Celebrating our Centennial with the International Community
February 2012 - Volume 5, Issue 2
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS for sponsoring our Centennial Events
If you are interested in Corporate Sponsorship for any of our upcoming Centennial events in May, please contact the Communications & Development OďŹƒce. June Kang, Director jkang@seoulforeign.org 02-330-3116
Yoojin Um , Manager yjum@seoulforeign.org 02-330-3137
Table of Contents
Seoul Foreign School 55 Yonhi-dong, Seoul 120-113, KOREA TEL: 822-330-3100 FAX: 822-335-1857 www.seoulforeign.org
Message from School Board Chair
Page 4
Message from Head of School
Page 5
The Centennial Fund
Pages 6-7
SFS Theatre
Pages 8-9
SFS Varsity Tennis
Pages 10-11
100 Years of SFS, 30 Years of SFBS
Page 12
Centennial Congratulatory Messages
Page 13
Centennial Celebrations Week II “Historical Symposium”
Pages 14-15
“Centennial Ceremony”
Pages 16-19
“Alumni Homecoming Reception”
Pages 20-21
“Alumni Games”
Pages 22-23
Reflections from Dr. Jonathan Borden
Page 24
An Interview
Page 25
Alumni Notes
Page 26 - 28
Alumni Visits
Page 29
Memories from Alumni
Page 30
Save the Date - Upcoming Centennial Week III
Page 31
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Celebrating Our Centennial School Board Chair Kelly TomHon 100th Celebration programs. Our Centennial Year will come to a grand finale with many activities including the Centennial Gala Ball on 1 June 2012.
The School Board wishes to express its deep appreciation to everyone, administration, faculty, alumnae, parents, students and dignitaries, who have helped to create or have participated in the Centennial activities held thus far. These exciting Centennial programs cater to a variety of ages and interests: each division is working on unique Centennial projects; the Drama Department has chosen productions that highlight our Centennial; the Development Office, and its army of volunteers, has, and will continue to, create memorable school-wide
anyone who has been touched by SFS to consider contributing to the Centennial Fund. By contributing to the Centennial Fund you will be helping the school complete its centennial project: The Centennial Welcome Center. This center will not only highlight our first 100 years but also be the entry to the new Admissions Office – the first point of contact for new and prospective families. Corporate donations are welcome. Please contact the Development Office for more details on how you can help support SFS.
We are grateful for the visionary 1972 School Board who commissioned the documentation of the Seoul Foreign School story. In 1972 Dr. Horace H. Underwood, grandson of the first SFS teacher, began what is now a chronicle of our first 100 years. Forty years and several authors later we May SFS be Blessed with God’s have a record of not only love for another 100 years. our school’s rich history, but also of the history of our host country, Korea. Browsing through the chapter titles of 100 Years of Excellence will stimulate anyone’s curiosity to learn more about our colorful past. Kelly TomHon SFS Board Chair Whether reading through 100 Years of Excellence, learning about current student accomplishments or remembering an SFS teacher that impacted your life, one cannot argue that SFS has been pivotal in educating and nurturing the children of Korea’s international community. I call upon
Celebrating Our Centennial Head of School Dr. John Engstrom Dear Alumni and Friends,
We know good teachers by the quality of their students’ work — Our recent Winter Centennial whether it is worth the time and Celebration had the effect of mak- effort and has lasting value to ing me particularly proud of our their lives. school. As we reflected on the The problem arises when we label past 100 years of our history, I teachers as “good” or “bad” by was reminded that our school is their students’ ability to fill in not about test scores, college acbubbles. That’s not learning. ceptances, athletic trophies or foTeachers are much more than rensic awards, although we can be aptly proud of all these things. that. No, it is about the values being instilled in our students; it’s about NIKHIL GOYAL the maturity they display as they Woodbury, N.Y., Jan. 6, 2012 put the needs of others before The writer is a high school stusays we their own; it’s about the leaderdent. ship they demonstrate in the A. inspire educational excelworkplace; it’s about the way in lence, and Interesting letter. Actually, I which they respect others and would disagree a bit with the stureach out to them in love. dent. The test scores of the stuI recently saw an interesting letter from the New York Times in which a student wrote about a study which attempted to identify quality teachers. To the Editor: This study misses the big picture. It’s time to acknowledge that test scores are not a correct indicator in determining quality teachers. Great teachers change lives. You can tell great teachers by looking into their students’ eyes. Are they awake? Are they interested? Above all, do they love learning?
dents do tell us something about the quality of the education that has happened in class. But the values part, the part the student is addressing, can’t be easily measured by the test scores. The issues of integrity, work ethic, respect, honesty, love, mercy and grace are the values that result in lives that are meaningful and successful. These are another component we expect our teachers and coaches to convey to our students and are more important, I would suggest, than the test scores. Of course, we must have both, and that is why our mission statement
B. promote Christian values, personal integrity and global citizenship. Yes, I am so very proud to be a part of a school that understands the importance of values in our lives and in the lives of our students and has understood that for 100 years! Faithfully Yours,
John Engstrom Head of School
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Community of donors and sponsors ANNUAL FUND DONATION 2009-10
ANNUAL FUND DONATION 2010-11
THE MILLENNIUM CLUB Do Yoon Kim Heather and Sunny Yi
THE MILLENNIUM CLUB Do Yoon Kim RED AND BLACK CLUB Anonymous Chul Ho Chang Timothy Cho
RED AND BLACK CLUB Kay Song (BT&I) The Kwun Family John C. O’Donnell The Shin Family
THE CREST CLUB
THE CREST CLUB Hongchul and Yasmeen Bae Christian and Benjamin Choi James and Julie Danahy John and Alice Engstrom James and Sarah Hubbard Gunberg Celine Jin Ji Yong Lee Tracy and Tim Mohr The SFS Classified Staff Shou Liang Wang Yonhee Badminton Club CENTENNIAL CLUB Anonymous Kevin, Dee and Baker Family Andrew Byun Eunhi Cho Hyun Sook Hong Warren and Robin Hudson Carol LaCroix Andy and Joanna Lee Young Sun Lee Amy Lindholm Elizabeth Lloyd Patrick O’Malley Pete and Judy Penick Elise K. Prosser Langston and Linda Rogde Harry G. Rudolph Peter and Kelly TomHon THE LEGACY CLUB Anonymous Jeff and Barbara Benson Tony and Margaret Curran Caroline Hahn Yoo Soo Kim Insil Tahk Yoojin Um Buhm Jin Yoon Youngja Yum
Leo Cho Christian and Benjamin Choi Shirley Droese John and Alice Engstrom Josh, Ben and Jacob Everett SeungChul Peter Hyun Rachel Lee Tzu Yu Sheng CENTENNIAL CLUB Andrew Byun Rebecca Dignan The Heller Family Carol LaCroix Alice Lavina Harrison Lee David Livingston Harry, Linda and George Rudolph Heidi Stallings Michael Stern Peter and Kelly TomHon St. Mark’s Lutheran School
CENTENNIAL FUND DONATION 2011-12 THE MILLENNIUM CLUB Do Yoon Kim Kathleen and Rachel Lee
RED AND BLACK CLUB In Memory of Edwin W. Crowe Tzu Yu Sheng
THE CREST CLUB Jinsoo and Pearl Bae Yasmeen Bae Robert and Sondra Black Dong Soo Byun Christian and Benjamin Choi John and Alice Engstrom Josh, Ben and Jacob Everett Rebecca Freeman George Dongkyu Ko Camila and Gabriela Gonzalez Koo James and Sarah (Hubbard) Gunberg Celine Jin Jasmine, Iris and James J. Park Peter and Kelly TomHon
CENTENNIAL CLUB Jeff, Barb, Carlee, Joel and Natalie Benson Nick, Sally, Isobel and Estella Corben Youngsook Hahm Ryan Jeon Jeen and Bomsinae Kim Yoo Soo Kim John Kimm Jennifer Koenig Jaehyun Jacob Lee The Jugant Family Robert Lee David Livingston Monika and Ewa Marczuk John C. O’Donnell Gene Jaewoo Park Judi Sargent Whitmire Sen Di Ten Yoojin Um
THE LEGACY CLUB Kisoon Nam Misty Skidmore
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The Heritage Club $100,000+ 1912 Society $50,000+ The Crest Club $1,000+ Centennial Club $100+ The Legacy
Celebrating One Hundred Years The Centennial fund
The continued success of Seoul Foreign School is evidenced through its thriving students, exceptional faculty and its high quality of programs; a hallmark of traits which have carried-over through the past Century. We have entered a new era, where ‘cutting-edge’ may be fickle in value before something new immediately takes its place. In order for the School to remain a leader among other leading educational institutions, equipping our students for the next Century of Excellence can be complimented by the generous commitment and support of its community. Parents, Faculty, Alumni, Grandparents and Friends can help to ensure even more that we secure our quality and standards despite increasing demands for a competitive educational environment.
At this time, we have raised USD 58,570 and continue to seek donations for this Centennial Fund and wish to recognize all those who participate in this special year on a wall plaque which will commemorate the end of one hundred years and the beginning of another.
Centennial Welcome Center
Thank you SFS Community for your continued supDistinct to this Centennial Year, we have been solicit- port of the Centennial Fund! ing support towards the Centennial Fund, which serves as the Annual Fund for this special milestone year. All proceeds raised for this Fund will go toFaithfully Yours, wards the building of the ‘Centennial Welcome Center,’ to be located on the first floor of the Business Office Building. It will be inclusive of a new Admissions Office and an exhibition of historical picture archives of the School; touching upon the past century. June Kang The space will welcome Parents, Alumni and all VisiDirector of Communications and tors to the School; providing a fresh face to SFS for all Development those who come onto our campus. jkang@seoulforeign.org
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all of our donors who participated in the last Annual Fund drive. Your support is crucial as it paves the way for the community of giving at SFS and support to help maintain the success of the school. With this momentum, we will be sure to continue receiving the support of our parents, alumni, faculty and friends.
of Giving The Millennium Club $10,000+ Red & Black Club $5,000+ Club any dollar amount given by friends and relatives
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BS KS3 Right Royal Tribute to 100 Years of Theatre at SFS! Edie Moon Director What happens when 120 students and a production team of ten teachers and drama directors get together to create a tribute to 100 years of a school’s history as well as 100 years of theatre history in England and beyond? The answer is The Right Royal Performance which was presented by the British School’s Key Stage Three students on February 2nd and 3rd in the Lyso Center for the Performing Arts.
attended every show. We also discovered that the first show dated back to 1912, the first year of SFS.
As a tribute to one hundred years of SFS and its history, we took this idea a step further and created a show that would span one hundred years of entertainment beginning in Act One with the music hall theatre of the early twentieth century and then Act Two with the comedy halls of the 50s and 60s and then culminating in Act Three with the Broadway/ West End performances of the present day.
The performance was the collaborative efforts of a myriad of people: teachers, students, parents and a fine arts production team. In many ways, the process of its creation exemplifies some of the key foundational beliefs of Seoul Foreign School including the power of community and the importance of artistic development in the lives of students. The title of the show was inspired by the ‘Royal Variety Performance’ – an annual variety show in the UK that raises funds for entertainers who need help and assistance due to old age or ill health. Traditionally, a member of the British Royal Family has 8
singers, dancers, comedians, magicians and more would take the stage together in order to provide an evening of lively entertainment.
The style of the performance was a tribute to music hall theatre which was born in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s in music halls across England and which eventually spread to the United States and became vaudevillian” performances where actors,
A distinguishing factor of the British school is that every child in the Key Stage participates in the dramatic performances. This is not easy particularly with the very busy schedules of all of the Key Stage students. However, every student in Key Stage Three did in fact contribute in some way on stage. This process began with a ‘collaborative project’ spanning two days, which the Key Stage three teachers created wherein each
BS KS3 Right Royal Tribute to 100 Years of Theatre at SFS! Edie Moon Director means they chose to come to practices every day after school for the three months in order to participate fully in all of the acts.
child was involved in a series of arts workshops including: improvisation, oral interpretation, dance and choreography, mime and more. Workshops were conducted by teachers and the SFS drama department and the events of the day were also used as impetus for the creation of the show. Workshops were continued throughout the rehearsal process in clowning, comedy, dance, singing and acting so that students could explore and experiment with
One of the lines spoken during the show was “Art isn’t easy.” This is, in fact, true. It can be messy and unpredictable. It can be intense and emotional. At the end, of the day, however, it is miraculous, creativity and art in our lives and in the lives of our students. Note: As this article was written before the performance, all pictures on this page were taken before the actual show and at rehearsals.
inspiring, surprising and ultimately, beautiful just as the history of SFS has been. Just as the history of theatre through the past decade has been. The Right Royal Performances was created as a community and was humbly presented as a tribute to SFS’s history and as a validation of the importance of
their own abilities and try art forms that were completely new to them. Many students took initiative and created their acts through a process of improvisation. Others took leadership in leading their group performances. Finally, there was a group of students who were in almost every act which 9
SFS Varsity Tennis - A Super Season Caroline Kim Senior, Team Captain The 2011 Varsity Tennis Team had much to be proud of this season. Both the boys’ and girls’ sides defended their titles as KAIAC Conference champions with perfect 14-0 records. At the KAIAC Tournament, the girls placed first with another clean sweep; and this time, shared their victory with the boys who took back the tournament title they lost a season ago. At the first ever APAC Tennis Super 12-Tournament, SFS placed first overall of 12 competitive teams. Individually, the SFS boys won the gold in a landslide victory, while the SFS girls placed second behind HKIS by only a few points. Senior Captains Caroline Kim and Andy Lee anchored the team that included several talented returners along with freshmen Hanna Ough, Jenny Choi, Sarah Kim, James Hahn, and Tommy Kim. This year’s APAC Tennis was hosted by the Western Academy of Beijing, where the competition was doubly fierce. For the first time ever, all twelve APAC tennis teams converged onto one single tournament. The Crusaders performed brilliantly despite the intensified competition. Jeffrey Kim and Jaehyun Kim defended their titles as APAC Champions at 1st singles, adding another major title to their resume. Henry Kalb (Boys 2nd Singles), Michelle Richardson (Girls 2nd Singles), and Seon Woo Kim and James Hahn (Boys 1st Doubles) all 10
Rachel at the Graduation Ceremony
played extraordinarily and also took home titles in their respective brackets. Mixed Doubles team, Eunice Chang and Tommy Kim, and our Girls’ Doubles team, Caroline Kim and Lauren Kim, also played well and fought hard to finish third.
Caroline Kim, Girls Senior Captain
In KAIAC, the undefeated Crusaders came into the tournament as the team to beat. They didn’t disappoint as the SFS girls again swept the tournament, placing first in every bracket. JaeHyun Kim (1st Singles) blasted through her finals match with an 8-0 win, finishing her second KAIAC season without losing a single game! She was named KAIAC’s female MVP. Michelle Richardson also cruised through a second straight undefeated season at 2nd singles, winning 8-0 in the title match. Similarly Su Ying Chang had a terrific season, finishing with an undefeated season despite playing 3rd singles for the first time. Caroline Kim and Lauren Kim (1st Doubles) played an emotional final match against SAHS, coming back from 2-6 to eventually win 9-7. Eunice
Chang and Hanna Ough (2nd Doubles) displayed amazing teamwork and ended their undefeated season with an 8-2 victory against SIS. The Crusader boys also put all five teams into the finals and won the gold in four brackets. Jeffrey Kim (MVP) met Seoul American’s Russell Midomaru for the second year in a row, and again won 8-0. Henry Kalb (2nd Singles) and Seon Woo Kim (3rd Singles) also played against Seoul American in the finals and defeated them 8-4 and 8-5 respectively. All three singles players finished the year with undefeated records. Ryan Yi and Andy Lee (1st Doubles) played a more difficult match against SIS in their final. They fell behind 27, then bounced back to catch up to 6-7 before eventually losing 6-8 to finish the tournament as Runners-Up. Edward Massaut and Robin Lee (2nd Doubles) also played a terrific final. The senior pair bounced back from being down 1-3 with amazing teamwork to win their first title in a 9-7 victory. The boys’ team’s victory in the KAIAC Tournament helped them achieve the coveted “treble” (KAIAC Conference, Tournament, APAC titles) for the first time in many years. The team will mourn the loss of five seniors (Caroline Kim, Andy Lee, Ryan Yi, Edward Massaut and Robin Lee) who have each made enormous contributions to the team with their talent and leadership. All of them will be missed, but they will leave behind a team that will undoubtedly continue the “dynasty.”
SFS Varsity Tennis - A Super Season Caroline Kim Senior, Team Captain
2011 KAIAC DIVISION I ALL-CONFERENCE: Jeffrey Kim, Henry Kalb, Seon Woo Kim, Andy Lee, Robin Lee, Eunice Chang, Caroline Kim, Su Ying Chang, JaeHyun Kim, Michelle Richardson 2011 All-APAC: Jeffrey Kim, Jae-Hyun Kim, Henry Kalb, Michelle Richardson, James Hahn, Seon Woo Kim 2011 KAIAC All-Tournament Team: Jeffrey Kim (MVP), Henry Kalb, Jae-Hyun Kim (MVP), Michelle Richardson, Su Ying Chang, Seon Woo Kim, Caroline Kim, Lauren Kim, Edward Massaut, Robin Lee, Eunice Chang, Hanna Ough Andy Lee, Boys Senior Captain
Rachel and her family
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100 Years of SFS, 30 Years of SFBS Dr. Tim Gray - SFBS Headteacher
It may be SFS’ centenary but it isn’t the only anniversary to be celebrated this academic year. Seventy years after SFS, in August 1981, Seoul British School opened its doors to 21 pupils in its new residence – two apartments in a residential block that no longer exists in Seoul Foreign School (SFS). Thirty years later and now as an integral part of SFS, Seoul Foreign British School has over 350 students from 5 years of age to 14 and representing over 48 nationalities. In those intervening years, the British School, the oldest British primary and middle school in Seoul, has gone from strength to strength not just in terms of enrollment but in facilities, curriculum and staff. We have seen visits from royalty; we have survived fires in computer labs; we have contracted and expanded and changed our curriculum from the Independent Schools syllabus to the more widely recognized English National Curriculum with its nation-wide assessment benchmarks. But throughout all these
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years, although we have kept faithful to the original four tenets: (1) Education, though rigorous, should be an enjoyable From Left: Dr. John Engstrom, SFS Head of School, Mrs. process for the child and one Fiona Uden, H.E. Martin Uden (British Ambassador) and in which the parent should Dr. Tim Gray, BS Headteacher play an active part. (2)Children are individuals in their own reputation. right and should be encouraged to learn For a fuller account of the divisional for themselves under a teacherʹs guidance. history, see the article on Edline and (3) Childrenʹs abilities should not be un- then read how the two schools amalderrated and high standards of attainment gamated and much more of the histoshould be achieved in writing, oral expres- ry of SFS in Korea in the newly updatsion and numeracy. ed history of SFS – ‘Seoul Foreign (4) Children should be encouraged to de- School: 100 Years of Excellence’ available velop an understanding and appreciation at the SFS Sprit Shop. of literature, art, music, science and naOn November 9, 2011 the BS hosted a ture, special ceremony to commemorate we have not stood still or rested on both the 100 years of SFS and the 30 our laurels – our curriculum now also years of SFBS. The BS Ambassador, reflects not just the international naMartin Uden and his wife Fiona (also ture of our students but also their former SFS parents) who has long st needs as they grow up in the 21 Cen- been associated with BS were present tury – while still maintaining our Brit- to mark the official ceremony of this joint anniversary. SFBS student counish education ethos. As we move on into our next 30 years cil members, SFS key representatives and faculty also joined in the ceremoand into SFS’s second century, I ny. At the ceremony, a small plaque would like to think that we can be was unveiled in the second entrance of justifiably proud as we pass on the torch to our next generation of teach- the British School. Following the ceremony, all guests were invited to have ers, and future members of our community can look back at the contribu- light refreshments and all BS students were treated with Ice Cream. tions of our era and see how it all helped to continue SFBS’s enviable
All BS Students in 2010
Centennial Congratulatory Messages From the Former Heads of School Mr. Richard Underwood Principal, Superintendent, Headmaster 1961-1992 Just 100 years ago this summer a young teacher from Michigan, Ethel Van Wagoner, set sail and came to Korea to be the first teacher at Seoul Foreign School. Every morning she would come to school early to get the one room ready for her 17 or so students. In cold weather that included stoking and lighting the stove in the middle of the room. From its earliest days SFS has been a Christ centered school which welcomed all students of any or
no faith. Except for 2 interruptions for wars, the school has been serving the English speaking community of Seoul ever since. Size, locations, facilities and a century of advance have not changed the fundamental purpose of the school : to provide a stringently crafted curriculum to meet the needs of the truly exceptional students who follow their exceptional parents to this city. Having been associated with the school for well over 50 years as a student, teacher, Head and on itʹs American financial board, I know that the one most positive factor leading to the excellence of the school is the high caliber of its students. Outstanding teachers, staff and administrators help these young
people to excel and to become useful and successful members of the world community. My mother Ethel would be very pleased to see where ʺherʺ school is today. May God continue to guide and bless it in the years to come as he has over this last century.
Richard Underwood
Dr. Harlan Lyso Head of School 1992-2006 As Seoul Foreign School celebrates 100 2. encouraging them to be years of serving its students, congratu- people of integrity; and lations are assuredly in order. Yet the work is not done. Henri Bergson said 3. presenting a life-long “To exist is to change, to change is walk with Christ as worto mature, to mature is to create thy of deep consideration.
oneself endlessly.”
My prayer is that no matter how often Seoul Foreign School recreates itself, those who become part of this institution will find that their lives will be forever changed by the love of Christ as evidenced through those who are here or have preceded them in this place. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to our Seoul Foreign School on its remarkable legacy, and I 1. challenging our students to acapray that in the decades to come God demic excellence; Since 1912 SFS has recreated itself any number of times. Despite all these recreations, that which is the essence and uniqueness of Seoul Foreign School remains. For the past 100 years teachers, board members and administrators have labored diligently for three worthy causes:
will continue to bless this school and all who become part of the Seoul Foreign School community. Respectfully and with deep gratitude,
Harlan E. Lyso 13
Centennial Celebration Week II Historical Symposium - January 10, 2012 Week II of the Centennial Celebrations began with the Historical Symposium. It was referred to as the SFS –Ed Talks as it endeavored to follow the wellrespected and esteemed online Ted Talks. The underlying theme for the Symposium addressed Korea with respect to its past, present and future, incorporating various perspectives through the Disciplines of Economics, North Korean Politics, Multinational Societies, and Missionary Women.
The first part of the Symposium entailed presentations from our distinguished Speakers, while the second half of the Symposium gave the audience an opportunity to engage in discussions as High School IB Coordinator and History Teacher, Mr. Stuart Kent, served as Moderator for the evening. In his opening introduction he reminded the audience,
gratitude acknowledging those who made this possible.”
The Symposium engaged its audience in discussions that were both stimulating and thought-provoking as distinguished Speakers shared their expertise in various fields. Mr. Evan Ramstad, Wall Street Journal Journalist spoke about the economic growth and development of Korea; Dr. Eun Mee “In 2012 we here in Korea truly Kim, Dean for the Graduate School of do stand as the saying goes on International Studies at Ewha WomUpon arrival, all guests were welcomed to the lower lobby of the Lyso the shoulders of giants, people en’s University spoke regarding the impact of Seoul Global Villages on the Center and enjoyed a complimentary of vision, commitment and acdevelopment of multi-cultural sociebuffet. Members of the broad SFS tion that for the last 100 years ties; Mr. Michael Breen, North Korea Community took part in the occasion laid the foundation of Modern Specialist and CEO for Insight Comand spent some time meeting and greeting one another before the begin- Korea. SFS has shared that jour- munications Consultants, offered perspectives about the leadership in ney as well, from humble bening of the Symposium. ginnings to the world class edu- North Korea and Dr. Lee-Ellen Strawn, SFS High School Asian Studcational institution that exists ies Teacher engaged the audience on Picture Captions: today, this institution like the the profound history and impact of 1. Stuart Kent leading the panel nation of Korea stands on the women missionaries in Korea.
discussion with the four speakers 2. & 3. Dinner Buffet before the Symposium 4. COSTCO sponsored desserts for the Symposium 5. Mr. Evan Ramstad 6. Dr. Eun Mee Kim 7. Dr. Lee-Ellen STRAWN 8. Mr. Michael Breen 9. & 10. Audience and the Symposium 11. Stuart Kent, Moderator 12. & 13.Q &A session 14. Mr. Michael Breen and Dr. Eun Mee Kim 15. Q & A session
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shoulders of giants, people of vision, commitment, dedication, and action and as we SFS and Korea look to the future we look back with respect and
All Speakers were provided with SFS Gifts and the newly-published 100th Anniversary Book. Find out more about the 100th Anniversary Book on pages 24 and 25.
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Centennial Celebration Week II Historical Symposium - January 10, 2012
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Centennial Celebration Week II Centennial Ceremony - January 12, 2012
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Seoul Foreign School ushered the new year by hosting a 100th Centennial Ceremony, officially recognizing the School’s existence of one hundred years. The Ceremony was met by an audience of Parents, Alumni, Faculty, Students and distinguished Guests. The evening opened with an exceptional collection of performances by the Centennial Chamber Orchestra led by High School Music Teacher Mrs. Marion Statton. Both the Chair of the SFS Board, Mrs. Kelly TomHon and Head of School, Dr. John Engstrom, greeted the audience, welcoming everyone in attendance to an extraordinary Centennial celebration. Dr. Engstrom offered the following as part of his opening prayer:
cellence which have been hallmarks of our school. We pray for those who lead us now, for our Board, our teachers and administrators, that they be given the light of understanding and wisdom as they make important decisions.” SFS Board Chair Mrs. Kelly TomHon greeted the audience,
Senior Jacob Lunden-Welden referred to various experiences through “Today, SFS serves students from his time in High School,
over 50 different nationalities…It is with great pleasure and pride that the current Board, as well as past Boards, serve at a school that has been so pivotal in educating and nurturing the children of Korea’s international community.
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Mr. Jack Moon, Activities Director and Mrs. Edie Moon, Director of Drama and SFS Alumnae captivated the audience as they co-narrated the School’s private archives of historical pictures dating back to the 1900s. The presentation was a profound journey; a reminder of the School’s humble 2 beginnings and elaborate transitions through remarkable times. Students from each Division present“We thank you for all those who ed brief personal accounts of their exhave gone before, showing us the periences being a part of the internapathway of service, love and extional community at SFS. High School 16
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“…the international nature of SFS allows me to constantly be reminded of the bigger picture, of a bigger world; where there are people suffering and people cheering.” He attributed his experiences by high-lighting, “… these moments have helped me to be humble and helpful to everyone I meet and this is due to the great cultural exchange that SFS offers.” Sarah Hahm from the Middle School shared her experiences, describing,
“…at SFS every person you come across is a dip into another culture. Every following experience is a new pair of glasses, allowing you to view everything in a different perspective.”
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Centennial Celebration Week II Centennial Ceremony - January 12, 2012 Isabel Kalb from the Elementary School described the challenges she faced when moving to Korea and her experience returning to her home, originally from the U.S.,
“…I feel like a very different person…the little girl who once thought she was living the best life possible…I’m a happy fourthgrader who’s had amazing experiences and looks forward to having more, because now, I know, I truly am living the best life possible.”
one hundred years will have a great time interacting, learning and having fun.” Rachel Lee of the High School offered an outstanding Piano Solo performance, further underscoring the exceptional talents of our students.
The Ceremony culminated to an opportunity for the School to recognize the broad international diversity of its students. To celebrate this, Ambassadors of numerous Embassies were invited and Ambassadors whom were present were recognized as Honorary Idan Shlesinger from the British School shared her experiences of hav- Ambassadors of Seoul Foreign ing come from Israel and her thoughts School’s Centennial Year. Honorable as a ten year old, reflecting on the past Ambassadors in attendance representseven years she had spent at the Brit- ed the Embassies of Argentina, Belarus, Belgium, Colombia, Denmark, ish School, Netherlands, Philippines Sri-Lanka, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the “…Because I am in this School, I United States. All Honorary Ambassaget to make friends with people dors were presented with a commemfrom all over the world… orative medal and the School’s 100th sometimes we have to say goodAnniversary Book.
bye but still keep in touch and keep our friendships…I’m sure that students 6 studying here in the next
Picture Captions: 1. Centennial Chamber Orchestra 2. Dr. John Engstrom, Head of School and Mrs. Kelly TomHon, Board Chair 3. Historical Picture Presentation 4. Student representatives from the four divisions 5. Rachel Lee’s piano solo 6. - 9. Reception following the Centennial Ceremony 10. Signing table for all guests
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All guests signed a Commemorative Centennial Note and enjoyed a generous buffet of food and refreshments after the ceremony.
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Centennial Celebration Week II Centennial Ceremony - January 12, 2012 1. H.E. Peter Lysholt HANSEN, Ambassador of Denmark, H.E. Thomas KUPFER, Ambassador of Switzerland, H.E. Sung Y. KIM, Ambassador of U.S.A. & H.E. Pierre Clement DUBUISSON, Ambassador of Belgium 2. Ambassadors at the Centennial Ceremony 3. H.E. Peter Lysholt HANSEN, Ambassador of Denmark & H.E. Luis Teodoro CRUZ, Ambassador of the Philippines 4. H.E. Scott WIGHTMAN, Ambassador of U.K., H.E. Jaime Alberto CABAL SANCLEMENTE, Ambassador of Colombia and his wife & H.E. Paul MENKVELD, Ambassador of the Netherlands 5. H.E. Tissa WIJERATNE, Ambassador of Sri Lanka, H.E. Sung Y. KIM, Ambassador of U.S.A. and H.E. Thomas KUPFER, Ambassador of Switzerland 6. From Left: H.E. Thomas KUPFER, Ambassador of Switzerland, H.E. Sung Y. KIM, Ambassador of U.S.A., H.E. Pierre Clement DUBUISSON, Ambassador of Belgium, Mrs. Kelly TOMHON, SFS Board Chair, Dr. John ENGSTROM Head of School, H.E. Peter Lysholt HANSEN, Ambassador of Denmark, H.E. Scott WIGHTMAN, Ambassador of U.K., H.E. Natallia I. ZHYLEVICH, Ambassador of Belarus, H.E. Jaime Alberto CABAL SANCLEMENTE, Ambassador of Colombia & Ms. Alicia FALKOWSKI, Charge d’Affaires of Argentina
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Congratulatory Remarks from our Honorary Ambassadors
for the international community! All the best in the next Having witnessed myself the excellence of education at SFS through my children, Mateo and Irene, it is an honor century! H. E. Paul MENKVELD for me to be able to congratulate you all! Alicia FALKOWSKI Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Charge d’Affaires of Argentine Republic Congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the Seoul ForHappy to be with you on this great day. eign School. All the best for your efforts in the New year! Natallia I. ZHYLEVICH Thank you. Ambassador of the Republic of Tissa WIJERATNE Belarus Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka 100 years is an achievement. I wish I could come for the 200th years celebrations. Congratulations! SFS for making a great contribution to Pierre Clement DUBUISSON the internationalization of a great city. Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium Scott WIGHTMAN Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Colombia wants to congratulate Seoul Foreign School for Northern Ireland the Centennial anniversary and its excellence. My spouse and I are very proud because our son Jaime Andres is I offer my congratulations to Seoul Foreign School on the studying right now at 10th Grade of SFS. 100th anniversary of its founding. Since the beginning, It’s a very special moment for us to share this Ceremony SFS has been a leader in academics as well as extratonight 12th January 2012. curricular activities. Many of our Embassy families send Jaime Alberto CABAL SANCLEMENTE their children to SFS because of the high standards to Ambassador of Colombia which it holds its students and the broad experience it offers. I wish SFS the best as it embarks on its second 100 Congrats to 100th Anniversary of SFS. years. Thomas KUPFER Ambassador of the Switzerland Sung Y. KIM Ambassador of the United States of America Congratulations to Seoul Foreign School on its 100th Anniversary. H. E. Luis Teodoro Cruz Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines Congratulations on the 100th Anniversary of the Seoul Foreign School. Established in quite a different period, gone through many ups and downs and now the school
Commemorative Medals for our Honorary Ambassadors
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Centennial Celebration Week II Alumni Homecoming Reception - January 13, 2012 Homecoming Games and Dinner at Head of School Residence – Friday January 13th The Homecoming Games for this Centennial Year certainly brought about the most number of visiting Alumni throughout the past decade. 35 Alumni signed the Homecoming Alumni Book and each were given a courtesy alumni t-shirt, bag and a rose or carnation corsage. This year, Caribou helped to support our event by donating Café Lattes and Hot Chocolate for our Alumni. Unique to this Centennial Year, all alumni that participated in the event were part of a Draw for a customized Alumni Centennial Jacket! The winner, Abe (Abraham) LIM ’11 from the Draw was announced by Mr. Kevin Baker, High School Principal. Mr. Baker generated excitement with the crowds that occupied the bleachers, throwing all sorts of giveaways to the audience. Our Crusaders Boys’ Basketball Game lead the score of 25-21 against SIS Tigers at half-time. PTA Spirit Chair, Mrs. Kristen Freeman and SFS Board Representative, Mr. Paul Cho also took an active part in handing out free pizzas for members of audience willing to take a free shot at the Baskets. After SFS Crusaders finished the game, winning with a score of 57-46, PTA Beach Balls were tossed throughout the stands in a frenzy of celebration among the crowd. After the Homecoming games, all alumni and guests were invited to join Dr. John Engstrom and his wife, Alice, as they hosted a Dinner at their residence. A good crowd of people 20
gathered; Alumni, Faculty, Family members and Guests. Everyone became engaged in conversations, reminiscing about SFS in the past, Homecoming Games and also about ongoing events for the Centennial year. All whom attended enjoyed a wonderful buffet. 2
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Centennial Celebration Week II Alumni Homecoming Reception - January 13, 2012 1. Refreshments for Alumni, thanks to Caribou Coffee for sponsoring coffee 2. From left: Jiyoung KIM ’01, Chuck KRUGLER, Current Faculty, David JOE ’99, Marian GILLETT, Current Faculty & Stanley BYUN ’99 3. Alumni reception at Dr. Engstrom’s residence 4. Alumni signing table (alumni t-shirts and centennial bags were presented to all alumni) 5. Kevin BAKER, HS Principal and Tom UNDERWOOD ‘75 announcing the winner of the Centennial jacket 6. Pam LEE ’86*trying a shot for a free pizza 7. HS Pep band 8. Alumni and Audience 9. Mr. Paul CHO and Mrs. Kristen FREEMAN 10. Lucky winner of the Alumni Centennial Jacket - Abe (Abraham) LIM ‘11 11. SFS 100 years beach ball tossed to the audience after the game 12. Alumni dinner reception at Dr. Engstrom’s residence following the Homecoming games 8
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Centennial Celebration Week II Alumni Games - January 14, 2012 Centennial Alumni Games – Saturday January 14th Many who attended the Homecoming Games were also encouraged to take part in the Alumni Games, hosted the very next day! This event was inspired for Week II of the Centennial celebrations, to encourage all alumni and their families to be a part of morning games in the School’s Underwood Activity Center; to give alumni and their family members a chance to experience mingling with the current varsity teams, other alumni and current Faculty. Mr. Amos Lyso, Director of Christian Ministries, and also Alum of the School, served as the perfect Host as he coordinated both Women’s and Men’s Volleyball and Basketball games. SFS Varsity players generously-participated as they challenged the skills and
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endurance of the daring Alumni, Faculty and Guests that played. All whom were a part of this event were treated to Caribou Coffee, Breakfast, other Beverages and Snacks (courtesy of COSTCO).
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Centennial Celebration Week II Alumni Games - January 14, 2012
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1. Men’s basketball 2. Alumni in attendance—from left Hee Eun LEE ‘92, Amos LYSO ‘93, Mary SPACKMAN ‘87, Theresa LYSO ZIMMER ‘91, Paul KIM ‘10, Jeffrey LIM ‘10, Stephanie LIM ‘07 & Megan REDMOND ‘11 3. Group shot of all alumni, faculty, parents and students who joined the games 4. Breakfast courtesy of COSTCO 5. John ENGSTROM, HOS 6. Volleyball game 7. Men’s basketball 8. Rob BLACK, AHOS was the referee for all the basketball games 9. Edie RADER MOON ‘77 catching up with Hee Eun LEE’92 and his wife Grace 10. Hee Eun LEE ‘92 11. Theresa LYSO ZIMMER ‘91 12. Women’s basketball
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Reflections from Dr. Jonathan Borden MS/HS Faculty & Principal (1976-2005)/ Author of the 90th Anniversary Book
1. There are very few people who could be in a position to write a 90th Celebration Book. When you were invited to be the Author, why did you accept to write and how did you feel about the task to capture such an extensive history of the School? When Harlan Lyso asked me to update the SFS history in 2002, I was very honored, to say the least. The author of the history to date had been Horace H. Underwood, so I was following big shoes! The history had last been up-
dated in 1978, and both Korea and SFS had undergone huge changes in the 24 years since then, all of which I had experienced! My primary sources were old yearbooks and old SFS Board Minutes, until I discovered a file cabinet full of materials organized by decades, due to the care of secretary Ms. Lee Young Sun in collecting information over the years. When there seemed to be gaps in the story (or my memory) I interviewed long-time faculty or Korean staff members. I agreed to write the update only after getting assurance that I would have the great help of an editor, Luanne Paproski, who worked with me once the writing began Alexand LEEwho ‘04 is largely responsible for the 2002 update sounding and looking as good as it did!
had1with faculty and Korean staff, talking 2bert Lord, who was the treasurer of the 3 over old times, filling in blanks in the sto- SFS Board when the Korean War began ry for each other, finding out long foron June 25, 1950. Sitting in the school gotten ʺsecrets,ʺ and reliving some excit- office on a cold and dark Saturday ing times in SFS history. Overall, while it morning in 2002, looking through was a lot of work, it was also fun, and the files I came upon his letter, most of all rewarding to know that I was written on airmail paper in 1953. It capturing a large chunk of the history of told the story of how he had withdrawn SFS, and that this would most likely be the schoolʹs funds from the Bank of Korea the ʺdefinitiveʺ history to be written as the North Korean Army rolled into the about that period. That was a huge renorthern suburbs of Seoul, and how he sponsibility that I felt - to get it right, to 6 had kept that cashiers check secretly on get it complete, and to honor those who his body through three years of captivity, came before me. being part of the ʺDeath Marchʺ through North Korea. He told of how the check 3. What intrigued you most regarding was finally found at the end of the war as the history of SFS? he was body-searched by the Russian army upon repatriation on the North Korean border. I folded the fascinating letter, putting it back in its fragile envelope. I opened the next file and out 10
2. What were your biggest challenges in writing the 90th book? The most intriguing part of the updating was researching old files. I am sort of a history buff anyway, so digging into the files was fun when stories I had heard suddenly came to life as I unfolded an old letter or opened long-forgotten envelopes with black and white photographs in them. The more we found, the more poured in from alumni, former teachers, (mine and others) to illustrate the and even people not even connected to tenor of the times, hopefully making the school. By far the most emotional the book more than dry history. The moment was when I read the letter by SFS Salvation Army Commissioner Herbest part was the many conversations I
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fell - the very check he had been referring to in his letter, folded and worn from being carried on his body for three years, risking his very life to keep the school funds safe. Moments like that in research kept me digging deeper and deeper until the story was pretty much complete. (see pp 114 and 115 of the 2002 History for the full story). I also found old pictures intriguing, being able to walk out on the campus and stand where a picture had been taken 20 years earlier - and see the difference.
My biggest challenge in updating the SFS History for the 90th Anniversary was somehow putting the various source materials into something that was accurate, complete, and (hopefully) readable. Trying to figure out what to leave out, and what to include, was tough at times. I tried to tell enough stories
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Dr. Jonathan Borden
An Interview with the Author of the Centennial Book Mrs. Esther Myong - Current BS Counselor/ Faculty Member Since 1996 1. How did you feel when you were invit- affected the entire school as a ed to the task of writing the 100th Book (or whole. Though some readers may feel the last decade)? that not enough attention had been given to students per se, my hope is for them to recThere are a number of others who are more ognize that at SFS, hands down, it is the qualified and better-equipped to chronicle people of all ages who embody the spirit of SFSʹs history, which is why I felt so hona remarkable learning community. ored, humbled, and challenged by the prospect. The mere thought of even
6. What do you hope the 100th Book will serve to do for others who read it? I believe an organization like SFS is sometimes misunderstood. Some may believe that we are (or should be) an elite institution aiming to primarily cater to the wealthy and the privileged while others may believe that we resemble a parochial school that is closed to 21st century ideas and trends. My ardent hope is for the
attempting to be ʺin the same roomʺ with such figures as Horace G. Underwood and Jonathan Borden it was and still is both intimidating and inspiring. 2. How were you able to dedicate time t write the book? I was extremely grateful for the opportunity to take a year off and work on my doctoral studies so with some minor juggling, I was able to work on this project concurrently. It truly was a labor of love as I got to re‐live some of the extraordinary moments that brought tears of joy and sadness 4. What did you find most-interesting to the entire community. among all the information you gathered? 3. What were your biggest challenges? Because SFS is such a transient place, we enjoy a very dynamic environment with I would have to say it look a while to dediverse thinking and actions. However, cide on what kind of ʺvoiceʺ to use. Dr. SFS is also one of those rare places where Jonathan Borden had a wonderfully fluid, people who have been here for 10, 20, and natural way of telling a story with an uneven 30 years help hold the place together pretentious air so I initially thought about with their longevity, loyalty, and valuable just imitating him. But at the end of the institutional memory. This paradox, I beday, I found that I am unfortunately only lieve, is what makes us who we are, a wonable to write one way which is just simple derful combination of the old and the and straight forward. Another challenge was to determine what key information to new. I could not help but to draw a striking resemblance/parallel between us include or not include. We are first and foremost an educational institution, which and our host country. means that it is and should be all about stu5. Did you use any resources outside of dent learning, student achievement, student interaction, etc. However, because those available at the School to find any information? we are also a living and breathing
community of people, I attempted to also focus on characterizations that bring people to life and feeling to events, all of which in turn have
people near and far, by those who love SFS dearly. My most cherished resources were Harlan and Mary Lyso who supplied invaluable editing, encouragement, and feedback throughout the entire process.
I relied on previous Banner issues, yearbooks, other SFS periodicals/publications, and meeting minutes. However, what I found to be most valuable were the personal insights, anecdotes, and stories shared by
readers to agree that SFS is a dynamic educational organization that strives to achieve a healthy intellectual, social, and spiritual balance as it goes about impacting the lives of its students. 8. Any final thoughts regarding your tireless efforts and contribution of the past decade? Seoul Foreign School truly is a one-of-akind learning community. Around here, burning the midnight oil is a way of life for students and faculty alike. With such high expectations and standards to live up to on a daily basis, it is easy to lose sight of who we are, why we exist, and perhaps most importantly, where we are headed. That said, I believe what continues to
ground us and keep us clearly focused on the ʺgoalʺ is that above all, we as a community are unabashedly centered in Christ. I believe this is what sets us apart from other international schools and will continue to be the case for many more generations. We are fortunate for Mrs. Esther Myong’s contribution to write the last decade of the School’s history. The Centennial Book is available for purchase at the SFS Spirit Shop.
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Alumni Notes
1960s
Carole CAMERON SHAW ‘61 shared news that she published “The Foreign Destruction of Korean Independence” in English by Seoul National University (SNU) Press in 2007. She also has a conference paper, given in 2005, that is now published in Korean and Japanese, given at the JapanKorea Reconciliation Conference at SNU in 2005. Her book is for sale at many outlets in Seoul (and the SNU Press), as well as the subject of many websites in Korean.
Sherry CHESSHIR IRVIN ʹ64 will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa on January 11, 2012. With 50 women from Sherry CHESSHIR around the IRVIN ‘64 world, she hopes to reach the summit called Uhuru ʺFreedomʺ as a symbolic gesture to accompany our prayers and 26
passion to set free women and children who have been trafficked into slavery of the most detestable kind imaginable. Please pray for their safety and the completion of their goal to reach the summit and reach the world with awareness. For more information and support please visit the website www.thefreedomclimb.net Click on ‘sponsor’ tab ‘A Climber’ to read about her bio and to sponsor. Sherry is on page 2.
years of High School. He then attend- Sander HERDEN ‘87* and his wife ed Yonsei University to be a part of the International Program and left Seoul in ’88 after the Olympics. Sander has been living in Seoul for the past two years and had been living in Switzerland eight years prior to that. This was Sander’s first time visiting SFS since he left Seoul in ’88. He felt it really We received news that Annette challenging to recognize the School as AEBERSOLD KELLER ‘68* passed away on October 27, 2011 from metas- it had changed so dramatically since tases, breast cancer. Memorial Service he had left. was held on October 31, 2011. We ex- Sander’s sister, Christina HERDEN ’85* who also attended SFS, has been press our deepest sympathies. living in Johannesburg for the past five to six years. While she currently 1970s works at a South African IT Company Last Fall, Teresa MAHLER ‘79* startshe also works as a Guide for the Naed her own jewelry business ending tional Park and Safaris as part of her her career at Microsoft. Her company passion and hobby. website is www.springtomind.com; She also started a store on Etsy: http:// 1990s www.etsy.com/shop/SpringtoMind Hee Eun LEE ’92 was on sabbatical and her first public showing was on last year and was in Atlanta for four December 10th 2011 at a fund raiser months. He has been a Professor for a local library. She added “the teaching Law for the past ten years at pieces of jewelry I am currently deHandong University in Pohang. It signing are a collection of necklaces had been about 5 years since he joined with leaves made out of stone and any SFS Alumni Reunion. Hee Eun is that will be followed by a collection that reminds me of the beach / ocean married to Grace and has two children. After having read about the in Hawaii.” Wishing you all the best Homecoming Games and Events in a for your new career! recent Banner article, Hee Eun felt it would be a great opportunity to be a 1980s part of some Centennial events. “It’s Sander HERDEN ’87* (SFS Class Rep been a wonderful time being back at for Class of 1987!) attended SFS from School and especially seeing Jack and grades 1 to 10 but decided for a Edie Moon, Marian and Paul Gillett change and went to SIS for his final 2 and lots of familiar faces again.”
Alumni Notes
Huge congratulations to Heather LEE ‘05 and Amanda MARTIN ‘04 met her husAlex Wang on their marband, Justin SWANSON in college at riage on December 17, Washington State and got married in 2011. The wedding re2009. Amanda and Justin currently ception was held in live in Yongsan as Amanda’s hus‘Sugar Land Social Club’ band works on Base as a Contractor, with over 230 guests working for the USFK. Amanda mostly from the groom’s worked part-time for the Seoul Forside. On Heather’s side, eign British School and provided her parents Andy and help as a Substitute Teacher for Seoul Joanna LEE (Current American School (SAS) as well. From Left: Langston and Linda ROGDE (FA/FT), Joanna Staff/Faculty) were at the Amanda is currently pursuing her LEE (Current Teacher), Heather LEE ‘05, Andy LEE wedding with Andy’s (Current Staff) and Alex WANG (Heather’s husband) Master’s Degree in Education so she younger sister who lives can teach full-time in the future for in Irvine. Since Heather is the DODD’s School or SFS. the only daughter and as most of her drove from Houston to San Antonio, family are in Korea, another wedding TX to visit Langston and Linda ROGDE, FA/FT. Both Langston and ceremony is planned for sometime Linda are both healthy and enjoying this year in Korea. Heather is currently a Kindergarten their retirement life . They live just next to their daughter, Amanda teacher at Baker Ripley Charter ROGDE ‘99. They said it’s actually School in Houston ISD. She enjoys “85 steps” away. Andy said “we being a teacher as she loves small talked about Heather’s wedding and children. Her husband, Alex is a our good memories with the Rogdes AICPA and is currently working at Wilbros Construction, LLC, a global at SFS. They treated Korean lunch for all of us at a Korean restaurant called oil pipe line construction company. “Ilsung Garden” in downtown, which is owned by a Korean lady After Heather’s wedding reception, on December 19, 2011, Andy and Jo- who was a Teaching Assistant (TA) at SFS long time ago”. Langston also anna LEE, Current Staff/Faculty Heather LEE ‘05 and her husband Alex WANG gave them a tour of the “Alamo” and the “River Walk” and said that he and Linda would be at SFS for the Centennial Celebrations in May this year.
2000s
Holly and Stephen RAATZ, FTs shared the news of their son, Seth RAATZ ‘07*. He graduated from college last Spring and will be entering the Peace Corps. Pictured next page is Seth and his parents at graduation. 27
Alumni Notes
views online!” More information can be found about it on Ien’s Website (or by simply searching google). www.ienchi.com
2010s Holly and Stephen RAATZ, FTs with their son Seth RAATZ ‘07*
Congratulations to Jennifer PARK ‘07 who graduated from Wheaton College last Spring as Magna Cum Laude, inducted to be a member of Psi Chi and Phi Beta Kappa. She is currently attending Graduate School in Columbia University majoring in Education. Her sister, Kristina PARK
Ien Chi ‘09 at the Campus Movie Festival 2011
Former Teachers
Christmas came calling to Korea this year. Joining Jack (CT), Edie ‘77, Melissa ’07* and Kayla ’10 MOON over the Christmas break were JP ‘79 and Helen (FT) RADER with their 3 Megan REDMOND ‘11 children (Kristina ’02 and her husband Ben, Paul ’04 and his wife HanMegan REDMOND ‘11 is currently studying at the University nah, and Brittney ‘09. The 3 Rader grandchildren (Ephraim, Moses & of Melbourne, working on her Bachelor of Arts Degree. Megan James…not shown). Also in the picture are longtime missionaries Glenn would like to reconnect with Theater in the near future as she and Pam CREECH, SFS alumni Harparticipated in Theater at SFS for rison ’05 and Kristen (BARENNES) ’06 CREECH, and two friends from all four years of High School with IB Theater for two of those Asbury University in Kentucky (Sam years. Megan joined Homecom- & Will). It was to say the least a Very Merry Christmas! ing this Centennial year as she From Left: Emily (Gr. 9), Kristina ‘09* and was visiting with her Parents Jennifer ‘07 PARK who continue to live in Seoul. ‘09* is a Junior at Lehigh University and is currently doing a study abroad Megan really enin Shanghai, China. Emily PARK is a joyed meeting up with Teachers and 9th Grader at SFS. other visiting Alumni. In June of 2011 Ien CHI ‘09 won the Best Director and Best Picture at Campus Movie Fest 2011 - the worldʹs largest student film festival. He said “We won for a short film called ʺTick Tockʺ. The film also went viral and currently has over a million 28
Picture taken at a family gathering last winter in Seoul with the MOONs, RADERs and CREECHes
Alumni Visits
great time meeting with old SFS friends and families. Both Steve and Amy are teachers at American School in Japan (ASIJ) and will be returning to SFS in August 2012.
Michael GIEBNER ‘06
Michael GIEBNER ’06 was in Seoul for the months of September, October & November on a long vacation. After graduating from SFS, Michael studied Hotel Management in Amsterdam and then Business & IT in Germany. He currently lives in Trier, one of the oldest cities in Germany which is close to Frankfurt. He runs his own event management company with two of his friends. The job is stressful but fun. It was exciting for him to see the new Multi-Purpose Center (MPC) at SFS and to watch the HS play “Shakespeare in Hollywood”. While receiving the alumni t-shirt Michael said “I am going to save this tshirt so that I can show them it to my kids in the future. I actually had a very good time at SFS and I only realized this when I left”. He was very glad to visit the school again and hopes to plan another trip in May to join the big Centennial event if possible.
Annie H. LEE ‘02 and Gene LEE ‘01
Gene LEE ’01 and Annie H. LEE ’02 visited SFS on Dec. 6th 2011. They had not visited since their graduation and were amazed at how the school has changed since they left. When Gene first got to the school he was surprised to see the Lyso Center for the Performing Arts and the Multi-Purpose Center across the turfed field. Annie is a lawyer in the U.S. She has been working in New York and will be moving to Washington D.C. in January.
From Left: Jack MOON (Current Faculty), Jeanie KIM ‘04* and Jeanie’s Mom
Steve and Amy DORNBACH, FTs
Steve and Amy DORNBACH, FTs were visiting SFS on the weekend of October 7-10th 2011. They had a
Jeanie Kim ‘04* and her mother visited SFS on January 9, 2012. She currently works for a non-profit legal service agency. She will be attending law school in the Fall. Jeanie’s brother is currently attending SFS. 29
Memories From Alumni A Salutatory Speech from June 13, 1969 Brent BURKHOLDER ‘69 “In 1969, Doug SOUTHWORTH ‘69 and I were joint salutatorians for our graduating class. Here’s the speech that we made at the ceremony that I think captured the tone and spirit of the school at that time. Since the school atmosphere has changed dramatically since then, I thought that this might be of some historical interest, particularly for those of us who attended SFS in the 1950ʹs and 1960ʹs.”
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Brent BURKHOLDER
Doug SOUTHWORTH
Centennial Celebration Week III May 28 - June 1, 2012 DATE
ACTIVITY
REG. CODE
May 28
Daechon Beach Tour (during the day) Remember the monster island and log cabins on a sandy beach? A great way to trace the good old days of SFS retreats. Cost KRW 35,000 inclusive of lunch.
W3-1
May 29
SFS Tour & Time Capsule Opening - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Walk through the campus to capture the evolvement of SFS and its vast facility improvements. After lunch, participate in the opening of the time-capsule buried somewhere on the SFS grounds 25 years ago. Free of charge.
W3-2
May 30
Golf Tournament (during the day) Don’t miss out on one of the first golf tournaments in SFS history. Golfers of any level are welcome to join. Take your best swing and you may be a winner of the great prizes offered. Cost KRW 300,000 inclusive of lunch.
W3-3a
May 30
Musical Performance - 7:00 pm~ Come and see a special musical performance by our students arranged by the SFS Fine Arts department. Ticket price is to be determined.
W3-3b
May 31
DMZ Tour (during the day) Discover the tragic history of the Korean War. The tour features visits to the Demilitarized Zone, Imjingak Park, Bridge of Freedom, Dora Observatory, Third Infiltration Tunnel and Paju Province Village. Cost KRW 125,000 inclusive of lunch.
W3-4a
W3-4b Centennial Worship Ceremony - 7:00 pm ~ NEW!! All members of the SFS community are invited to be a part of a worship ceremony, to commemorate the Centennial of SFS. Free of charge. June 1
Seoul City Tour (half day) Discover Seoul’s traditional neighborhoods including Samchongdong and Bukchon Hanok Village. Cost KRW 95,000 inclusive of lunch.
W3-5a
Centennial Gala Dinner (6:30 pm ~ ) A grand finale event to be hosted in the Grand Ball Room of the Grand Hyatt Seoul. Adults only. Cost KRW 100,000 inclusive of full course dinner and an unforgettable program marking the Centennial year of SFS.
W3-5b
Deadline for registration and payment is Friday, March 16, 2012 at http://www.seoulforeign.org/?page=100schedule 31