At this time of year we celebrate the completion of grades 6, 7, and 8 by all of our middle school students. The commitment, responsibility, and perseverance of our students is to be commended. We are proud of them all.
Occasionally, we have students successes that we also like to note, that extend beyond the school environment, that we like to highlight.
Earlier this semester, Yuiko Akashi (Gr. 8) was published in the Mainichi Shimbun, of the top national newspapers in Japan. Yuiko, a student in our Native Japanese program, wrote a piece about the inspiration she took from two figure skaters, as she strived for great heights as a flutist. The article shares her own resilience as she worked hard to overcome great challenges. Congratulations, Yuiko!
Recently, Aryana Raj (Gr. 8) earned the Silver Award in Girl Scouts for her work in literacy and balancing social media, with both our library and the previous work she had done in Dubai with her last troop. Aryana’s Silver Award Project focuses on promoting reading and using the library as a resource for finding great resources, through promotional materials, online mobile access, and outreach. Aryana has worked with our own ISB librarian, Ms. Kehe, to promote a Mother-Daughter Book Club to start next year. A wonderful goal and achievement, Aryana!
Finally, in our Flex class devoted to learning about the stock market and investment strategy, two middle school students achieved terrific results in a global competition. Maria Villamizar Martinez (Gr. 6) and Victoria Bulow (Gr. 6) participated in the International Stock Market Game, competing with well over 100 other MS and HS teams. While overwhelmingly, most teams lost money (investing is hard), Maria and Victoria’s team finished with earnings and 2nd place for MS teams and 8th place overall, globally, in the Spring session of the Game. Well done, Maria and Victoria!
Congratulations to these students and to all of our MS students for their many achievements this school year. Successes might involve publishing or awards, but more often involve personal accomplishments and the overcoming of challenges, as well.