“What I have witnessed demonstrates that while this situation has been difficult, it has not dampened your spirit, or hindered your engagement. This affirms that the quality of ISKL is not defined by its physical structure, but by the relationships forged in our community, and the positive, caring interactions you create.”
These were some of the wise words addressed by the International School of Kuala Lumpur’s High School Principal, Jeff Farrington, to Grade 9, 10, and 11 students during the virtual Grade 9 – 11 Awards Ceremony where outstanding students were recognized.
Parents, faculty, and students from the ISKL community tuned in to watch the live broadcast held on June 5, 2020, which began with a superb performance of the Malaysian national anthem “Negaraku” sung by the Senior Choral Ensemble, followed by a heartfelt speech by Jeff to the HS students.
“It has been a pleasure to learn and grow with you. You create the culture here. In 2020, the year we faced the unprecedented challenge of keeping our school running during a global pandemic. Together, we did it because of our strong relationships and our sense of community,” he said.
Jeff also spoke of the student’s involvement in school life this year. The main highlights being:
- 12 active Service and Sustainability Community Partnership Teams with an average participation of 300 students per season.
- Working with Refugees, Animal organizations, Hospitals, and Advocacy Groups.
- Countless club meetings (over 39 different clubs with over 380 participants), innumerable drama, music, speaking performances here and external to the school.
- 60% of the HS student body participated in 11 sports over three seasons.
- Students led and had great success in multiple IASAS Sports and Cultural Conventions.
It was then followed by three Departmental Awards presented to the students, followed by faculty members presenting the Grade 9 – 11 Award recipients.
Below are all the proud recipients along with comments from their teachers!
The Robert B. Gaw Citizenship Award, Senior Class for Grade 9, awarded to: Vrinda G.
“Vrinda sparkles. She is a golden human being and is someone who creates a dignified safe place to grow. She has a heart so big she plays for someone twice her size. Vrinda has a maturity beyond her years. “
Susy Guidolin, HS EAL Teacher
About the Award: The Robert B. Gaw Citizenship Award is intended for students from Grade 9 through to Grade 12 who demonstrate exemplary citizenship and is given to one student at each grade level. The award, sponsored by the PTA, is named in honor of Robert B. Gaw, who served as Headmaster at ISKL from 1970-1978.
The Robert B. Gaw Citizenship Award, Senior Class for Grade 10, awarded to: Gabriela G.
“Many teachers have said that Gaby is a model student – creative, mature beyond her years, forward-thinking and responsible. But more than that, she has a special way of reaching out to all groups of people because she is so kind, so courageous, and has a genuine interest in getting to know and bettering people and the world around her.”
Bonnie Lam, HS Health/Physical Education Teacher
The Robert B. Gaw Citizenship Award, Senior Class for Grade 11, awarded to: Vincent P.
“Although Vincent has experienced adversity in High School, he has displayed courtesy and respect towards others throughout this experience. What a person does once the adversity clears in their life says a huge amount about their character.”
Timothy Farrow, MS & HS Psychologist
The Harvard Book Prize Award, Grade 11, awarded to: Diya N.
“Diya is a student described by teachers as a student who is a positive young person who responds graciously to both disappointment and success. She is respectful of others, humble, and demands the most of herself yet is understanding and supportive. She’s a joy to work with, and her work ethic is second to none.”
Rami Madani, Head of School
About the Award: The award is presented by The Harvard Alumni Association to the outstanding student (highest GPA) in the next-to-graduating class who “displays excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields.” All three shortlisted candidates were interviewed by the Harvard Club Malaysia, and a winner was selected.
JV Athlete of the Year Award (Male), awarded to: Harrison C.
“Harry is a lovely combination of a strong man and a gentle soul. His ability to throw the javelin, discus, and shot put in a strong Varsity team highlights his athletic ability. He has helped others, showing respect to coaches, and his golden smile demonstrates his endless enthusiasm and ISKL spirit.”
(Coach) Tina Casey, HS IB English Teacher
About the Award: Awarded to the most outstanding male and female high school student-athlete who participated at the JV level for at least (1) one team sport, exhibited outstanding ability, and contributed greatly to the school’s athletic program through their personal athletic prowess and skill. Award is voted on by JV head coaches, and an award rubric will assist the Athletic and Activity Department in determining the best candidates.
JV Athlete of the Year Award (Female), awarded to: Katerina G.
“Katerina is just a phenomenal consistent, brave leader. Our favorite thing about Katerina is her laughter, which is the gel and component of our team. She just makes everything better on and off the court.”
(Coach) Bonnie Lam, HS Health/Physical Education Teacher
About the Award: Awarded to the most outstanding male and female high school student-athlete who participated at the JV level for at least (1) one team sport, exhibited outstanding ability, and contributed greatly to the school’s athletic program through their personal athletic prowess and skill. Award is voted on by JV head coaches, and an award rubric will assist the Athletic and Activity Department in determining the best candidates.
EARCOS Global Citizen Award awarded to: Asha O.
“If I had one word to describe Asha, it would be principled. She doesn’t say she just cares about the environment- she lives it. She doesn’t just talk about her ideals – she lives them. I can’t think of a teenager who is more deserving of this award than she is.”
Amy Popovich, HS Math Teacher
About the Award: This award is presented to a student who embraces the qualities of a global citizen. This student is a proud representative of his/her nation while respectful of the diversity of other nations, have an open mind, is well informed, aware and empathetic, concerned and caring for others encouraging a sense of community and strongly committed to engagement and action to make the world a better place. Finally, this student is able to interact and communicate effectively with people from all walks of life while having a sense of collective responsibility for all who inhabit the globe.
Rensselaer Medal Award/Scholarship, awarded to: Matilde A.
“If chemistry was a dance, Tilda performs with technical perfection and graceful elegance that is a joy to behold, and sometimes bringing a tear to the eye.”
Stephen Sweet, HS Science/IB Chemistry Teacher
About the Award: The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in New York State is a leading U.S. college well known for Engineering. The Rensselaer Medal, awarded by ISKL, is for academic excellence in math and science and given to a junior who:
-
Ranks in the top 10% of their class.
-
Demonstrates potential for success in a rigorous academic setting.
-
Excels in HL1 / advanced math and sciences
-
Exhibits significant interest and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Medal winners who enroll at RPI receive a scholarship of US$15,000 per year to a total of US$60,000.
The ceremony ended with the annual ISKL tradition to officially close the school year – the year-end clap out. And for the first time, the entire school, ES, MS, and HS did the clap out altogether, virtually!
Congrats again to all the recipients of the Grade 9 – 11 Awards. We continue to be thrilled and proud of your accomplishments and hard work.
