Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Owen
Spotlight On Our Student Owen
This week, we are proud to spotlight our seventh-grader, Owen, who joined ISR in 2024. He was nominated for the Spotlight by Ms. Chroni, his mathematics teacher. She explains:
“Owen is an exceptionally polite, humble, and respectful student whose character shines just as brightly as his outstanding mathematical ability. This year, he placed in the top 1% internationally in the American Mathematics Competition (AMC) for Grades 7 and 8 and earned 1st Prize in the Kangaroo Mathematics Competition. He also challenged himself by participating in the Canadian Fryer Mathematics Competition for Grade 9 students, and we would not be surprised to see him earn another award. He is one of those students who leave you wondering which is more outstanding, his mathematics or his character.”
Owen’s Grade 6 mathematics teacher, Mr. Sotorilli, shares: “I was Owen’s mathematics teacher for one term in sixth grade and also had the opportunity to cover a few substitute classes this year. Owen consistently impressed me with his sharp logical reasoning and natural ability to tackle mathematical challenges with confidence and creativity. What stands out even more is his patience and maturity. He is always willing to clearly explain his thinking and share his problem-solving process with others, while also remaining open to guidance whenever needed. This balance of confidence, curiosity, and willingness to learn is truly commendable. I am certain that Owen will continue to achieve great success throughout his academic journey and will keep standing out through his sharp mathematical mind and thoughtful character.”
Ms. Hautz, Owen’s Spanish teacher and Head of the Spanish Department, remarks: “Owen is an extremely kind and respectful student. He works diligently and always completes his work in a neat and thorough manner. He has a sharp mind and a talent for languages, perhaps due to his inquisitive nature and excellent listening skills. Owen is an asset and a pleasure to have in my lessons.”
Owen’s Music teacher, Dr. Perez, adds: “Owen has been an outstanding student since he joined our community. He is quiet but attentive, observant but proactive when required. He is extremely polite, respectful, honest and trustworthy. It is a privilege to have him in class, and I am sure he will shine in everything he does.”
We are proud to spotlight Owen as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!
The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!
Our Student Spotlights
Standing Ovations for the Arts: ISR Arts Evening 2026 Inspires Audience and School Community
Standing Ovations for the Arts: ISR Arts Evening 2026 Inspires Audience and School Community
Standing ovations brought this year’s ISR Arts Evening to a memorable close as we celebrated the event for the fourth time at ISR yesterday.
The program featured a diverse array of art exhibitions, as well as highly professional musical performances by students – many of whom have already won multiple national and international awards – in addition to comedy and theatrical presentations. The evening was hosted with great charm and charisma by our eighth-grade students, Arthur and Soha.
Our guests experienced a wonderfully varied artistic program, ranging from choir performances to piano, flute, violin, spoken word, and stand-up comedy. The repertoire included works by Beethoven, Liszt, Rachmaninov, Scriabin, Debussy, Glière, John Williams, and many others, alongside original and contemporary compositions. From the elegance of classical piano pieces and the emotional depth of the Theme from Schindler’s List to the vibrant energy of the choir and the confidence of individual performers, the evening showcased the impressive breadth of artistic talent at ISR.
Aniego, Anna Maria, Arjun, Clara, Elenora, Eliza, Felicia, Jingya, Kevin, Lara, Lisa, Maya, Misaki, Moana, Nele, Niusha, Peter, Ruihan, Sabrina, Saki, Soji, Vivienne, Wilfred, Yijia, Youen, Yua, Yukichiyo, and Zhihan: you delivered an extraordinary performance and have every reason to be proud! The well-deserved applause testified to your remarkable achievement. We also extend our sincere gratitude to our dedicated ISR Arts Team: Ms. Johanna Henebry (Art), Ms. Simona Schultz (Art), Ms. Stephanie Bucher (Music), Ms. Schelaine Bennett (Theatre), and Dr. Abner Pérez (Music), whose guidance and creativity made this wonderful ISR Arts Evening possible.
Furthermore, no event at ISR would be possible without the tireless support of our SLC students, who contributed with great dedication from start to finish and ensured that our guests were warmly welcomed with delicious snacks and beverages.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our visitors, our ISR Arts Team, our SLC students and their coordinator, Ms. Samantha McGee, and above all, to every artist who made this event so memorable!
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Soha
Spotlight On Our Student Soha
This week, we are proud to spotlight our eighth grader, Soha, who joined ISR in 2016. She was nominated for the spotlight by her mathematics teacher, Ms. Chroni, who explains:
“Soha is a diligent, humble, and positive student who always works hard and does her best in school. In mathematics, she is consistently a top achiever. She works in a responsible and independent way, completing her tasks carefully and with confidence. She is polite and respectful to both teachers and classmates, and she often encourages those around her, showing real joy when others succeed as well.”
Soha’s homeroom and German teacher, Mr. Kroenke, also praises her reliability and kindness:
“Soha is one of those students teachers never really have to worry about. Whether it’s first period in the morning or Period 8 at the end of the day, she always shows up focused, prepared, and ready to contribute in German class. She is incredibly reliable and does an amazing job as a homeroom representative. If Soha says something will get done, it gets done.
What really stands out about her, though, is her big heart. Her classmates know they can always count on her, and she’s the kind of person who quietly makes the class a better place to be everyday. On top of that, she has a wonderfully quick wit and has delivered more than a few clever and genuinely funny comments in class that caught even me off guard.”
Highlighting Soha’s enthusiasm and creativity in the classroom, Ms. Moloney, her English teacher, shares:
“This year, in English, Soha showcases her dedicated approach to learning in a variety of ways. Whether she is leading a group project, creating poetry, or taking the stage to perform a monologue, Soha’s enthusiastic attitude is contagious. She is always willing to participate in discussions and debates, expressing thoughtful ideas and sharing valuable insights with the class. Soha is a wonderful member of our Grade 8 English class.”
Soha’s music teacher, Dr. Perez, reflects proudly on her growth over the years:
“From being a somewhat reserved keyboard player in Rock Band to becoming the confident speaker she is now, I feel so privileged to have had Soha in my Music class for the last four years. She has grown so much in every skill: leadership, time management, communication, organisation, and team building, to name a few. She is an exemplar student, and I am sure she will achieve greatness in everything she does!”
Her motivation and initiative have also left a strong impression on her French teacher, Ms. Chanal:
“Soha not only participated in the “weather forecast” project but also contributed to the ISR International Spring Festival by submitting not one but two posters on her own initiative. Her goal: to get the highest grade in the class.”
Soha’s sports teacher, Ms. Racheva, commends both her positive attitude and personal development:
“It has been a pleasure teaching Soha over the past several years as part of the ISR community and watching her grow into such a wonderful young person. She is an excellent Grade 8 student who consistently brings enthusiasm, energy, and positivity to every PE lesson. Soha always participates with a smile on her face and approaches all activities with determination, confidence, and a positive attitude.
Over the years, I have seen her develop not only her physical skills but also her maturity, teamwork, and perseverance. She puts great effort into everything she does and always encourages those around her. Soha is a caring and supportive friend who contributes greatly to the positive atmosphere in class. Her respectful attitude, strong work ethic, and cheerful personality make her a valued member of the ISR community. I am very proud of the progress she has made and look forward to seeing all she will achieve in the future.”
Even teachers who knew Soha during her earliest years at ISR remember her fondly. Ms. Vrem, the Head of ISR Kindergarten Neuss, recalls:
“Soha started at ISR in Kindergarten. She is a curious, creative, friendly, and very intelligent child. She quickly made many friends, and her teachers appreciated her thoughtful contributions to the group.”
Soha’s former teacher, Ms. Smith, fondly reflects on teaching her several years ago:
“Soha was in my very first class at the ISR. That was nearly 5 years ago. She was so kind and thoughtful with her classmates, as well as being enthusiastic and curious about her learning. Since then, I have watched her grow into an awesome learner and can see from her attitude and manner around the school that she is still as dedicated to her education as she was all those years ago. Soha, you are definitely cool and definitely good; you are a great ambassador for ISR, and we are all so proud of you even after you have left our classroom nests.”
Another former teacher, Ms. Hartmann, shares similar sentiments:
Soha is an amazing student – smart, kind-hearted, witty, and truly a ray of sunshine. I absolutely loved being her German teacher in Grade 3, and it has been so wonderful to watch her grow and flourish. I am incredibly proud of her progress and amazed by the thoughtful, confident young person she is becoming.
Mr. Urban, Soha’s former Social Studies teacher, also remembers her very positively:
“Soha is very eager to learn, well-mannered, and always friendly. It was a pleasure to have her in my Social Studies classes for two years, and she consistently achieved very good scores.
These days, I really enjoy having her participate in study trips such as Sicily and Strasbourg.”
Finally, Ms. Freise, Soha’s former English teacher, highlights the lasting impression she has made both academically and personally:
“At ISR, we are proud to celebrate students who not only achieve academically but also contribute positively to the classroom environment.
I taught Soha in Grade 6, and from the very beginning of the year, she stood out for her kind and welcoming nature. She consistently demonstrated a warm, friendly attitude toward her classmates, making an effort to include others and build strong, respectful relationships. Her ability to get along with everyone has made her a valued member of the class community and a positive influence on those around her.
In addition to her interpersonal strengths, Soha is an incredibly hardworking and reliable student. She approaches every task with determination and care, always striving to do her best. Whether it was completing assignments, participating in discussions, or working on group projects, Soha consistently proved that she could be counted on to give her full effort.
What truly sets Soha apart is her inner drive and motivation. She is highly focused on achieving strong results and is always eager to improve. Her commitment to earning good grades is evident in the attention and dedication she brings to her work. Rather than being discouraged by challenges, Soha embraces them as opportunities to grow, showing maturity beyond her years.
Teachers appreciate Soha not only for her academic commitment but also for her positive attitude toward learning. She listens attentively, engages thoughtfully, and always comes prepared. Her enthusiasm for succeeding inspires her peers and contributes to a productive, supportive classroom atmosphere.
We are proud to spotlight Soha as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!
The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!
Our Student Spotlights
Beyond Contradictions: PARADOX at ISR’s First TEDx Event
Beyond Contradictions: PARADOX at ISR’s First TEDx Event
Yesterday, we hosted the first TEDxYouth event at ISR, organized by our students Derinsu and Carl together with their dedicated team. Centered around the theme Paradox, the event brought our community together for an evening of inspiring ideas and thoughtful reflection, exploring different paradoxes through the perspectives of four engaging speakers.
The speakers approached the theme from distinct but equally thought-provoking angles.
Hannah Helmke, founder of right° based on science, demonstrated that people often know which decisions are harmful to the climate yet still justify their behavior. Knowledge alone, therefore, does not automatically lead to responsible action. For this reason, her company, right° based on science, focuses on making abstract emissions data easier to understand. It translates CO₂ values into degrees Celsius, making visible the extent to which companies, products, or individual decisions contribute to global warming. The central paradox is that people often have enough information but only begin to act more consciously when that information becomes concrete, comprehensible, and personally relevant.
Deborah Hüller, Partner for Public Sector at IBM Consulting and Board Member of the Initiative D21 e. V., spoke about artificial intelligence and humanity, raising important questions about technology, ethics, and what it means to remain human in an increasingly digital world. She also emphasized the importance of human interaction in a society that is increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
Ananya Talreja, a student at Albert Einstein Gymnasium, focused on the human tendency to always want more, even when we already have enough, offering a reflective perspective on ambition, satisfaction, and perspective.
Linda Kastrup from Fridays for Future Deutschland addressed the paradox of climate awareness, reflecting on why so many people know about climate change but still struggle to change their behavior. She also underlined the responsibility of politics and companies, showing that meaningful change depends not only on individuals but also on broader structures and decision-makers.
The break and networking sessions created space for students, staff, and guests to connect and exchange their impressions of the event, as the talks sparked curiosity and discussion among the audience.
We would like to extend a special thank you to our Grade 9 and 7 students, Yukichiyo and Soji, for opening the event with an outstanding jazz performance on the piano and double bass. A huge thank you also goes to Grade 6 student, Aniego, who entertained the audience with a wonderful piano performance between the speaker sessions.
The evening was a tremendous success and a strong example of student leadership and initiative at ISR. Special thanks go to Derinsu, Carl, and their entire team for making this memorable event possible, as well as to all speakers and guests who contributed to the success of the evening.
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Lingxi
Spotlight On Our Student Lingxi
This week, we are proud to spotlight our second grader, Lingxi, who joined ISR in 2024. She was nominated for the spotlight by her homeroom teacher, Ms. Hartmann, who says:
“Lingxi is an absolutely amazing second-grade ray of sunshine! Always bursting with energy, she lights up the room with her infectious smile and heart-warming hugs. Lingxi brings such a wonderful, creative spirit to our classroom and is a truly talented artist, eager to dive into learning new things every single day. With a genuinely kind heart, she is always the first to lend a helping hand to her classmates. I am so blessed to be her teacher this year and absolutely cannot wait to see the bright future that holds for her!”
Lingxi’s German teachers, Herr Käsch and Frau Wang, also praise her positive attitude and supportive nature:
“Lingxi is a valued member of our German class! Her positive attitude towards learning, combined with her kind and supportive nature, has a meaningful impact on both teachers and classmates alike. With curiosity and optimism, she approaches challenges confidently and asks thoughtful questions that enrich discussions and benefit everyone around her.”
Ms. Ghica, the Academic Head of Grades 2–3, highlights Lingxi’s creativity and caring personality:
“Shoutout to Lingxi, a truly talented, kind, and caring second grader! Grade 2C and all your friends are so proud of you! Your creativity, positive attitude, and thoughtful heart make such a difference every day. Keep shining, keep learning, and keep being the wonderful person you are.”
Lingxi’s Sports teacher, Ms. Levison, emphasizes the enthusiasm and joy Lingxi brings to every activity:
“Lingxi is an incredibly kind, enthusiastic student. She has a great work ethic and always wants to help out. It is an absolute pleasure to have her in the class but also in SEA activities. Her joy spreads across any room she enters and always puts a smile people’s faces.”
Reflecting on Lingxi’s first year at ISR, Ms. Vrem, the Academic Head of Grade 1 and Head of ISR Kindergarten Neuss, shares:
“Lingxi started in Grade 1 last year. She came in wide-eyed and with a big smile. She is friendly and helpful and always has something interesting to contribute to the class discussions.”
We are proud to spotlight Lingxi as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!
The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!
Our Student Spotlights
ISR International Spring Festival 2026
ISR International Spring Festival 2026
Under bright sunshine, we celebrated our ISR International Spring Festival 2026 last Saturday with a wonderful turnout on our ISR Campus in Neuss.
Our visitors enjoyed a rich and varied program. In addition to the many outdoor activities offered by our partners, including a challenging parcours by DAYO Sport and interactive games by Famville and Life in Germany, families had the chance to explore the campus, take part in hands-on activities, and enjoy the festive atmosphere across the grounds. A raffle for our younger visitors, giving them the chance to win exciting prizes, was another highlight of the day. We wish to extend our sincere thanks to Kunst am Platz and Verkehrswacht for their generous donations to the raffle!
Our stage program began with Welcome Words and continued with the ISR Japanese Students Performance, ballet presentations led by Claudia Peltzer, the ISR Grades 1–3 Choir, a Chinese dance performance, the German Foreign Class Choir, the theatre performance by Grades 7–8, and a dynamic K-Pop dance. The audience also enjoyed performances by the ISR Band as well as a fantastic Banjo Band performance.
Culinary diversity was once again at the heart of the festival. The wonderful “Taste of the World” buffet, lovingly prepared by our ISR Parent Network, invited guests on a journey around the globe with specialties from Germany, India, China, Turkey, and Japan, alongside delicacies from our Arabic and Russian-speaking communities. In addition, our SLC team also contributed with a vibrant international table. Drinks and snacks from our caterer Broich, a coffee bike, and an ice cream cart rounded out the culinary experience.
We are grateful to all of our partners for being part of this special day and for creating such engaging experiences for our guests: the American Women’s Club, the British Women’s Club, Kunst am Platz, Lions Club Neuss Novaesia, MusicBox Oxana, Ballet by Claudia Pelzer, Broich Catering, the International English Library, the Japanese Consulate General, DAYO Sport, AUSBLICK Immobilien, Ekehard Adams Wohnungsbau, Böcker Immobilien, the Verkehrswacht and Police Neuss, Famville, Life in Germany, English Theatre Düsseldorf, and the Krokodil-Schwimmschule.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to all of our guests for joining us and making the day so special. We are especially thankful to our ISR Parent Network for once again creating an outstanding Taste of the World buffet, to our SLC team for their dedicated support throughout the whole day, and to all of our staff and teachers for their commitment, and dedication in helping bring this event to life!
The ISR International Spring Festival 2026 was a true celebration of community, and togetherness, and we are already looking forward to welcoming everyone again next year!
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Ella
Spotlight On Our Student Ella
This week, we are proud to spotlight our tenth grader, Ella, who joined ISR in 2014. She has been a member of the ISR Community since joining our kindergarten, and we are excited to feature her this week.
Ms. Horvath, Ella’s Grade 10 homeroom teacher and German teacher, explains what makes Ella so special:
“As Ella’s teacher, I can say that anyone who truly knows her understands that this student is an exceptionally creative person with remarkable language talent.
She possesses an outstanding gift for language and often finds words when others have long run out of ideas. Her writing is vivid, imaginative, and full of original thoughts. With great creativity, she creates stories that touch people, inspire reflection, or simply bring a smile. Her imagination seems to know no limits.
Particularly remarkable is her great empathy. She quickly senses how others are feeling, listens to them attentively, and treats people with warmth and understanding. Her open and innocent nature makes her honest, direct, and charming – she preserves a sense of naturalness that has become rare in today’s often hectic world.
Her talent, her imagination, and her special sensitivity are qualities that matter far beyond the classroom. For exactly these reasons, she deserves recognition and special praise.”
Ella’s art teacher, Ms. Henebry, agrees:
“Ella is a creative student whose work often reveals a surprisingly thought-provoking, intelligent, and subtly humorous perspective. She approaches ideas with originality, wit, and a strong sense of narrative, exploring themes from unexpected angles in thoughtful and engaging ways.
What stands out just as much as the artwork itself is the depth of thinking behind it. Her initial idea development and artist statements demonstrate maturity and a high level of reflection. Ella is willing to take creative risks and pursue unusual ideas with confidence, making her work memorable.”
Ms. Hautz, Ella’s Spanish teacher, explains:
“Ella is a very pleasant, respectful, creative, and kind student. She appreciates and lights up when you recognize her potential. She has a great imagination and writes very entertaining short stories.
Finally, Ms. Freise, Ella’s former homeroom teacher in grade 6, remarks:
“Ella is a student who brings warmth and positivity wherever she goes. Known for her sweet nature and friendly attitude, she has a natural ability to make those around her feel comfortable and supported. Ella is also a big helper, always ready to lend a hand with enthusiasm and a smile, and she does so in a way that makes helping others genuinely enjoyable.
Having known Ella since her time in my homeroom in Grade 6, it has been wonderful to watch her grow while maintaining the same kindness and consideration. She is entertaining in the best sense – bringing energy and joy to everyday moments – while remaining thoughtful and respectful toward both peers and adults.”
We are proud to spotlight Ella as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!
The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!
Our Student Spotlights
Michigan State University Visits ISR Campus
Michigan State University Visits ISR Campus
We were delighted to once again welcome guests from Michigan State University to our campus in Neuss today – continuing a long-standing and highly valued tradition of collaboration and exchange between our institutions. During their visit, the university students had the opportunity to experience daily life at ISR firsthand through classroom observations, school tours, and engaging conversations with our students, teachers, and leadership team.
The day began with a warm welcome and introduction by ISR’s Academic Leadership Team, followed by guided tours through both the Elementary and Secondary School divisions. The students joined a variety of classes, including Science, Mathematics, and English lessons across different grade levels, allowing them to gain valuable insight into ISR’s dynamic and international learning environment.
Throughout the visit, the students from Michigan State University shared very positive feedback about the openness and engagement of our ISR students, as well as the welcoming atmosphere throughout the kindergarten and school community. We are grateful for this continued partnership and look forward to welcoming future groups from Michigan State University in the years to come. At the same time, we hope that some of the visiting students will consider returning to ISR in the future – perhaps as members of our own international team!
Thank you to Alexa, Allison, Ben, Ella, Emma, Emmerson, Gavin, Grace, Hayden, Isabella, Isabella, Katherine, Kennedy, Laura, Logan, Madeline, Matthew, Mia, Sarah, and Theresa for taking the time to visit ISR today. We truly appreciated the opportunity to welcome you to our campus and share insights into our learning community at ISR.
A special thank you also goes to Dr. Shea, Director of the Pathway Programs at Michigan State University; Dr. Freed, Department Chair at Michigan State University; and Ms. Sargent, Program Assistant, for organizing this wonderful visit and for the continued partnership between Michigan State University and ISR!
Contemporary Witness Manfred Hüllen Visits ISR Again
Contemporary Witness Manfred Hüllen Visits ISR Again
Yesterday, we had the honor of welcoming a very special guest to ISR for the second time: contemporary witness Mr. Manfred Hüllen. Having grown up in Düsseldorf and now residing in Hamburg, Mr. Hüllen shared his family history and personal experiences during the war and post-war years in Düsseldorf with remarkable openness and depth. For our Grade 9 students who attended the talk, history became tangible in a deeply moving and personal way.
At the heart of his visit was a powerful message to the younger generation: “You are the future. You all carry this power – the power of love – and it can overcome hatred and division.” His words resonated strongly, encouraging students to reflect on their role in shaping a more compassionate and responsible society.
Mr. Hüllen spoke candidly about the realities of war, including loss, fear, and uncertainty. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of looking forward, reminding students: “You have a great responsibility ahead of you.” He encouraged students to see themselves as engaged and articulate democrats and stressed that while differing opinions are natural, respectful dialogue and shared responsibility are fundamental to a healthy society. His message was clear: “Together, we can achieve far more!”
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, during which our ninth graders asked thoughtful and perceptive questions. Their strong engagement was closely linked to their history lessons, particularly their in-depth study of The Diary of Anne Frank, which enabled them to connect more deeply with Mr. Hüllen’s personal experiences. The impact of his visit was especially evident in the students’ feedback: two students approached our Head of Secondary School afterwards to share that this had been the most touching and engaging history lesson they could imagine. We are proud to provide such meaningful learning experiences that bring history to life and leave a lasting impression on our students.
We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Hüllen and his companions for their dedication and invaluable contribution to democratic education. Their willingness to travel great distances to share their firsthand experiences is truly inspiring, helping to keep history alive while fostering a deep sense of responsibility for the future!
