Accent Magazine 2010-2011 - Awty International School

Transcription

2010-2011
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2
A Letter from the Interim Head of School
4
A Message from the Proviseur
8
Advancing Awty
8
Thank You for Supporting Awty
10 Coming Soon in 2012 - New Classroom Building
12 Ram Run 2010
14 India: A Night of Magic
18 Alumni Association
18 Where are they now?
20 2nd Annual Distinguished Alumni Jazz Brunch
22 Alumni Parents
24 School Life
26 Primary School News
42 Middle School News
54 Upper School News
70 Community Service
92 Parent Volunteers
100 Highlights 2010-2011
102 Dutch Accreditation
103 A Fall Concert
104 Homecoming 2010
106 Holiday Traditions at Awty
108 Book Fair 2011: A Literal Success
110 Parlez-Vous Français
112 Library News
113 Language News
114 Bravo News
A LETTER FROM THE INTERIM HEAD OF SCHOOL
Mr. Peter R. Cooper, Interim Head of School
A
s I complete my two-year tenure at Awty,
of May. When completed during the summer of 2012,
I want to convey what a pleasure it has
this building will make a significant difference in the
been to serve this special community. Awty
education of Awty students for generations to come.
possesses a unique spirit which permeates everything
If our fundraising efforts go well, I am hopeful the
we do. We value diversity and we promote under-
next phases of the Master Plan will not be far behind.
standing of other cultures. Having both French and
The key to any school is the quality of its teach-
International Sections provides many opportunities
ers, administrators, and staff. Therefore, when new
for our students to learn from each other. In addition
vacancies have occurred, I took a strong interest in
to working with students and staff, my wife and I have
making sure the school hired the best possible people
enjoyed the company of many Awty parents at various
for these positions. I worked closely with the Board’s
social events.
Search Committee for the new Head of School since
I believe that the Board of Trustees made an excel-
I had considerable experience in searches at other
lent selection when they chose Dr. Stephen Codring-
international schools. We also filled our Head of Pri-
ton to be my successor. He brings a true international
mary School vacancy with a well-qualified educator
perspective which will have a positive effect on Awty
from Wisconsin, Mr. Stan Way.
for years to come. I have been communicating with
While I plan to take a year off before considering
Dr. Codrington on a regular basis to ensure a smooth
another interim headship, I
transition. I am confident he will be a wonderful addi-
plan to keep in touch with my
tion to our community.
many friends and colleagues
From my first day on the campus, I was deter-
here at The Awty Interna-
mined to use my prior experience and knowledge to
tional School. I expect the
make a positive impact on our school. I impressed
school to grow and change
upon the Board of Trustees that they should not wait
as the world around it grows
until a new Head of School arrives before embarking
and changes. I wish all of you
on the next stage in the school’s Master Plan. I am
continued success in educat-
pleased the groundbreaking for our new building at
ing our global citizens with
the entrance to the campus is scheduled for the end
that special Awty spirit.
2 The Awty International School
LETTRE DU DIRECTEUR INTERIMAIRE DE L’ÉCOLE
A
lors que je termine mon mandat de deux
L’essentiel pour toute école c’est la qualité des
ans à Awty, je veux vous exprimer le plaisir
enseignants, des administrateurs et du personnel. Par
que j’ai éprouvé à servir cette commu-
conséquent, lorsqu’il y a eu des postes vacants, je me
nauté particulière. Awty possède un esprit unique qui
suis assuré que l’École engage les meilleures personnes
imprègne tout ce que nous faisons. Nous valorisons la
possibles pour ces fonctions. J’ai travaillé en étroite
diversité et encourageons la compréhension d’autres
collaboration avec le Comité de recherche du conseil
cultures. Le fait d’avoir des sections française et
d’administration dans la nomination du nouveau Di-
internationale donne à nos élèves de nombreuses pos-
recteur de l’École car j’ai une grande expérience dans
sibilités d’apprendre les uns des autres. Outre le fait de
les recherches auprès d’autres écoles internationales.
travailler avec les élèves et le personnel, mon épouse et
Nous avons également pourvu le poste vacant de notre
moi-même avons apprécié la compagnie de nombreux
directeur de l’école primaire avec un éducateur très
parents d’Awty lors de divers évènements.
qualifié du Wisconsin/Californie, M. Stan Way.
Je pense que le conseil d’administration a fait
J’envisage de prendre une année de congé avant
un excellent choix en sélectionnant le Dr Stephen
d’accepter une autre direction par intérim, mais je
Codrington pour me succéder. Il apporte une véritable
compte garder le contact avec mes nombreux amis et
perspective internationale qui aura un effet positif sur
collègues de l’École internationale Awty. Je m’attends
Awty pendant les années à venir. J’ai communiqué
à ce que l’École évolue et change, tout comme le
régulièrement avec le Dr Codrington pour assurer une
monde autour d’elle évolue et change. Je vous souhaite
transition sereine. Je suis certain qu’il sera un ajout
que vous alliez de réussite en réussite dans l’éducation
formidable à notre communauté.
de nos citoyens du monde, avec cet esprit caractéris-
Depuis mon premier jour sur le campus, j’étais
tique d’Awty.
décidé à mettre à profit mon expérience et mes connaissances antérieures pour avoir un effet positif sur
notre École. J’ai encouragé le conseil d’administration
de ne pas attendre l’arrivée du nouveau directeur
pour aborder l’étape suivante du Plan principal de
l’École. Je suis heureux que le démarrage des travaux
de notre nouveau bâtiment à l’entrée du campus soit
programmé pour début juin. Lorsqu’il sera terminé, à
l’été 2012, ce bâtiment fera une grande diff érence pour
l’éducation des futures générations d’élèves d’Awty. Si
nos efforts en matière de levée de fonds se poursuivent
sur cette lancée, j’ai l’espoir que les phases suivantes du
Plan principal ne tarderont pas à suivre.
Accent Magazine 2010-2011 3
A MESSAGE FROM THE PROVISEUR
Mr. Boualem Maizia, Proviseur and Deputy Head
M
W
hen you’re writing for a magazine like
I can say, without being boastful or bragging, we’re
Accent Magazine, you think about the
a school that enjoys a good reputation. We owe this to
people who are going to read it – not
our students’ test results in the International Bacca-
only our students, parents, and school staff, but also
laureate and French (OIB or standard) Baccalaureate
others who wish to learn about Awty such as the
and to our seniors’ acceptance in American, French,
parents of our future students. So you need to write
and Canadian universities. These academic successes
about our school, because people adopt Awty right
form a sort of showcase for us, enabling us to compare
away – it becomes our own, whether we are students,
ourselves to other schools using numbers and percent-
teachers, or staff. Our school is unlike other schools.
ages. Other criteria aren’t so easy to quantify, but I
We’re different; we’re unique. Other schools probably
can say that our school has happy students. We don’t
say the same thing but there is no reason to get in an
have a tool for measuring happiness or satisfaction,
argument about it… let’s stop for a minute to take a
and we’re not about to take a representative sample.
good look at ourselves.
A student who doesn’t do well on a really hard math
Who are we?
The Awty family is the result of a “marriage” between an American school and a French school, which
has become one school with two sections, each with
a strong personality that we all passionately cultivate.
There are many of us working to keep this school going in order to keep that special characteristic alive.
We are a couple determined to get along because we
know we can only succeed together. That is what led
our school to renew its agreement with the Mission
Laïque Française (MLF). The MLF has contributed a
lot to the creation of our school, and today our partnership gives us the advantage of the help and advice
of this great association known throughout the world.
homework assignment can’t really say he’s happy. It’s
the parents and teachers who tell me that the students are happy here, and I’ve seen it too. It’s also
the general impression I’ve received in my personal
interviews with each of the seniors. I ask them to sum
up their Awty experience. Whether they are longtime
students or recent arrivals, they all say that they’ve
enjoyed being here and are thankful for the efforts
of the teachers who have guided them. Their time at
Awty has left its mark on them, and now that they are
moving on, more than anything else they are mindful
of their school.
We are a school where multiculturalism is a reality:
more than 50 nationalities and many cultures work
together here in remarkable harmony. This school
classrooms, it’s time our students were able to have
thrives on our differences, so we attract all those fami-
a new infrastructure with well-equipped classrooms.
lies who want their children to have a good education
That’s why the Awty Board of Trustees has decided to
in an environment representative of today’s world.
add a new building with 33 classrooms, a dining hall
Of course, although we are in Houston, Texas, our
(500 student capacity), two art rooms, and a dedicated
students’ world extends far beyond here. Awty gives
photography room, as well as offices for the entire
them an academic experience unlike the experience
administration. The building should be ready by the
they would have had in a “conventional” American
fall of 2012 – practically tomorrow! Other projects are
school, or in a French school. For educators too, it’s an
ready to go, too, including an auditorium, a cafeteria
exciting experience to work with people they probably
for the entire school, a multi-level parking garage,
would never have met anywhere else. We do have to
additional classrooms, and more. The only thing
make adjustments in order to avoid misunderstand-
missing is the financing. Foundations can help us,
ings due to our cultural differences, but this is just
but first they’ll want to be sure that a vast majority of
one of the challenges we face together every day. For
the Awty community has contributed to the Annual
parents, particularly those who join us mid-year, Awty
Fund. So you can of course understand why the school
is a school where their children can quickly fit in and
is counting on you. The number
are accepted by others.
of participants is important,
We are a school that must keep evolving in order
to meet the needs of our students, and as Historian
but not necessarily the amount.
We want to be a modern
and Rector Philippe Joutard says, “Education has to
school looking forward to the
be custom made.” Awty ascribes to that logic, so we
world of tomorrow, a school
must be inventive and creative while remembering
that holds success for our chil-
that although our resources are not unlimited they do
dren, and we always want the
enable us to guide and educate our students.
best for them.
We are a special school and we’re proud of it. We
want to make our school even better. Even though the
real beauty of Awty isn’t just in a few old, well-used
LE MOT DU PROVISEUR
Q
uand on écrit dans un magazine comme
(OIB ou standard), ainsi qu’aux admissions des Ter-
Accent Magazine, on pense à ceux qui
minales (ou Seniors) dans les universités américaines,
vont nous lire: élèves, parents et personnel
françaises ou canadiennes. Ces succès sont un peu
de l’école mais également à ceux qui veulent découvrir
notre vitrine et nous permettent de nous comparer
Awty comme les futurs parents. Il convient donc de
avec d’autres écoles, en utilisant des effectifs et des
parler de notre école, car on s’approprie vite Awty, qui
pourcentages. D’autres critères sont moins quantifi-
devient notre, que l’on soit élèves, parents ou em-
ables et pourtant je peux affirmer que nous avons des
ployés. Notre école ne ressemble pas aux autres écoles,
élèves heureux dans notre école. Nous n’avons pas
nous sommes différents et uniques. Les autres écoles
d’outil pour mesurer le bonheur ou le taux de satisfac-
disent sans doute la même chose, mais nul besoin de
tion, et pas question de faire un sondage en utilisant
polémiquer ; arrêtons-nous un instant et prenons le
un échantillon représentatif. Un élève qui planche
temps de nous « regarder ».
sur un devoir de maths ardu aura du mal à dire qu’il
Qui sommes-nous ?
est heureux…. Ce sont les parents et les enseignants
Nous sommes le fruit d’un mariage entre une
école américaine et une école française ; aujourd’hui,
une seule école avec deux sections ayant toutes deux
des personnalités fortes que les uns et les autres nous
entretenons passionnément. Nous sommes nombreux
à faire vivre cette école pour lui conserver ce caractère
particulier. Nous sommes un couple déterminé à nous
entendre parce que nous savons que c’est ensemble
seulement que nous pouvons réussir. C’est dans cet
esprit que notre école a renouvelé l’accord avec la
Mission Laïque Française (MLF). La MLF a largement contribué à la création de notre école, et notre
partenariat nous permet aujourd’hui de bénéficier
qui me disent que les élèves sont heureux dans notre
école, je l’ai aussi constaté. C’est une impression générale que j’ai eue également, lors de mes entretiens
individuels avec chacun des élèves de Terminale. Je
leur ai demandé de faire un bilan de l’expérience Awty.
Qu’ils soient élèves de longue date ou arrivés récemment, tous ont dit qu’ils étaient bien dans cette école,
et rendaient hommage au travail des professeurs qui
les ont accompagnés. Ils sont marqués par ce temps
passé à Awty, et maintenant qu’ils vont partir vers
d’autres horizons, ils ont plus conscience que d’autre
de leur école.
Nous sommes une école ou le multiculturalisme
de l’aide et des conseils de cette grande association
est une réalité: plus de 50 nationalités, et plusieurs
reconnue par tous.
cultures se côtoient dans une harmonie remarquable.
Nous sommes une école, je l’écris sans prétention
ni arrogance, qui bénéficie d’une bonne réputation.
Nous le devons aux résultats des élèves aux examens :
Baccalauréat International et Baccalauréat français
Cette école se nourrit de nos différences, ainsi nous
attirons toutes les familles qui veulent pour leurs enfants une (bonne) éducation dans un environnement
qui correspond au monde d’aujourd’hui. Certes, nous
sommes à Houston, au Texas, et pourtant le monde de
nos élèves va bien au-delà. Awty leur permet d’avoir
la rentrée 2012, c’est-à-dire après demain. D’autres
une scolarité différente de celle qu’ils auraient pu
projets sont prêts à être réalisés, notamment un au-
avoir dans une école américaine « classique » ou dans
ditorium, une cafeteria pour l’ensemble de l’école, un
une école franco-française. Pour les éducateurs, c’est
parking à plusieurs niveaux, d’autres salles de classe
également une expérience passionnante que d’évoluer
… il ne manque que le financement. Des Fondations
parmi un public qu’ils auraient du mal à avoir ailleurs.
peuvent nous aider, mais auparavant elles s’assureront
Nous devons nous ajuster pour éviter les malentendus
qu’une grande majorité de la communauté d’Awty
causés par nos différences culturelles, mais cela fait
a contribué au Fonds annuel. Vous comprenez sans
parti des défis que nous relevons ensemble quoti-
doute pourquoi vous êtes (ou serez) sollicités par
diennement. Pour les parents et en particulier les
l’école, le taux de participation est important et pas
nouveaux, ceux qui nous rejoignent en cours d’année,
forcément le montant.
Awty est une école où leurs enfants s’intègrent rapidement et ont été intégrés par les autres.
Nous sommes une école qui doit sans cesse évoluer
Nous voulons être une école moderne tournée vers
le monde de demain, une école de la réussite pour nos
enfants à qui nous souhaitons offrir le meilleur.
pour répondre aux besoins de nos élèves, et comme
le dit Philippe Joutard, Historien et Recteur, « En
éducation, il faut faire du sur mesure» .Awty s’inscrit
dans cette logique, et nous devons pour cela être inventif et créatif tout en tenant compte de nos moyens
qui certes ne sont pas illimités mais qui nous permettent d’éduquer et d’accompagner nos élèves.
Nous sommes cette école particulière dont nous
sommes fiers. Nous cherchons encore à l’améliorer,
même dans son aspect extérieur. Même si la beauté
d’Awty est ailleurs que dans quelques vieilles salles
fatiguées, il est temps que nos élèves puissent disposer
de nouvelles infrastructures avec des salles de classe
équipées. C’est la raison pour laquelle le Conseil
d’Administration d’Awty a décidé de faire construire
un nouveau bâtiment de trois étages qui comprendra 33 salles de classe, une salle à manger (capacité
de 500 élèves), deux salles d’Art et une salle dédiée
à la photo, ainsi que les bureaux de l’ensemble de
l’administration. Ce bâtiment devrait être prêt pour
“We are grateful for your participation and role in
advancing the work of our school community.”
- Mrs. Barbara Gallo
Associate Director of Events
“We are extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished
this year and are grateful for your continued support
of The Awty International School.”
- Ms. Gwen Cario
Associate Director of Communications
Thank You for
Supporting Awty!
“Thank you for investing in your child’s future and thank you
for making a difference. Today, we look with equal excitement
to explorations ahead made possible because of your continuing support. We extend sincere thanks again to you, The Awty
International School community.”
- Mr. Ronald Jackson
Director of Advancement and External Affairs
“Thank you for being a part of Awty’s success story;
thank you for making everything we do possible.”
- Mrs. Carol Nash
Advancement Coordinator
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1. Mrs. Catherine Corcoran, Mrs. Anne Maizia, Mrs. MarieLaure Bocabarteille, Mrs. Christine Montagnier, and Mrs.
Lucia Warden
2. Mrs. DeVaun Barbir
3. Mrs. Bridgett Matthes with Oliver Winkler (PK-3)
4. Dr. Adriana Silva with students from Ms. Greenwood’s 2nd
grade class
5. Awty Dads Mr. Eric Namtvedt (background) and Dr. Pete
Di Bona
6. Ms. Julie Fette with Mme. Poupard’s CE1 class
7. Dr. Alan Rechter
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8. Mrs. Frances Howard, Mrs. Adrienne Brown-Franklin, and
Mrs. Catherine Corcoran
ADVANCING AWTY:
COMING SOON IN 2012 - NEW CLASSROOM BUILDING
A Front Door to Awty’s Campus
33 More Educational Classrooms
3 Stories and Approximately 65,000 Square Feet
Additional Meeting Rooms
2 Art Classooms and 1 Digital Photo Room
New Dining Area for the Entire School
New Administration Offices
LEED Certified
ADVANCING AWTY:
RAM RUN 2010
Mrs. Frances Howard and Mrs. Regina
Jackson, 2010 Ram Run Co-Chairs
ith over 400 participants, the 2nd An-
W
Your International Store, Fleet Feet Sports, Game Truck
nual Ram Run was a great success from
Houston, Kalli O’Malley and Terry Giles, Go-Sip Café,
start to finish! Thank you so much to the
Alia Heintz and Evin Heintz, Stacie House, MPH, Hous-
presenting sponsor, Sun Coast Resources, Inc., and to all of
ton Texans, Rick, Frances and Alex Howard, In Flight
those who supported this event through sponsorships and
Running, Regina and Ronald Jackson, Dr. Stacey N. Jones,
donations.
Junald A. Khan, MD, Kroger, Larabar, Martha Turner
Many thanks to all the students who participated in the
Properties/Marsha Schenau, Max Movers, Inc., McDon-
fundraising drive and turned in pledge envelopes. Congrat-
ald’s/Nelly Quijano, Lisa and Charlie Meacham, Midtown
ulations to the winner of the contest, Maverick Donald-
Dentistry, Mighty Milk, Monster Energy, My Fit Foods,
Wright in Ms. Erika’s PK-4 class, who walked away with a
P&E Dental, Reliant Energy, Panda Express, The Pierce
Nintendo DSi XL. And thank you to all who cleaned out
Family, Raj Rangwani, CPA, The Ron Family, The Russo
their closets to turn in gently used tennis shoes and socks
Family, Shamaine Klein Design, Skin Surgery Center of
– we collected several huge boxes of items for SEARCH
Houston, Smoothie King (Woodway/Voss), Sun Coast Re-
Homeless Services.
sources, Inc., Sweet Tomatoes, Treebeards, Alfredo,Hollie
Finally, thank you to everyone who came out to support
Awty and participate in the Ram Run. Because of the generosity and support of the Awty community, the Ram Run
raised over $27,000 for Awty’s PE and athletics programs,
a first place finish!
Our gratitude is sent to all of the Ram Run sponsors
including adidas, David Adler, PC, Allan Edwards Builders, Athletic Orthopedics & Knee Center, Awty Alumni
and Nico Trullenque, The Valenzuela Family, Giancarlo
Vega and Andre Vega, Watermill Express, William A. Stellenwerf, MS, DDS, PC, and Willis of Texas, Inc.
We ask everyone in the Awty community to please
support these Ram Run sponsors and in-kind donors. They
made this fun run a huge success; we could not have done it
without their generous support.
Finally, a special thank you goes to event chairs Mrs.
Parents, Joy Priya Backlas, Best Care Cleaning Services,
Frances Howard and Mrs. Regina Jackson, the Ram Run
Bracewell & Giuliani LLP, Jacques Brock, Cascadian Farm,
committee, and all of the volunteers who came out on a
Central Market, The Crane Family, Comprehensive Heart
rainy and cold Saturday, taking your posts with enthusiastic
Care, PA, ConocoPhillips, Custom Fortune Cookie Co.,
Awty spirit and ensuring the success of the Ram Run.
The Daponte Family, The Ellis Family, Evamor, Fiesta
1. Mr. Simon Farrant, Andrew Farrant (1st Grade), Leslie Farrant (PK-4), and Mrs. Ginger Farrant
2. The starting line at the 2010 Ram Run.
3. Giulia Guigui (CE2)
4. Mrs. Iliana Haddad with children John Paul (6th Grade),
James (1st Grade), and Raquel (4th Grade)
5. Cameron Patrick (PK-4)
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ADVANCING AWTY:
INDIA: A NIGHT OF MAGIC!
Mrs. Liza Heintz and Mrs. Jennifer Hohman,
M
22011 Gala Co-Chairs
A
sold-out crowd of 500 guests came out on
Finally, a special thanks to the sponsors and under-
March 26 to support Awty at the “India: A
writers, especially lead sponsors Chevron and Rania and
Night of Magic!” gala at the Hobby Center.
Jamal Daniel, whose generous support made this evening a
From the ladies in their sparkling saris to the Anjali student
success.
performances and the soulful sounds of the sitar, it was
The event sponsors included Slumdog Millionaire
indeed a magical night for all! Chevron was recognized
sponsors Chevron and Rania and Jamal Daniel; Monsoon
for their corporate support through the years, and Mr. Sam
Wedding sponsors GDF SUEZ Energy North America,
Waugh was honored for his 34 years of dedication and ser-
Schlumberger, and TOTAL; Passage to India sponsor
vice to Awty. Video tributes were given by board members,
ConocoPhillips; Bride & Prejudice sponsors The Meacham
faculty, staff, current students, and alumni, all expressing
and Pierce Families; The Namesake sponsors The Adler/
their admiration and appreciation to Chevron and Mr. Sam
Kirchner, Dabney, Haug, and Lazar Families, Awty Alumni
Waugh for their many years of contribution to Awty. The
Parents Association, Bailey Architects, Inc., CenterPoint
evening brought us together as a family and reminded us all
Energy, Inc., The Colvard/Moneyhan, Haddad, Kundag-
of what the Awty spirit truly represents.
rami, Lehne, and Quarles Families, The Conner, Dreessen/
Thank you to Mrs. Liza Heintz and Mrs. Jennifer
Van Laan, Eldridge, Hogan, and Lunn Families, The Ellis
Hohman for chairing such an exceptional event. The gala
Family, FabCorp, inc., FMC Technologies, Liza and Bob
chairs and their wonderful gala committee members have
Heintz, The Hohman Family, Frances and Richard How-
worked very hard this year to give us an evening to remem-
ard, Liquid Casing, Inc., Suzanne and Avi Ron, Mr. Fayez
ber. A special thank you also to our board members for
Sarofim, Armanda and Jorge Simon, Tracy McGrady Fam-
their leadership in this fundraising effort.
ily Foundation, and Willis of Texas and Baker Hostetler.
Many thanks to all who donated auction items and to
Couples sponsorships included April and Kevin Bailey,
the Awty families who are hosting sociable dinners in their
Bernard M Fields Management Corporation, Lana Bil-
homes. We appreciate the room parents and teachers who
leaud and John McGinnis, Anthony Brock and Blanca
worked so hard to create the beautiful class projects that
Lerma, Joseph and Ruby Dang, Anne and Loyd Esler, Dr.
were sold in the online auction. This was our first online
and Mrs. Tarek Fahl, Function One Consulting Group,
auction and we raised over $100,000— thank you to all
Caroline and Louis Gilbert, Shelly and Brian Hendry, Lilia
who participated!
Khakimova and Robert Bunch, Odette and Juan Gerardo
Nader, Micheal and Vicki Tidwell Palmer, Gina Pavon and
Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP (Programs), Bank of America
Manuel Sanchez, Suneeta and Raj Rangwani, Eduardo and
Merrill Lynch (Entertainment), The Dabney Family (Table
Carolina Salomon, Marc and Patricia Seymour, Bobby and
Host Gifts), Joseph and Ruby Dang (Video), Amy and
Jasmeeta Singh, and Nicole and Anthony West.
Rob Pierce (Auction Paddles), and Liza and Bob Heintz
(After Dinner Sweets).
Underwriters for the evening included Kalli O’Malley
and Terry Giles (Invitations), Rachel Brown (Auction
Because of the generosity and support of the Awty
Software), Mission Laïque Française (VIP Reception), Val-
community, we raised $428,000, which exceeded the goal
erie and Richard Jefferis (Auction Preview Party), Reliant
by $40,000. Thank you for making this a night of magic for
Energy (Favors), Sujata Venkatraman and Vianney Savajol
Awty!
(Centerpieces), Brown Hand Center (Lighting and Sound),
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1. Mrs. Mary Thomas, Mrs. Tiffany AverySmith, Mrs. Edith Smith, and Mrs. Gina Elie
2. Mrs. Maala Singh and Dr. Karanbir Singh
3. Mr. Sam Waugh, Head of Upper School
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4. Dancers from the Anjali School of Performing Arts
ADVANCING AWTY:
INDIA: A NIGHT OF MAGIC!
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1. Mr. and Mrs. Mark Smithard
2. Mr. and Mrs. Laurent Vivier, Dr. Cyril Tawa and Dr. Catherine Karmel,
and Mr. and Mrs. Boualem Maizia
3. Chowl Bhangra Dancers
4. Mr. Peter Cooper, Interim Head of School; Mrs. Liza Heintz, Gala
2011 Co-Chair; Mr. Boualem Maizia, Deputy Head and Proviseur; and
Mrs. Jennifer Hohman, Gala 2011 Co-Chair
5. Mr. and Mrs. Raj Rangwani
6. Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Bailey
7. Mrs. Susan George, Mrs. Frances Howard, and Mrs. Chantal Vessali
8. Mrs. CleRenda McGrady
9. Mr. Todd Colvard, Mr. Christopher Hohman, and Ms. Kelly Moneyhan
10. Japraj Singh, 4th Grade
12
11. Mrs. Ruby Dang and Dr. Joseph Dang
12. Mr. David Adler and Mrs. Christine Kirchner and Mr. and Mrs. David
Haug
13. Sitar Player David Courtney
14. Mr. and Mrs. Anselmo Tati
15. Mrs. Carla Frateschi and Mr. Jamal Daniel
16. Mrs. Jasmeeta Singh with the Anjali School of Performing Arts
dancers
14
15
13
16
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION:
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Danny Bahrani, ’95, and Alex Forrest, ’97
attend the 2010 Homecoming festivities.
F
rom Texas to New York, from Pennsylvania
Michael H. Baugh (1998-2000) is now a First
to Mexico, from Virginia to France, Awty al-
Lieutenant on the USS Cole, and returned to the US
ums are working, studying, and playing hard
in September after a 7 month voyage to the Indian
Ocean and Somalia. The USS Cole is the ship that
in cities across the globe.
Ali Naragi (1992) currently lives in New York City
where he works as a commercial real estate developer.
Andrew Newman (1997) married Shaira Daya.
The wedding ceremony and reception were held at the
Daya residence in Westport, CT. Andy currently lives
in New York City with his wife, where he is completing his PhD thesis in Social Anthropology at Central
was bombed by Al Qaeda suicide bombers in 2000
at Yemen; 17 sailors were killed by the explosion and
are commemorated on a walkway near the mess hall
- right next to the wall of the ship that was blown up.
There are 17 gold stars on the floor and no one steps
on them.
Joanne Howard (1999) married Daniel Sheahan
on September 25, 2010.
University New York.
Mark Yacoub (1997) married Ling Chiang in
Bernardo Cubria (2000) continues to act in theater productions in New York City and throughout
July 2010. The cer-
the state of New York, and also works in film. Check
emony and reception
out the latest on Bernardo at bernardocubria.com.
were held at their
John Ransom, II (2000) was one of ten Houston-
alma mater, LeHigh
University in beauti-
ians who was honored on April 11 with Houston
ful Bethlehem, PA.
Grand Opera’s Ovation Award. This prestigious award
Charles Cherqui,
is given to young dynamic leaders who are paving
Class of 1998, was
the way for other young professionals in the realm of
the best man. Other
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Yacoub
Awty alumni present
philanthropic, charitable, and civic endeavors.
Tammy Umansky (2000) started 2010 off by
at the wedding included Michele Totah, Manuella
branding her own organic dog food, Naya and Milas,
Totah, Andrew Newman, Peter Kileff, Andrea Albin,
Homemade Organic Dog Treats. Check it out at nay-
and Alex Forrest.
aandmilas.com.
Brandon Buchanan (2003) graduated from Harvard University School of Law in Cambridge, MA
in May 2010 with a Juris Doctorate. He is currently
School of Art and Design for a one year program in
Fashion Design beginning in August 2011.
Alec Leverette (2008) is completing an intern-
working for Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr,
ship with SpaceX, a private company that is design-
LLP in New York.
ing, manufacturing, and launching their own space
Katherine Baugh (2005) graduated from Ameri-
vehicles. Alec is working on the Dragon spacecraft,
can University with a degree in Biochemistry in 2009.
the vehicle SpaceX is developing as a manned cargo/
She is working in the ER of a hospital in Virginia
crew orbital delivery system, using funding awarded
and intends to go to medical school.
from NASA’s commercial crew development program
Arzhang Salashoor Laraza (2005) played soccer
and will likely soon be the first privately developed
for 2 years with Hendrix College then played for the
manned orbital vehicle. He will be working for Wit-
St. Louis Lion. He signed his first pro soccer con-
tinghill Aerospace this summer and then go back to
tract in 2009 with LaRaza soccer team in Monterrey
classes in the fall at USC, where the Rocket Propul-
Mexico. LaRaza won the league championship during
sion Lab, USC’s student rocket group is also in the
his first season.
final design stage of their own space shot.
Heidi Celeghin (2006) is making her mark on the
Dagney Pruner (2008) was a Duchess in the 2011
art world. She received her Bachelor of Arts from
Mardi Gras Royal Court, which was presented by the
Cornell University in 2010, and is currently teaching
Knights of Momus in February.
2D Digital Animation, Claymation, and Stop-Motion
We love hearing from our alums and we want to
Animation at the Glassell Junior School for Art in
hear from you! If you are an Awty Alum and have
Houston. Her artwork has been shown in Houston’s
some fun and exciting news (marriage, births, awards,
Reliant Center, Ithaca’s Johnson Museum of Art, and
etc.) you would like to share with the Awty Commu-
most recently was on display in the Norma R. Ory
nity, contact Mr. Ronald Jackson in the Advancement
Gallery of the MFAH. To see some of Heidi’s work,
Department at 713-328-5836 or by email at rjack-
visit heidiceleghin.com.
[email protected]. Be sure to also check out the Awty
Courtney Leverette (2006) was recently accepted
into the prestigious design school, Parsons Paris
Alumni Association’s page on Facebook and ask to
join.
J. FRED’S FAMILY
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION:
2ND ANNUAL DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI JAZZ BRUNCH
Mr. Don Davis, Mrs. Marcelle Gharibeh, and
Mr. Guy Benet honored at Alumni Jazz Brunch.
A
wty alumni, alumni parents, staff, and fac-
French Ministry of Education sent him on a short
ulty gathered during Homecoming week-
mission to Houston in 1981. He began his career at
end for the 2nd Annual Distinguished
The Awty International School coaching soccer and
Alumni Jazz Brunch on November 14 at the Junior
teaching French and Spanish and is still here after
League of Houston.
29 years. Guy was a dedicated soccer coach for three
At this year’s brunch, the Awty Alumni Associa-
years, then in 1984, became the Language Depart-
tion honored three long-standing faculty and staff
ment Chair. Under his leadership, Awty participated
members for their dedication and contributions to
in a student foreign exchange program with a sister
Awty and its students.
school in Lyon for three years, and the department
Mrs. Marcelle Gharibeh received the award for
Distinguished Faculty - International Section. Mrs.
Awty told Marcelle upon seeing her for the first time,
“Young lady, I need you here.” Little did she realize
the treasure she had—Marcelle is now in her 30th
year of service to Awty. Marcelle set up the 3-year
old program and helped to set up the after-school
program, which she directed for several years. In addition, she served as principal, dean of faculty, taught
IB courses in biology, chemistry, math, and was the
first IB coordinator. Currently, Marcelle serves as the
CAS Coordinator. She is tireless in her efforts and
never turns down a project that will benefit those
less fortunate. Lela Davis once told her, “You need to
learn to say no!”
Mr. Guy Benet received the award for Distinguished Faculty - French Bilingual Section. Little
did Guy know how his life would change when the
has grown from 10 teachers to its current team of 25.
In 2005, Guy was the recipient of the “Palmes Académiques”, an award given by the French Ministry for
making major contributions to French international
education. He also became the inaugural recipient of
The Awty International School’s Guy Benet Distinguished Faculty Award in 2009. This faculty award
was created to honor Guy’s years of service to Awty as
a teacher, administrator, and mentor to both students
and faculty members. The award is bestowed annually
upon two Awty teachers, one each from the Secondary and Primary Schools, who demonstrate excellence
as professional educators.
Finally, Mr. Don Davis (Class of 1979) received
the award for Distinguished Alumni Staff. Mr. Don
Davis came to Awty as a student in 1972 when his
mother, Lela Davis, began her 25-year career as secretary to the Head of School. He is a proud member of
the Class of 1979. After graduating from Awty, Don
his mother, Don returned to Awty in 1989 to begin
attended Texas A&M University and then moved to
a longstanding career as Director of Maintenance
New York, where he lived for two years and served as
and Facilities. In the 20+ years that he has been at
the project superintendent for the Sam Lefrak Orga-
Awty, Don has overseen the construction of every
nization. In 1987, Don moved back to Texas where he
new building on campus, including the library, Lower
began his own home improvement company, but after
School, Middle School and most recently, the state-
much pleading from Mrs. Awty, Mr. Bill Moon and
of-the-art athletic stadium and facility.
2
1
3
1. Mr. Don Davis (Class of 1979), Mr.
Dane Ransom (Class of 2005), and Mr.
John Ransom, II (Class of 2000)
2. Ms. Katie Spicer (Class of 2006) and
Ms. Courtney Leverette (Class of 2006)
3. Mrs. Marcelle Gharibeh and Ms.
Kristie Castilow (Class of 1993)
4. Ms. Ali Clear (Class of 2004) and Mr.
Jared Mark (Class of 2004)
5. Mrs. Maria Paez de Salinas, Mrs.
Maria Cristina Villaseñor (Class of
1994), Mr. Guy Benet, and Mr. Jorge
Marquez
4
5
ALUMNI PARENTS:
JOIN US AND GET INVOLVED
Mrs. Sally Miller, President of the Awty
Alumni Parents Association
F
ounded in 2009, the Awty Alumni Parents
guests were given the opportunity to purchase these
Association has made great strides over the
wines for their personal wine cellar or for the Awty
last year, hosting several events for Awty
wine cellar that was auctioned off at this year’s gala.
alumni and alumni parents.
On November 12, the Alumni Parents hosted a
Proceeds from the event benefited the Awty Alumni
Parents Association. The school would like to thank
Wine and Cheese Reception for past parents and
both The Tasting Room for conducting the wine tast-
alumni just prior to the Homecoming game against
ing and Epicurean Delight for catering the event and
the Fort Bend Baptist Eagles. It was a great time for
providing delicious appetizers perfect for each wine.
the alumni to catch up with Awty administrators and
Awty would like to send a special thank you to
teachers and to see some long lost friends!
Later that same month, the Alumni Parents resur-
the Alumni Parents who coordinated these fabulous
events including Mrs. Cheryl Fee, Mrs. Brigitte For-
rected the care package tradition. On November 30,
nage, Ms. Jean Kitchener, Mrs. Lin Leverette, Mrs.
several alumni parents spent the evening putting care
Sally Miller, Mrs. Kathleen Offner, and Mrs. Kate
packages together for the Class of 2010. These special
Russ.
packages were shipped to the past students just before
their first final exams away at college.
We hope you will join us and come back to
Awty! Reconnect with parents who you’ve missed
In early March, guests had a grand time tasting
and thought about over the years. There’s a lot to be
different wines from around the world at “A Toast
said for nostalgia—relive those great memories with
to Awty: International Wine Tasting,” which was
people who remember them! Join the Awty Alumni
hosted by the Alumni Parents. Mike Sandoval from
Parents Association today. For more information,
The Tasting Room conducted the wine tasting and
contact Mr. Ronald Jackson, Director of Advance-
educated the guests about each wine. The wines in-
ment and External Affairs, at 713-328-5836 or
cluded Cordonui Cava, Chateau Les Belles Murailles,
[email protected].
La Fiera Pinot Grigio, Feudi Rubato, Man Vitners
Chardonnay, Jiminez Landi “Sotorroondero,” and
San Guilio Malvasia. Chateau Les Belles Murailles
was the crowd favorite. At the end of the evening,
2
1
3
1. Mrs. Regine Hendrix-Fossoul and Ms. Romy Delom
2. Mrs. Brigitte Fornage, Mrs. Cheryl Fee, Mrs. Sally Miller,
Mrs. Kathleen Offner, and Mrs. Lin Leverette
3. Dr. John Felker, Mrs. Patricia Felker, Mr. Robert Heintz,
and Mr. John Eldridge
4. Mr. Tom Motter
4
5
5. Mrs. Sally Miller helps put together care packages for the
Class of 2010.
School Life
2010-2011
2
1
3
5
6
4
1. Alon Farkas (9th Grade)
2. Babette Hohrath (12th Grade)
3. Jett Howard, James Haddad, and Jefferson Page
(1st Grade)
4. Michelle Hardman and Zoe Slaughter (3rd Grade)
5. Marika Van Laan (12th Grade)
6. Class of 2011 dress up for Halloween.
7. Mrs. Mary Thomas and Shaan Singh (Kinder)
7
8
8. Antoine Iché (3ème), Nicolas Kuhn de Chizelle
(9th Grade), and Côme Gondallier de Tugny (3ème)
PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS:
A LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF PRIMARY SCHOOL
Mrs. Lilian Mullane, Head of Primary School
M
L
ower School began this school year with a
by CE2 teacher Mme. Voahangy Grenier, and led by
renewed commitment to community service
parent Mrs. DeVaun Barbir, presented (both in English
within the Primary School. A community
and in French) their efforts at designing and marketing
service assembly for Lower School students was held in
November, at which major community service projects
were highlighted:
•
To kick off Primary School’s participation in the
reusable shopping bags to help save the planet’s resources!
Giving is contagious, and at the second Lower
School Community Service Assembly in January,
another project was introduced by the Houston SPCA.
2010 Pennies for Peace Drive, Upper School students
Under the leadership of CM1 teacher Mlle. Sandie
presented a check to a representative from the organiza-
Masson and with students’ bilingual call for participa-
tion. Primary School students and families were most
tion, Lower School students began collecting supplies
instrumental in helping Upper School raise almost $800
for needy shelter animals. A second CM1 project col-
in the 2009 Pennies for Peace Drive.
lected small toys for children being treated through the
•
A representative of UNICEF recognized our
Surgical Volunteers International Smile Project.With
students’ traditional contributions and to explain how
the collaborative support of students, teachers and Upper
UNICEF helps the world’s children.
School Community Service Coordinator, Mrs. Marcelle
•
Our beloved tradition of Santa visiting with fire
fighters atop a hook and ladder fire truck, part of the
Gharibeh, we can be so proud of our children’s efforts to
give to others in need!
Awty School Toy Drive, took on a stronger emphasis for
The annual Awty
our students, as 1st Grade/CP students led the drive this
Spelling Bees were their
year. 1st Grade students studied Toys as a Science IPC
usual exciting, yet tradi-
Unit, and visited all Lower School classes with an oral
tionally tense events, as
presentation. CP students designed posters reminding
Lower School students
students and families to donate for a good cause, and
in both sections vied for
were part of the delegation presenting the toys to Santa
the opportunity to win
and the fire fighters in December’s traditional visit.
the coveted title and
•
And finally, Lower School student members of
EMAA, an Awty Primary environmental club sponsored
Shahrzad Rasekh (CM2)
proceed into the Middle
School Bee. We congratulate the 5th Grade/CM2 win-
ner, Shahrzad Rasekh (French Bilingual Section) and
Ceremony initiated a new tradition, a “Parade of Colors,”
5th Grade/CM2 runner-up, Layla Hanusic (Interna-
as all Lower School students paraded proudly by grade
tional Section), as well as the 4th Grade/CM1 winner,
from the school to the stadium. Representatives of each
Sherwin Rasekh (French Bilingual Section) and the 4th
grade then ran the full length of the track for the “Torch
Grade/CM1 runner- up, Alexandra Wolff (International
Ceremony” and the two-day games began!
Section). Winning words were “alchemy” (5th Grade)
and “mayonnaise” (4th Grade).
In February, Awty Lower and Middle School Stu-
It’s been a wonderful year in Lower School, but life
in Preschool is no less satisfying and full of activity.
Preschool students in both sections participated in
dents participated in
(and thoroughly enjoyed) the Toy, UNICEF, and Pennies
the annual citywide E2
for Peace Community Service Drives. Other Preschool
Engineering Excel-
events this year were also amazing and something to be
lence Competition
proud of.
sponsored by Hous-
•
tonWorks USA and
ish Language program, collaborated again this year with
Schlumberger. Lower
Spanish Language students in Middle School teacher
School students from
both sections had
PK-4 students in the International Section, Span-
Neelam Monroy (CM1) and
Stephen Wells (4th Grade)
wonderful results from
their efforts again this year, under the able organizational
guidance of 3rd Grade teacher Mrs. Susan Permenter. In
Mrs. Maria Cristina Villaseñor’s 7th and 8th Grade
classes on a two-week long project about Don Quijote,
culminating with an assembly presentation.
•
Kindergarten students in the International Sec-
the Elementary School Division, Awty Primary earned
tion, Spanish Language program, worked with the same
both first and second place awards, with the projects
Middle School (7th/8th Grades) Spanish Language
of Stephen Wells and Neelam Monroy, respectively.
students on a project about Day of the Dead, with a cul-
Students must give an oral presentation in front of four
minating assembly presentation. The interaction between
judges, in addition to an essay and a full project display.
Preschool and Middle School in such collaborative
Two years’ success in a row – fantastic!
projects is so beneficial to each age group!
Our annual Lower School Field Days’ Opening
Primary continued on page 28
Primary continued from page 27
•
For the first time, PK-3 participated in the
IPC curriculum, with a unit called All About Me!
•
Our traditional 100
Each student is writing his or her autobiography – of
Days of School Celebration
course, it’s a short story!
in Kindergarten/Grande
•
Section was impressive, as
PK-3 students in Mrs. Kathy Froelich’s Inter-
national class did regular Scavenger Hunts through-
teacher aides this year put
out the whole campus, searching for hidden English
on the traditional teacher
language letters that they are learning about in class.
play for students, complete
It got the students energized about reading and aware
with costumes (and some
of Awty’s older students.
remarkable method acting)
to the delight of the stu-
Tate Leach (Kinder)
dents. Then students cheerfully counted off the days: 1-100, un à cent, uno a cien,
and feasted on food delights they had made in class.
Many of the special events in Primary School
are not possible without strong teacher and parent
support. Whether it is with your physical efforts or
your financial ones, we thank you all for your gift
of time and money; our annual field trips and cur-
•
PK-4/MS was first, however, with their 50 Days
of School Celebration. Students and teachers wore
1950s costumes, danced to 50s music, and enjoyed a
retro snack together.
•
Preschoolers in the French Bilingual Section
ricular programs are enriched with the addition of
so many well-loved events and celebrations, such as
the Halloween and Mardi Gras Preschool Parades,
Thanksgiving Luncheons, multiple In-House Guest
Presentations, Grade Level Music and Art Presenta-
shared a favorite cultural tradition with International
tions, Black History Month Guest Presentations, Go
Section students by hosting a Galette des Rois Cel-
Texan Day, Francophonie, Fiesta de Mayo, the Choir’s
ebration.
Performance at the Rocket’s basketball game, and of
•
Ride ’em cowboy! PK-4 did a Mock Rodeo Day,
roasted marshmallows, rode stick horses about the
course, Grandparents’ Day.
I wish for many more years of great tradition, cel-
Preschool, and had a great time welcoming in Hous-
ebration, and incredible learning opportunities for our
ton’s annual rodeo trailriders.
Primary School students!
FOR THE JOY OF READING
2
1
SUMMER READERS 2010
Nearly 100 students from Grades 2-5 were in attendance this year at the Summer
Readers Pizza Party with Mr. Cooper and Mr. Maizia on September 10.
3
Pizza, soda, and cookies were the perfect rewards for these young avid readers. The
students were served by the librarians and administrators while they enjoyed their
pizza party. They also received a special bookmark from the librarians. They even
picked up a trick or two while watching Mr. Cooper show off his juggling skills.
Awty’s Summer Reading Program is designed to encourage the joy of reading. To
attend everyone’s favorite pizza party, students in 2nd and 3rd grade were required
to read 20 books over the summer. Students in 4th grade were required to read a
minimum of 1,500 pages and 5th graders were required to read at least 2,000 pages.
1. Benjamin Harrison (CM2)
2. Heris Salek and Mariana Suarez-Gaviria
(2nd Grade)
3. Glenn Elie and Lauren Elie (CE1)
4. Mr. Cooper demonstrating his juggling
talents.
4
5
5. Emily Niemer and Alice MacDonald (4th
Grade)
INSIGHT INTO THE HUMAN BODY
Dr. Alan Rechter, Awty Dad, demonstrates what
D
hhappens when a hip is replaced.
D
o you know what happens when you pop
Surgeon specializing in trauma, fracture management,
your knuckles? Do you know which mus-
joint replacement surgery, sports medicine, arthritis
cle helps you turn your palm up? Have
treatment, and more.
you ever seen a real human skull? Did you know that
Dr. Rechter discussed bones, growth, and the hu-
babies don’t have knee caps? Have you ever witnessed
man body with the students. He showed them some
someone getting a cast because of a broken bone?
of the tools that are used to repair broken bones or to
On Tuesday, September 21, these were just a few
replace a hip or knee. He also demonstrated placing
of the things that the 5th grade students learned and
a cast on a broken bone by replacing the cast on his
witnessed during a special presentation by Awty Dad,
daughter’s wrist fracture.
Dr. Alan Rechter. Dr. Rechter is an Orthopaedic
1
2
3
1. Dr. Rechter demonstrates a tool that
is used during a knee/hip replacement.
2. Isabelle Jefferis (5th Grade)
3. Dr. Rechter and 5th Grade students
4. Rhett Cai, Jordan Penchas, and
Felipe Monteiro (5th Grade)
4
5
5. Dr. Rechter replaces a cast on his
daughter Taylor’s (5th Grade) wrist.
AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR DELIGHTS STUDENTS
2
1
MR. JON AGEE VISITS AWTY!
Mr. Jon Agee, who is the author/illustrator of several children’s books, delighted
the Lower School students with his creativity and humor on October 1, 2010.
3
4
During his visit, Mr. Agee made two presentations where he drew some of the
characters from his books, showed students his clever wordplay with anagrams
and palindromes, and answered questions about his work. He also signed books,
adding a unique drawing with every autograph. Finally, Ms. Catherine Sovany’s
5th grade class attended a 45-minute workshop with Mr. Agee where they
learned how to get creative and start their own book.
Mr. Jon Agee is the author/illustrator of many books, including Terrific, Milo’s
Hat Trick, and The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau, along with a series of
popular wordplay books, among them, Go Hang a Salami! I’m a Lasagna Hog!
He grew up in Nyack, New York, and went to college at The Cooper Union
School of Art in New York City, where he studied painting and filmmaking. His
stories— of mysterious painters, hard luck magicians, guffawing grumps, and
forgotten astronauts—have been called quirky, absurdist, and above all, humorous. His sophisticated wit appeals to children and adults alike.
1. Mrs. Diana Armentor, Mr. Jon Agee, and Mrs.
Clarissa Richardson
2. Mr. Agee and Mlle. Masson’s CM2 Class
3. Mr. Agee with 5th Graders Hector Acevedo, Ben
Barrera-Rothaus, and Sophia Kostiuk
4. Mr. Agee
5. Mr. Agee with Aaron Di Bona (4th Grade), Jules
Crave (CM2), Katharine Linnartz (CM2), Héloïse
Grandjouan (CM2), and Fredrika Pfeiffer (CM2)
5
6
6. Mr. Agee with Lower School students.
SHARK ATTACK!
Dr. Adriana Silva, Awty Mom, presents a spiny
D
ddogfish shark to Ms. Greenwood’s 2nd graders.
s. Greenwood’s 2nd Grade students were
M
ing glasses to look at the skin, the gills, and inside the
transported under the sea as they learned
mouth. They touched the eyes, the spiracle (the hole
all about sharks during Fall 2010. They
above the eyes), the teeth—basically every part of the
had a hands-on look at sharks when Awty mom and sci-
shark that could be touched! And the whole time they
entist Dr. Adriana Silva brought a spiny dogfish shark to
just kept asking questions—lots of them! Gus Wellner
class. The female shark, a preserved specimen from Caro-
wanted to know about the various liquids one can use
lina Biological Supply Company, sparked the curiosity of
to preserve sharks. Gemma Morgan and Nicole Dun-
students and captivated their attention.
kel wanted to know how you can tell if the shark was a
As the class was studying sharks for the Primary
male or female. Other students added their input. For
School Science Fair, they focused on the eating habits
instance, Alejandro Ayala knew that shark skin was once
of sharks and their teeth. They learned the differences
used as sandpaper and Jacques Brock mentioned that he
between human teeth and shark teeth. Sharks shed their
had eaten shark.
teeth continuously throughout their life span, whereas
humans only lose them once. Sharks mostly have sharp
teeth to tear food, which is then gulped down while
Dr. Silva absolutely loved seeing these young students excited about science.
“Seven-year-olds are just at the age when they are
humans have molars used for chewing through fibrous
open to everything (poking at a somewhat smelly dead
materials like fruits and vegetables.
fish) and really don’t think anything at all is gross,” stated
As the room parent for Ms. Greenwood’s class, Dr.
Silva thought there was no better way for the students to
learn about sharks than to have an up-close and personal
Dr. Silva. “It is the perfect timing to get them exposed
to hands-on science.”
“I am a scientist myself and I can still remember
look at one. During the presentation, the students were
today that one 5th grade science teacher who got me re-
divided into groups and took turns at different stations.
ally captivated about learning ‘how stuff works’! She had
As each group had a chance to look, touch, smell, and
a huge impact on my decision to become an engineer,
observe the shark, the other groups were reading through
then going to graduate school,” added Dr. Silva. “I would
reference books on sharks or looking through models of
like to think the kids had as much fun as I did and will
shark jaws and human jaws.
remember that experience later on, when they think
At the “shark station,” students were given magnify-
about careers.”
1. Nicole Dunkel, Ian Van Loo, Gus Wellner and Mariana
Suarez-Gaviria (2nd Grade) inspect the shar with Dr. Silva.
2. Spiny Dogfish Shark
3. Melissa Seecharan (2nd Grade) and Dr. Silva
4. Dr. Silva with Adam Abou El Nour and Peter Cuthbert (2nd
Grade)
5. Gemma Morgan and Lucy Roeland (2nd Grade)
1
3
1
2
4
5
LIRE EN FÊTE
1
2
A READING CELEBRATION!
Each year, October is dedicated as “Lire en Fête” (celebrate reading) in the Lower
School Library. This year was no different.
3
Staff, faculty, and parents were invited to visit the Lower School Library between
Monday, October 18 and Thursday, October 28 to read a story or share a favorite
book with the students. Some of the guest readers included Mr. Boualem Maizia,
Mrs. Lilian Mullane, Mme. Catherine Buatois, Mrs. Penny Cleveland, Mrs. Stacey
Laves-Khalifa, Mrs. Tita Cubria, Mrs. Diana Armentor, and Mrs. Jessika Smith.
Guest readers could choose to read stories in English, French, and Spanish.
Many thanks to all who volunteered and shared their love for reading! The students enjoyed hearing all of the great stories you shared with them.
1. Mme. Catherine Buatois
2. Mrs. Jessika Smith with 1st Grade/
CP students
3. Mrs. Penny Cleveland
4. Mrs. Diana Armentor with 2nd Grade/
CE1 students
4
5
5. Mr. Boualem Maizia with 2nd Grade/
CE1 students
LOWER SCHOOL SCIENCE FAIR
1
2
DISCOVERY EDUCATION
What do tornadoes and hurricanes, plant reproduction and seed growth, penguins
and sharks, pulleys and levers, and vitamins and farming all have in common? These
were just a few of the projects on display at the annual Lower School Science Fair
on November 30.
3
This year at the science fair, the students celebrated the IPC Curriculum as follows:
•First Grade: Toys
•Second Grade: Habitats
•Third Grade: Food, Farming and Nutrition
•Fourth Grade: Weather
•Fifth Grade: “Investigations” – individually selected pursuits using the
Scientific Method.
4
1. Finn Stables (4th Grade)
2. Shailee Sandy and Langston Jackson
(2nd Grade)
3. Brandon Mahan (4th Grade) discusses
his project with other students.
4. Mrs. Susan Permenter with Jakub Burant and Maximilian Stephens (3rd Grade)
5. Austin Armstrong and Ben BarreraRothaus (5th Grade)
5
6
6. Jeremy Jason, Joy Backlas, and Aaron
Di Bona (4th Grade)
AWTY CELEBRATES GO TEXAN DAY!
1
2
YEE HAW!
Giddy up Partner!! Red bandanas, straw hats, and cowboy boots were worn by
students and teachers alike as they celebrated Go Texan Day on February 11.
3
Primary School students enjoyed a Texas-size day of fun and learning. The
students got cozy with several furry critters from Marsha’s Petting Zoo including chickens, pigs, goats, rabbits, a llama, and a yak. (The baby goats seemed to
be everyone’s favorite!) Even some of the Middle School and Upper School
students found a few minutes to spend with the animals inside the petting zoo!
Much to the students’ delight, Ralph Fisher once again showcased some of his
wild animals including the longhorn, armadillo, wolf, and buzzard. The students’
attention was captivated as they learned about snakes and lizards. The students
took turns riding a train around campus and learning rope tricks from Rob the
Roper. Finally, the students enjoyed story time inside an authentic teepee.
Overall, the students and teachers discovered traditions and customs (and a few
varmints) unique to Texas.
1. Eric Van Loo (Kinder)
2. 3rd Grade/CE2 students enjoy story
time inside the teepee.
3. Amélie Boerger (GS) helps Rob the
Roper demonstrate his roping skills
4. Yasemin Dundar (1st Grade)
4
5
5. Ms. Olga and Ms. Pilar’s Kinder students learn about the longhorn.
HISTORY BROUGHT TO LIFE
1
2
“ALWAYS BE SURE YOU ARE RIGHT, THEN GO AHEAD” - Davy Crockett
The 4th Grade International students received a special treat on February 23 when
Mrs. Terri Kurtin, a direct descendant of Davy Crockett and sister to Awty’s own
Ms. Peggy Crockett, visited with the students and gave them an inside look at the
Texas hero.
3
Mrs. Kurtin brought Texas history alive as she presented Davy Crockett’s life to the
students. Students learned about Davy’s childhood, his family, his time in Congress,
some of the tall tales about him, his journey to Texas, and the Battle of the Alamo.
Davy Crockett, a celebrated 19th century American folk hero, frontiersman, soldier
and politician, became a legendary figure in American and Texas history. He was
best known in Tennessee as a noted hunter and for his unique style of backwoods
oratory. In Texas, however, he is remembered as a heroic participant in the Battle of
the Alamo.
1. Mrs. Kurtin and Aida Khedr (4th Grade)
2. Mrs. Kurtin with Mrs. Herendeen’s 4th
Grade class
3. Mrs. Kurtin speaks with the 4th Grade
International students.
4. Paul Sload (4th Grade)
4
6
5
5. Mrs. Kurtin curtain shows some of
the 4th Grade students a wooden cane
that has been passed down through the
Crockett family.
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY
Ms. Evelyn Washington, Kenady Scott (3rd Grade),
M
aand Ms. Georgia Osborne
K
enady Scott’s grandmother, Ms. Evelyn
Coleman, who was the first African American female
Washington, and great aunt, Ms. Georgia
pilot, and the Tuskegee Airmen, who were the first
Osborne, spoke with the 3rd Grade Inter-
African-American military aviators in the U.S. Armed
national classes in February for Black History Month
Forces.
and as part of the International Primary Curriculum
Ms. Osborne presented various children’s books
Unit called “Significant People: They Made a Differ-
about Black History Month to the students. She
ence, a study of African-American History.”
showed them a few pieces of traditional African
Ms. Washington talked to the students about her
clothing. She also shared a few poems by Langston
career and accomplishments in aviation. She also
Hughes, who was one of the earliest innovators of
told them about other African-Americans who made
jazz poetry and was best known for his work during
significant contributions to aviation including Bessie
the Harlem Renaissance.
1
2
3
1. Ms. Evelyn Washington, Kenady Scott
(3rd Grade), Rodney Whitney (3rd Grade),
Ms. Georgia Osborne, Mrs. Susan Permenter, and Annetta Whitney
2. Ms. Evelyn Washington
3. Ms. Evelyn Washington, and Ms. Georgia Osborne with 3rd Grade students
4. Ms. Evelyn Washington speaks to the
3rd Grade students.
4
5
5. Ms. Georgia Osborne
FIELD DAY 2011
2
1
LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
February 24-25 proved to be two days of fun and excitement for all during Field
Day 2011.
3
4
The opening ceremony was held on Thursday morning as all of the students
paraded into the stadium and around the track. The Varsity Cheerleaders were
there to cheer the students on, and the students’ favorite computer teacher, Mr.
P., motivated the students to do their best and have fun. The ceremony closed
with a torch relay. Two students from each grade participated in the torch relay
including Jefferson Page and Marion Guichard (1st/CP), Lucy Roeland and
Louis Jumelle (2nd/CE1), Tristan Houy and Chelsey West (3rd/CE2), Finn
Stables and Rémi Messier (4th/CM1), and Felicie Tard and Donovan Kenigsberg (5th/CM2). After the ceremony, Mme. Buatois declared “Let the games
begin.”
Each grade level participated in eight different competitions including speed
race, sack race, long jump contest, throwing contest, obstacle course, relay race,
scooter race, and bounce race. The winners in the speed race, sack race, and relay
race then competed in the finals. First, second, and third place winners received
champion bracelets. Each day ended with a friendly competition of tug-of-war.
1. Evrim Ozcan (4th Grade)
2. Serine Elbakly, Giulia Guigui, Zoe Slaughter,
Chelsey West, Harry Cooper, Christopher Ohrt (3rd
Grade/CE2)
3. Marius Dereux (CP)
4. Donovan Kenigsberg and Felicie Tard (5th Grade/
CM2)
5
5. Jacques Brock, Gregory McVicker, Cristobal
Ramirez, Alejandro Ayala, Andy Dequin, and Ram
Bikkina (2nd Grade/CE1)
BRAVO! ENCORE!
Petros Zombanakis plays the xylophone during
P
tthe 4th Grade/CM1 performance.
T
he 2010-2011 school year has not only been a
The 4th Grade/CM1 students celebrated “Jazz” dur-
busy one for our Primary School students, but
ing their presentation of “Improv” in February, singing
it has also been busy for four of our teachers,
popular tunes like We haz Jazz, Frere Jacques, Africa (by
Mrs. Natasha Ramirez, Ms. Zulfia Finigan and new-
Toto), I’m Old Enough to Sing the Blues, and Le ragtime du
comers Ms. Martha Bawara and Mrs. Beverly Lawson.
gazou. The students showed off their scat singing talents
These teachers have worked hard to teach their young
with Do-bah, and performed Rock and Roll Blues us-
students the gift of both visual and performance art.
ing recorders and xylophones. The students ended their
Under their careful guidance, the Primary School
students put on approximately 8-10 musical performances during the course of the school year. This year,
performance with a tribute to Go Texan Day by doing a
little country and western line dancing.
In March, 2nd grade/CE1 students used a little
the students artwork has also been on display for their
“Imagination” while performing songs Just Imagine, L’île
family and friends to enjoy.
en L’eau, Puff the Magic Dragon, You Can Fly, and La
The students in the PK-3/PS and PK-4/MS classes
Brujita Tapita. At the end of their performance, some of
started off the performance season by bringing a little joy
the students used the musical instrument boomwhackers
to their friends and family during their holiday program,
to perform I’m a Little Teapot.
Presents from Santa, on December 10. In the program,
April brought a cute performance of “The Carnival of
the students traveled the globe and discovered different
Animals” by the 1st grade/CP students. Their show in-
animals like penguins, panda bears, puppies and kittens,
cluded songs like The King of the Jungle, Ah les cro-codiles,
and kangaroos along the way. They sang songs and per-
Cute Chicks, Mon Ane, Tres Pecesitos, Penguin Parade, and
formed various dances from different countries around
Ik Wil Een Kangoeroe. The students closed the show by
the world.
performing Three Fast Mice with hand bells.
In January, the 3rd Grade/CE2 students celebrated
At the end of May, both the Kindergarten/GS and
“Impressionism” during their presentation of “What a
5th grade/CM2 students will end the school year with
Wonderful World.” The students performed ten songs
special musical performances during their graduation
including Chanson des Salutations, Merily We Roll Along,
ceremonies.
I’ve Been Workin’ on the Railroad, Tournant les Jours, Smile,
Je T’offre cette Fleur, and What a Wonderful World.
Many thanks to the teachers, aides, and parents who
helped make these delightful performances possible.
1. Viktor Vermeer (1st Grade) and Tijl Roeland (1st Grade)
with Marit Vermeer (5th Grade) as the Kangaroo
2. PK-3/PS Students
3. Emma Daveau (background) and Béatrice Coquilleau
(CM1)
4. Finn Van Marle and Ava Reinstein (2nd Grade)
5. 3rd Grade/CE2 Students
3
1
2
4
5
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS:
A LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mr. Tom Beuscher, Head of Middle School
M
A
school really cannot be summarized as one
presented students raucously cutting up in class, fol-
idea or thing. As I am sure it is at every
lowed by the same group admirably respecting each
middle school around the world, life at
other, the teacher, and the lesson. Awty Players will
Awty is hundreds of things—ideas, lessons, triumphs,
make two or three appearances a year…no autographs
events, and challenges—strung together over the
please.
events of a school year. At Awty it is a diverse and
We are proud of the large number of students
dynamic combination of people—students, teachers,
involved in Middle School sports. We want to win, but
and parents—which I like to call The United Nations
we have teams more for the sake of the many lessons
of Awty. Through all of these experiences each year our
learned in the face of personal and team challenges
chief focus is on the word “united,” and in the Middle
while training and dealing with wins and losses. This
School that goal is a daily project. We look for ways
year, two of our teams excelled in the win column.
to put the students in the driver’s seat, to take charge
Coach Bonzi led the eighth grade boys to a tie for
of their learning. So the year began with New Student
GHAC District Champion. The eighth grade girls,
Orientation, and our returning students acted as guides
with Coach DeVries, were District Champions on their
for the “newbies” arriving from near and far. In a variety
own!
of languages, some particular to specific countries
and some universal, those new to Houston and Awty
learned their way with the expert help of those who
may have been new themselves just one year before.
This year, we increased our emphasis on social
In the classrooms, the year is marked by a splendid
array of clever and wonderfully educational lessons.
To name a few highlights…sixth graders mummified chickens to learn science and Egyptian history;
sixth graders and 6ème got together on an integrated
education in an effort to raise the bar on appropriate,
civil, and respectful behavior. We presented a number
of activities in student advisories dealing with matters
like teasing and bullying, proper manners, and respect
for our multicultural mission. In one wonderful lesson,
The Awty Players, a cast of undiscovered thespians
amongst the teachers, put on a play for assembly. They
Carmen Lechin, Sasha Borisewitz,
Tamara Bissat, and Aliya Khan (6th Grade)
project identifying and classifying plant life all over the
campus; Mrs. Maria Cristina Villasenor’s Spanish class
taught lessons from Don Quixote to the PK-4 group
and capped it off with a splendid presentation in the
Kay Awty Center; 5ème students, under the studious
guidance of Mr. Jean-Luc Detchessahar, engaged in
a spirited debate examining the roots of justice and
punishment; Mr. John LaBonte toured our very own
fault line here in Spring Branch for a geography lesson;
in 4ème, Mr. Philippe Carré cajoled students into using
Sandra Sadek (6ème)
Firewall graphics to make a symbol of themselves with
their first name; and “brigades” of 6ème children toured
first Middle School African History Month assembly
the campus on La Jour de la Francophonie telling Afri-
and we were fortunate to have Dr. Joyce Carter here
can stories en francais.
to share her professional experience and goals. The
Our musicians entertained audiences in three major
students delivered a range of speeches from the likes of
concerts with performances from Mr. Rob Dee’s Hon-
Martin Luther King Jr., Barbara Jordan, and Mahatma
ors Choir, Mr. Jason Peguero’s Beginning and Honors
Gandhi.
Band, and Ms. Gesina Thompson’s String Ensemble.
Soon the year will wind to a close, but not before
Mrs. Marcelle Gharibeh, our internationally respected
those pesky final exams. In addition to contributing
coordinator of community service, led students on a
at all of these special events, students are studying ear-
variety of community projects including work at the
nestly and I expect that they will be ready. Then they
Farias Day Care Center for impoverished immigrant
can rest easy over the summer with their memories of
children, and the SPCA. It is a pleasure to see the
Big Bend, the talent show, Green and Gold competi-
younger students gathering donations, books, teddy
tions, and, that’s right, lessons in algebra, geography,
bears, clothing, and more to support the community
Spanish and French, To Kill a Mockingbird, and all of
as they prepare to be our community leaders. Our
their valuable class lessons getting them ready for…
Student Council did an honorable job presenting at our
next year.
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS:
CANADIAN AUTHOR KENNETH OPPEL VISITS AWTY
Mr. Kenneth Oppel
M
C
anadian author Mr. Kenneth Oppel visited
draft to the draft sent to his publishers to the final
Awty and spoke to the Middle School
copy. Finally, the students had the opportunity to pur-
students on September 28.
chase Mr. Oppel’s books and get them autographed.
He gave the students a little insight into the cre-
Mr. Oppel’s books include the Silverwing series,
ation of the Silverwing series, showing them photos
which has sold over a million copies worldwide, and
of the actual bats upon which he based the characters
Airborn, winner of the 2004 Governor General’s
in these books and clips from the Canadian TV show
Award for children’s literature and the Michael L.
which was based on the series. He gave them a brief
Printz Honor Book award from the American Library
summary of his latest book, Half Brother. He also
Association. Most of his work has been translated
gave them a guided photographical tour of his office.
into French. For more information about the author,
Mr. Oppel then walked the students through his
visit his website at www.kennethoppel.ca.
entire writing process from the first notes to the first
1
2
3
1. Mr. Lucas Anderson, Mr. Kenneth
Oppel, and Mrs. Diana Armentor
2. Mr. Oppel
3. Mr. Oppel speaks to a group of
Middle School students.
4. Mr. Oppel and Chan Mye Myint Thu
(6th Grade)
4
5
5. Yoann Dequin (6ème)
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS:
GREEN AND GOLD FUN DAY
2
1
ALL PLAY AND NO WORK...
It was all “play” and no “work” when the Middle School students took a break from
classes and enjoyed a little relay fun on October 14.
3
All three grades in Middle School rotated through three different relays including a hoola hoop circle where the students held hands in one big circle and passed
a hoola hoop from one student to the next without letting go of each other. The
second relay was a tennis ball in spoon relay where each student had to walk or
run from one line to the other with a tennis ball held in a spoon. Finally, the third
relay was the over/under relay where students lined up in a single file line and then
alternated passing a ball either over their head or under their legs to each other.
Well...it wasn’t all play and no work. These relay races encouraged team spirit as
well as respect and appreciation for one another.
1. Olivier Kuhn de Chizelle (5ème) and
Kevin Kwon (7th Grade)
2. Indra Acogny (6ème), Alexandre Lardy
(6ème), Jon Donaldson (6th Grade),
Hélène Chacón (6th Grade), and Vera
Conrad (6th Grade)
3. Roxane Sazegar (4ème)
4. Griffin Rechter (8th Grade)
4
5
5. Gavriella Silverman, Myioshi Williams,
Phoebe Blott, and Meher Qazilbash (6th
Grade)
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS:
TREE CLASSIFICATION PROJECT
1
2
PINE, OAK, OR MAPLE?
Working together on October 21, the 6th grade/6ème students produced a classification key booklet for various trees on campus.
3
Students identified the trees based on the leaf structure and appearance of the bark.
Using this information, some students researched the species of tree while others
developed a classification key to identify each tree.
The finished booklets contain the trees’ scientific names, descriptions, location, as
well as interesting notes; and were printed in both French and English. The trees
location can be identified using GPS coordinates that the students identified. These
booklets will ultimately be used by Lower School students as a scavenger hunt/classification lab.
1. Students study a tree in the back
parking lot.
2. Sixth Grade/6ème students make
their way to the first trees during the
project.
3. Dylan Rodriguez (6th Grade)
4. Sebastian Adrianza and Kshitij Seth
(6th Grade)
4
5
5. Edgar Bauer (6ème), Elsa Pham
(6ème), Ms. Catherine Boukhamla,
Heloïse Juery (6ème), and Pénélope
Schuwer (6ème)
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS:
B-I-N-G-O
1
2
BINGO AND BEARS
In 2007, Mrs. Kneale Culbreath, with the help of Ms. Miranda De Vries, started the
tradition of Bingo and Bears! This past December, dozens of teddy bears poured in
from the Middle School students for the 3rd Annual Bingo and Bears!
3
Each student who donated a teddy bear was granted entry into the ever-popular
B-I-N-G-O game on the last day of school before the Christmas holidays. The
students played for fun prizes like board games, soccer balls, art supplies, gift cards,
frisbees, and everyone’s favorite—a giant can of playdough! This year’s big prizes
included a gift certificate for custom-designed Converse tennis shoes, a pizza party
for the winning advisory class, and free dress for a day for the winning grade.
The teddy bears were then donated to a local charity, Casa Juan Diego. Founded
in 1980, Casa Juan Diego serves immigrants, refugees, and the poor living in the
Houston area.
1. Sarah Guigui (6ème)
2. Mrs. Kneale Culbreath with Jacqueline L’Abbate and Caitlin Matthews (6th
Grade)
3. Catherine Harrison (8th Grade)
4. Hamza Yahi and Olivier Kuhn de
Chizelle (5ème)
4
5
5. Hassane Abba-Kaka, Julian Chalet,
Alexandre Lardy, Djimé Abba-Kaka, and
Indra Acogny (6ème)
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS:
MUMMIFICATION 101
S
Sixth
grader Bryce Piper chooses a
ffalcon to mummify.
T
his year, the 6th grade International Section
the salt and took more measurements, calculating
students continued a fun, educational, and
percentage of body weight lost in the dehydration
occasionally messy tradition by mummify-
process. They also discussed the process in Science
ing a chicken. They started the process in December.
classes, noting the changes. Next, the birds were
anointed with carefully chosen words and amulets
The History, Math, and Science departments
collaborated to make this another memorable cross-
made of clay, wrapped in muslin cloth, and decorated
curricular experience for students. Further explor-
with hieroglyphics to ensure a proper ascension into
ing their study of ancient Egypt, students worked
the afterlife. The mummies were then be coated with
in groups to properly mummify and entomb their
lacquer to further ensure preservation. In History,
“pharaoh’s falcon.” Students utilized their Math skills
students created their own sarcophagi for their falcon’s
by weighing the bird and taking its measurement
final resting place. These creative projects were then
first. They then carefully prepped and preserved the
be displayed in the library for all to enjoy.
chicken by packing it into a salt mixture to completely
dehydrate.
signs that the students had a really great time with
this hands-on activity.
After the holiday break, the students removed
1
The “ohhhs” and “grosses” and “cools” were definite
2
3
5
4
6
1. Mr. John LaBonte places the falcons in a bed of salt.
2. Meher Qazilbash and Natalie Schorn (6th Grade)
3. Jasmine Geyen and Samuel Harmon (6th Grade)
4. Gavin Hohman and Andre Vega (6th Grade)
5. Thomas MacDonald and Chan Mye Myint Thu (6th Grade)
6. Jacqueline L’Abbate and Ethan Dabney (6th Grade)
7. Harry Kwon and Sebastian Adrianza (6th Grade)
7
8
8. Phoebe Blott and Juliet Quint (6th Grade)
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS:
KEVIN ONG NAMED GEOGRAPHY BEE CHAMPION
1
2
GOT GEOGRAPHY?
Ten Middle School finalists answered some tough questions as they competed for
the title of school champion during the annual Geography Bee on January 12, 2011.
3
The ten finalists included Teodros Calviello (8th grade), Adela DePavia (8th
grade), Molly Hudson (8th grade), Celine Huybregts (8th grade), Lucas Jonasch
(7th grade), Nicolas Motta (6th grade), Kevin Ong (8th grade), Alex Pleczko (8th
grade), Jorge Simon (8th grade), and Anthony Tohme (8th grade).
After a couple of rounds of competition, Nicolas Motta and Kevin Ong battled it
out in a final round. Kevin was named the school champion after correctly answering two out of three questions in the final round.
Congratulations to all of the finalists who competed in the 2011 Geography Bee!
.
1. Mr. Tom Beuscher, Nicolas Motta Runner Up, Kevin Ong - Champion, and
Mrs. Linda Doolittle
2. Nicolas Motta (6th Grade), Kevin Ong
(8th Grade), Alex Pleczko (8th Grade),
Jorge Simon (8th Grade), and Anthony
Tohme (8th Grade)
3. Adela DePavia (8th Grade), Molly
Hudson (8th Grade), Mr. Tom Beuscher,
Celine Huybregts (8th Grade), and Lucas
Jonasch (7th Grade)
4. Mr. Tom Beuscher and Adela DePavia
4
5
5. Nicolas Motta - Runner Up, Mr. Tom
Beuscher, and Kevin Ong - Champion
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS:
DYLAN RODRIGUEZ BECOMES 2011 SPELLING BEE CHAMPION
1
2
CAST A SPELL...
3
Seventeen students in 4th - 8th grades competed in the Annual Spelling Bee on
January 14 including 4th Grade/CM1 students Sherwin Rasekh and Alexandra Wolff; 5th Grade/CM2 students Layla Hanusic and Shahrzad Rasekh; 6th
Grade/6ème students Hassane Abba-Kaka, Marcos Botto-Tornielli, Vera Conrad,
Dylan Rodriguez, and Andre Vega; 7th Grade/5ème students Francesca Alabaster,
Michael Niemer, Kian Raissian, and Arjun Saran; and 8th Grade/4ème students
Jacqueline Buskop, Elissa Ferron, Rohan Krishna, and Ben Matthews.
Dylan Rodriguez, 6th Grade, became the school champion after spelling both
“illiteracy” and “globalization” correctly. Francesca Alabaster, 5ème, finished as the
runner-up. Congratulations to all of these great spellers!
1. Vera Conrad (6th Grade)
2. Francesca Alabaster (5ème), Marcos
Botto-Tornielli (6th Grade), and Dylan
Rodriguez (6th Grade)
3. Mrs. Mary Herendeen, Mrs. Kneale
Culbreath, Dylan Rodriguez, Mrs. Emmanuelle Roussel, Francesca Alabaster, and Mr. Robert Sload
4. Dylan Rodriguez
4
5
5. Mr. Robert Sload gives Layla Hanusic (5th Grade) her word to spell.
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS:
BIG BEND XXIII
S
Students
hiking to a ranger program in
Big Bend National Park.
B
T
he 8th graders returned from their adven-
For the second year, BHP Billiton partnered with
tures in Big Bend National Park on the first
the school by adding to the geology section of the
of April. This year was Awty’s 23rd visit
workbook that students use. They also sent along two
to the park and the first year that bears were seen.
geologists who helped explain the unique geological
Students were very excited to see a Mexican black
history of the park. Students spent time in two of the
bear with her three yearlings lumbering alongside the
many canyons that are found in this region. The geol-
road as we returned from a daylong outing. All the
ogists gave lessons at each of the canyons, explaining
students rushed to one side of the bus to sneak a peek
the faults found there as well as describing the ancient
and snap photos of these magnificent animals. During
volcanic activity that shaped much of this county. We
our attendance of a ranger program, we were told that
are very grateful to have the support of BHP Billiton.
the population of bears in the Big Bend region has
increased over the past decade.
This year, students found Big Bend to be a very dry
desert environment. We learned this region has not
During our excursion to the wilderness, students
had rain since September. These conditions provided
worked together in small groups, loading and unload-
an excellent opportunity to learn about the success-
ing equipment, building their tents, and organizing
ful adoptions used by the flora and fauna to survive
an outdoor kitchen where they cooked meals for
such harsh environments. The days were filled with
nearly one hundred people. Guided by their teachers,
sunshine and the nights with stars.
students hit the trails while using a uniquely devel-
Big Bend XXIII proved to be another successful
oped workbook that introduces them to the geology,
trip spent exploring and learning in the great out-
natural history, astronomy, and desert environment of
doors. We are already looking forward to the adven-
this region.
tures Big Bend XXIV will bring next year.
1
2
4
3
5
1. Conor Hogan (8th Grade) and Isis Acogny (4ème)
2. Students on top of Lost Mine Trail.
3. Mr. Sam Clayton from BHP Billiton giving a geology lesson
in Boquillas Canyon.
4. Students observing Santa Elena Canyon.
5. Mr. Sam Clayton from BHP Billiton giving another geology
lesson in Boquillas Canyon.
6
7
6. Students hiking in Santa Elena Canyon.
7. Students hiking in Boquillas Canyon.
UPPER SCHOOL NEWS:
A LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL
Mr. Sam Waugh, Head of Upper School
M
F
or the Senior Class, spring in the Upper
sometimes replace high and healthy expectations.
School brings with it the much anticipated
The challenge at Awty is to nurture the latter while
news of university acceptances - and rejec-
recognizing the former. College acceptances bring this
tions. While some students choose to apply through
all into sharp focus because they serve as the ultimate
Early Decision or Action and get the jump in De-
stamp of approval, the goal for which students in a
cember on where they will matriculate next fall, the
program such as Awty’s strive.
majority still either learn in the spring or later when
So far this year, happily, the school has generated
their Bac results arrive. Rightly or wrongly, we judge
an impressive list of acceptances into extremely selec-
schools by the prestige of their college placements.
tive institutions. Though only partial at this date, it in-
Those who are familiar with the film The Road to
cludes: Brown (2), Bryn Mawr, Chicago (3), Cornell,
Nowhere, shown recently at the school, recognize that
Emory, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, McGill, Mid-
the trend seems to be for the combined community
dlebury, M.I.T., Oxford, Pomona (2), Reed (2), Rice
of school, parent, and student to place increasing
(5), Texas, Vassar, Washington at St. Louis (3),West
pressure on the entire experience of growing up. In
Point, Williams, and Yale. Of course we are proud
that light, then, unrealistic and damaging expectations
of the above list, but we are equally proud of other
acceptances which might lack the “star” power
of these but are the right fit for an individual
student. This is the real key to evaluating college
placement, and it should serve as valid grounds
for evaluating an institution’s success. So while
we still have a significant group of seniors who
will only know their future homes at a later date,
we congratulate the faculty, the college counselors, and the hard working students who have
already been rewarded for their efforts.
Seniors Jade Richardson, Babette Hohrath, Carissa Mark,
and Esther Schenau with Mr. Sam Waugh.
UPPER SCHOOL NEWS:
UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS TRAVEL TO ARGENTINA
Paul Micaëlli, 1ère, and Ms. Catherine Boukhamla
T
his past summer, twelve Awty International
School students travelled to Argentina to
discover a new culture, immerse themselves
in a second language, and give back to the community
of Chacabuco. Accompanied by Ms. Marie-Hélène
Nguyen (Executive Assistant to the Head of Upper
School) and Ms. Catherine Boukhamla (Math and
Biology teacher in the French Bilingual Section), the
students departed for Buenos Aires on June 30, 2010.
Upon arrival, the group met with students from the
Saying goodbye on the last day in Chacabuco.
Saint Andrews Scots School (SASS) and was given
clinics, painting and repairing equipment and parts
a tour of the beautiful campus. The first week was
of the school, planting trees, and most importantly
spent with hosts from SASS: students lived with the
interacting with the students and motivating them to
families, attended classes and other school events, and
learn. At the beginning and end of each day, students
began to prepare for the week-long Community Ser-
were divided into “Working Teams” to clean up the
vice project in Chacabuco. The Awty group also expe-
school, prepare meals, and prepare the bonfire around
rienced Argentine adventures on its own. Some of the
which stories were shared each night.
group activities included touring the city’s landmarks
The goal of this trip was to improve the students’
and eclectic museums, eating traditional carne asada
fluency in Spanish, enhance their appreciation of
and empanadas, canoeing on El Tigre, and shopping
different cultures, and enrich their understanding of
for traditional artisan souvenirs.
community service. Needless to say, it was a success
The second week was spent at the Chacabuco
School located 259 km west of Buenos Aires. Students set up camp in the multi-purpose room and
and we hope to make this an annual tradition at the
Awty International School!
Two students who attended the community service
immediately began to interact with the students from
trip, Vincent Rignol and Paul Micaëlli, recount their
the small rural school. Projects included teaching
experience in Buenos Aires during the 2010 summer:
classes in all subject areas, organizing various sports
Argentina continued on page 56
Argentina continued from page 55
adapt to a new environment to appreciate a different
culture. We definitely feel that our experience this
of
summer will not only help us when we go to university, but also, for the rest of our lives. The host families
were great. We developed ties with both the host
families and the SASS students who accompanied us
to Chacabuco to “help the world.” The second part of
the trip entailed going to a small rural village in ChaPlanting trees in Chacabuco.
“Argentina was definitely an experience that we
would recommend to anyone who wants to learn
about a foreign culture, improve their spoken Spanish, and above all, help make a difference in the world.
The first part of the trip centered on discovering Buenos Aires and the Argentinean culture. Discovering
new cultural values not only broadened our individual
perspectives, it also broadened the group’s overall perspective and understanding of the world. Museums,
expositions, soccer stadiums and fields: Argentina is a
country full of things that can be found in the U.S. or
Europe; they simply do things their way, the “Argentinean way.” We also spent our evenings with local
host families from the Saint Andrew’s Scots School.
Spending time with our host families exposed us to
Argentinean culture by putting us in direct contact
with people who don’t share the same language, food,
or way of life. Nothing is better than learning how to
cabuco and doing hands-on work with the students
and around the school campus. We helped the kids
explore new and fun ways to learn various subjects,
while trying to convey the message that learning and
attending school are important to bettering their
lives. Students from Awty and SASS worked together
to create an enjoyable learning environment where
the students of Chacabuco were encouraged to work
because they wanted to, not because they were forced
to. By helping out the local teachers, we managed to
make our stay a memorable week for the local students, while creating a lasting bond with the students
of escuala No 17. In the end, our trip to Argentina
was a grandiose experience that has made an impact
on our lives while allowing us to help those in need. It
is definitely a trip to repeat if possible, and we would
recommend it to other Awty students.”
2
1
3
1. Jad Izzedin (11th Grade), Vincent Rignol (1ère), and Paul
Micaëlli (1ère) preparing for Argentina’s Independence Day.
2. Isabelle Vanasse Grosdidier (1ère) teaching a biology
class.
3. Isabelle Vanasse Grosdidier (1ère) and Kirk Newton (11th
Grade) cleaning dishes.
4. Jad Izzedin (11th Grade), Claire Jardin (1ère), and Marika
Van Laan organizing and cleaning the library in Chacabuco.
4
5
5. Planting trees in Chacabuco.
UPPER SCHOOL NEWS:
CHINESE PROGRAM SUCCESS CONTINUES
Sarah Comstock, 12th Grade, at the Chinese
S
Bridge reception ceremony.
B
T
he year 2003 marked the beginning of a
program at Awty has grown into one of the lead-
new chapter in the language program at
ing programs of its kind in the state of Texas. Co-
The Awty International School. During its
ordinator of the Chinese program Ms. Jiayao Pang,
seven years, the Awty Chinese program has grown
who was awarded with “Outstanding Achievement”
into the third largest of the school’s ten foreign lan-
by the Chinese Consulate in both 2009 and 2010,
guage programs, following French and Spanish. Today
believes that the success of Awty’s program is due to
it has three teachers and nearly 100 students in 16
a combination of efforts of both Awty teachers and
various levels and classes.
students. As the Chinese saying goes, “天时tianshi, 地
With more than 50 years of educational experience, Awty
remains
unique among
Houston’s private schools,
enrolling
over 1,200
students of 56 nationalities from pre-school through
grade 12. As the second largest international school
in the nation, Awty is well known for its outstanding
foreign culture and language programs. At the start
of a new decade where China’s rising importance in
利dili, 人和renhe,” right time, right place and right
people. These three factors determine the success of
the Chinese program at Awty. Success is due mainly
to motivating students with student-centered and
communication-oriented class activities; obtaining
updated information from China about overseas Chinese educational programs like the cultural delegation
from China for U.S. campuses or Chinese summer
scholarships; and encouraging students to participate
in language and culturally related activities such as the
“Chinese Bridge” – the largest Chinese proficiency
competition in the world.
The “Chinese Bridge” competition is organized by
the politico-economic world could not be overlooked,
Hanban, the executive body of the Chinese Language
Mr. Guy Benet, Head of the Language Department,
Council International. It serves to provide foreign stu-
saw Chinese as a wonderful new focus for the Awty
dents with a platform to demonstrate their Chinese
language team.
proficiency and enthusiasm, while enhancing their
From its humble beginnings with only one teacher
and a single student, within seven years, the Chinese
understanding of Chinese culture. Components of the
competition include Chinese language proficiency,
knowledge of China, comprehensive ability, and
at the “Chinese Bridge” competition has opened a new
Chinese cultural performance (Chinese songs, music,
chapter for her future, and has encouraged her
dance, folk arts, acrobatics, musical instruments, calligraphy, painting, paper-cutting, and Kungfu, etc.).
In 2009, Awty student Kendall Russ was the only
candidate from Texas to represent the U.S. in the 2nd
Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for
High School Students. In October 2010, Awty Senior
Sarah Comstock was the only candidate from Houston and one of the three members of the U.S. Team II
to go to compete at the 3rd Chinese Bridge “Fun with
Chinese, Growing with Vigor 2010” in Chongqing
City, a Sichuan province of China.
Along with her two teammates from Dallas and
to pursue her goal of studying and living in China.
Sarah’s success has brought her a little notoriety, as
Oklahoma, Sarah’s team ranked 3rd among the other
she was interviewed by the Zhejiang Satellite TV sta-
40 teams worldwide. The Singapore team won 1st
tion on November 3, 2010, along with Interim Head
place. Sarah was also awarded 3rd place as an indi-
of School Mr. Peter Cooper, Head of the Language
vidual, and won a full scholarship for one and a half
Department Mr. Guy Benet, her teacher Ms. Jiayao
years at any university in China including tuition,
Pang, and her classmate Julia Cullen.
room and board, meals, insurance, monthly allowance,
and return tickets!
Sarah believes that “Chinese Bridge” was one of
the most amazing experiences of her life.
“I not only improved my Chinese language skills,
During the interview, Sarah expressed her gratitude to China for this unique opportunity to improve
her language skills, to learn about the Chinese culture
and lifestyle, as well as to have met new friends from
other places in the world. She hopes to soon start her
but I also learned about the culture and modern life
studies and life in China, a country she has grown to
from my experience with the home stay family and the
love.
schools in Chongqing,” stated Sarah. Her experience
Chinese continued on page 60
Chinese continued from page 59
“Chinese Bridge” Contest in China; this year, Sarah
won 3rd place as an individual and her U.S. team won
Two years ago, she was determined to change her
3rd place. Awty has established itself as a frontrun-
second language subject from Spanish to Chinese.
ner in the largest international Chinese proficiency
With her motivation, diligence, and talent, she soon
competition for foreign students.”
became the top student in class. This fall, not only did
she represent the country, participate in the “Chinese
Bridge” competition, and win 3rd place worldwide,
she also was chosen to represent all of the candidates
by giving a speech at the opening ceremony.
Ms. Pang, Sarah’s Chinese teacher for the past
three years, expressed her pride and joy for her student, “I am especially glad with Sarah’s motivation
and dedication to pursuing her studies of the Chinese
language as well as cultural tradition.”
Mr. Cooper congratulated Sarah for her achievement, and the honor she brought back to Awty.
He mentioned future plans at Awty which involve
expanding the Chinese program to include the Lower
School, depending on student demand.
“Starting seven years ago with only five students,
the Chinese program has rapidly grown. Today it has
almost 100 students in 16 various levels and classes.
Chinese has the 3rd largest student enrollment rate
following that of French and Spanish,” stated Mr.
Benet. “In 2009, Awty senior Kendall Russ was the
only candidate from Texas to participate at the second
Sarah and Kendall’s successes have encouraged other students like Julia Cullen to pursue their
interest in the Chinese culture and to continue their
Chinese studies. With a combination of strong student interest and dedicated faculty members, Awty’s
Chinese program is guaranteed to flourish each and
every school year.
UPPER SCHOOL NEWS:
CAREER FAIR
2
1
ON THE RIGHT CAREER PATH...
The College Counseling Department hosted a Career Fair this past fall for the
entire Upper School student body.
3
The Upper School students were organized into groups, based on their expressed
interests, and were given the opportunity to mingle with professionals in various
career fields. Nearly 70 professionals from 12 different career fields volunteered
their time to speak with our students about college education in their field, day
to day tasks, likes and dislikes, and much more.
Awty extends a BIG thank you to all of the professionals who took time out
of their busy schedules to visit with our students. Many thanks also to Mrs.
Corinne Micaëlli, French College Counselor, who spearheaded the organization
of the event, as well as the entire College Counseling Department, the Upper
School office, and the APPA.
1. Peyton Stamper (11th Grade) and Mr.
Jason Reeves
2. Ms. Munn with Casey Lunn (11th
Grade) and Gabriela Garcia (12th Grade)
3. Students listening to a panel of individuals in the medical field.
4. Ms. Patrizia Figoli-Turchetti
4
5
5. Chef Matthew Lynn and Brian Rowland
(12th Grade)
UPPER SCHOOL NEWS:
IB THEATRE PERFORMS “SCAPIN!”
2
1
POSITIVELY ENTERTAINING!
Under the direction of Mr. Don Clarke, the students in the IB Theatre Arts Program
entertained the audience with their rendition of Moliere’s “Scapin!” in December.
3
This comedy is set in a park in Naples, Italy in 1910. As Molière was wont to do,
the play satirizes and ridicules the wealthy middle class and the morality of the time
period. It was adapted from Albert Bermel’s “The Scams of Scapin,” a modern translation of Molière’s “Les Fourberies de Scapin.” The first production of “Les Fourberies
de Scapin” was at the Théâtre du Petit-Bourbon in Paris in the year 1671. Molière
himself undoubtedly portrayed one of the two fathers.
The cast included Eilidh Albert-Recht, 12th grade (Hyacinte); Sander Barsingerhorn, 12th grade (Argante); Alexandra Cadena, 10th grade (Carlotta); Joe Carney,
12th grade (Silvestre); Madison Flavin, 12th grade (Nérine); Ross Gordon, 12th
grade (Geronte); Miriam Herrmann, 12th grade (Zerbinette); René Joyac, 12th grade
(Léandre); Thomas Richardson, 12th grade (Scapin); and Thomas Ware, 12th grade
(Octave).
1. Thomas Ware (12th Grade)
2. Thomas Richardson (12th Grade) and
Sander Barsingerhorm (12th Grade)
3. Ross Gordon (12th Grade)
4. Joe Carney (12th Grade)
4
5
5. Miriam Herrmann (12th Grade),
Thomas Richardson, and Eilidh AlbertRecht (12th Grade)
UPPER SCHOOL NEWS:
ELLINOR CRUX SHINES AT RODEO ART COMPETITION
1
2
NO CLOWNING AROUND
On February 26, Awty senior Ellinor Crux joined 52 other artists at the Fourth
Annual Quick Draw Competition at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
3
Seven hundred students had applied for positions in this competition to draw
either a full figure or a portrait in pencil or charcoal. As each student arrived and
checked in they were given a drawing assignment and a number which corresponded to their drawing position. Ellinor got the task of drawing the full figure
of “Stripes the Rodeo Clown,” and she had fifty minutes to complete her drawing.
Judging was held the same day and Ellinor came in third in her category. She received a check for $250.00 and a scholarship to the Museum of Fine Arts Glassell
School for one week’s study this summer. Congratulations are due to Ellinor who
is also a third time Best of Show winner in the HLSR’s Art Competition.
1. Ellinor’s finished drawing
2. Ellinor Crux (12th Grade) and
Stripe the Rodeo Clown
3. Ellinor drawing during the competition.
4. Ellie Tamura (11th grade) and
Ellinor. Ellie received a gold medal
at the Rodeo Art competition for her
wood carving of a wolf.
4
5
5. Stripes the Rodeo Clown modeling for the Ellinor and other artists.
UPPER SCHOOL NEWS:
AWTY MUSICIANS ATTEND TPSMEA CLINIC
Ryan Bitar, 10th Grade
R
hree members of the Awty band and or-
T
Dr. Schueller was recognized as a Texas State Univer-
chestra were selected to participate in the
sity Distinguished Educator in 2007. Dr. Schueller led
2011 Texas Private School Music Educators
the band through memorable performances of Gustav
Association (TPSMEA) All-State Band and Orchestra.
Holst’s First Suite for Military Band, Frank Ticheli’s Sun
Band member, Ryan Bitar (alto saxophone) was selected
Dance, and The Whip and Spur Galop by Thomas Allen to
and from the Awty Orchestra, string players Clara Loeb
name just a few of the pieces performed.
(viola) and Daichi Onda (violin) were selected. These
The orchestra clinician was Maestro Franz Anton
students submitted an audition CD in November and
Krager, Professor of Conducting and Director of Or-
learned that they had been accepted as members in mid-
chestras at the University of Houston Moores School of
December. This is one of the highest honors student
Music. Maestro Krager has conducted orchestras world-
musicians can be awarded. There were only 32 violins, 12
wide and is also Music Director and Chief Conductor
violas, and four alto saxophones selected from all partici-
of the Texas Music Festival and Artistic Director of the
pating private schools statewide.
The All-State Clinic was held at
Virtuosi of Houston. The orchestra
performed Warlock’s Capriol Suite,
the San Marcos Convention Center
Arensky’s Variations on a Theme by
from January 27 to January 29. All
Tchaikovsky, Gershwin’s Lullaby for
three Awty students rehearsed with
String Orchestra, and a Handel harp
their respective groups four to six
concerto.
hours daily on Thursday and Friday,
then had a morning rehearsal on the
Ryan is a member of the Awty
Wind Ensemble directed by Mr.
day of the concert. The concert was held at Evans Au-
Jason Peguero. Clara and Daichi are both members of the
ditorium on the campus of Texas State University. Both
Awty Orchestra, directed by Ms. Gesina Thompson.
groups were led by outstanding music educators.
The All-State Band clinician was Dr. Rodney
Both the All-State Band and All-State Orchestra
performances were technically polished and exceptional
Schueller, Associate Professor of Music, Director of
in quality. Congratulations to Daichi, Ryan, and Clara
Bands and Coordinator of Instrumental Performance
for representing Awty through a tremendous amount of
and Ensembles at Texas State University – San Marcos.
hard work, musical talent, and nerves of steel.
UPPER SCHOOL NEWS:
SENIOR TEA
2
1
A SPOT OF TEA...
Each year, it is tradition for the senior class to have tea with the Head of School,
Proviseur, Head of Upper School, and their teachers. This year was no different
as the Class of 2011 gathered for tea time on February 22.
3
This long-standing Awty tradition began in 1981 by Mrs. Kay Awty, the founder
of our beloved school. She started the Senior Tea because she wanted a chance
to speak with each senior in a relaxed environment and hear their views, goals,
and aspirations for the future. Mrs. Awty hosted the first tea event in her home
with seven seniors and their teachers.
Today, Awty’s senior class numbers 87 and tea time now takes place in the tea
room at the Junior League of Houston. The event was attended by staff and
faculty who work with the seniors during their last and most important year
at Awty. A few Awty alums also attend the event to give the seniors an early
welcome to the Alumni Association.
1. Georgina Kolcun and Melanie Martin
2. Cindy Gézégabelle, Iyan Unsworth,
Alexia Hendrix, and Ewa Ciesielski
3. Amira Khemakhem, Alice Low, Lauren
Megrelis, Sophia Adem, Alice Namtvedt,
and Tanya Eleftheriou
4. Babette Hohrath and Mrs. Becky
Johnson
4
5
5. Rohan Roongta, Ziad Saqr, Giacomo
Frateschi. Brian Rowland, Manga Sako,
Karen Demski, and Carissa Mark
UPPER SCHOOL NEWS:
LIFE IS A CABARET, OLD CHUM!
Chantelle Barretto, 12th grade, as Sally Bowles.
C
U
nder the direction of Mr. Don Clarke and
Khan, 10th grade (Kit Kat Klub Girl); Casey Lunn, 11th
Mr. Robert Dee, Upper School students de-
grade (Kit Kat Klub Girl); Jonathan Sload, 9th grade
buted a sensational rendition of the hit musi-
(Customs Officer / Sailor); Luke Thompson, 12th grade
cal “Cabaret” on February 25-26 and March 3-5, 2011.
The musical took us to Berlin, Germany in 1931
(Ernst Ludwig); and Thomas Ware, 12th grade (the
Emcee).
just as the Nazis were rising to power. The Emcee at
The Production Team included Mr. Don Clarke
the seedy club called the Kit Kat Klub welcomed the
(direction, production design, set construction), Mr.
audience and assured us that our troubles would soon
Robert Dee (musical direction), Ms. Martha Bawara
be forgotten at the Cabaret. The musical focused on the
(wardrobe mistress and make-up artist), The Costumer,
nightlife at the Kit Kat Klub and revolved around the
Schenectady, New York (costumes), Joe Carney, 12th
relationship between Sally Bowles, the middle-class lass
grade (set construction), Madison Flavin, 12th grade (set
from Chelsea, London who works as a cabaret per-
construction), Anna Van Brummen, 11th grade (lighting
former, and Cliff Bradshaw, the young American writer.
assistant), and Thomas Ware, 12th grade (set construc-
The story progressed with the doomed romance between
tion).
German boarding house owner Fräulein Schneider and
Special thanks to Mrs. Debbie
her elderly suitor Herr Schultz, a Jewish fruit vendor.
Halton for the loan of the vintage
Throughout the musical, the decadent cabaret was used
typewriter.
as a mirror image of German society at the time and its
downhill spiral into Nazism.
The cast included: Eilidh Albert-Recht, 12th grade
“Cabaret” was produced by
special arrangement with TamsWitmark Music Library, Inc.,
(Fräulein Kost); Chantelle Barretto, 12th grade (Sally
New York, New York. Book by
Bowles); Sander Barsingerhorn, 12th grade (Bobby);
Joe Masteroff. Based on the play
Alex Cadena, 10th grade (Kit Kat Klub Girl); Joe
“I Am a Camera” by John Van
Carney, 12th grade (Clifford Bradshaw); Bruno Duhen,
Druten and stories from “Berlin
1ère (Herr Schultz); Amy Frautschi, Tle (Kit Kat Klub
Diaries” by Christopher Isher-
Girl); Paloma Frautschi, 2nde (Kit Kat Klub Girl);
wood. Lyrics by Fred Ebb and
Tegan Gutierrez, 11th grade (Fräulein Schneider); Iman
music by John Kander.
1
1. Luke Thompson as Ernst Ludwig (12th Grade)
2. Joe Carney as Clifford Bradshaw (12th Grade)
3. The Cabaret cast performing one of the musical numbers.
4. Thomas Ware as the Emcee (12th Grade)
5. Tegan Gutierrez as Fräulein Schneider (11th Grade) with
Chantelle Barretto as Sally Bowles (12th Grade)
6. Bruno Duhen as Herr Schultz (1ère)
4
2
3
5
6
UPPER SCHOOL NEWS:
STUDENTS TAKE PART IN BARCELONA WORLD RACE
Mr. Marijan Jurcic and some of his Freshmen students
M
sspeak
p with Mr. Ryan Breymaier via videoconference.
D
own the hall, in Room 310, the ninth-
about historical events,” said 9th Grader Milagro
grade students taking Mr. Marijan Jurcic’s
Rivera. “This was more current information, which
Computer Science course were introduced
was interesting and we could relate to it. Other kids at
to a new subject for exploration: open ocean sailing.
school think it’s pretty cool.”
Their classroom is in The Awty International School in
Most of the students who studied Mr. Breymaier
Houston, Texas; their textbook was Mr. Ryan Breyma-
had never stepped foot on a boat before and found his
ier, the lone American sailor in the Barcelona World
story to be fascinating, not only because he was sailing
Race.
around the world for the first time, but also because he
At the time, Mr. Breymaier, who was circumnavi-
didn’t start sailing until the age of 18, when he traded
gating the globe for the first time, was on day 91 of
in his lacrosse stick at St. Mary’s College in Maryland
the 25,000 nautical mile (46,300 km) journey, which
for a dry suit and booties.
included 2,000 hours of non-stop competition across
“The first time I went sailing I was hooked and I
three vast oceans, two hemispheres, and around three
have eaten, breathed, dreamed about and talked sailing
famous Capes. Mr. Breymaier, with German co-
ever since,” said Mr. Breymaier. “I think I was just
skipper Mr. Boris Herrmann, fought his way back up
lucky enough to find my ‘thing’ even if it was pretty
to fourth place aboard Team Neutrogena as they raced
late in life compared to lots of other professional
through the Atlantic Ocean to the finish in Barcelona,
sailors.”
Spain.
Awty is the second largest international school in
Teacher Mr. Marijan Jurcic found Mr. Breymaier’s
story to be the perfect target to get students excited
the United States, representing students from more
about global affairs.“The uniqueness of this project is
than 50 countries. As a world-class international
how it makes the world seem so much smaller than
school, Awty aims to educate its students for success
it really is,” said Jurcic. “I’m amazed at how today’s
in global pursuits. This 9th Grade class followed the
technology enabled a group of ninth-grade students
race and communicated via email with Mr. Breymaier
in a small classroom in Houston to communicate with
for a couple of months. In March, they engaged in a
this skipper on a small boat in the middle of an ocean
videoconference with him while he was at sea.
on the other side of the world.”
“Other projects in class are mainly academic and
The students continued following the Barcelona
World Race until Mr. Breymaier crossed the finish line
sailing,” said Mr. Breymaier. “I would like some young
in fifth place on the 10th of April.
people to see what I am doing, put down the mouse,
turn off the computer games, and go give sailing a
“The main reason I am involved in the media aspect
try.”
of the race I am doing now is to inspire people to try
2
1
3
1. Sohail Dhanji (9th Grade) and Mr. Marijan Jurcic watching
the videoconference.
2. Mr. Marijan Jurcic and some of his students speak with Mr.
Ryan Breymaier via videoconference.
3. Mr. Ryan Breymaier on the videoconference monitor.
4
4. Mr. Marijan Jurcic and his 9th Grade class gathered
around the laptop during the videoconference.
COMMUNITY SERVICE:
AWTY REACHES OUT TO HAITI
Haitian students receiving Awty bags.
H
A
wty students and staff have sponsored a small
program at the school. The students and their teachers,
school in the northern part of Haiti since
Ms Mireille Jullien in the French Bilingual Section and
2006. Over the years, Awty has sent school
Ms. Sonia Richi in the International Section, worked
supplies, books, clothing and more than 500 solar flash-
diligently to raise funds and prepare the school bags
lights to the community of Terrier Rouge. When the
with supplies. The inventory for each bag was care-
earthquake in Port au Prince occurred in January 2010,
fully discussed by the students who wanted their gift to
Awty organized a campaign to raise funds for victims
be practical for Haitian students: notebooks, pens and
of the disaster including bake sales, cash donations, a
pencils, sharpeners, crayons, erasers, rulers, textbooks,
rock concert, and the sale of T-shirts during its annual
library books, and magazines in French. In addition, solar flashlights would allow them to do
Francophonie festival.
All in all, Awty raised over
Awty students fill shoe boxes with toys and
school supplies for Haitian children.
their homework at night in an area
$21,000 for Haiti from January
of the country without electricity.
to April 2010. Of those funds,
Several teachers’ bags were also filled
$17,600 was distributed among
with more school supplies, reading
three organizations: Bethlehem
material, and dictionaries. An extra
Ministries, Hope for Haiti and
25 solar flashlights were sent to help
Children of Haiti Project. The
the community of Terrier Rouge, its
rest of the funds, raised spe-
clinic, and school.
cifically by French students of
The school bags arrived in Haiti
the BOGO Solar Flashlight Club and students of the
at the end of the summer 2010 and were distributed
French Honor Society, were used to assemble 50 school
to the students when the school year started in Terrier
bags full of school supplies and solar flashlights, and to
Rouge on October 4, 2010.
purchase musical instruments for the school in Terrier
Awty students in the French Honor Society also cre-
Rouge. The school bags would benefit children whose
ated 50 Christmas shoe boxes for children of the Terrier
families had taken refuge in the northern part of the
Rouge community. Each shoe box was filled with toys, a
island after losing everything in the earthquake and
T-shirt, and school supplies. The boxes were delivered to
the musical instruments would help start a new music
Haiti/Terrier Rouge in time for the holidays.
COMMUNITY SERVICE:
GET INVOLVED? HOW ABOUT US?
Mlle. Sandie Masson, Lower School Teacher
M
THE SPCA PROJECT:
pay much attention to anymore, but we all had sad
T
stories to tell about them.
here’s a lot of talk about the environment
and what we all have to do to make our
planet better. The subject comes up every day
That’s when we learned about the Houston SPCA
shelter. They take care of pets that have been abused or
on TV, on the radio, and in the newspapers. But in our
abandoned by their owners. The organization’s mission
daily lives, we really didn’t know what to do or how to
is to find them new homes. Meantime, the dogs and
participate. We live in a big city, and from our stand-
cats spend their time in cages, and the days seem really
point ecology seemed like a pretty remote idea.
long…
So we looked around us. Even closer...
The environment, the city, our daily lives… That was
our project! We called it the
In October, we visited
the Arboretum. There,
SPCA project, for “Save,
we discovered plants and
Protect, Collect, Act”—our
animals that we didn’t even
own interpretation of the
know existed. The guide
shelter’s initials.
What we at first
told us the place was a
veritable shelter for animals
Mlle. Sandie Masson and her CM1 A students.
thought involved only our
and plants, because the city
class quickly spread, and we
didn’t leave much space for
were asked to present the
them.
project to all of the Lower
When we got back to
School students.
school, we talked about our field trip and what we had
We put our heads together to become a voice for
seen. We said we’d like to do something for wildlife in
sheltered animals. We were so proud and excited on
our city. But what wildlife? We only saw dogs and cats,
the day of our presentation in The Globe! An SPCA
and a few squirrels…
representative came to support us and showed a film
And that’s when it hit us—dogs and cats, our dayto-day companions. Animals we see every day and don’t
about shelters, and we made speeches to approximately
SPCA continued on page 72
SPCA continued from page 71
100 people!
And without realizing it, we had taken our first
step in Community Service by getting involved to
help others. Thanks to this project, we feel useful and
that makes us feel good. We are collecting toys, food,
blankets, baskets, and money for the shelter animals.
And most of all, we are encouraging those around us to
adopt these animals to give them a second chance. We
are counting on you to help them, too!
level, children are waiting in the hallway to go into the
operating room. Most of them have cleft palates. Dr.
THE HAITI PROJECT:
CM1 A students got involved with animals, but
they were also asked to participate in a humanitarian
project. In January, they collected toys, costume jewelry,
and solar flashlights for about 60 Haitian children
who have had facial surgery. They also sent drawings
and messages of encouragement to relieve these little
patients’ suffering. Many other classes participated
(CP, CE1, CE2, CM1). The surgeon who initiated this
project showed them pictures of the smiling children.
You can imagine the smiles on the faces of the Awty
students.
At the Fermathe Hospital, about an hour southeast
of Port-au-Prince in Haiti and 1,500 meters above sea
Azita Madjidi, who initiated this mission, operated on
some 60 patients in a week.
On the walls are drawings from the children who
participated in the project. The young patients pass the
time reading the messages of support that were sent to
voice for a cause that touched them deeply, and that
them. Those who knew how to read, read them to the
made their message even more convincing.
younger ones. This reassured them and made them feel
better.
Below is a little girl with her mother in the pre-anesthesia room. The little girl is wearing jewelry donated
They were able to combine their ideas, design their
work, speak before a large group, and sensitize their
peers with the same spirit and the same smiles.
I was proud to support them in this project that
by the school and she is holding a toy and a drawing
they were so passionately involved in. I was impressed
from an Awty student. The mother is holding a solar
by their determination and I learned a lot from them,
flashlight given to her by Awty mom and surgeon Dr.
too. The children spread their message, and I hope that
Azita Madjidi. This mother and daughter live in a
like them it will grow and blossom over time.”
shack without electricity or running water. In the back-
- Mlle. Sandie Masson, CM1 A Teacher
ground, another little girl waits. She is also wearing a
necklace and bracelet contributed by students.
The students reflected and talked about their
involvement in both the SPCA project and the Haiti
project.
Damien: “I tried to change things instead of doing
nothing or watching TV.”
Lena: “I’m proud I got this message out.”
Spencer: “We worked, and worked hard for this
project.”
Emma: “It made me feel good to be doing good.”
Oscar: “Now people talk to us about our project all
REFLECTIONS:
the time. It’s becoming important.”
“The CM1-A students brought their project to life
through their efforts and goodwill. They became the
SPCA continued on page 74
Zsofia: “Together, we were able to send a message.”
SPCA continued from page 73
Sebastien: “There’s a saying that a dog is man’s best
friend…We wanted to treat them the way they deserve
Aya: “We did a lot of writing with our teacher to
and make that saying remain true.”
get our ideas together, and after that we were able to
explain them better.”
Kara: “I loved getting up to speak in front of all the
children.”
Béatrice: “It feels good to give comfort to children,
and to animals, who are living beings too.”
Jade: “We had a lot of ideas and we were able to put
them into action.”
Thomas: “We wanted to get involved with abused
animals because they are forgotten and they can’t speak
for themselves.”
Elissar: “I love children and animals. I’m happy I
worked for them.”
Alexandra: “I have to go to the hospital a lot for
Arthur: “It’s all because we love animals and we
care, and I know what a difficult time it is…I wanted to
want to give back what they give to us.”
make it less painful for the children.”
Albane: “I felt really happy.”
Theophile: “We worked for shelter dogs and cats
because we didn’t want to ignore them anymore.”
1
2
3
5
4
6
1. Damien Lajoumard de Bellabre, Sebastien Chenin, Albane Marande, Arthur Jumelle, and Thomas Bunch
2. One of the many dogs being sheltered at Houston SPCA.
3. Mom and child in Haiti
4. The SPCA presentation to the Lower School students.
5. Kara Best, Theophile Kleindienst, Béatrice Coquilleau, Zsofia
Hauk, and Alexandra Hayek
6. Oscar Bigno, Jade Andrieux, Lena Chapalain, Elissar Zabaneh,
Emma Daveau, and Spencer Talbot
7
8
7.Another animal at Houston SPCA.
8. Houston SPCA
COMMUNITY SERVICE:
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Mrs. Marcelle Gharibeh, Community
M
Service Coordinator
S
T
he Awty International School continues to
make a difference in the lives of the needy,
both locally and globally. From the SOS
Team; and
• Raising funds to purchase graduation pins for the
5th grade graduating class.
Village in Lebanon to San Ignacio Orphanage in
Bolivia, from Haiti to Ecuador, and from Houston
to many other parts of the world, Awty students lead
RED CROSS CPR TRAINING PROJECT:
and participate in various projects, fulfilling The Awty
“The CPR Training was very interesting and help-
International School’s mission.
ful. It did expand my knowledge and now I’m sure
of what to do if a serious problem happened. Very
GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD:
helpful. I think it would be better if more people took
these life learning lessons.”
Awty was honored with the Good Neighbor Award
- Brenda Rodriguez, 9th Grade
for the fourth consecutive year by the Spring Branch
Independent School District (SBISD). Awty received
this honor due to several outreach activities with
Ridgecrest Elementary School, which included:
• Sponsoring school supply, clothing and uniform
drives;
• Adopting families for the holiday season;
• Providing Ridgecrest Elementary students with
Awty mentors who served as teen role models;
• Assisting teachers with TAKS camp preparations.
• Providing free babysitting during Ridgecrest Elementary School Family Nights;
• Providing community representation on the
Ridgecrest Elementary Campus Improvement
Mrs. Gina Sharman, School Nurse, conducts CPR training.
“The CPR training was very useful and worth
learning because we may have to perform CPR in the
future.”
- Michel Farhat, 9th Grade
“The course was very helpful and informative. It
made me confident that I would know what to do in
a high pressure situation. I think that learning these
skills could be very useful later in life.
- Gregor Meehan, 9th Grade
“This course was very helpful and now when I babysit I will feel much more comfortable and secure about
their safety.”
- Nicole Piper, 11th Grade
“The training was very helpful and it helped me gain
a new perspective on ways to save people. Thank you
CPR Training Class
teach us some valuable life lessons. It was a wonderful
experience!”
for hosting it.”
- Nimrah Saleem, 10th Grade
- Lucila Houttuijn Bloemendaal, 9th Grade
“I feel better prepared for any future accidents or
“I enjoyed being a part of this experience. I feel
more prepared in the event that I am required to per-
anything. It was valuable for me to take this course and
I’m happy I took it.”
form CPR in order to help someone else.”
- Stéphanie Jeanneret, 3ème
- Camila Solorzano, 11th Grade
“I feel like I have a better grasp on keeping myself
“The CPR Training course was really helpful. Now
I feel prepared for an emergency.”
and others safe, which is especially valuable seeing as I
am leaving for university next year.”
- Eloise Smithard, 11th Grade
“Now, I can make a difference.”
- Maïlys Boursier, 3ème
“This was my first time learning about CPR and
- Sarah Comstock, 12th Grade
“I really enjoyed this course and found it lively and
interesting!
- Marianne Coquilleau, 1ère
first aid. It was very helpful and informative. Thanks
to Nurse Gina for coming out so early on a Saturday to
Service continued on page 78
Service continued from page 77
EMAA Students: Adrian Barbir, Aya Atwan, and Max Paul (CM1)
trees here and in Madagascar. In our meetings, we talk
about new ideas that we can do in the future, discuss
plans, the money raised, and eat pizza.
As a founding member of the EMAA, I am having fun and exciting times, and I learn a lot from the
group, research, and our great volunteers. In the future,
I would like the EMAA to grow bigger and do more
projects that will help the world.”
- Aya Atwan, CM1
“We started the EMAA Club while playing at
recess and discussing global warming and pollution.
Emilie, Max, Aya, and I started looking into how we
LOWER SCHOOL EMAA CLUB:
“To me, the EMAA Club is like a group of kids
who care about the world and all beings. I wanted to
could help the environment because we wanted to
make a change in the world.
In the past year we got approval to begin the first
help the environment by bringing awareness to the
Lower School club and decided we wanted to focus on
problems in the world caused by human beings. I also
deforestation. We chose to sell the recycle bags to raise
want people to pay attention to their actions and to be
money to help with planting trees. The recycle bags we
more responsible.
chose are made out of 100% recycled materials, instead
Being part of the EMAA gives me a chance to
make a difference and makes me feel capable of doing
anything to help with other world problems when I
grow up.
I also had the privilege to speak in front of the
whole school and spread the word. And I help sell
EMAA bags in my spare time to raise money to plant
of plastic or paper bags. We want to encourage people
to reuse what they already have to stop the pollution.
So far we have raised almost $1,200 and 17 people
have joined the EMAA Club.
Our hope is that we keep growing and become
an organization others will want to be involved with.
Our goal is to make people in the world become more
conscientious about our planet and to get involved with
Twin Towers (1,350 feet high) of New York’s
helping to make it a better place. We hope this year to
World Trade Center every two weeks.
begin planting our first trees in Houston and to send
We came up with this idea when we saw all of the
money to Madagascar to help with reforestation. We
plastic and paper being thrown away, and we thought
would like to thank Mme. Voahangy for believing in us
it wasn’t very nice so we formed an environmental club.
and for sponsoring our club.”
We have raised $1,000 by selling reusable bags, and we
- Adrian Barbir, CM1
“Last year, my friends Emilie, Aya, Adrian and I
plan to plant trees with the money.
Join us!”
created an environmental club because we were con-
- Max Paul, CM1
cerned about deforestation and global warming. Mme.
Grenier, Mrs. Gharibeh, and Mrs. Barbir helped us put
our project together.
Here are a few facts we found on thinkquest.org
that we would like to share with you:
• If just 25% of U.S. families used 10 fewer plastic
bags a month, we would save over 2.5 BILLION
bags a year.
• Every ton of recycled office paper saves 380 gallons of oil.
BOOKS FOR THE WORLD PROJECT:
The Awty International School contributed over
6,000 books to the Books for the World Project . The
donated textbooks and library books of all levels were
in many languages including English, French, Spanish, and German. In addition to the books, Awty also
donated school and art supplies, school uniforms, furniture, and school equipment. Finally, Awty participated
in the Books for the World Booklegger Summit.
• Energy saved from one recycled aluminum can
will operate a TV set for 3 hours and is the
equivalent to half a can of gasoline.
• Americans use 50 million tons of paper annually—consuming more than 850 million trees.
UNICEF PROJECT:
“Here at Awty, every year, we gather money in small
orange boxes to give to UNICEF. United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is
• Enough glass was thrown away in 1990 to fill the
ing to do whatever needs ‘doing’ at the time. This can
entail reading a story, listening to a story (from a very
a non-profit organization in which money is raised for
poor children who have
ing materials in the classroom. Whatever the task, our
horrible living conditions
volunteers maintain a captive audience. The children
where they were born
are quite smitten when an Awty student [volunteer] is
into poverty and have
present! It is a win-win situation for all involved.”
to be lucky to survive.
UNICEF contributes
to helping children in
countries all around the
Roxane Sazegar, 4ème
proud beginning reader!), cutting patterns, or organiz-
- Mrs. Janet Case, Kindergarten Teacher
“When you hear volunteer opportunity, what do you
think? Is it, ‘Volunteering?! What’s that?!’ or ‘Oh gosh!
world.
The reason why it is a
great idea to contribute money to UNICEF is because
with any amount of money we provide them, even very
low amounts, we help save some people in some way.
For instance, 7¢ provides 50 kids with safe water for a
day and $112 provides emergency blankets to 37 kids.”
- Roxane Sazegar, 4ème
Student Volunteers Claire Daniault (5ème) and Marion Bocabarteille (5ème) work with Mrs. Case’s Kindergarten class.
STUDENT HELPERS:
“ ‘How may I help you today?’ This is the greeting I
Not THAT again’? Maybe it’s, ‘Pfff ! I’m already done
with my 50 hours of community service! I don’t have
receive each time a student helper from Ms. Gharibeh’s
to worry about that anymore!’ For me, the thought of
Community Service Program appears on my class-
volunteering brings to mind the innocent faces of the
room doorstep. In Kindergarten, an extra set of hands
six year olds I come to see during the week as a teacher
is always a welcome sight especially if they are will-
assistant for the CP teacher Mme. Anne Clonan. As
teacher assistants, my friends and I help the teach-
pauvres qui en ce moment sont dans la detresse, serons
ers with sometimes the most mundane of tasks such
maintenant dans la joie.”
as putting up posters, only it is those directives that
aide the teachers not to feel overwhelmed with work.
Those tasks usually involve us having to interact with
the children, a wonderful event that warms your heart
as you see their faces smiling up at you, full of life and
innocent curiosity. We also assist the children in their
work sometimes, which makes us experience what it is
to be a teacher. We do volunteer during our lunches but
only one or two lunches in a week, a petty sacrifice for
the great and rewarding experience that awaits us in the
Lower School. I then encourage anyone who loves children, wants to become a teacher later on in the nearby
- Anonymous Middle School Student
“A group of students diligently worked to help the
librarians pack the books from Awty’s book fair. Tables
of books were spread around in the PAAC with the
challenge of putting all of the books in boxes, putting
them on a cart for transfer, and folding all of the tableclothes and boxing them. The work force and energy
given by the students helped to finish the job in a short
time. It felt good to know that we were able to help the
librarians finish the vast amount of work. “
- Andrew Vodinh, 11th Grade
future, or just looks for the chance of having a nice time
to become a teacher assistant, for it is truly worth it.”
- Eléonore Lahitte-Crohare, 2nde
“Au community service nous pouvons aller dans
des classes de maternelle pour aider les enfants ou la
maitresse a ranger des des jeux que les enfants aurons
dérangés. Nous pouvons egalement emballer les livres
et l’ecole les enverra au ecole pauvres. Nous en avons
déjà envoye 6000. Le community service est un grand
moyen de connaitre des enfants ou meme d’autre per-
Andrew Vodinh (11th Grade), Robin Labesse (1ère), and Vladimir Yelkhimov (12th Grade) pack books from the Book Fair.
sonnes que nous ne connaissions pas avant.
En faisant tout cela vous serez d’une grande aide et,
grace a vous, des enfant ou meme des adultes de pays
cause. One student even ran to his backpack after our
presentation and asked us if he could donate $5.00.
PENNIES FOR PEACE:
The younger students’ enthusiasm to participate really
The Awty International School presented a monetary
opened my eyes to our potential for change.”
donation to Pennies for Peace, founded by Three Cups of
Tea author Dr. Greg Mortenson, an organization that
promotes education in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
“Putting our Pennies for Peace project into action
- Meghan Haffey, 11th Grade
“The Pennies for Peace community service experience was an extremely enriching experience for me.
First, the research before the project could be started
at Awty was something that really showed me the
really opened my eyes to the poverty that exists in the
power of the student body. We put glass jars all around
lives of many people in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
campus to collect pennies and any other loose change
The second part of the project, the fundraising aspect,
to donate to the cause. The reaction of the student
was also very interesting. We directed our campaign
body was almost unreal, especially the Lower School.
towards the Lower School. It was heartwarming to see
After presenting to the Lower School, it was amazing
how the young children reacted to the presentations we
how the younger students were so eager to help almost
gave them. They were also very proud when we came
immediately after we finished telling them about the
to collect the jars. It was inspiring to see how happy
they were to raise the money and to try to help children
just like them across the world. ”
- Ellie Whitaker, 11th Grade
“Last February, Ellie and I went to hear Dr. Greg
Mortenson speak in the PAAC. We were impressed
with his story and wanted to help. Dr. Mortenson is
building schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan, trying
to find peace via education rather than guns. Last May
11th Graders Meghan Haffey, Margarita Delgado,
Juhee Shamsi, and Ellie Whitaker along with Mr.
Peter Cooper present a check to Texas Pennies for
Peace representative Mr. Ross Richardson.
we started a Pennies for Peace campaign at Awty. We
spoke to each grade level and left jars in each classroom
to collect the change. By the last day of school we
50 goodie bags to 1st and 2nd graders at Ridgecrest
collected a total of $820, and last fall during a Lower
Elementary School, 35 goodie bags to students at
School assembly we presented the check to a represen-
Housman Elementary School, sorted and prepared
tative from Texans Pennies for Peace. It may not seem
Christmas gifts at DePelchin Children’s Center, loaded
like a lot when our construction project in America
a van with toys, food, and clothing for Casa de Esper-
cost millions, but in a country where a penny can buy a
anza, and donated toys, food, and clothing to Casa Juan
pencil even the littlest person can change a life.”
Diego.
- Margarita Delgado, 11th Grade
OTHER PROJECTS:
HOLIDAY PROJECTS:
During this past holiday season, Awty provided
Community Service Fair - About 50 students and/
or families attended the event and met the following
organizations: Camp for All, Comp-U-Dopt, Gulf
Coast Regional Blood Center, Memorial Hermann
Hospital, Ridgecrest Elementary School, SPCA, SIRE,
World Affairs Council of Houston, Ecuador Mission,
and Red Cross.
Young Leader’s Forum - Awty students participated
in “The Peace and Security of a World Free of Nuclear
Weapons,” sponsored by the World Affairs Council
of Houston. The students had the chance to hear and
to meet Ambassador Glyn Davies, who serves as the
Loading toys, clothing and food for Casa Juan Diego.
Permanent Representative of the United States to the
International Atomic Energy Agency and the United
Nations Office in Vienna.
Awty students also participated and/or volunteered
Sorting and preparing gifts at DePelchin Children’s Center.
into a greater cause is crucial to helping the world and
shaping the minds of the next generation of world
at Conversations with History events, Fall Fun Festival,
leaders.”
and nursing home visits. Finally, Awty made a monetary donation to Sheltering Arms Senior Services.
- Hannah Smati, 9th Grade
“To define community service as a mere requirement of the IB curriculum is to shortchange the expe-
REFLECTIONS:
rience and the possibilities it provides for real impact
“Although reading Shakespeare and learning how
in the Awty community and abroad. In my four years
to solve math equations is essential to getting a proper
with Awty Red Cross, I have been able to watch the
education at school, going beyond the walls of the
organization grow and evolve. I am now a senior and
classroom is just as important. With the extra-curric-
president of Awty Red Cross; however, the majority of
ular activities and community service Awty provides,
our members are in grades nine and ten, where service
students are encouraged to think outside the box as
hours are not required. This year alone, the Awty chap-
they learn more about the world and are given the
ter has worked with the Greater Houston Area Red
opportunity to help others. Programs like the Young
Cross, Ridgecrest Elementary and Special Olympics
Leaders’ Forum, for instance, enable students to listen
Texas, and has completed the certification process for
to world diplomats and ask questions. After listen-
all of its members. The benefit of these experiences lies
ing to a diplomat lecture on an issue like the Nuclear
not only in community outreach, but working toward
Tipping Point, students emerge with a more open
this goal as a cohesive group. Red Cross has allowed
mind and a motivation to find new solutions to global
me to share this experience with other Awty students,
problems that cannot be taught in a classroom. With
so they can enter the IB with an appreciation of the
clubs like the Red Cross, students volunteer their own
true value of community service and an understanding
time to help the less fortunate. By doing community
of their own ability to help.”
service, not only do students do a good deed and help
those in need, but they themselves benefit as well. Going beyond the classroom by putting time and effort
- Sarah Comstock, 12th Grade
“CAS provides IB students with the unique opportunity to explore and partake in various activities
beyond the boundaries of school. As a part of my IB
school has sent to South America, Honduras, Niga-
journey, I participated in the Young Leader’s Forum, a
ragua, El Salvador, Haiti, and South Africa. We have
presentation arranged by the World Affairs Council of
already sent 6,000 books. I also took care of clothes to
Houston. Attending the lecture was a unique experi-
send to children in need. It is a great opportunity for us
ence because it enlightened me about an important
students to be able to help others. During community
current global issue. Listening to Ambassador Glyn
service, I learned to help in other ways to serve and also
Davies talk about nuclear power greatly differs from
to know new children. The students who decide to join
reading about it in a book. It is a more interactive way
the community service can open new doors to other
of learning and experiencing the significance of the
opportunities.”
topic.
- Pauline Pelzer, 4ème
“It’s the journey to discover the self and other culture, new tastes, a new atmosphere, a new language and
history.
This past summer I decided to go volunteering to
Ecuador to the Foundation Jose Freinandemetz, Fushen-fu, because when I went for the first time during
Awty Students with Ambassador Glyn Davies.
the summer of 2008, the experience left a significant
imprint on my mind. Helping those children really put
The CPR training course was also an enjoyable and
educational experience that provided me with a lot of
important information.”
a different perspective to things. Yes, I had seen poverty
before throughout my 8 years of living in Ecuador, but
it never occurred to me how privileged my life really
is, or how hard life is for some people. The image that
- Hashim Alawami, 11th Grade
“I gave my time this last few years to community
pokes out of my memory is the day when we brought
in toys and clothes for the children. We were standing
service. I helped the children in kindergarden during
in an unfinished church building filled with wooden
lunch time or free period. I put together books that the
benches with two or three big suitcases filled with
“As a member of the Red Cross Club and president
of Spanish Club, I truly enjoy volunteering, but it is
Dominika Mrozkiewicz,
12th Grade
items we had collected
Mrs. Gharibeh who continues to give me the oppor-
from our house that
tunity to participate in the many activities she offers.
seemed useless to us. As
Throughout the year, the Red Cross Club has organized
soon as we started pass-
a food drive on campus, hosted a Christmas party at
ing out things the kids
Ridgecrest Elementary, and participated in the Special
got unruly and started
Olympics at Goodson Middle School. Karly Boyd, Sar-
crowding around me
ah Comstock, and I met during Christmas break and
and the other volunteers
donated the food and clothes to Casa Juan Diego. The
pleading that we give
Red Cross Club organized the perishable food drive
them this or that. Two
and the Spanish Club organized the clothes drive, “Pass
years later I went back and the kids changed; they got
Back, to Give Back.” The Spanish Club organized this
picky. This was a good sign.
clothes drive to collect gently used sports equipment to
The foundation expanded with a finished soccer
donate to children of all ages, hoping to give them the
field in front, painted walls, and a mural drafted by the
opportunity to make use of them and to enjoy them.
volunteers and painted by the kids.
As Sarah, Karly, and I arrived at Casa Juan Diego and
I really enjoyed now and then bonding with the
kids. Their energy and their personalities captivated me.
Of course they got a little wild from time to time, but it
didn’t matter. I feel like I did something good towards
society, and that’s the most golden feeling to ever have.
I’m really glad I got the opportunity to help these children out because even the slightest gesture can make all
the difference in their life.”
- Dominika Mrozkiewicz, 12th Grade
continued unloading all the bags and boxes of food and
clothes, a few employees present were more than happy
to receive our endless load of supplies. They expressed
their sincere gratitude to us for our efforts and to Mrs.
Gharibeh and everyone else who was involved in this
project at our school. It was a fulfilling task for me, as
I knew that the supplies would be distributed properly
and appreciated far more than one realizes.
During the winter season, the Spanish Club organized “Latin grams,” which were candy grams that
students could purchase for their friends and we would
mates or he made a shot, his face glowed as he smiled.
distribute them before we left for the holidays. The
We congratulated a few of the basketball players at
money we raised was added to the money the group
the end of their game and although they had lost, they
had saved throughout the year to donate at the end to
approached us with such enthusiasm and satisfaction
an orphanage in either Monterrey, Mexico or another
while introducing themselves. I am aware that most
country in South America. The Spanish Club was
teams do have these qualities of sportsmanship and
surprised but delighted at how many Latin grams we
passion for the game, but the teams I watched at the
managed to sell.
Special Olympics embodied these attributes. At these
A particular event that I enjoyed being a part of
occasions, I understand the value of volunteering, being
was the Special Olympics, coordinated through the
able to participate and assist a group of individuals who
Red Cross Club. This event took place on Saturday,
are thrilled to see that members of their community are
March 5, 2011, and although I was only there for a
there to support them. I returned home that afternoon
few hours, it was a memorable experience and one I
wishing that more students had been a part of that
hope to repeat. The members who assisted at the shift
enriching experience, and I hope that the Red Cross
I participated in were Sarah Comstock, Thalia Dan-
Club and other clubs continue to stay active in our
iel, Karly Boyd, and Marcus Isaksen. We all sat in the
community.”
bleachers cheering for the basketball teams and Karly
Boyd was given the chance to referee the game, a task
- Camila Solorzano, 11th Grade
“During one weekend, a group of the Red Cross
she really enjoyed. The basketball teams were compet-
members and I drove to Goodson Middle School to
ing in a tournament of all different age groups. On the
attend the Special Olympics. Not knowing what to
court, each player put his best effort forward for his
expect, we were hesitant as we walked in, but once
team and when a teammate fell, they helped each other.
we entered the gym where the stands were filled with
The families of the players also cheered in the stands
supporting friends and families, our experience began.
and when a player made a basket, they all clapped in
This unforgettable experience began as we sat down
excitement. There was one particular male player who
on the bleachers while two teams fought full heartedly
stood out to me. He would run as fast as he could, back
on the basketball court. The kids participating in the
and forth, from defense to offense, and when his teamService continued on page 88
it is a requirement in order to obtain the high school
diploma as well as a futility because French section stu-
tournament showed severe determination and a simple
dents do not need it to graduate. However, as I engaged
appreciation for life, as they took great satisfaction in
into what I regarded as forced work, what I eventu-
being on the court, and being able to play in front of
ally found was an enriching experience in many ways.
their families and friends. As we cheered for each team,
I helped teachers in the Lower School, where I had a
each point, and each player, we began to sense how
lot of interaction with children: I taught them to rip
happy the kids were because they were participating in
pieces of paper and make proper collages among other
a tournament where they were able to shine in front of
fun things. I also took part in activities such as the
their loved ones. Although we thought we were doing
CPR training and helping to clean up after the Book
them a favor by cheerleading, and creating an “ambi-
Fair, in which the key to efficient and fun assistance
ance,” it was in fact the children in the Special Olym-
was teamwork. While doing community service at The
pics who were doing us a favor, as they opened our eyes
Awty International School, not only did I discover the
to a much simpler picture. Although I was very happy
pleasure of helping people without expecting anything
to attend the Special Olympics with my friends, I wish
but a satisfied smile in return, but also the simple fun
more people could have witnessed and participated in
of giving help as a part of a group.
this special event as it truly was inspiring.”
- Anta Imata Safo, Tle
- Thalia Daniel, 11th Grade
“We were responsible for the recycling on campus
for a few months. We emptied trash and dumped them
in the big recycling bins. We also brought boxes for
Africa two or three times a week. We look for them
every day!”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS and THANK YOUS:
“Como escribe un poeta alemán Richard Dehmel,
que ‘un poco de bondad de persona a persona, es mejor
que amor a toda la humanidad’ nos recuerda todos los
días, que hay que preocuparse por la necesidad de cada
- Catherine Harrison, 5ème
persona de modo individual. Esta bondad de todos
As a high school senior, especially one in the French
Uds. que forman parte de AWTY School esta con-
Section, my first vision of community service was that
struyendo un gran AMOR para toda la humanidad. Yo,
of both a pressure and a futility: A pressure because
en nombre de nuestra Fundación quiero agradecerles
a todos por la ayuda que nos mandaron en forma de
“Thank you for your continued compassion and
útiles escolares que hemos repartido entre niños de la
generosity, which have made 2010 our best year since
fundación, como también hemos utilizado en trabajo
we first began with a dream to start a school 17 years
con voluntarios de Houston que vinieron en mes de
ago. With your support, that dream has grown to in-
junio-julio. Muchas gracias por todo. Ni se imaginan
clude more than 170 schools in remote and sometimes
Uds. que alegría han hecho a estos nuestros niños que
volatile areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Blessings of
podian hacer deberes, dibujar y jugar con las cosas
peace.”
recogidas y mandadas por Uds. Le quiero invitar a
ver nuestro pequeño video de trabajo de voluntarios
que utilizaron las cosas mandadas por los alumnos
de AWTY. [Q]uiero invitarles a visitar a Ecuador y a
nuestra Fundacion. Sera grato y un honorgrande para
nosotros tenerles presentes entre nosotros. Otra vez
MUCHAS GRACIAS.”
- Jan Koczy, San Jose Freinademetz Foundation, Ventanas, Ecuador
“The community service projects and enthusiasm
of Awty International students is amazing! We would
- Dr. Greg Mortenson
“Because you give so generously of your time and
talent to Special Olympics, I’m writing you this note
on behalf of 729,809 very inspiring individuals with
intellectual disabilities in Texas and many more around
the world.”
- President and CEO of Special Olympics Texas
“Thank you for helping us to reach individuals with
intellectual disabilities so they can know the joy of
sports training and competition. You’re a winner too!”
- Special Olympics
love to start a joint effort to raise awareness and collect
supplies for the Burmese. This is an unique opportunity
“Thank you for helping our poor at Casa Juan
for members to become engaged through interactive
Diego. Your aid enables us to serve the most neglected
activities, and I hope we can work together.”
in our society. May God bless you always for your
- Nonprofit Organization in San Antonio
“On behalf of Hope for Haiti’s Board of Directors,
staff, and all whom we touch with our mission in Haiti,
thank you for your tremendous generosity.”
- President & Founder of Hope for Haiti
generosity.”
- All at Casa Juan Diego
“The Houston Food Bank would like to thank the
Awty International School for your group contribuService continued on page 90
“Thank you for the books, the mini tour, the introductions and the lunch. . . Thanks again for all of your
tion. . . Our mission as an organization is to lead the
help”
fight against hunger. With the help of donations that
we receive from patrons such as yourself, we are able to
provide nutrition education and job training to those
who may have not otherwise had such an opportunity.
- Books for the World Project
“I would like to thank you for the generous donation of gifts you provided for our students at Ridgecrest
Elementary School. It was very thoughtful of you to
It is due to the patronage of people like you that we
coordinate these gifts during the holiday season. Our
have managed to work towards achieving our mission.”
students are so fortunate to have donors like you who
- President and CEO of Houston Food Bank
are generous and kind to others.”
- Principal of Ridgecrest Elementary School
“Thank you for participating in the Trick-or-Treat
for UNICEF campaign. Your donation ensures that
“On behalf of our staff, as well as the men we serve,
UNICEF will be able to continue to work to save the
I’m writing to thank you for your recent gift...With
lives of vulnerable children.”
your help, we are able to provide nutritious meals, safe
- President & CEO of U.S. Fund for UNICEF
“Thank you for your breathtaking, generous, dear
support of our kids. We are humbled by your thought-
shelter, and work training. Your gift gives someone the
opportunity to take the first steps toward a new life of
hope.”
- Executive Director of the Open Door Mission
fulness.”
- Senior VP for Advancement of
DePelchin Children’s Center
“Your efforts and support of the Commit for Life
Foundation
“Once again, your gifts have arrived and this time
they are being used for health purposes...There was a
program are greatly appreciated...Our mission to save
need to buy new warm clothes for the Home children.
and sustain lives could not be fulfilled without you...
Now all have new sweaters, jackets, and warm pants,
Great blood drive – let’s go again!”
thanks to you. Thank you once again for your help, we
- Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center
could not manage without it...Please keep Bolivia and
the Home in your prayers, we both need them as we
do you...God bless you for your generosity...You and
all at Awty are in our thoughts and prayers.”
- The Children of St. Ignatius
2
1
3
1. Max Paul (CM1) and Mrs. Laurence Paul participated in
the 2011 Trash Bash at Terry Hershey Park.
2. The Connected and Respected Committee, sponsored
by the Primary School Counselors, is a caring group of 4th
Grade/CM1 and 5th Grade/CM2 students who have volunteered to work on projects that promote respect and inclusion
in the Primary School community.
3. Kaliela Osha (11th Grade) and Claire Wallace (11th Grade)
gathering toys, clothing and food for Casa de Esperanza.
4
4. Molly Hudson (8th Grade) visiting the Houston SPCA.
PARENT VOLUNTEER NEWS:
FALL FUN FESTIVAL
Thandiwe Birchwood, CP
S
unny skies, warm temperatures, and fun for
parents and staff whose purpose is to support the
the whole family was the perfect combina-
school through its social, educational and fundraising
tion for a “spooktacular” Fall Fun Festival on
events and projects.
October 30.
Many thanks to the Fall Fun Festival Chairs Mrs.
This annual event was the place to be on Hal-
Adrienne Brown-Franklin and Mrs. Sylvia Torres, as
loween weekend—dozens of goblins, witches, pirates,
well as the many volunteers who contributed their
fairies, bumble bees, caped crusaders, and princesses
time, talent, and dollars to make this year’s festival a
made an appearance. This fun-filled day for Awty
great success. Thanks also to the Awty Alumni Asso-
students and families featured wacky games, a creepy
ciation for diving in and volunteering at the dunking
haunted house, a dunking booth, carnival rides, face
booth this year. Finally, a special thanks to all of the
painting, a petting zoo, delicious treats, and much
Upper School students who volunteered their time to
more festival fun.
earn CAS hours.
This “ghoulishly” good time was sponsored by the
Awty Parent and Personnel Association (APPA). The
APPA is a volunteer organization made up of Awty
1
2
3
1. Elliott Lazar and RJ Kunkemoeller (1st Grade)
2. Pol Nerisson (CE1)
3. Erica Adler (PK-4) with her grandmother, Mrs. Lili Kirchner
4. Gitte Vermeer (7th Grade) and Alexandra Guirette-Hentschel
(5ème)
5. Awty alum and teacher Mrs. Claire Ruz (Class of 1993) tries to
dunk fellow alum Alex Forrest (Class of 1997)
6. Mme. Marie-Dominique Lee
7. Sherwin Rasekh and Adrien Dubois (CM1)
8. Juliet Deschanel-Pathman (GS), Ava Terrany (CP), and Nicola
Zurzolo (GS)
6
4
5
7
8
AWTY PRIDE SHINES BRIGHT!
1
2
GO RAMS!!!
It was a sea of green on Awty’s campus on September 23. Students, teachers,
and staff showed their school pride by wearing the 2010-2011 Spirit T-shirt.
3
Annually, the Rams Booster Club organizes two or three Spirit Days during the
school year. These special days unite the students from PK-3/PS to 12th Grade/
Tle and encourages everyone to support the Awty athletic teams.
This year, the school has had much to celebrate on the athletic front. For one, the
Awty Girls Swim Team became the 2011 TAPPS State Champions. Be sure to
read the rest of the athletic accomplishments for 2010-2011 in the Bravo section
on page 117.
1. Anushka Colaco and Emelie Childers
(3rd Grade)
2. Bryce Piper, Kihwan Kwon, Kshitij Seth,
Marcos Botto-Tornielli, Dylan Rodriguez,
and Thomas MacDonald (6th Grade)
3. Hashim Alawami and Adnan Abbasi
(11th Grade)
4. Olivia Tawa (CP)
4
5
5. Mrs Alessandra Albin and Mr. Javier
Marin
DEPELCHIN HOLIDAY PROJECT
1
2
HELPING AND CARING FOR OTHERS
During the holiday season, the APPA and our Awty families remember those families and children around Houston who are in need. For several years, many Awty
families have participated in a gift-giving program associated with the DePelchin
Children’s Center, a home to orphaned, abandoned, and neglected children.
3
The DePelchin Holiday Project begins when their children fill out a wish list for
Christmas, as all children do. We become a part of their Christmas by making
those wishes come true. This year, we completed 60 wish lists, 10 more than last
year—what a great achievement!
Many thanks to Mrs. Catherine Corcoran and Mrs. Frances Howard for organizing this project and to those families who fulfilled the wish lists. You brought a
little Christmas magic to dozens of children.
1. Dozens of toys and gifts for the
children at DePelchin.
2. Mrs. Catherine Corcoran, Ms.
Jillian Rodgers, and Mrs. Frances
Howard
3. Mrs. Corcoran placing the distribution bins.
4. Mrs. Corcoran and Pulcherie de
Nova picking up donations.
4
5
5. A car load of gifts being delivered
to DePelchin.
SAINT ARNOLD’S BREWERY BASH
JJorge Blanco, Awty Alumni Dad
D
uring the 2008-2009 school year, the
Dads’ Club for organizing another great Texas-style
Awty Dads’ Club began a new tradition,
event.
the Saint Arnold’s Brewery Bash, for
The Awty Dads’ Club provides a community for
the Awty community. This event allows members of
dads to socialize as well as to support the develop-
the Awty community to get together once a year in
ment and cultivation of the school and its mission.
a casual setting, making new friends and catching up
The Dads’ Club organizes fun, casual social and
with old ones.
networking events throughout the year that are open
This year, nearly 150 Awty parents, staff, and fac-
to all Awty parents. They are a great place to meet the
ulty kicked up their heels at the 3rd Annual Saint Ar-
club’s officers, and other Awty dads.
nold’s Brewery Bash, on January 29. Guests enjoyed
If you are interested in joining the Awty Dads’
delicious Texas barbeque catered by Demeris Bar-B-
Club and want to get involved in their events, please
Q, refreshing and flavorful Saint Arnold beer, upbeat
contact Mr. Brian Oakley at Brian.K.Oakley@boeing.
tunes spun by DJ Ferbidden, and great conversations
com or Mr. Ronald Jackson at [email protected].
among friends.
Many thanks to Mr. Brian Oakley and the Awty
1
2
3
1. Mr. Brian Oakley, Mr. Michel Beck, and Mr. Tremayne Dillard
2. Mr. Stephen Brown and Dr. Thomas Cuthbert
3. Mrs. Maala Singh and Mrs. Nahla Kalra
4. Mr. and Mrs. Warren Murdoch
5. Mrs. Sheri McDonald, Mr. David Best, and Mr. and Mrs.
Simon Holmes
6. Mrs. Donna Oakley and Mrs. Catherine Beck
7. Mr. Brian Fenske and Mr. Steve Kunkemoeller
8. Ms. Le Hammer and Mr. Brian Williams
6
4
5
7
8
2011 INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
Mr. Frank Ellis speaks during the opening
M
cceremony at the 2011 International Festival.
o travel required! No passport needed! This
N
their national dress. Pre and Lower School students had
year, The Awty International School brought
a chance to visit the booths, collecting stamps on their
it home as it celebrated the “Good Ole USA”
passports and souvenirs from each country.
April 14-15.
Iroquois Dancers performed. Part of the Iroquois Na-
during the school’s annual International Festival on
The festival opened with the traditional parade of
Over the course of the two-day festival, the Jim Sky
tion’s activities is to perform around the northern conti-
flags by the senior class. Directly following, Mr. Frank
nent to showcase their traditional dances and costumes
Ellis, a member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America
in the spirit of cultural understanding. The Jim Sky
(PVA) and a native Texan, opened the festival as the
Iroquois Dancers were originally a troupe formed by the
featured speaker. He is a Navy veteran, a hospital
late Howard Sky in 1946. Jim danced with the troupe
volunteer, a highly competitive athlete, and, following a
and worked alongside his uncle from that time. He
car accident, a paraplegic. He competes annually in the
continued until his uncle passed away in 1971, at which
PVA para-Olympic games with The Institute for Reha-
time Jim took over the troupe. Jim passed away in April
bilitation and Research (TIRR) Texans team; his sport is
2000 but the troupe continues to travel and perform
quad-rugby.
with his daughter Susan taking the reins.
During the opening ceremony on Thursday, April
The festival closed with an afternoon of entertain-
14, a group of seniors, The Sassoons, performed together
ment on April 15. Many of the international booths
for the last time on the Awty campus. They sang two
provided entertainment from their country. Awty stu-
songs including an original, Close the Door, and a cover of
dents then wrapped up the event with an international
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero’s Home.
fashion show.
After the opening ceremony, the festival was officially
Many thanks to the APPA for hosting another suc-
open and Middle School and Upper School students
cessful event. Awty sends a special thank you to Mrs.
took their turn at touring the many booths that aligned
Marbella Shrader, who has coordinated this event for the
the quadrangle. The day was spent learning about other
last 10 years. This was Mrs. Shrader’s last year to chair
countries, tasting exotic foods, and soaking up the cul-
the International Festival and the school is grateful for
tural richness of the event.
the years of time, energy, and passion she spent molding
Day two saw both students and staff/faculty wearing
the festival into what it is today.
1. Sumaya Bouadi, Damla Aksen, and Zaynab Salehpour
(11th Grade)
2. International Festival Chair Mrs. Marbella Shrader surrounded by the Lower School greeters.
3. Beck Matthes (Kinder)
4. Jim Sky Iroquois Dancers
5. Adelhia Ghonda (GS), Dumiso Birchwood (PK-4), and
Thandiwe Birchwood (CP)
3
1
2
4
5
Highlights
2010-2011
2
1
3
5
6
4
1. Guilhem Hack, Matthijs Hollanders, and Mats Van Marle
(11th Grade)
2. Sofia Blétard (CP)
3. Juliet Deschanel-Pathman and Tiffany Owusu-Ansah (GS)
4. Héloïse Grandjouan, Audrey Bocabarteille, and Katharine
Linnartz (CM2)
5. Mrs. Jill L’Abbate and her 1st Grade class
6. Florent Blanchy, Adriano Galdieri, Camille Iché, Benoit
Miquel, Ewa Ciesielski, Mansour Arem, and Anta Imata Safo
(Tle)
7. Abbas Salehpour (PK-3)
7
8
8. Nicole Salet, Sanders Guille, Clara Dubois, and Arsany
Emile (5ème)
HIGHLIGHTS:
DUTCH ACCREDITATION
1
2
A VISIT FROM THE DUTCH MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
Ms. Rumph, Dutch Inspector for the Ministry of Education in The Netherlands,
visited Awty on October 20-21, 2010 as part of the Ministry’s accreditation requirements for Dutch programs overseas. The last Dutch accreditation visit to Awty
took place four years ago.
3
Ms. Rumph toured the campus, then met individually with Awty’s Dutch teachers (Ms. Candace Huijgen in Primary and Ms. Miranda de Vries in Secondary) to
review curriculum and Dutch educational requirements. She attended several of the
Dutch teachers’ classes during those two days. She also met with division heads, the
Head of School, the Proviseur, senior staff members, parents, students, and members
of the Dutch Board.
The visit concluded with a wrap-up session with both teachers at the end of the
visit. A final and positive accreditation report and review was presented to the
school and the teachers in November 2010. The next accreditation visit will take
place in 2014.
1. Ms. Candace Huijgen, Ms. Rumph,
and Ms. Miranda de Vries
2. Mr. Hank Nicodemus, Ms. Rumph,
and Mr. Peter Cooper
3. Ms. Rumph
4. Ms. Candace Huijgen and Ms.
Rumph
4
5
5. Jesper Van Marle (9th Grade),
Maxime De Zeeuw (10th Grade), Ms.
Rumph, and Ms. Miranda de Vries
HIGHLIGHTS:
A FALL CONCERT
1
2
MUSIC TO OUR EARS...
The Awty Music Department presented A Fall Concert on Friday, October 22, 2010
featuring the Awty Jazz Ensemble, Madrigals, Orchestra, Middle School Choir,
Middle School Honor Band, Awty Singers, Wind Ensemble, and Full Orchestra.
3
The Awty Jazz Ensemble opened the show with songs Puttin’ on the Ritz and
Manteca. The Madrigals followed with their rendition of Weep O Mine Eyes and Je le
vous dirail!. The orchestra then performed Autumn from The Four Seasons and 1812
Overture. The Middle School Choir sang How Can I Keep From Singing, featuring
Marielle Issa as the soloist. They also sang Lo Yisa Goy. The Middle School Honor
Band took their turn and performed songs In The Bleak Midwinter and Nottingham
Castle. The Awty Singers sang O Occhi Manza Mia and Bridge Over Troubled Water,
which featured soloists Thomas Ware and Ellinor Crux. The Wind Ensemble then
performed Abracadabra and Westridge Overture. The Full Orchestra closed the concert with Radetzky March.
These musicians were directed by Mr. Robert Dee, Choir Director and Head of
Performing Arts Department; Mr. Jason Peguero, Band Director; and Ms. Gesina
Thompson, Orchestra Director.
1. Aziz Saqr (11th Grade), Alex Cadena
(10th Grade), Isabelle Smithard (10th
Grade), and Fergus Talbot (10th Grade)
2. Middle School Honor Band
3. Marielle Issa (8th Grade), Shune
Let Myint Thu (8th Grade), Jacqueline
L’Abbate (6th Grade), Catherine Harrison
(5ème), and Adela DePavia (8th Grade)
4
5
4. Chan Mye Myint Thu (6th Grade)
5. The Madrigals
HIGHLIGHTS:
HOMECOMING 2010
22010 Homecoming Queen Babette Hohrath
aand her escort Brian Rowland
H
omecoming 2010 saw another big victory
the week making the Eagles see double by dressing
for the Awty Rams. They defeated the
as twins, triplets, etc. Then on Tuesday, November
Fort Bend Baptist Eagles 6-1 during the
9, Awty students tipped their hats to the Rams and
annual Homecoming soccer game on November 12.
socked it to the Eagles by wearing a silly hat and/
During halftime, the cheerleaders performed and
or crazy socks to school. Wednesday, November 10
the Homecoming Court was announced. Senior
saw Awty students dressing in their favorite pajamas
Babette Hohrath was crowned Homecoming Queen.
as they sent the Eagles to dreamland. Next, Awty
Luke Thompson was selected and crowned the 2010
school pride was shining bright as students and staff
Homecoming King. Awty’s 2010 Homecoming Court
wore the 2010 Homecoming T-shirt on Thursday,
also included Armanda Simon as 9th grade Princess.
November 11. Finally, students showed an abundance
Imani Acogny was nominated 10th grade Princess.
of school spirit by wearing green and gold, some
Laura Heidecke and Anna Schroeder tied for 11th
even coloring their hair with the school colors. They
grade Princess.
also participated in a pep rally on Friday, which was
organized by the Awty Cheerleaders. The cheerlead-
As usual, students and staff participated in several “spirited” activites during the week leading up to
the Homecoming game. Awty students started off
introduced the Varsity Boys Soccer Team as well as
the candidates for the 2010 Homecoming Court.
1
ers led the student body in a number of cheers and
2
3
1. Mrs. Christine Megarity, Ms. Ruthanne Greenwood, and Mrs.
Lisa Wolff
2. Zach Byers (11th Grade)
3. Daniella Silverman (2nd Grade) and Aya Alameddine (CE1)
4. Kerwin Siri and Emile Beck (5ème)
5. 2010 Homecoming Court
6. Arjun Saran (7th Grade)
7. John Law and Zackery Willoughby (10th Grade)
8. 2010-2011 Awty Cheerleaders
6
4
5
7
8
HIGHLIGHTS:
HOLIDAY TRADITIONS AT AWTY
Santa arrives at Awty aboard a fire truck.
S
A
wty kicked off the holiday season with its
Orchestra, the Middle School Honor Band, the Mad-
annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday,
rigals, the Wind Ensemble, the Awty Singers, and the
December 3, where students, staff, and
Awty Full Orchestra as well as several soloists wowed
faculty sang traditional holiday carols, greeted Santa
the audience during the event. Several holiday favorites
Claus, and watched the lighting of the tree. The Lower
were performed including Frosty the Snow Man, You’re
School Choir, Middle School Select Choir, Madrigals,
a Mean One, Mr. Grinch, Winter Wonderland, Baby, It’s
Awty Singers, Orchestra, and the Wind Ensemble
Cold Outside, and Santa Baby.
entertained the crowd and everyone in attendance sang
During the holiday season, our thoughts naturally
along to some of the holiday classics including Silent
turn toward gift giving, seeing family and friends, and
Night and Feliz Navidad. Santa even made a special
thinking of ways to make others happy. Here at Awty,
appearance during the ceremony, delighting students
we have many wonderful traditions that make it such a
both young and old.
special place. One tradition that is especially meaning-
Keeping with tradition, the student who has been
ful is Awty’s Annual Toy Drive for Houston’s needy
at Awty the longest and the student who has attended
children. During the month of December, students
Awty the shortest amount of time were honored with
collected dozens of toys for Santa to take to those less
lighting Awty’s Christmas tree during the event.
fortunate. On December 14, Santa made a special
This year, the honor went to two students: Graham
visit to Awty to gather these toys. He made a grand
Eldridge, a senior and the student who has attended
entrance on top of a fire engine from Houston Fire
Awty the longest, and Mariana Hugot-Moreno, the
Department Station No. 38. Santa and the firefight-
student who has attended Awty the shortest. They
ers visited with the students before gathering the
were joined by Mr. Cooper and Santa in lighting the
toys. Santa then distributed the toys to local charities
tree.
throughout Houston.
On December 13, Awty’s Performing Arts Department presented A Winter Concert. Under the direction
of Mr. Robert Dee, Mr. Jason Peguero, Ms. Gesina
Thompson, and Mrs. Arlene Carré, the Awty Dancers,
the Middle School Choir, the Awty Jazz Ensemble, the
1
1. Lower School Choir performing at the Tree Lighting Ceremony
2. William Ware and John Ellis (10th Grade)
3. Awty Dancers
4. Peyton Stamper (11th Grade)
5. Santa with Juan Diego Lechin and Estelle Shearon (Kinder)
6. Mr. Peter Cooper, Santa, Mariana Hugot-Moreno (PK-3), and
Graham Eldridge (12th Grade)
4
2
3
5
6
HIGHLIGHTS:
BOOK FAIR 2011: A LITERAL SUCCESS
Alex Brown, 1st Grade
A
F
rom March 2 to March 4, Awty students of
education level of the parents. It is clearer than ever
all ages enjoyed our annual Book Fair. Stu-
that “those who read are those who succeed.”
dents were able to choose from thousands of
Based on the level of enthusiasm witnessed at this
books in English, French, Spanish, and Dutch to read
year’s Book Fair, we have high hopes for our students.
for pleasure or to prepare for summer reading. In
Students pounced upon new discoveries and shared
this way, the Book Fair serves a crucial portion of the
with their friends the excitement of a great find. They
Awty Libraries’ mission: to foster a love of reading
sometimes missed the call to return to class due to
and cultivate life-long readers.
being engrossed in a new book they just purchased.
Sometimes we feel this is an uphill battle. In
Holding a Book Fair is a large undertaking which
2004, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
couldn’t happen without the help of volunteers. Our
released a report entitled “Reading at Risk” which
volunteers this year included parents, faculty and
showed that 43% of American adults did not read a
students who assisted in the planning and execu-
book in 2002. Similar studies, such as a 2007 AP-
tion of the event. With their help, proceeds can
Ipsos poll, showed that adults on average read 4 books
go directly to benefiting our students. Book Fair
per year. The NEA cites the rise of television and the
revenue supports school reading programs, such as
Internet as the primary factors.
the Bluebonnet and Lone Star Reading Programs in
But we also know that reading is a huge predic-
Lower School and Middle School respectively. Funds
tor of academic success. In a study entitled “Family
enable us to host author visits and writing workshops.
Scholarly Culture and Educational Success: Books
Through these activities, we hope to keep the momen-
and Schooling in 27 Nations,” published in 2010,
tum of fostering that critical love of reading.
psychologists found after a 20-year study that having
books at home is perhaps the strongest predictor of
children’s future education level. Families with a library at home of 500 books or more had children who
completed 3.2 years more of schooling. This benefit
ranged from country to country, but overall it was a
stronger predictor of academic success than even the
1
1. Deanna Rassoli and Tara Porras (3rd Grade)
2. Vivek Saran (4th Grade)
3. Marit Vermeer, Ranyah Atwan, Sadie Greenwood, Isabella
Simon, and Felicie Tard (5th Grade)
4. Nicolas Alonso Sancho (CP)
5. Layla McGrady (2nd Grade)
6. Diana Laposse, Yvette Loch-Temzelides, and Shelby
Flavin (10th Grade)
4
2
3
5
6
HIGHLIGHTS:
PARLEZ-VOUS FRANÇAIS?
Anne-Caroline Midy and Mariam Qazilbash,
A
110th Grade
G
lobal learning is at the very heart of an
everyone to enjoy and the day ended in style with the
Awty education, and each year Awty
annual Francophonie Show.
holds various events for our students to
Later that evening, all Awty families were invited
emphasize global learning. In March, Awty joined
to a casual potluck dinner with traditional “Fran-
half a billion Francophones around the world to cel-
cophone” dishes. During the event, several Middle
ebrate the International Day of Francophonie, a day
and Upper School students from both sections were
to honor those who speak the language, the language
recognized by Awty for their entries in the short story
itself, and the French culture.
competition. Each year, the Mission Laïque Française
To celebrate Francophonie, the Primary School
(MLF) holds a short story competition which is open
French classes created artwork styled after artists who
to students who attend a MLF affiliated school and
speak French and live in French-speaking countries
study the French language. The students are given a
across the globe. The artwork was on display in the
single sentence and they must build a story centered
Kay Awty Center and the Lower School hallways
around this sentence. The sentence can be used any-
during the entire month of March.
where within the story—beginning, middle, or end.
On March 18, students, faculty, and staff members
This year, Awty’s own Adèle Kleindienst received a
showed their French pride by dressing in the French
special award from the MLF for her short story. The
colors of blue, white, and red. Mlle. Claire Folcolini
students who were recognized by Awty at the potluck
and the Awty French teachers organized a special
event included:
Francophonie day for the students beginning with a
Category – 6ème (6th Grade) and 5ème (7th Grade):
French breakfast. Various educational activities were
Des jours de galère - Pierre Delelis, 6ème
planned throughout the day. Some students enjoyed
Un monde différent - Anaelle Lahitte-Crohare, 6ème
Francophonie poetry and literature in the Sarofim Li-
Le livre de la paix - Sandra Sadeck, 6ème
brary while other took a quiz about Francophonie and
others enjoyed fairy tales, French songs, or Scrabble
games. The 7th grade students brought laughter to
the audience during their short plays in the Black
Box Theatre. Chef Tim prepared a French lunch for
La piste de l’éléphant - Lorraine Kleindienst, 5ème
Tenter le diable - Christabella Wolff, 7th Grade
La Punition - Chloé Rochette, 5ème
Category – 4ème (8th grade) and 3ème (9th grade):
Le projet contrarié - Shune Lett Myint Thu, 8th Grade
L’accident - Roxane Sazegar, 4ème
Noir couleur de ma vie dans un univers rose - Aurore
Colliaux, 2nde
Le passage - Margaux Taton, 4ème
As the official language in 30 countries and that
of all United Nations agencies, the French language
L’aiguille creuse - Adèle Kleindienst, 3ème
unites countries, institutions, and individuals. The
Le projet - Julien Chenin, 9th Grade
French-speaking community in different countries
204 calories -Emma Valès, 3ème
unites people who not only speak French, a language of
Category – 2nde (10th grade), 1ère (11th grade) and
Terminale (12th grade):
education, culture, and communication, but also those
who love French culture. Since March 20, 1970, the
Voyage à bord du Janus -Juliette Bertin, 2nde
entire world has had a unique opportunity to appreciate
Les Epines du jour - Léa Buatois, 2nde
and celebrate the culture of French speaking countries
Gantée - Christopher Corcoran, 2nde
on the International Day of Francophonie.
17 ans et flâneuse - Audrey Linnartz, 11th Grade
Le bout de la rivière - Thalia Daniel, 11th Grade
1
2
3
1. During the potluck dinner, several Middle and Upper School
students were recognized for their entries in the short story
competition.
2. Arthur Hugand (5ème) and Emile Beck (5ème) perform during
the Middle School short plays in the Black Box Theatre.
3. Mr. Tom Beuscher and Remi Pince (8th Grade)
4
4. Lower School students perform during the afternoon presentation in the PAAC for the entire school.
HIGHLIGHTS:
LIBRARY NEWS
R
Rebecca
Ward, 11th Grade, Alexis Gremillion, 11th Grade
aand Maëlle Poulin, 1ère
O
ver the past summer, the Awty librar-
If a student logs on to his/her account, he/she can
ies adopted new software to manage the
search not only our collection but the software will
collection and circulation of the school:
perform a federated search of all of the content we
Follett Destiny. This program offers many new ways
subscribe to, such as our databases. When a search is
for students, parents, and faculty to interact with our
performed, results are organized by tabs. The “Titles”
collection. Students in grades 5-12 have individual
tab will display library materials. The “Websites”
accounts for Destiny and can log on using their
tab will display helpful websites which have already
same credentials as the school network. This allows
been screened by librarians to ensure quality content.
students to renew their own books, place holds on
Finally, the “One Search” tab will scour all of our
requested titles, personalize reading lists, write re-
subscribed databases, such as Encyclopedia Britannica
views of books and recommend titles to their friends.
and Facts on File for the search term, and then if you
Faculty members can generate collateral reading lists,
click on a result it will log you onto that database and
such as recommended historical fiction novels, and
display the full article. We spend a lot of time teach-
publish it for their students to consult.
ing students the importance of quality information
Destiny also provides librarians with new ways to
and the potential pitfalls of using inaccurate or biased
interact with our patrons. If a student has an overdue
information, yet we understand that doing quality
book, the program will email parents automatically
research should be easier. We believe that federated
asking that the book be returned. Of course, if the
searches and built-in login information is a crucial
student needs to keep the book longer they can log on
component of more efficient research, and therefore
to their account and renew it (or ask a librarian to).
we hope Destiny will be used by students and parents
Also, the library collection is now published online
at home as a research portal.
and is searchable by our community at www.aislib01.
We invite you to visit our website at www.awty.
awty.org. (Make sure and bookmark it!) We invite
org/library to learn more about this exciting new
you to virtually browse through our 50,000 books in
resource.
nine languages.
However, what is most exciting about Destiny is
the role it can play in helping students do research.
HIGHLIGHTS:
LANGUAGE NEWS
Eloise Smithard, Taylor McGinnis, and Marta Garcia Diaz-Pines, 11th Grade students
F
OREIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAMS
Arabic language students enjoy a delicious meal at
Fadi’s Mediterranean Restaurant.
- In 2010 and 2011 Russian and Japanese
language classes were added to our Mod-
ern Languages Program which now includes Arabic,
Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Norwegian,
Portuguese and Spanish for a total of 11 languages
taught in the school.
ARABIC PROGRAM - December 15, 2010
was the perennial field trip to Fadi’s Mediterranean
restaurant to celebrate the end of Eid. With the addition of official Arabic classes in the French Bilingual
National French Contest, sponsored by the American
Section in 2010, the Arabic program becomes the
Association of Teachers of French (AATF); they com-
fourth largest foreign language program at Awty with
peted at 5 different language levels. We would like to
65 students.
send a special MERCI to the following parents who
FRENCH PROGRAM - On Friday, March 4,
helped us administer the exam: Mrs. Sylvie Dorel,
2011, more than 160 International Section students
Mrs. Kerstin Vivier, Mrs. Catherine Corcoran, Mrs.
from grades 7 to 12 represented Awty in the annual
Catherine Houy, Mrs. Lisa MacDonald, Mrs. Jill
Munk, and Mrs. Pei-yi Liu.
SPANISH PROGRAM - More than 200 Awty
students took the National Spanish exam during the
last week of March.
CHINESE PROGRAM - In March, 70 students
studying Chinese at Awty went on their annual field
trip to Chinatown, visiting The Houston Songshan
Shaolin Temple and dining at Arcor Seafood restau-
Chinese language students visit the
Houston Songshan Shaolin Temple.
rant.
HIGHLIGHTS:
BRAVO NEWS!
A
Awty
Girls Swim Team, State Champs, with Coach
Tom Quitzau and Coach Laura Iturralde
B
ravo! Awty’s students and teachers deserve a
Senior Arpi Grigorian
standing ovation for their outstanding accom-
Receives Art Award:
plishments during the 2010-2011 school year!
Awty Student Performs at TUTS:
First Grader Christopher Wolff, played Tommy (age
4), at the Theatre Under
the Stars (TUTS )production of The Who’s Tommy on
September 10-11, 2010 at
Zilkha Hall, Hobby Center
for the Performing Arts.
He rehearsed an average of
20-25 hours per week for
over a month and enjoyed
every minute of it!
Arpi Grigorian, 12th
grade, finished her latest
art piece earlier this year
for the Bayou City Art
Festival and it is happily
floating in the reflection
pool in front of City Hall.
Arpi fused her love for
astro-physics and art in this 9’x6’x4’ conceptual art piece
titled “Shuttle II”. She received the Cadillac’s Art on
Water prize for her entry. Last year, she entered a piece
called “Universe” and was given first place by the art
jury, winning both the “audience favorite” and the “jury
favorite” categories.
TUTS’ Humphreys School of Musical Theatre
presented the electrifying musical, The Who’s Tommy as its
end of the year ACT@TUTS. The musical is based on
the 1969 rock opera album Tommy by Pete Townshend
“Creatividad”:
Ms. Mélanie Gauthy (Belgium), Mr. Javier Marin
(The Who) and it’s a dizzying rock opera that chronicles
(Spain), and Ms. Renata Bevilacqua (Brasil), are a
the life of a child trapped inside his own mind and his
team of multilingual
family’s desperate attempts to free him. As an adoles-
foreign language
cent, he discovers an uncanny knack for playing pinball
teachers working
that leads him to international stardom once he is freed
in both sections at
from catatonia. The all-teen cast took the stage by storm
Awty. Three years of
with songs like Pinball Wizard and Sensation.
intensive pedagogi-
cal research and innovative team teaching projects have
showcased her documentary during her presentation.
helped this trio give birth to the first volume, “Creactivi-
Her presentation was about how President Franklin
dad,” of a three book anthology that is bound to inspire
D. Roosevelt’s leadership played an important role in
Spanish teachers well beyond the borders of Texas. These
changing the history of polio in America and the entire
three teachers were invited to present their book at the
world and how his extraordinary skills permitted him to
Texas Foreign Language
spearhead the polio crusade.
Conference in San An-
The presenters were grouped by similar topics within
tonio earlier in the year.
the framework of the main theme and Shruti’s panel
Their next presentation
consisted of two historians from Columbia University
should be on a national
and a noted author and historical story writer. Her
scale with American
presentation was attended by many noted historians,
Council on the Teaching
doctoral and postdoctoral fellows, and many others who
of Foreign Languages
shared similar interests in the field. They all were amazed
(ACTFL) in 2011.
by Shruti’s presentation and had several questions on
how she collects oral history to which Shruti answered
Shruti Varadharajan Presents at Oral History Association Conference:
Shruti Varadharajan, a senior at The Awty International School, presented her paper at the Oral History
Association Annual Meeting and Conference, which
took place in Atlanta, GA during October 26–31, 2010.
This year the theme for the conference was “Times
of Crisis, Times of Change: Human Stories on the Edge
of Transformation.” In response to this theme, Shruti
presented her paper titled “Franklin D. Roosevelt: A
Transformational Leader in Paralyzing Times.” She also
very comfortably giving valuable tips.
Shruti also
enjoyed attending
several other presentations and considered the conference
a great learning
experience to further
improve her skills in this field.
The selection of papers for this conference began
earlier this year and Shruti was excited when she was
Bravo continued on page 116
Bravo continued from page 115
Environmental Club Joins Forces with Bayou Preservation Association:
notified that her paper was accepted amongst many
eminent historians from various national and international universities. Furthermore, she also received a full
paid scholarship from the Oral History Association to
attend the conference. Shruti was the only high school
In November 2010, approximately 25 students from
the Awty International Environmental Club, under
the tutelage of Mr. John LaBonte and Ms. Kristine
Winegarden, joined forces with the Bayou Preservation Association to remove invasive trees from Tulge
student to present at this conference and the association
Park in north-
had great appreciation for her participation and interest
west Houston.
in oral history. At their business meetings, they dis-
Some students
cussed her commendable achievements and considered
removed car
her a trendsetter for future participation by high school
tires from the
students. The Texas Oral History Association, of which
creek while
Shruti is a student member for the past four years, called
others helped in
her the “Star of Texas” and wrote an article about her
building a new
achievement in their newsletter.
Collecting oral history and creating documentaries
is one of Shruti’s passions. She has won several state
kayak launch.
These students had a great time as they helped restore
this natural area.
and national awards for her documentaries, including the Gold Award for her documentary “Ashes to
Moon Dust” in Washington D.C. and showcased it at
the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. She also has
Awty Teacher, Published Author:
In late March 2011, Awty teacher Jean-Luc Detches-
showcased and presented her previous works at the Oral
sahar, PhD published his 8th book, Ontologie de l’Ennui
History Workshop at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
(Ontology of Boredom) through Editions Françaises
Shruti is also a regular contributor of articles in oral his-
d’Amérique du Nord (L.E.F.A.N.)
tory newsletters and journals.
What is this new book about? Quite simply...boredom.
Dr. Detchessahar still remembers when one of his
professor’s in 1977 gave
Bravo to Lara and Alex!
him and his classmates the
topic of their first General
Philosophy paper: boredom
and it has been a subject
Anna Van Brummen Shines at Fencing Competition:
Anna Van Brummen, 11th Grade, was the highest
that he has been fascinated
finishing U.S. woman in both the junior and cadet com-
with ever since.
petitions at the Cadet and Junior World Championships
Some 30 years later, in
in Amman, Jordan. She placed fifth in cadet competi-
March 2010, the French
tion and eighth in the junior division. Congratulations
Literature Department of
Anna!
the prestigious Rice University honored Dr. Detchessahar by inviting him to a conference on the subject. So, it
is not just an analytical and conceptual reflection that he
gives the reader here, but a meditation on a subject dear
to our hearts.
Awty Rams Make Great Strides in 2010-2011
Bravo to all
of our Awty
athletes on another successful
Sophomores Recognized for Embracing Tolerance
year! The fol-
Essay:
lowing is a list
Sophomores Lara Fields and Alexandra Cadena
of the honors
recently received Honorable Mention recognition for
received by our
their entry in the Embracing Tolerance High School
teams and individual athletes:
Essay Contest at The Boniuk Center for the Study and
Upper School Cross Country
Advancement of Religious Tolerance at Rice University. Out of more than 100 essays received from 9th and
10th graders, Lara and Alex’s essay were among the top
• Joe Carney, All State
• Alex Grant, All State
dozen. They were honored at a ceremony on April 28,
where they received certificates for their achievement.
Bravo continued on page 118
Bravo continued from page 117
• Ziad Saqr, First Team All State and All Tournament Team
Upper School Swimming
• Girls, State Champions
• Anna Schroeder, All State Honorable Mention
Middle School Athletics:
• Girls 200 Yard Medley Relay, State Champions
• 7th Grade Girls Basketball, Runner Up
• Girls 400 Yard Freestyle Relay, State Champions
• 8th Grade Boys Soccer, Co-Champions
• Boys 200 Yard Freestyle Relay, State Champions
• 8th Grade Girls Soccer, Champions
• Ross Gordon, 500 yard Freestyle State Champion
Upper School Soccer
• Boys, State Runner Up
Awty Participates in the MS 150:
Twenty-eight Awty students, teachers, and parents
• Girls, Final Four
participated in the BP MS 150 on April 16-17. The
• Nikki Chavanelle, All Tournament Team
Awty team, who was lead by Awty teacher Olivier
• Miguel Conner, All Tournament Team
• Babette Hohrath, First Team All State and All
Tournament Team
• Christian Manisck, First Team All State and All
Tournament Team
• Giovanna Manisck, First Team All State
• Colette Mark, All State Honorable Mention
Logette, raised over $20,000 for the MS Society. The
students who participated in the 150-mile bike ride from
Houston to Austin included Daniel Alexander, David
Alexander, Amaury Berteaud, Pierre Cudennec, Margarita Delgado, Maxime de Zeeuw, Samuel Franklin,
Elizabeth Hirs, Catherine Idylle, Gaetano Jehan, Antoine Karsenty, Julien Kuhn de Chizelle, Nicolas Kuhn
de Chizelle, Olivier Kuhn de Chizelle, Perrine Legoullon, Nicolas Sempere, Isabelle Vanasse Grosdidier.
• Francesca Pacifico, First Team All State
• Manga Sako, First Team All State and All Tournament Team
• Aziz Saqr, All State Honorable Mention
Metamorph—Your Garbage into Art Challenge
In March, ConocoPhillips and TOTAL posed a
unique challenge to Middle School and Upper School
students, asking them to
place went to Eva Sload, 7th Grade. Second place went
put their imagination and
to Abreham Calviello, 6th Grade, and third place went
art skills to the test. In
to Jon Donaldson, 6th Grade. In the Upper School,
the “Metamorph—Your
11th Grader Ellie Tamura took first place. Second place
Garbage into Art Chal-
went to Marianne Coquilleau, 1ère, and third place went
lenge,” students were asked
to Nesrine Yahi, 1ère. All of these students received gift
to create a piece of artwork
cards to Texas Art Supply.
using only materials
considered to be recyclable
(plastic, cardboard, glass,
cans, paper) on Awty’s campus. The students were given
Houston Via Colori® 2010
Katrina Van Laan,
approximately one month to create these garbage art
12th Grade (cat),
pieces.
and Ryan Bitar, 10th
On April 14, six outside artists were asked to judge
the final art pieces. These artists included Mrs. Rania
Daniel, Ms. Anne Deshoulieres, Mrs. Susan George,
Mrs. Anne Maizia, Mr. John Ross Palmer, and Mr.
Charles Washington. They judged the contestants on
use of recycled materials, creativity, originality,
and level of effort. First,
second and third prizes
were given at the Middle
School level and the Upper
School level.
Amongst the Middle
School contestants, first
Grade (music), were
two students from
Houston area schools
and districts who
participated in the
2010 Houston Via
Colori®, Via Apprendista: The Youth
Arts Component in
October. Via Colori
works to not only raise awareness for The Center for
Hearing and Speech, but to also expose the community
to amazing works of art. The purpose of Via Apprendista is to open a world of art to youth so they may learn a
greater value of self expression and beauty.
Thank You!
Many thanks to all who contributed an article, a quote and/or photography to this issue of the Accent
Magazine. Thank you also to those who helped with the translations, reviewed and edited articles, conducted
interviews, and/or covered events. This issue would not have been possible without your help. Thank you!
Hashim Alawami
Lucas Anderson
Anonymous MS Student
Diana Armentor
Aya Atwan
Awty Yearbook Staff
Bailey Architects, Inc.
Adrian Barbir
Guy Benet
Gwen Bergman
Tom Beuscher
Books for the World Project
Maïlys Boursier
Adrienne Brown-Franklin
Catherine Buatois
Casa Juan Diego
Janet Case
Children of St. Ignatius
Don Clarke
Sarah Comstock
Peter Cooper
Catherine Corcoran
Marianne Coquilleau
Tita Cubria
Kneale Culbreath
Thalia Daniel
Don Davis
Margarita Delgado
DePelchin Children’s Center
Jean-Luc Detchessahar
Chantal Duke
Richard Durst
Michel Farhat
Kirsten Ferguson / Media Pro
International
Barbara Gallo
Marcelle Gharibeh
Kim Gowen
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center
Meghan Haffey
Catherine Harrison
Hope For Haiti
Houston Food Bank
Lucila Houttuijn Bloemendaal
Frances Howard
Ronald Jackson
Stéphanie Jeanneret
Becky Johnson
Jan Koczy / San Jose Freinademetz
Foundation
Dominika Kruger
John LaBonte
James LaCombe
Eleonore Lahitte-Crohare
LifeTouch
Boualem Maizia
Sandie Masson / CM1A
Students
Linda McSwain
Gregor Meehan
Corinne Micaëlli
Paul Micaëlli
Michelle Miller
Greg Mortenson
Lilian Mullane
Carol Nash
Marie-Hélène Nguyen
Nelson Photography
Open Door Mission Foundation
Jiayao Pang
Max Paul
Pauline Pelzer
Susan Permenter
Nicole Piper
Marylyn Raia
Clarissa Richardson
Ridgecrest Elementary School
Vincent Rignol
Brenda Rodriguez
Anta Imata Safo
Nimrah Saleem
Roxane Sazegar
Patricia Seller-Wolff
Adriana Silva
Robert Sload
Hannah Smati
Eloise Smithard
Camila Solorzano
Special Olympics
Special Olympics Texas
Amanda Thomas
Gesina Thompson
UNICEF
Minal Varadharajan
Andrew Vodinh
Karen Waugh
Sam Waugh
Leah Westbrook
Ellie Whitaker
Steve Willhelm

Accent Magazine 2010-2011 - Awty International School

Transcription

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