunion in Toronto and the turnout was great thanks to the help of our regional reps Tristan Chao ’15 and Dion Hu ’14. Nestled inside the hip and cozy “Mahjong Bar”, alums gathered from as far back as the 80s and 90s up to more recent graduates attending university in Toronto. Alums had a great time reuniting with one another and exchanging information to keep in touch. Following the reunion in Toronto, I stopped in my hometown of Minneapolis on my way to the West Coast and hosted a dinner for alums there. Surprisingly, there is a good number of alums and former faculty who have settled in the Twin Cities! I hope to meet more when I’m “home” again this summer.

San Francisco

After unprecedented rainfall in LA, the famous California sun appeared and we had a nice, small gathering in a cozy gastropub in Santa Monica. Further up the coast, in San Francisco, alumni from every decade gathered for a lovely evening of good conversation, food and wine sourced locally from the region. A big thanks to our San Francisco regional reps, Alicia Lamb ’13 and Tori Hu ’13, for helping organize the terrific event and spreading the word to younger alums in the Bay area. We then headed northwest for the final two stops of the tour. We had a great turnout in Seattle with alums and former faculty getting together in a chic downtown eatery. Classmates who hadn’t seen each in over 20 years reunited and exchanged memories of the good old days at HKIS. There were even old yearbooks and DragonTales on display for all to enjoy thanks to David Kohl (former High School art teacher), Kristine (Hassa) Meier ’80 and Jonica (Hassa) Chalcraft ’79.

Hillary Sandeen, Alumni Relations, HKIS alumna guest, Richard Castle ‘90, Maziar Sabet, Chief Advancement Officer, Alicia Lamb ’13

Our last stop on the tour took us to Vancouver and though it was rainy and cold, that did not dampen the spirits of the alums who attended our delicious seafood dinner. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting the young alums there, learning how their lives have changed since leaving HKIS and hearing about their plans upon graduation. Thanks to everyone who attended our events and we hope to add more stops on our alumni tours in the future. If you would like to help us organize an alumni reunion in your city, please email alumni@hkis.edu.hk. n

Minneapolis

Seattle

(Hein) Mikol ’87, Dan Hillary Sandeen, Debbie Alison (Zahn) Davies ies, Dav tt Ma , ’07 y Murph ns ’86. Bur ou) (Ch n gso ’06 and Min

Patrick Liu ’93, Erica Cheah, ’93, Tim Gregg ’93, Angus Chu ’17 44

DRAGONTALES SUMMER 2018

Toronto

Melissa White ’13 and Suzanne Xu ’12

Alexander Potebnya ’70 and David Kohl

Vancouver

Events

Alumni Homecoming Alumni Homecoming Happy Hour January 12, 2018

l ’09 and Vincci Lau ’11

Chelsea Werth ’09, Kathryn Shul

On a cold, winter night beneath the stars, alumni of all ages gathered on the lovely outdoor rooftop at Bond to catch up with former classmates. Also in attendance was long time faculty member George Coombs. Many students had fun reminiscing with Mr. Coombs while enjoying canapes, drinks and good conversation. Thanks to all who came despite the chilly weather! n

Bijoy Goswami ’91, Michelle Jetton ’17 and George Coombs

Jun Ah Kim ’11 and Sabrina Lau ’11

Sang Ok Kim ’99

, Olivia Ma ’99 an

d Jocelyn Choy

’15

Allison (Lutz) Wong ’81 and George Coombs

Ben Leung ’97, Matthew Lo ’97 and Justin Hardman ’99

SUMMER 2018 DRAGONTALES

Events

Class of 1981 35th Reunion illmore ’81, Gemma Walker-F ine Hoenig, Marcel ’81 and Ela . ’81 s tku Bu ke Mi and

The Class of 1981 gathered in Chicago in August 2016 for our 35th class reunion. It was a great turnout, with almost 30 alumni attending as well as a good number of family and friends bringing the group total to over 40. Freny Bunshah Jokhi used her connections to get us a great deal at the Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront, overlooking the Chicago river. The early birds arrived on Thursday, August 11 and met for a welcome dinner at Cantina Laredo, close to the hotel. There was lots of squealing and hugging on Friday in the hotel lobby, as more class members arrived. Friday evening started with a classic deep dish pizza dinner at Gino’s East, after which we repaired to Morgen Tilling Gillis’ place for drinks, browsing through old yearbooks, catching up, or getting to know people – there were plenty of people whose time at HKIS did not overlap. Finally, everyone donned their reunion t-shirts for a group photo. On Saturday afternoon, part of the group took a lake and river tour while the rest explored the windy city. Saturday evening everyone met for the traditional Chinese dinner at the Phoenix Restaurant. Brunch at the Rosebud on Rush followed on Sunday morning for those who didn’t have to catch an early flight. A final vote was taken on the timing and location of our next two reunions, so for those who like to plan ahead… Our 40-year reunion will be in held in Seattle in 2021 and everyone agreed that Hong Kong would be the place to meet in 2026 for our 45-year reunion! (Oh, and for the skeptics among you…. Those in the know highly recommend a trip to Paducah, KY!!!!) n

DRAGONTALES SUMMER 2018

Alumni Making Moves

Writing & Criticism Ethan Alter ’96 David Tenn ant and Eth an Alter “in conversatio n” at a BA FTA New Yo Photo cour rk tesy of BA FTA New Yo event. rk.

Nic Cage and

Ethan Alter

A Critical Success Ethan Alter ’96 made his high school dreams a reality and reviews film and TV for a living for Yahoo Entertainment.

Ethan’s book is available at the best online bookstores!

What’s your HKIS story? Where did you go to college and what did you study?

I spent my entire high school career at HKIS, from 1992 to 1996. My mom, Pat Alter, ran the high school library for several of those years, and my younger brother, Jesse Alter, went through middle school and his freshman year of high school. After graduation, I headed to Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois where I pursued the three M’s: Majoring in Radio/TV/Film, minoring in American history, and moonlighting in the journalism school.

You’re now a Senior Writer at Yahoo Entertainment, covering films and TV. How did you make this happen?

Equal parts perseverance and luck! I wrote my first film review for my elementary school newspaper and continued contributing reviews to Junto at HKIS and The Daily Northwestern in Evanston. During college, I landed foundational summer internships at Film Journal International and the Village Voice where my byline appeared in mainstream publications for the first time. I moved to New York in 2000 and alternated freelance work with full-time jobs at various magazines including Entertainment Weekly, TV Guide and Giant. While criticism was my primary focus early on, over time I’ve moved on to writing longer feature stories, interviews and even a book, Film Firsts: The 25 Movies That Created Contemporary American Cinema. In today’s landscape, it’s hard for film journalists to live by reviews alone, and I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to write about movies and television in different ways.

You were passionate about performance in High School. What are some of your favorite memories from back then?

I’ll never forget my first time on the HKIS stage as a background player in the 1992 production of Equus. There’s a scene in Act 2 where the extras had to jeer the main character when he visits an adult movie theater, and in the final performance I went off-book and shouted out: “What are you doing, kid—sightseeing or something?” I half-expected to become the first person ever to be fired from a high school play mid-performance, but people laughed and, after that, I was hooked and happily spent the next four years performing in whatever productions would cast me.

What lessons did you take from your time at HKIS? Who or what influenced you? I certainly owe my evolution as a writer to attentive teachers like Johann Horne, Michael Meyer and Dan McCarthy. And being part of a company of theater nerds under the direction of Doug Baker has been instrumental in terms of how I approach interviews. Acting is largely about listening and being present in the moment, and I’ve found that those same skills make for better conversations whenever I speak with a director, writer or performer. In recent years, I’ve had the opportunity to conduct on-camera interviews and moderate public events, and I know

Ethan and his family

enjoy Niagara Falls.

that I wouldn’t feel as comfortable in those environments had it not been for my time in the high school theater trenches. In fact, I still rely on some of the warm-up rituals that I used in the HKIS greenroom before I interview someone like David Tennant in front of a live audience.

What are some of your most memorable interviews?

One of the joys of my job is the chance to interview artists whose work I’ve been a fan of since high school, from directors like Steven Soderbergh and James Cameron to performers like Patrick Stewart and Nicole Kidman. A major bucket list moment for me was speaking with Nicolas Cage, not just once, but three times; hearing him answer my questions was an out of body experience equivalent to back-to-back showings of Con Air and The Wicker Man. Hands down my strangest interview was the time I went to Trump Tower to talk to Donald Trump about the latest season of Celebrity Apprentice. This was well before he announced his presidential run, but I remember it being a surreal experience in the moment and even more surreal in light of subsequent events.

Any family updates you would like to share?

My wife, Jessica, and I have been married 16 years and have a 10-yearold son, Dylan, and a 7-year-old daughter, Aeryn. Dylan was recently cast in his first amateur theater production, so I’m looking forward to spending the next few years experiencing middle and high school plays from the audience this time.

DragonTales wants to know: Do you have tips on what age to introduce your kids to Star Wars and in what order to watch the films? Believe me, I put a lot of thought into this! I showed Dylan about 30 minutes of A New Hope when he was around 4 years old, just enough to give him the flavor and let him see his first lightsaber. A year later, he had the desire (and attention span) to see the whole thing and after that we watched The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi before circling back to the prequels. (As the younger sibling, Aeryn got thrown into the deep end, joining us for one of our many re-watches of A New Hope when she was about 3.) My general advice in regards to Star Wars—and any favorite films you want to share with you kids, really—is to start with the ones you’re most passionate about because they’ll respond to your enthusiasm. If that film is A New Hope or even The Force Awakens, start there. If it’s The Phantom Menace…well, may the Force be with you. n To get in touch with Ethan, email him at ethanalter@gmail.com

SUMMER 2018 DRAGONTALES

Alumni Making Moves

Entrepreneurship Joanne Chow ’99

Tom Dixon and Joanne Chow at the launch of his brand in Hong Kong.

Positively HKIS

Joanne Chow ’99 is the Director of Aussco, a textile manufacturing company her grandfather founded nearly 60 years ago, co-founder of Matter of Design, bringing European homewear brands to Hong Kong, and co-founder of Azalvo, a co-creation incubator platform for fashion, homeware and lifestyle start-ups, and accelerator for established brands hoping to scale in the region. She finds a moment to share how HKIS values, experiences, and teachers gave her the foundation to approach life and business with confidence, perseverance, and love.

At the Azalvo opening cere

mony.

How did the values and experiences at HKIS influence your life?

There have been so many. But when I take a step back, the word that comes to mind is “positivity.” The positivity I’m referring to is not the kind we know as students — because, let’s face it, there was always too much to do and too little time! — but the positivity in the little, seemingly trivial things every day. It was this infectious, magnetic positivity I felt in every morning handshake when I walked through the gates, and in all the times my friends and teachers embraced my shortcomings and failures and reminded me it was okay to be flawed. I had many ups and downs at HKIS, as many of us did, and throughout the years, my peers and teachers at HKIS collectively taught me how to be open to failure, because that is how you rise and realize your full potential. No matter what I was going through, there was always a lending hand. There was always the friend who was there for me. There was always the teacher who told you it’s okay, but don’t stop trying, you can be better. In life, it is always about the attitude. So, my key takeaway from HKIS is always to be open, positive and that your attitude will always take you further than your talent. This positivity has made my life today possible. The fact that I’m balancing not one but four adorable children under the age of six with a growing business in retail brand distribution is a notion that seems crazy to most, and probably impossible on paper, but it’s all manageable because I try to remain positive. Every day, I’m juggling various tasks (big and small), business decisions and recharging my ambition. Injecting a bit of positivity in every day is a detail some of us miss but is so important because it reminds us why we’re doing what we’re doing. It reminds us that no matter how busy and insane life gets, we are doing everything for a purpose, and that’s what matters.

What event at HKIS triggered your love of textiles and fashion? Was there a teacher who helped incubate your passion?

I had the privilege of being the first from HKIS to represent Hong Kong as the Head of Hong Kong and Macau’s District Council of Interact, a chapter of Rotary International. Leading this service organization for the district played a significant part in who I am today. I was suddenly very aware of the impact and differences a high school student could make. It was Ms. Talbot and Mr. Schmidt who inspired me with the kindness in their everyday work, and helped me realize how very fortunate we are, and that my future success would be about taking bold, intentional steps to becoming a better human being. 48

DRAGONTALES SUMMER 2018

The annual Interact Fashion Show is easily one of my memorable achievements. There were two groups of fashionistas before me who’d run the fashion show. I decided to plant it into a service organization to raise money, extend it to two days and involve double the number of people to set up a stronger platform. It’s hard to believe that the show continues to this day, nearly 20 years later. I was never a fashion person, but I loved the fact that this fashion show brought a group of young students together, day in and day out, to work tirelessly for a charitable cause. Thus, my passion is not so much in textiles or fashion than it is in organization and entrepreneurship. HKIS pushed me to grow through both failures and successes. Not fearing the possibility of failure is a vast and valuable lesson if you can figure out how to stay on course and get back in the game after you fail. By standing up again after a fall, you will accomplish things you never imagined possible.

What advice you would give current HKIS students and/or fellow HKIS alumni?

We have the ability and willpower to believe and carry out plans we commit to action. Yet, self-doubt and fear tend to make us worried about the future. However, it is important not to let the future consume the present. The downfall of a vision is not having the fundamentals of life’s balance; there is a delicate balance between thinking about the future and worrying about it. I am constantly reminded by friends and family that planning for the future and worrying about the future are two separate things. Planning is strategic, rooted in action and seeks to produce results that are carefully thought-out and calculated ahead of time. Worrying about the future is driven by emotion. It is healthy to worry a bit to keep us humble and human, but worry cannot solve problems and will not get you to where you want to go for the simple fact that it is not a means to an end. Be open-minded, have a clear vision and do not fear what is ahead. I credit Mrs. Yih for counseling me when I was lost, referencing the Bible passage from Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” n Get in touch with Joanne! Email her at joannechow@amatterofdesign.com

Alumni Making Moves

Entrepreneurship By Andrew Kwan ’97

Jess Lee ’00

When Jess Lee ’00 was an HKIS student, her dream was to become a manga comic book artist. Little did she know that by age 33, she would sell her online fashion company Polyvore, where she was CEO and co-founder, to Yahoo. One year later in 2016, Lee made even bigger headlines globally as the first female investing partner at Sequoia Capital in the United States. Sequoia Capital is one of Silicon Valley’s most revered venture capital firms.

Portrait of an Entrepreneur as a Young Student

To accomplish this much this young, as both a technology entrepreneur as well as an investor, is nothing short of amazing. To think that Jess spent essentially her entire K-12 experience at HKIS is also a testament to the school’s success as a molder of students who go on and make a difference in this world as alumni. Jess thinks fondly of her HKIS experience. “I loved HKIS and feel very privileged to have gone here,” said Lee, who remembers pulling the occasional all-nighter during her student days. “HKIS taught me the importance of working hard. It’s a tough school.” For her, the school offered a wide array of opportunities: From a curriculum that fosters creativity and open-mindedness to Interim trips where she traveled to and learned from the diverse world beyond Hong Kong. And of course, there were the teachers. Jess grew up shaped by fantastic teachers at HKIS. She recalls Mr. Dennis Wetjen giving a lesson on self-esteem using the metaphor of a bucket, and how you should never dip into other people’s bucket to boost your own self-esteem. Among many extra-curriculars she participated in, Jess remembers starting art club at HKIS with Cedric Yu. She has always loved reading manga comic books and drawing, so starting art club was a way to be entrepreneurial in something she is passionate about. This lifelong interest in art has also impacted her professional career in technology. “Caring about art made me care about design, and a good consumer product needs good design,” said Jess. “Whether you are crafting products, pitching investors, recruiting employees or closing customers – there is a storytelling element to it all. Art has helped me tell visual stories with more magic and delight.”

From Stanford to Google, from Polyvore to Sequoia

After graduating from HKIS, Jess went on to attend Stanford University where she majored in computer science. She joined Google in 2004 and helped launch features like My Maps. By 2008, Jess saw an opportunity. In Hong Kong, she had grown up seeing a plethora of beauty products advertising in fashion magazines. In Polyvore, an online fashion community where users could create their own fashion ensembles and share what they thought was stylish, Jess saw an opportunity to flip the traditional notion of beauty dictated by a few fashion editors in elite fashion magazines upside down. By empowering users to essentially curate and create their own fashion magazines, Polyvore embarked on a mission to let the users themselves become the voice of fashion. Seven years later, under Jess’ leadership, Polyvore was acquired by Yahoo for a reported US$230 million. Now, as Sequoia Capital’s first female investing partner in the US and one of Silicon Valley’s most influential venture capitalists, Jess has another interesting opportunity: To invest and groom the next generation of entrepreneurs — finding and backing the next Instagram, Whatsapp or Polyvore.

From Manga Artist to World-Class Entrepreneur and Venture Capitalist Wisdom from the Past, Insights into the Future

True to HKIS’s emphasis on service leadership, Jess’s interest in service via building communities and paying it forward has long been a theme in her career. In Polyvore, she helped form a community for fashion aficionados, giving voice to those outside of elite fashion circles. She also recently started Female Founder Office Hours in collaboration with a group of other top female venture capitalists to empower and connect female startup founders with female venture capitalists. Looking back, perhaps Jess’ journey in entrepreneurship had started earlier than Polyvore. Maybe it was co-founding art club at HKIS, or simply learning from her mother, who started a small business out of their apartment doing translation work. Through helping out at her mom’s business, it became self-evident to Jess at a very young age that anyone can run their own company regardless of gender and age. Looking into the future, one thing we know for certain is technology will shape, even more drastically than before, how we will learn and work. A good percentage of jobs in the future have not been invented yet today. What can schools do to prepare students for these yet-to-beinvented jobs? Jess believes it is not facts nor even pieces of knowledge, because the world will continue to produce new facts and new knowledge at an even faster rate. The key for schools is teaching students how to learn, and both HKIS and Stanford have taught her how to learn in that regard. Even if the subject does not interest you, you still have to learn it. “Learning fast and working hard will take you very far in life,” summarized Jess. What advice would Jess have for current HKIS students? Jess shared three key points. First, seek out that feeling of trying and learning, even if it makes you uncomfortable. Trying is scary because of that feeling “I do not know if I can do this.” That is precisely the feeling you should seek out in your studies and career, said Jess, because that is the feeling of learning and growth. Secondly, go where the good people go. When you see people who are both really talented and nice go somewhere, go be around them. Do not worry if you are not the smartest person in the room. Finally, pay it forward. Take care of the people who are behind you. Share your time when you can. Apparently, even though she never became a professional comic book artist, Jess is very much writing her own life story — making a difference in this world as any manga protagonist would be, one chapter at a time. And here is the good news: this manga is still in its early chapters, with readers cheering on the protagonist to continue on and make this world a better place, through innovation and service. n Get in touch with Jess! Email her at jess@sequoiacap.com

SUMMER 2018 DRAGONTALES

Milestones

our hearts to compassion Retirement calls for Thom and Mary Garetson, who, combined, have given nearly four decades to our school. DragonTales sat down for a conversation about their road to, through, and from HKIS.

Thom: While I was in college, I discovered there were schools and companies that were looking for teachers to teach overseas. My family really didn’t travel, and in 1974 teaching jobs were few and far between, so I began to explore teaching internationally. I was offered a job in Guam, which started my career overseas. I went on to teach in Saudi Arabia, Greece, California and Hong Kong. Mary and I met in 1999 while she a was principal of a Lutheran school in Hawaii and I was a widowed single dad (Jenika ’06) teaching in the desert of southern California. While job searching I came across an ad for an English as a Second Language teacher at HKIS, so applied, and ended up interviewing over the phone with a team of teachers from the Middle School. By the time the job was certain, Mary and I were serious, so we knew she would also come to HKIS.

Mary: Thom came first, in 1999, and I followed in 2000. Before being a

principal, I had been an elementary teacher in Texas. Coming to HKIS meant a return to the classroom. For me, the big surprise about coming to teach in Hong Kong was how easy it was to live here. In a sense, Hawaii was a good introduction to Asian culture and food because of its large Asian population. A big change for me was the type of children in the school. At HKIS, students travel more, and their parents can take off work and come and volunteer. In my previous schools, it was difficult to get parent volunteers; as the principal I even had to drive the school bus on school field trips! For me, in the end, the bigger culture shock was moving from Indiana to Dallas when I first started teaching.

Thom: I love working at HKIS and living in Hong Kong. We have exceptional professional development, an abundance of teaching supplies and support, and students who really are self-motivated. My students are “my kids” and no matter how old they become, that will never change. When I taught ESOL, I had a different relationship with my students. I would go into a room and see a look of relief come across a student’s face as I was there to make things better. I recently went to dinner with three Grade 6 ESOL “boys” (who are now approaching 30) from my first year at HKIS. It was great to see that connection was still there after all these years. About 11 years ago, I became a Religion teacher and have enjoyed it immensely. Many students have not considered the deeper questions of life, and it’s fun to get them to think about things they haven’t considered, and to encourage that thinking. I love Middle School! A college professor once told me, “The best part about being a Middle School teacher is that if you play your cards right you never have to grow up.” Forty eight years later, I’m still living that quote. I’m kind of awkward and shy, and my inner middle school kid thrives in the HKIS environment. My biggest fear about retirement is that I will finally have to grow up.

Mary: I have taught Grade 1 for all my years at HKIS. In our old

building we first started out in clusters, with a windowed wall that separated my class from the one beside mine. The classes opened into a main gathering area for group activities. Later a wall was added down the middle of the group area to give more privacy to individual rooms. Now we’re in our new building and back to our own classrooms. The students love having access to a balcony, where they can grow beans and find a quiet corner to take a break and have a snack. Over the years, I’ve seen the students who come into my classroom change. They are more sophisticated, they have been lots of places, know more about the world, and more of their parents speak English, which wasn’t always the case. In my early years at HKIS, parents more frequently brought interpreters to conferences. Communicating with parents is also very different today. We used to write everything in letters and mail them home. Now it’s all through email, and it’s much easier for parents to keep in touch. The quick responses have been helpful in the classroom! HKIS fits my background because I have always taught at a Lutheran school. Teaching here is challenging, but you can teach in a way that suits your areas of expertise. Before HKIS I taught in a school where I had to teach music, art, and PE, which are not my fields! Here the situation is more fitting; you can teach what you really like to teach, and have specialists to teach what they like to teach. The other Lutheran schools where I taught were much more connected to the church. We would take attendance and see who went to church and Sunday School — it was more of a faith community. Here, we teach about different faiths, it’s informational rather than faith-based. But we do present the Christian faith very clearly.

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Milestones

Mary on Thom: Thom has encouraged a lot of student service projects. In his religion classes, students lead a service project outside of class, which can help bring their faith or spiritual identity into their lives. He is good at making kids think. He is a patient listener, and when students talk to him about their beliefs, they slow down to think about their thinking. Thom on Mary: Mary is a sought-after Grade 1 teacher. When the students leave her class at the end of the year, they’re different kids. She offers them structure, and she is serious in terms of making sure that every student’s needs are met. She goes to bat for them, and if there are kids that are challenged, she works to get them the support they need. She’s been instrumental with the Lower Primary Math and Religion curriculums, and Grade 1 chapels. Mary & Thom: In June, we move to Hawaii’s Big Island, where we will

live off and on throughout the year. Jenika ’06 had a baby in May, our first grandchild, so we will also be be visiting Florida several times a year. Our newest development, is that we will be volunteering at a township school in South Africa for four months out of the year. There, we will be working in connection with former HKIS High School Principal Pat Klekamp at St. Peter’s Christian College in the township of Mhluzi, South Africa, with the Mission of Christ Network. We will be working primarily with teachers in the areas of ESL and Religion curriculum. There is no question that we are going to miss Hong Kong and HKIS, but thanks to the Internet we will be able to keep those connections alive. Our email addresses are marygaretson@gmail.com and thomgaretson@gmail.com. We look forward to keeping in touch with our HKIS family! n

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In Memoriam Arleen Christian Kindergarten Teacher, HKIS, 1974-77 By David Christian

Arleen Christian

Bob and Arleen with an infant David at his Baptism.

Arleen, Ann and a student in Hong Kong.

Bob and Arleen Christian at an event in the 1960s.

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Arleen Vogel woke up with a plan. It was February 9, 1935, her sixth birthday, and the young Iowan had been told that she could start school when she turned six. Unnoticed as the family worked through morning chores, Arleen had gotten herself dressed, put on her coat, and headed down the gravel road towards Immanuel Lutheran School, a mile away. Nobody else, however, was aware of Arleen’s plan. Tillie, her mom, prepared breakfast for Ernst, a rural carpenter, and Elenore, Arleen’s older sister. When Tillie went to get Arleen, the youngster was nowhere to be found. The house was small. The entire community consisted of half a dozen houses and three businesses, so there weren’t too many places where Arleen could have gone. And yet Arleen was nowhere in sight. Tillie, my grandmother, eventually found and caught up with Arleen, and brought the disappointed youngster back home. That brief morning adventure, however, points to two of my mother’s lifelong characteristics—she was committed to education, and she was always willing to get up and do what needed to be done. My mom passed away this past February, at the age of 89. As Arleen moved from the tiny hamlet of Klinger, Iowa and later lived in several of the world’s most dynamic cities, she never abandoned the values she displayed in that 1935 morning walk. Arleen did start school the following September. After finishing high school in nearby Readlyn, she enrolled at Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois. Two years later she was back at Immanuel Lutheran where she served as a post-WWII supply teacher. Her first job …teaching fifty students in K-4. Mom had met my dad, Robert (“Bob”) Christian at Concordia and the two married in August 1950. Bob had already been teaching for a year at Our Saviour Lutheran School in New York City, so the newlyweds settled in a high rise apartment complex in the Bronx. I, David, was born a year later, and was soon followed by Ann, Rebecca, and Lois. While she was kept busy with her mothering duties, Arleen also did local substitute teaching, and filled in when another Bronx school lost a teacher mid-year. In 1966, Bob was called to be the first headmaster at HKIS, and the family moved to a new bustling city. Again, Arleen rose to the occasion and did what needed to be done. As Bob hired teachers and ordered supplies, she helped design the school uniforms and developed foundational relationships with local resident communities. Daughter Julie joined the family in 1968 and Mom rekindled her mothering skills. When Julie started school, Arleen went back to the classroom and taught kindergarten at HKIS until the family left Hong Kong in 1977. After moving to Seattle, Bob started Seattle Lutheran High School and Arleen resumed kindergarten teaching, a role she held until 1994. With Julie as the only child still living at home, Arleen found a new way to serve her new community. She joined the board of the Compass Center (now Compass Housing Alliance,) a non-profit that served meals and provided other support services for Seattle’s homeless population. Last summer Mom and Dad moved into an assisted living facility in West Seattle. When I visited Dad last week, I came across their address book, most of it written in Mom’s beautiful handwriting. When someone moved, an address was crossed out and replaced … sometimes with several arrows tracing multiple moves. That address book points to another of my mother’s lifelong gifts. She tended to relationships. She maintained connections to many people she had known as her own life adventure extended around the globe. My dad, my four sisters and I miss her presence, and yet we are grateful for the time we had with her and for her many gifts…shaping young lives as a teacher…applying her time and talents when a situation required it…nurturing relationships with family and friends. Arleen, you left your mark on many people. Together we say, “Thank you.”

Claire Marie (Osborne) Cunane January 3, 1933 – February 4, 2018 French Teacher, HKIS, 1969-73 It is with great sadness that the family of Claire Cunane announces her passing on February 4, 2018, at the age of 85. Claire, a devout Catholic, is survived by her sons Bob Mahoney ’74 and Brian Mahoney, granddaughter Bridget, and great-grandchildren Chiara, Anjulie, and Brayden. Born in Frackville, PA, to J.H. Osborne and Florence Tierney-Osborne, Claire graduated in 1950 from Shenandoah Catholic High School and Kutztown State Teachers College in 1954, then studied abroad in France. Claire taught French and Science for over 30 years. She taught French at Hong Kong International School from 1969-73, and went on to teach at Stewart Middle School before retiring from Zephyrhills High School in 1998. In her retirement years, she traveled abroad and enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Becky Done Grade 2 Teacher, HKIS, 1999 – 2003 On December 5, 2017, in Grapevine, TX, Becky Done, age 55, went home to be with her Lord and Saviour. For 16 months she fought a courageous battle with cancer, however, her life was never defined by the disease. She was a vibrant soul who loved people deeply and served them whole-heartedly, even in her final days. Becky was born on October 11, 1962, in Florida to her parents Sara Ruth McBryde and Charles Francis McBryde. In 1981, she married the love of her life, Ralph Done of Homestead, Florida. Upon graduating from university, she began her teaching career at Colonia Christian School. After 5 years in South Florida, she and her husband along with their 2 children moved to Hong Kong as church-planting missionaries. During their 15 years in Hong Kong, Becky had the privilege of teaching at the Hang Sang Bank School of Commerce and later at Hong Kong International School. She also gave birth to their third child while living there. Upon returning to the United States (Texas), Becky lovingly served as a children’s pastor for 7 years at Northwood Church, and over the past 4 years has enjoyed working in the insurance industry with Financial Benefit Services. Becky was a wonderful mother to her three daughters. She was also blessed with three son-in-laws whom she loved dearly. And she absolutely loved being GiGi to her three grand-babies. Becky is preceded in death by her mother, Sara Ruth Miller McBryde. She is survived by her husband, Ralph; daughters, Sadie and her husband Brooks Anderson, April and her husband Brandon Wishon, and Halee and her husband Clinton Mabry; grandchildren, Charlee, Canon, and Branch Anderson; father, Charles McBryde. Her life was always lived on purpose. Everyone who knew Becky, knew they were loved and valued. She was a beautiful life to celebrate.

SUMMER 2018 DRAGONTALES

Mr. Al Wingfield High School Principal, HKIS, 1968-71 Rev. Albert Berton Wingfield, 84, was called to his eternal rest on May 16, 2018, surrounded by loved ones. Al was born June 21, 1933, to Albert Waverly and Bertha August (Gottberg) Wingfield in Morrilton, Arkansas. Al was soon baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church on nearby Petit Jean Mountain. He married his high school sweetheart Marjorie Lee (Bishop) shortly after enlisting in the Navy, and went on to serve during the Korean conflict, first on the USS Collett, a destroyer, and then aboard the USS George, a destroyer escort. His remaining years of service were at the North Island Naval Air Station, near San Diego. After some years as a business owner in Arkansas, Al chose to become a Lutheran teacher, earning his Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Concordia Teachers College in Nebraska. He was first called to serve at The American School in Tokyo, Japan, and then to Hong Kong International School before returning to the States to become the founding principal of Lutheran High School North in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. Between his time in the Navy and becoming a principal in Michigan, Al and Marge’s marriage was blessed with six children. After earning his master’s degree at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, Wingfield served at Concordia Teachers College, River Forest, Illinois, and earned his pastoral ministry colloquy at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1983 while serving as assistant to the president, Rev. Dr. Robert Preus. Al returned to secondary education in 1986 as an ordained minister, serving as headmaster of St. Paul Lutheran High School in Concordia, Missouri, and then moving back to Michigan in 1989 to serve as assistant superintendent of the Detroit Lutheran High School Association. Beginning in 1996, Al served as vice president of business affairs at Concordia Theological Seminary until his retirement in 2015. While at the seminary, he authored several children’s books and served area churches as pastor. In May of 2012, Concordia University Nebraska recognized him with an honorary doctorate for his lifetime dedication to “growing the church and expanding Christian education at home and abroad.” Al’s service to the church continued even after his retirement from the seminary. Most recently, he had been a pastor at Living Water Lutheran Church, Wolf Lake, Indiana. His last sermon, titled “Tell it All,” was delivered April 11 and was based on readings from the Book of Acts. Al is survived by his wife Marjorie; children, Robert (Jeri), Phil (Jeanne), Linda (Kevin) Krohn, Judy (Tim) Thoms, Carol (Dan) Oetting, and Rebecca (Anthony) Marquart; 19 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; brother Keith (Kathy); nieces and nephews.

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Staying Connected

Class Notes

1969 Elizabeth Gore

1979 Claire Chao

Claire Chao ’79 and her mother, Isabel Sun Chao, have been busy launching their five-generation memoir Remembering Shanghai: A Memoir of Socialites, Scholars and Scoundrels. It all started with a preview for family and friends in November 2017, held at the Hong Kong Country Club and attended by many HKIS alumni.

I am living a dream on my 240-acre farm in Willisburg, Kentucky, having retired about five years ago from a career in IT Project Management in the banking and finance industry, based in Chicago. After taking a “leave of absence” in 1971, from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia, I moved to Chicago, where I completed my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from DePaul University, and a Masters in Management (Finance and International Business) from Northwestern University, while working full time. I lived in Chicago for over 40 years (so much for the “leave of absence”!), working for numerous financial firms and banks, finishing my career with UBS (United Bank of Switzerland), where I worked for about 25 years (including several mergers and acquisitions).I didn’t settle down into a permanent long-term relationship until in my late 30’s, and am currently married to the love of my life, Marilyn Fox. Marilyn and I retired on the same day in August, 2012. Marilyn was a medical publisher for a large medical association in Chicago. Life has been very good to me. My interests include nature, hiking, swimming, “power gardening”, music (I studied opera for about 15 years while in Chicago), travel, history, and lifelong learning. I like nothing more than to share my beautiful farm with family and close friends, enjoying fresh air, exercise and good food together.

Claire and her mother Isabel at their Hong Kong book preview. In response to friends’ questions on how she has remained so vibrant into her late eighties, Isabel’s advice: “avoid fruit and vegetables, eat fatty pork, do not exercise and do play mahjong five times a week.”

The book is receiving glowing praise from major publications. The memoir is an account of Isabel’s life with her scholar father and glamorous mother in 1930s and ’40s Shanghai, and her early departure from home when Mao comes to power. As her world of privilege shatters, eighteenyear-old Isabel embarks for Hong Kong, thinking it is a short vacation. It is fifty years before she returns to Shanghai to confront her past, this time accompanied by her daughter, Claire. They spend the next decade collaborating on the research, writing and production of Remembering Shanghai, including 160 family photographs, original watercolors and rarely published historical illustrations. In late March Claire introduced the book to a sold-out audience at the Shanghai International Literary Festival. While in Shanghai, she also led a tour of locations from Isabel’s childhood with the heritage group Historic Shanghai. To cap off the visit, Claire stayed at Swire Properties’ brand-new luxe hotel, Middle House, which has selected Remembering Shanghai as its VIP guest gift.

Claire was in New York City to celebrate the memoir’s May launch on amazon.com with several book signings and a talk at the Princeton University Art Museum. Remembering Shanghai is available from rememberingshanghai.com, amazon.com and Hong Kong Bookazine stores.

1990 Betty Chung Hello class of 1990 and friends, hope 2018 is going well wherever you are! I’m posted in Jakarta, Indonesia as a Foreign Service Legal Officer with the U.S. Agency for International Development. Here until Spring 2020. I was lucky to spend time with Jen Price Smith’90 in beautiful Barcelona, Spain, last summer. I also met some more recent alumni - Zach Shaw ’14, Alex Shaw ’16 and Luke Shaw ’20 (who attended HKIS but will graduate from Jakarta International School). I was sad to hear Field Hockey has moved from a varsity to a club sport since the 1997 handover. But it was fun swapping Hong Kong stories. All the best from Indonesia!

1990 Anthony Chang and 1997 Andrew Kwan On March 29, 2018, the Stanford Mendicants — Stanford University’s oldest all-male a cappella singing group, covering genres such as gospel and barbershop to original compositions, jazz standards and contemporary pop music — visited HKIS High School. They performed during two music classes hosted by Cyril Udall, exchanged ideas about music and shared their college experiences with HKIS students. The group of 19 singers concluded their visit with a third performance at the High School Plaza, sending off HKIS students into their Easter holidays with songs. The visit was arranged and sponsored by HKIS alumni and parents who are also Stanford alumni, including Anthony Chang ’90, Andrew Kwan ’97 (board member of HKIS Alumni Association HK Chapter) and Sandy Wan.

We know you like to read Class Notes.... so submit yours today! Contact alumni@hkis. edu.hk with your updates, stories, and photos.

SUMMER 2018 DRAGONTALES

Staying Connected

1995

Mary Jane and David Elliott HKIS faculty from 1982-2007

Alanna Chan, Kelvin Hah, Derek Leung, Anthony Ng, Jonathan Shih, Linne Tsu ’96, Albert Yung, Justina Wong, Mark Wong

Golden Wedding Anniversary

What does an alumni reunion have to do with egg tarts and “wife” cakes? A lot, thanks to Mark Wong ’95! Thanks Mark for organizing a fun-filled day for a group of HKIS alums and their kids at Kee Wah Studio, learning to make the delicious Chinese treats! .

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We recently celebrated 50 years of marriage with the faculty and staff families of Concordia International School Hanoi. We loved this joyous event. The celebration started with actual readings from our wedding 50 years ago. Our wedding was one of the first Catholic-Protestant marriages in the Indianapolis Archdiocese. Mary Jane made all the cupcakes for our celebration just like she made our wedding cake. Youth, children and a faculty choir helped make the celebration a community event. A photo slideshow from all the weddings of Concordia families allowed for a grand honoring of marriage. Each of the families at Concordia are special. We hope to celebrate all year with as many of you as possible. Perhaps we could arrange a time in Hong Kong to get together with colleagues. HKIS will always remain a special place for us and a “home” for all of our children.

Staying Connected

Jasmine ’08 and Ashwin Get Married

By Marty Schmidt

2008 Jasmine Lau It’s perhaps well-known that being a high school teacher requires a broad array of skills, but one thing I never anticipated was to serve as a wedding officiant for one of my students! But that’s exactly what happened on New Year’s Day, 2018 when I, along with New York teacher John Ditton, co-officiated the wedding of Jasmine Lau ’08 to her fiancé Ashwin Kaja in Bagan, Myanmar. The original inspiration was that Ashwin decided to ask his most influential teacher of his high school career to be an officiant at their wedding, and then Jasmine asked me to represent her formative years at HKIS. It was a thrilling moment for both John and myself.

remarkable: I know of no other HKIS student who has started their own NGO fresh out of university. When I began thinking about this wedding in a field in Bagan, the words of the Persian poet Rumi came to me:

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I’ll meet you there.”

Here are some of my remarks to the couple and the hundred-plus family and friends who travelled from around the world to a temple ground outside of Bagan to celebrate their wedding day.

Beyond wrongdoing and rightdoing is a field...To me this means going way beyond so many conventions — beyond an Indian wedding or a Chinese wedding. Because in that field something new, something unprecedented, something authentic and beautiful is breaking out. What is that new thing? It’s a global field of love. When you think of the refugee crisis or North Korea or US politics or ethnic cleansing right here, isn’t it obvious that what our world needs more than anything else is a global field of love? I think I’m expressing the wish of this new couple that each of us is somehow changed by being here — by participating in and contributing to this field of love.

I first got to know Jasmine half of her lifetime ago at the tender age of 14 when she left local Hong Kong schools and became a grade 9 student at HKIS where she was deeply influenced by a course that my wife and I teach called Humanities I in Action. Here’s something Jasmine wrote about the course in 2005, and says a lot about what kind of person Jasmine is: “We

Jasmine and Ashwin, it was a great honor — another life highlight — to be present at your wedding, and we all look forward to the ways that you will impact the world for good through your marriage! We as an HKIS community are honoured to be a part of this great unfolding. Wishing many years of joy and service. n

are all part of the human family, so we should not ignore the sufferings of other people.” Even at that young age Jasmine made her high values very clear: One human family, the sufferings of others, universal brotherhood and sisterhood. When she and Jenn [Jennifer Wu ’08] were seniors, they put these high values into action, raising enough money for 100 girls in China to get a high school education. When I gave a speech at their senior project in 2008, I said that working with Jasmine and Jenn on this project would be one of my life’s proudest accomplishments. But it didn’t stop there. These girls started their own NGO called Ember to support the girls and have run a summer camp for these girls for 11 years running. More than 450 poor girls in China have received a high school education and 30 of these girls have gained a college education because of Ember’s work. Jasmine, your commitment to bettering the lives of others is SUMMER 2018 DRAGONTALES

The Last Word

Janet Tan High School Humanities Teacher Janet Tan, one of our beloved High School Humanities teachers, shares reflections with DragonTales on the eve of her retirement.

I’m taking you with me…. or, as Robert Frost puts it, ‘I shan’t be gone long, you come too…..’ Meme day with Mered ith Haskins: Sean Spicer in the bushes

Eighteen years at HKIS has been quite a ride. A crazy, fast, bumpy at times, wonderful ride. And a ride that will stay with me forever…. And I take with me all of this…

My colleagues in the Humanities Department —with their wicked senses of humor, their wit, the crazy jokes – like Seehafer’s fake phone calls pretending to be irate parents, or the Board Chair! I will try to forget about rubrics and standards as quickly as I can, and the trending buzzwords of education, but I will always remember the thoughtful, provocative, often impassioned discussions we have about learning in our department meetings, and the chatting as we hang out at each other’s desks in the mornings, our early morning meditation group, and the lunchtime chats about politics and the state of our world, while we do the Times crosswords. I have been nurtured by their friendship, their irreverence and laughter, their insights. Their love and heartfelt caring, as we live and work together, inspire me, and will continue to sustain me.

My colleagues in the HS office, Vienna, Doreen, Joanna, Mimi, Jose — so quick to help whenever I felt I might have been dropping a

ball or two, and who joke with us and nag us when we need it, and keep us going so unselfishly, in ways that support us and anchor us every day.

Primal — The daily camaraderie and community, not to forget hard work, of the weight room with Ian Wilson. That has changed my life, and body, in so many good and enduring ways.

Our dear neighbors, the Schmidts —The shared laundry chats Zella

and I have — as we talk about our kids and watch them grow. Christa was only maybe three when we arrived — and has now graduated from college; ours were students then, are now married, and we have grandkids. Neither Michael nor I have ever lived in one place as long as we lived in 3B Scenic View!

The students — I have never taught in a school where students walk out of classes calling ‘thank you’ over their shoulder as they leave — or who send you an email if you are sick. It is our students who have kept me in the classroom, a place I love, and who make retiring for me a challenge!

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I live in the ‘ing’ forms of verbs. My university motto was Michelangelo’s Ancora Imparo’, ‘I am still learning,’ which he is supposed to have written on a painting when he was 87; and now the HKIS mission, best in the world, ‘dedicating’ our hearts and minds, continues for me to underscore everything good that we try to do. We do not, and should not, always seek to ‘complete’ or ‘finish’. HKIS has helped me understand profoundly the importance of seeking, learning, exploring, challenging, watching, risking, listening, caring — the listing is endless. I first walked on to this campus for a visit, in 1996, to do writing workshops for a week. I remember being amazed by the location, looking from classroom windows on to the bay, and over to Dragon’s Back. I imagined what it must be like to work here. Little did I know. When I returned to visit with Michael, in 1999, just before actually starting work here, the choir happened to be singing in the atrium. People leaned over the balcony listening, and I joined them. I will never forget the intangible feeling of good will and warmth in the air. I knew I had come to a special place where I was going to be happy. Even though these days there is not always a lot of time to lean over the balconies, that feeling never changed. The theme for the year I joined was ‘inclusion’ — and that was what we talked about first in our new teacher meetings, not schedules and bells, and attendances, important as those things are. I realized then how much heart and spirit matter here. And it keeps circling back; we spent this year often in our HS faculty meetings looking at ‘connecting’ and how we can help each other, and our students, do this. No grades, no college acceptances matter more than this. Our greatest blessing has been to have three generations of our family here at school. Team-teaching with my eldest daughter, Norbyah, has been an amazing experience, one I could never have dreamed of having. Three of our grandchildren are on the Tai Tam campus this year, and young Michael is now in High School. I see faces in corridors that are part of my family… Such happy years for me. And such an unlikely opportunity in international schools. I am taking all of this with me…. and a memory of the birds we watch as we sit on our balcony in Scenic View, those majestic brown kites, riding the thermals as they sweep through the gully looking for fish at our corner of Tai Tam Bay. All this …and more.

The Last Word

Across our balco ny Scenic View

One of our many accidental twinsy moments!

Zip lining on Interim this year

When your colleagues are your family…. Mother-in-laws get a bad rap. Often stereotyped as overbearing, nosey, know-italls that are not shy in telling you their opinion. I have been asked often, “what is it like being so close [in proximity] to your mother-in-law?” Normally the men who ask me this wait, grinning and expecting me to roll my eyes and go into a diatribe about my mother-in-law. Instead I respond, “Do you know Janet? She is the best mother-in-law a guy could ask for.” It’s true! Over the past twelve years she has been my gym buddy, drinking buddy, beach buddy, personal Sunday chef, mentor, teacher, and her most important job of being the grandmother to my three kids. Janet– Norbyah and I have been blessed to share this part of our lives with you and Michael alongside us. To say that I will miss you is an understatement. I well up with tears just thinking about it. Thank you for all that you have done for us and thank you for being the best mother-in-law a guy could ask for. -Joe Nolasco, Janet’s son-in-law, Middle School PE Teacher

When I interviewed for the Humanities job roughly twelve years ago, Christina Vanover, one of the then department heads, asked me, “what do you think it will be like working with your mother? How will you handle disagreements?” I remember answering something along the lines of, “well, she’s one of the main reasons I became a teacher so I imagine working with her will provide me learning opportunities I could never imagine. And as far as disagreeing with her, I’ll handle it how I always do, firmly but with great respect.” Twelve years later, I look back on this time I’ve had working alongside my mother and the prospect of doing this job without her fills me with sadness. You see, not only has she been my department colleague, we’ve also worked on two curricular teams and in recent years, I’ve pushed into her classroom. We essentially team taught Junior English as mother-daughter. In the students’ presence she never referred to me as Ms. Nolasco like I never called her Mrs. Tan. Instead, we’ve always been ‘mum’ and ‘my daughter’ and the students have always said ‘your mum’ and ‘your daughter.’ I can’t imagine it differently. Our lives as a teaching family are seamless; profession and family has always been one, for all of us. Imagining those two roles separately is strange. Still, I know that her influence in my life will continue in the most important way, as my mother. Twelve years with her by my side as I raise my children and the life lessons she has imparted on them (and me) will always be the highlight of our shared time here in Hong Kong. And it is there where we all shall miss her the most. -Norbyah Nolasco, Janet’s daughter, and High School Humanities Teacher

Maori legends Interim – Michael’s first and my last Humanities tea for Spirit week

m always ready

Stay in touch with Mrs. Tan! Email her at janetctan@gmail.com n Turtle Cove- love you

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Staying Connected So much to highlight this year on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, but the standout has to be HKIS senior Izzy Humair’s tweet to Dwayne the Rock Johnson of the Rock on The Rock, and his response! Don’t forget to follow HKIS on Instagram @hongkonginternationalschool, Facebook /hongkonginternationalschool and Twitter @HKIS!

Social ions Sensat

FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/ HongKongInternationalSchool

TWITTER @HKIS

DRAGONTALES SUMMER 2018

WAYS

to Stay Connected to HKIS

1. Come for a visit!

We are always happy to welcome alumni back on campus and are happy to give tours.

2. Follow and Like us! POST & TAG @HKISAlumni Say Hi from your reunions and meet-ups and feature in the next issue of DragonTales!

FACEBOOK

A LU MNI

www.facebook.com/groups/ hkisalumni

@HKIS

STAY IN TOUCH

www.facebook.com/ HongKongInternationalSchool

TWITTER

JOIN US ON

LINKEDIN in/hkisalumni

3. Get the latest news.

Update your contact details with us at alumni@hkis.edu.hk and get the monthly Alumni eNews update on reunions, school events, alumni, future issues of DragonTales, and more!

4. Join a regional alumni group.

We have alumni groups around the world that you can join: Asia | Hong Kong, Singapore USA | Boston, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC Canada | Toronto, Vancouver Europe | London, Switzerland If you are interested in becoming an HKIS Alumni Regional Representative for your city or to get in touch with your current Regional Representative, please contact Alumni Relations at alumni@hkis.edu.hk.

5. Organize a class reunion.

We will help you organize your milestone reunion on campus. Just ask us how!

6. Contribute to DragonTales magazine.

Our alumni magazine is published twice a year. Send in your Class Notes, ideas for stories, and more.

7. Hire an HKIS alum as an intern.

If your company is looking to hire a summer intern, email us to find out how to become an Internship Hosting Partner.

8. Be a speaker at HKIS.

Share your knowledge, skills, and experience with our students by speaking to a class or at an assembly.

9. Attend our Annual Ball.

Join alumni, parents, faculty and staff at our Annual Ball in the spring. All proceeds from our largest fundraising event go to our Annual Fund to help maintain our status as the leading school in the region. Email advancement@hkis.edu.hk for more information.

10. Give back.

Be a part of the legacy of HKIS and give back. Make a donation to support our school by giving online at www.hkis.edu.hk/giving. Gifts are US and Hong Kong tax-deductible. To find out more about how you can be involved, please get in touch! Email alumni@hkis.edu.hk or call +852 3149 7899.

Dates to Remember 2018 July 6-7 Class of ’98 Reunion October 26 – November 2 East Coast Alumni Tour November 23 Turkey Trot November 22-24 Holiday Basketball Tournament December 3 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

2019 January 18 Upper Primary School Official Opening Summer Classes of ’68 and ’69 Reunion

Please contact Alumni Relations at alumni@hkis.edu.hk for more details.

1 Red Hill Road, Tai Tam, Hong Kong +852 3149 7820 advancement@hkis.edu.hk