Farewell Issue by The Quill

Farewell Issue

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH

SANT (WIN) LEELAMANTHEP,

Valedictorian of the Class of 2016

ISSUE 8

Congratulations C

Class of 2016 – The Quill Team

I was a seventh grader when I first heard the phrase, “At ICS, teachers really do care for the students.” As young and naive as I was, I shrugged those words away thinking they were more or less a ‘responsibility’ for teachers to care for their students, but my encounters with the teachers here have proved my mindset wrong. At my first Eagles’ Camp (2014), Ms. Joanne opened her heart and shared with a group of approximately 80 high schoolers the rough journey she went through during her teenage years. To me, she shared with us the mistakes she made not just so we don’t repeat the same wrongdoings, but also to let everyone know that she is there for anyone who is facing similar hardships. Unfortunately, this page doesn’t allow me enough space to mention more of the things ICS teachers did to show how much they care. Whether it be Ms. Joanne giving real talks or other teachers checking on their students on one of their bad days, these small acts perfectly identify the warm atmosphere here on campus. With this theme in mind, I introduce you to this “Farewell Issue” of The Quill magazine dedicated to departing beloved seniors and teachers. All of you will be missed. In the pages that follow, we’ll celebrate just a few members of the ICS teachers’ community that embody the phrase, “At ICS, teachers really do care for the students,” and three of the four members who served their class in the Senior Council. Lastly, The Quill and its members would like to thank Ms. Lissa for the hard work and time she has put into this club. We hope she finds Korea to be full of amazing experiences!

Quillfully Yours, Titapa C. and Keshav G.

The Quill Welcomes...

Student Council 2016-2017

Left to Right: Phatsawut Achariyasoonthorn (Treasurer), Haripoom Prasutchai (President), Gino Lin (Secretary), YiHyun Kwon (Vice President)

STATISTICS

What Country are the Class of 2016’s Seniors Headed To?

INTERVIEW: BRAINY GOODBYE Valedictorian – Sant (Win) Leelamanthep

INTERVIEW: TEACHERS’ GOODBYES

Ms. Aubrey McNary

Mr. Jay Sims

Mr. Neil Chipman

Ms. Lissa Scott

Mr. Jason Son

Ms. Joanne Benjathikul

INTERVIEW: SENIOR COUNCIL’S GOODBYES President – Kitty Rodcharoen

Vice President – Windy Sricheewachart

Treasurer – Parprae Ngamsopee

SCHOOL NEWS

The Newly Elected Student Council (2016-2017)

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Titapa Chaiyakiturajai Keshav Garg ADVISOR Ms. Lissa Scott PHOTOGRAPHERS Surawut Withayarukson Teerawat Chaiteerath Pawat Wirawan LAYOUT DESIGNER Surawut Withayarukson Phatsawut Achariyasoonthorn Titapa Chaiyakiturajai

EDITORS Titapa Chaiyakiturajai Keshav Garg Haripoom Prasutchai John Kim WRITERS Titapa Chaiyakiturajai Keshav Garg Koch Kasemsantitham Haripoom Prasutchai Anvi Mehta Naran Suvarnpradip Yihyun Kwon Jin Ha Satida Limtrajiti Andrew J. Person Yuho Su

What Country of 2016 Head 1.2 %

4.8 %

31.3 %

2.4 % = UNDECIDED

World Map credited t

y is the Class ded to? Data by Yuho Su Graphic by Surawut Withayarukson

to www.psdgraphics.com

14.5 % 2.4 % 2.4 % 36.1 %

4.8 %

Interview

Sant Leelamant Valedictorian of the Class of 2016 Interview by Keshav Garg Photos by Surawut Withayarukson

thep

efore I begin to answer the questions, I would like to thank Keshav G. and PunPun C. for handling what my sister founded two years ago so well. As part of the founding members of the groups, my first article was an interview. I guess doing this last interview is a full circle, isn’t it? So yes, now that I have gotten that out of my way, let’s go! Would you consider yourself smart? A: Define smart. Compared to a clownfish I’d be a genius, or would I? I doubt I can swim as well as it, nor could I breath under water. ‘Smart’ isn’t a scale which one can rate the agility of one’s mind or how witty one is: rather, it is a term often misused by the uneducated to prove themselves superior or ‘smarter’ than rest. Smart, like the terms ‘good’ or ‘said,’ should be taught not to be used. Rather, one should go with words that have clearer meaning.

tinct qualities and characteristics, but the classes I invested the least in but still got decent grades in are the JCHLs. Taking those as a senior makes them much easier. What was the hardest class for you here at ICS (as a high schooler)? A: AP Chemistry and AP Physics II were one of the very few classes I actually invested time to truly study. Shout out to Time for the countless hours of Skype calls to study for AP Chem!

What was the easiest class for you here at Who are the most inspirational teachICS (as a high schooler)? er(s) for you? A: To be honest, all classes have their dis- A: Dr. Steve and Mr. Neil are, coinciden11

Interview

tally from my favorite classes, the most inspirational teachers. I admire both of them as academics as well as very knowledgeable advisors. A non-teacher who often inspires me as well is Mr. Stephen. You would not believe how many times I actually went to him for advice or counseling!

really study hard; I just work efficient. But when I do study, it is for the reason that I know I will have to use this in the future. Of course grades are one of the things. I’d be lying if I were to tell you that I do not care about grades. You cannot simply be at the top of something without caring about it.

What is one regret you have had in high school? A: A couple of regrets, actually: I wish I had applied to the US schools not because I wanted to go there but as a confirmation to myself that I am an IVY quality What was your motivation to study hard student. Many people are somewhat scared to approach me because of my demeanor in school? A: I honestly don’t know. First off, I don’t Where are you headed for college/university? A: I’m attending Hull York Medical School in the UK. (Mr. Neil actually helped me pick the school!)

Left to Right: Darren Gentry (Headmaster), Suzie Anderson Person (Board of Director), Sant Leelamanthep (Valedictorian)

and my tendencies to publicly dismiss ignorance. Oops, I’m sorry if I’ve embarrassed you. My biggest regret in high school is not continuing to take Spanish. Of all the courses offered at ICS, the foreign languages are a few that you could actually carry the things learnt forth and use them in life. As a tenth grader, I decided against moving forward in Spanish because class ranks and free time had more weight than things I could actually use in life. To be frank, this was the correct decision for that logic. But in retrospect, it would definitely be better had I continued learning.

What’s your advice for those who are currently super stressed out trying to earn perfect grades? A: Sigh, these people. Advice I tend to give others is to know your game and know the rules. The thing is, ICS acknowledges a 93.5 as a 100, meaning you don’t have to work your butt off to earn a 100 for every subject because you can get the same GPA with a 93.5. Try your best, but don’t kill yourselves if you get a 94 or even lower than that. What do you plan on studying in college/ university? A: I’m going to Hull York Medical School. What do you think? I’m kidding! But yes, I’m studying medicine.

Interview

What are your memorable moments at ICS? A: I honestly cannot name one specific moment. I believe that things are made special not because of the what, where, when, or why, but rather the who. With that in mind, I would like to thank everyone who made my almost-a-decade journey in ICS special. It would take far too long to list them all, but a few other than the aforementioned names include: Paint, Hardy, France and the rest of my great, great friends; Mr. Dayton from Model UN and (some) other teachers; Proud, Pete, and Peem from Harrow as well as my other Model UN friends; Patrick; my â&#x20AC;&#x153;cousins;â&#x20AC;? PunPun, my sister; Will; my parents; and Keshav.

Interview

Aubrey

Miss

McNary Interview by Keshav Garg Photos by Surawut Withayarukson

Interview

“The kids here are awesome and the school lives up to its name, ‘Community’ ”

How long have you worked here at ICS? A: Two Years Random question: on a scale of 1-10, how weird would you rate yourself? A: Seven; I prefer the word ‘quirky’. Where are you headed to now? A: I have no idea. Somewhere in America. Why are you leaving ICS? A: I’m seeking new opportunities and new ventures. Are you going to continue teaching English? A: Not quite sure, but I’m probably going to continue teaching one way or the other. What was your first impression of ICS? A: Super welcoming and engaging kids.

What are your thoughts of ICS now? A: The kids here are awesome and the school lives up to its name, ‘Community’. What is the one thing you will miss about ICS? A: The hard working students. What will you remember the most about Bangkok? A: The heat and the abysmal sun. What do you look forward to? A: I look forward to change because I haven’t lived in a place for more than 3 years. I want to use things I learned abroad in America. Any final words? A: I know that I’m a Snapchat away.

Interview

JaySims

Mister

Interview by Titapa Chaiyakiturajai Photos by Pawat Wirawan

Interview

17 22

What are you most looking forward to? “Meeting a girlfriend!” – Jay Sims

Mr. Jay’s attempt to look cute

How many years have you been at ICS? A: Two and a half years

years, I’ve come to know several of the seniors (Class of 2016) and I really like them.

Where are you headed to? A: Seoul, South Korea

What’s the best thing that has happened to you as a teacher at ICS? A: Becoming an AP teacher! The school put me in this position (AP World History teacher) and I wasn’t qualified. So, after teaching one semester of AP World History, the school flew me back to North America where I took the AP course for teachers, and then I flew back to ICS to continue teaching the course.

What is your new job? A: 9th grade East Asian history teacher What are your reason(s) behind leaving ICS? A: I have two degrees, and it takes a lot of money to get the degrees. If I stay in Thailand, it would take me 20 years or more to pay it off. So, I’m moving on to the “Promise Land.” What is your first impression of ICS and its students? A: The teacher community is very warm and welcoming. I taught the Class of 2016 my first year at ICS; I felt very alienated and didn’t have a connection with them because I came in halfway through the school year. Over the

What’s the most memorable thing/event for you that happened at ICS? A: SALT Trip with the Class of 2017! SALT Trip with the Class of 2018 was a lot of fun too. What are you most looking forward to in the future? A: Meeting a girlfriend! Interview

Neil

Mister

Interview by Andrew Person Photos by Teerawat Chaiteerath

hipman

If you do not mind, could you tell the readers how long you have been at ICS? Seven years, counting this one.

feel respected by the students, parents, staff, and administration, and I respect them as well. ICS is a great environment.

What was your first impression of ICS? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve known ICS for a long time. I knew people like Elsie from the beginning, and my daughter attended ICS while my wife was a substitute teacher. I knew all about ICS, and the community, far before I began teaching here.

Where do you plan to go after leaving ICS? My first choice would definitely be England. I am moving on because God convinced me that in order to move on with my life in its next phase, I have to leave Thailand. Leaving Thailand means leaving ICS which makes me very sad.

What were some of your most memorable moments at ICS? Whenever a student would come to me excited about the future and thankful for ICS and its teachers, I would feel fulfilled. People acknowledging needs and the help you have provided sticks with you.

Do you plan to continue teaching, or pursue a different path? I plan to stick with teaching. I like teaching, but I just need a change.

What will you miss the most about ICS? Not the weather definitely! I am going to places that are colder. I will, however, miss the respect. I

What advice would you like to give the ICS community, especially the high school students? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t limit yourself to what you think you know about yourself, at your current age.

Interview

Lissa Scott

Miss

Interview by Satida Limtrajiti Photos by Pawat Wirawan

“I’m gonna miss the randomness that happens anytime I’m with teenagers -- there’s never a dull moment.”

How long have you been at ICS? This is my sixth year. Where is your new destination? Seoul, South Korea.

Interview

What will your new job be? Are you still going to be a teacher or are you going to pursue a new occupation? Yes, I’ll be teaching high school English.

What was your first impression of ICS and its students? I was highly impressed, because I didn’t want to teach middle school, but then I got here and loved it. I like teaching high school too, and it’s where most of my experience is. What are two things that you are going to miss most about ICS? I really love the community we have in ICS, and it’s been great being around a lot of teachers who are professional because we work with each other, and we are also a family because we support each other. I will also miss most of the relationships I have formed with a lot of you guys.

Why have you decided to leave behind ICS? Hm. That’s a long story, but I’ll give you the short one: because I feel like God is calling me away from Thailand.

What are the two most memorable moments at ICS? Oh, man. I don’t know… Well, SALT trips have always been memorable. Eighth grade SALT trips, those were great. My first year we did a dance off, teachers against students, and that was hilarious...I loved it. That was the class of 2015. Also, long soccer tournaments; and just hanging out with the team, and talking and giggling about boys. All that fun stuff. The Phuket trips have been great too; we spend a lot of time together and I really enjoy those trips. I’m gonna miss the randomness that happens anytime I’m with teenagers -- there’s never a dull moment. Interview

Jason Son

Mister

Interview by Jin Ha Photos by Teerawat Chaiteerath

How long have you been at ICS? This is my fifth year. Where is your future destination? Seoul, Korea. Why have you decided to leave ICS? It was a very tough decision but we (Ms. Joanne and myself ) felt that the Lord was calling us to move on to the next chapter. Will you continue to teach mathematics? Yes.

Interview

What was your first impression of ICS? I thought it was absolutely amazing. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never seen such a close-knit community before. At every school I was at previously, the campus would be completely empty soon after the bell went. At ICS, I loved how even hours after school is out, you still see kids around campus just hanging out. What are your thoughts on ICS now? Even though I have only been at ICS for five years, I really do consider it my home. The teachers are great, the admin is great, and the students are great. I really hope I can come back to work in the future.

What is one thing you will miss about ICS? I’m going to miss the relationships I’ve been able to create with the students. I love the feeling of being able to interact with them in and out of the classroom. It sounds very cliché but there was truly never a dull moment. What will you remember the most about ICS? I’m going to remember the relationships that I had.

And also coming back to ICS later to raise kids here (Lord willing). Do you have any last words for the students? Don’t take ICS for granted. I’ve taught at quite a few different schools and seen many more, and none of them compare to ICS.

What do you look forward to? I look forward to Korean food in Seoul! Interview

Joanne

Miss

Benjathinkul Interview by Yihyun Kwon Photos by Teerawat Chaiteerath

How long have you been at ICS? As a student I was here for five years, as a substitute I was here for one year, and as a full time teacher I’ve been here for one year. Where are you headed to next? Seoul, South Korea!! Are you planning to continue on as a teacher? If yes, then what will you be teaching? I will continue being a HS Social Studies teacher, but I’ll also be teaching AP US History and World History. What are some things you look forward to when you move to Seoul? Building relationship with people, learning about their home culture, mastering their language, eating their food! Also, getting to know about my fiance’s family roots. What are some things you’ll miss about ICS? Getting to talk to and hang out with the students, getting to see them play sports, achieve in academics, challenge themselves, love one another, getting to see them laugh with one another, and watching them grow in pursuance for God. I will also miss learning from students here at ICS; in many ways, I feel like they teach me more than I teach them.

What was your first impression of ICS students? Um, I felt like all the students were kinda like me. I see a huge flashback as I sit in front of my class. They’re eager to learn, excited, always very curious. They always want to share things, lots of comments and lots of interesting facts the classroom. Very enthusiastic, intelligent, and hardworking.

Are there any memorable moments you’ll take with you from the days you spent here? Oh man, you just want one? If I could compile a book of memorable moments, I would have a huge encyclopedia. Like I said, I feel like the students have taught me more than I have taught them. In terms of my own teaching experience, whenever I share something that I’m passionate about, like Bollywood movies, something that students don’t really know, they also get excited about that too. Just seeing that is very memorable for me. It engrains in me that they are listening and engaged. They’re always opening up their hearts and trying to be interested in the things I’m interested in, even though it may seem super boring with- I don’t know- the president. Finally, do you have any last advice you would like to share with the community? I think it’s very important to find who you are and where you’re grounded. In the school environment it’s very easy for you to succumb to peer pressure- you know, everyone’s working really hard, or everyone’s joining sports, stuff like that. I know it’s very cliche, but finding your own passions as a teenager is important. I also think that one advice that I would really give to students is to be braver. I remember as an ICS student I used to just do whatever everybody else did. It’s not just about popularity, but what would look good on my resume, etc. Just be really confident in yourself and be courageous about what you stand for, whether that’s finding faith in God or other things. Try new things and invite others to do them as well.

Interview

Senior

Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;16 Kitty Rodcharoen

Windy Sricheewachart Parprae Ngamsopee John Kim

or this final 2015-2016 school year issue, The Quill team decided to interview some of the members of the Senior Council. Our objective was to make this an ephemeral tribute to the departing Class of 2016. We wanted their elected officials to express their thoughts and emotions as to being part of such a memorable class and thereby imparting knowledge to the rising ICS eagles.

Interview

Interview by Keshav Garg Photos by Teerawat Chaiteerath

Kitty

Rodcharoen Senior Council President Interviewed By Haripoom Prasutchai Photos by Teerawat Chaiteerath

Interview

17 44

“Don’t rush things, because it’s more likely to create a MUDDLE than a SOLUTION.” - Kitty

First of all, how many years have you been here at ICS? What is the single most important memory for you at ICS? This is my 13th year here at ICS! I’d have to say it has to be that time in first grade when I had a “time-out” for the whole day where I couldn’t do anything but stare at a wall because I made fun of my classmate. It probably was one of the worst few hours but also a really great lesson as well, haha! On a scale of 1-10 (1 being the lowest, 10 being the most), how much are you going to miss ICS? What will you miss the most? One year ago, I would have picked a 5 or lower. But, to be frank, I’d opt for a number between 8-10 now! I’ll miss the community here the most -- it has a sense of warmth that I think is hard to find anywhere else.

Well, what are the things you will not miss as much about ICS? I sure would not miss those long queues during lunch break. Seriously, that line is too long! What is the one word you would use to describe the Class of 2016? Emotional (?). How would you describe the Senior Council’s work this year? What were your favorite and least favorite parts? The work is much more difficult than I had originally thought it would be. It was even harder because we tried to please everyone as much as possible (which is almost always impossible). But, to be honest, it was also an enjoyable experience at the same time. My most favorite part Interview

“The WORKLOAD during the preparations is much HEAVIER than you think.” was no doubt when the majority of the grade was happy with the trip, which was already enough for the Senior Council. My least favorite part has to be the preparation phase -- it was pretty tiring! As one of the main organizers for the Senior Trip, what are your thoughts on it? The workload during the preparations is much heavier than you think. Looking back to your time with your class, what would you say to the class as a whole if they were reading this? I first would have to apologize to those who I lost my temper at times or get cranky over trivial things. To be honest, I still feel guilty for not trying to keep it cool sometimes. I’d also like to the other council members for working so hard and keeping up with my temper as well! And, thank you everyone for making the Class of 2016 such a unique class that I’m proud to say I am a part of! Do you have any suggestions or words of advice for the next classes’ Senior Council? Don’t rush things, because it’s more likely to create a muddle than a solution.

Interview

Windy

Sricheewachart Senior Council Vice President Interviewed by Naran Suvarnpradip Photos By Surawut Withayarukson

Interview

What is it like working in the senior council as a vice president? I feel like it was very challenging, but at the same time I had a lot of fun working for the class and seeing the class unite. What is one of your favorite moments working in the senior council? I’d say when we made slight jokes to minimize the stress we were having. If you could use one word to describe Class of 2016, what would it be? If I have to choose one word, it would have to be “diverse”. What are your thoughts on your recent senior trip? I felt like our hard work really paid off, both as a member of the senior council and as a member of the class. I also felt that it was very great. It was a great time for us to relax. Since it is our last year, it was good to reflect on those kinds of things. Looking back, how would you describe your senior year overall? At first, I thought stress was to a certain level, but then I realized that stress was to a whole new level. It was really stressful for me, but at the same time, I did really enjoy the last moments I had with my friends. What is one thing you’ll be missing when you depart from ICS? For me, I’ll be missing the place, as in the buildings and the infrastructure, because I’ve been here for 12 years already, and the vibes that I get from ICS help me throughout the day. 51

Interview

“I feel like our HARD really paid off” - W

DWORK

Windy

Interview

What career path do you plan on embarking in the future? As of right now, my major in university is going to be business. I think I would probably do something involved with business or environmentalism. What are some places you want to visit after graduation? I have a lot of vacation trips planned-that’s for sure. I’ll be going over to my friend’s house in Pattaya. I might be going to Spain and Portugal with my sister and my cousin, and then to Japan around November.

How do you see yourself 10 years from now? In 10 years from now, I would like to find myself living a stable life and really enjoying my work, having fun as well as working hard. I would like to work overseas, although I’m not sure if that’s going to be in the next 10 years or longer than that. Lastly, do you have any last words you want to say to the underclassmen before leaving? I feel like highschool is a period of time where a lot of things happen, and you learn and change a lot. Just learn from it. Don’t regret, and work hard!

Interview

Ngamsopee Senior Council Treasurer Parprae

Interview By Haripoom Prasutchai Photos By Time Chaiteerath

Interview

5629

First of all, how many years have you been here at ICS? What is the single most important memory for you at ICS? This is my sixth year at ICS. The most important memory for me would be the Senior Trip. It was a wonderful time for us to bond as a class. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being the lowest, 10 being the most), how much are you going to miss ICS? What will you miss the most? 10? I will definitely miss the Class of 2016 and (some) teachers the most! Also, I’ll miss Mr. Stephen complaining about my skirt’s length.

How would you describe the Senior Council’s work this year? What were your favorite and least favorite parts? I think we did very well as a team. My favorite part was when we all worked together and tried to solve problems during Carnival. My least favorite part would be when we disagreed on things and when people didn’t cooperate.

As one of the main organizers for the Senior Trip, what are your thoughts on it? To be honest, organizing the Senior Trip was very challenging and tiring. Throughout the process, I’ve learned so much about myself as well as my classmates. I would say Well, what are the things you will that our hard work really paid off! not miss as much about ICS? It was the best trip ever! Obviously homework, tests, and boring mandatory courses. What is the one word you would use to describe the Class of 2016? Family.

Interview

“You can waste your TIME and ENERGY trying to make everyone happy, but at the end of the day, it’s impossible to PLEASE EVERYONE.” - Parprae Looking back to your time with your class, what would you say to the class as a whole if they were reading this? I still can’t believe we’re graduating in a month! Even though we had our ups and downs, at the end of the day, we are a family. Thank you for all of your help in the past years. I’m going to miss you all so much! (For real) Do you have any suggestions or words of advice for the next classes’ Senior Councils? You can waste your time and energy trying to make everyone happy, but at the end of the day, it’s impossible to please everyone.

Interview

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The Newl Student Counc

Story by A Photos by Suraw

Left to Right:YiHyun Kwon (Vice President), Phatsa Haripoom Pra

ly Elected cil 2016-2017

Anvi Mehta wut Withayarukson

awut Achariyasoonthorn (Treasurer), Gino Lin (Secretary), asutchai (President)

School News

62 11

“Buckle up for another thrilling year!” – Haripoom

Prasutchai, President

Top Left to Right: YiHyun Kwon (Vice President), Haripoom Prasutchai (President) Bottom Left to Right: Phatsawut Achariyasoonthorn (Treasurer), Gino Lin (Secretary)

Ladies and gentlemen of ICS, the Student Council proudly presents the newly elected members of the 2016-2017 school year! As the school year is coming to an end, preparation for the next has started. The coming year’s student council officers and representatives have been recently elected and are ready take on the new year. The student council is modeled loosely after the Executive Branch of the United States, with a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. In the student council, students are elected from and by the High School student body. Often times, there are prerequisites to be entitled as a candidate. For example, candidates must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of above 3.0 63

School News

throughout the school year. In addition to these four students, two people from each grade are elected to be class representatives and make sure that their respective grades’ requests are heard in the council. At ICS, the student council also organizes events such as Lock In, ICS Got Talent, and Banquet. Ms. Aimee, the French teacher, has supervised the council for the past four years, but she has decided to take a break from advising; next year’s advisor is still to be decided. Surprisingly, the officers for the coming year will all be Seniors. The President, Haripoom (Fay Fay) Prasutchai will lead all meetings, with assistance from the Vice-President, Yi Hyun (Andrea) Kwon. Gino Lin, the secretary, will take notes at the

A Candid Shot of the Student Council Members

The Secretary and Treasurer Bromance

meeting and ensure that all plans discussed in the meeting are executed. Phatsawut (Bill) Achariyasoonthorn, the treasurer, will control the inflow and outflow of the money associated with the Student Council. The class representatives are Jana Quahe (12), Junyoung Kim (12), Jessica Fjording (11), Pawat (Erng) Wirawarn (11), Tanapoom Sermchaiwong (10), and Chanaradee (PunPun) Leelamanthep (10). The freshman class representatives are yet to be elected. The future of the High School student body seems to be in good hands!

School News