Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Don

Spotlight On Our Student Don
This week, we are delighted to shine the spotlight on Don, an exceptional fifth grader who joined ISR in 2024.
Don was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by Ms. Morris, Academic Coordinator for Grade 5. She shares:
“Since joining ISR this school year, Don has been a dynamic presence. His quick wit and sense of humor are appreciated by both students and teachers. Don is an incredibly helpful student, always willing to lend a hand. Though new to ISR, he was selected as a member of the ESLC team this year and has done an outstanding job supporting the team’s initiatives. We are proud to have Don at ISR!”
Ms. Codina, Don’s Homeroom Teacher, adds:
“Don is like the LeBron James of our classroom – working with him inspires those around him to improve and strive to be their best. His positivity is infectious and sets the tone for how students engage with content and with each other. He makes learning fun and proves that being cool and smart are not mutually exclusive.”
Don’s Music Teacher, Ms. Bucher, says:
“Don is a very intelligent and funny child who is extremely conscientious in everything he does. He is also an excellent musician with a fantastic singing voice and is always kind to others. I think I speak for all his teachers when I say that we feel we hit the jackpot when Don joined ISR!”
Ms. Chanal, Don’s French Teacher, adds:
“Don excelled in French lessons, and his behavior was always impeccable. He successfully passed the DELF A1 test this year.”
Ms. Schmitz, Don’s German Teacher, notes:
“Don brings so much positive energy to our classroom! With his open and joyful personality, he brings laughter and fun to our lessons every day. He always tries his best, makes great connections, and shares his ideas thoughtfully. What makes Don stand out is his willingness to support his classmates”.
Finally, Ms. McGee, Student Leadership Council Advisor, shares:
“I am pleased to have had the opportunity to work with Don this school year through the Elementary Student Leadership Council. His positive attitude alone makes him more than deserving of the ISR Student Spotlight. Don arrives at our weekly SEA meetings with a polished look and a bright smile. Throughout our time together, he has shown himself to be a kind, thoughtful young man who is always ready to lend a helping hand. He has already made a meaningful impact at ISR, and I sincerely hope he continues his leadership journey next school year with the same heart, spirit, and dedication”.
We are proud to spotlight Don 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
June 20, 2025
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Don
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Lilia

Spotlight On Our Student Lilia
This week, we are delighted to shine the spotlight on Lilia, a remarkable second grader who began her ISR journey in 2023.
Lilia was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by her teacher, Ms. Hartmann, who shares:
“Lilia is an amazing, creative, friendly, and positive student. Every day, she comes to school with a big smile and an unmatched eagerness to learn. Lilia is always willing to lend a helping hand. I am so grateful to be her teacher this year and can’t wait to see what the future holds for her. She has a beautiful heart and soul, and any teacher is lucky to have her in their class.”
Ms. Ewing, Lilia’s music teacher, adds:
“Lilia is a very kind student who works hard. She is also quite musical and has participated with enthusiasm in music lessons and the Grade 1-3 choir this year!”
Ms. Kilian, who taught Lilia in Grade 1 says, “From the very first day of Grade 1, Lilian has stood out as a well-organized, well-mannered, and truly delightful student. Her kindness, diligence, and willingness to help others make her a shining example to her peers. No task is ever too big for Lilian—she approaches everything with a positive attitude and unwavering determination. She truly embodies the phrase, “It’s cool to be good,” and has been an absolute pleasure to teach.”
Lilia is also praised by Ms. Ghica, the Academic Head of Grades 2-3, who says:
“Lilia, you have been our ray of sunshine for the past two years! Your excitement for learning is absolutely contagious, and your kindness never goes unnoticed. Whether you are helping a classmate with a big smile or brightening your teacher’s day with your gentle words, you remind us all of how powerful a caring heart can be. Keep being your wonderful, enthusiastic self. We are all so lucky to have you in our school family!”
We are proud to spotlight Lilia 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
June 20, 2025
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Don
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Kento

Spotlight On Our Student Kento
This week, we are delighted to shine the spotlight on Kento, an exceptional tenth grader who joined ISR in 2023.
Kento was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by our SLC Coordinator, Ms. McGee, who shares: “Kento served as our Deputy Team Leader of the Events Department this school year. He brought enthusiasm, dedication, and a keen creative spark to the team and his hard work was instrumental in ensuring the success of our many events. Whether brainstorming ideas or managing details behind the scenes, Kento’s passion and commitment not only helped students create lasting memories but also made a significant impact on our entire team. We are grateful for his leadership and tireless effort!”
Ms. Van Rhee, Kento’s Business Management teacher, adds: “Kento is just amazing! I appreciate his positive energy, and it’s always a pleasure working with him!”
Kento’s P.E. and Sport Science teacher, Mr. Nous, remarks: “Kento is an athletic, hardworking student who strives to achieve the best possible results. He does this by working with discipline and showing a strong eagerness to learn. Moreover, he is always respectful and very polite. It is an honor to teach him.”
Ms. Hirano, Kento’s Japanese teacher, says: “Kento is a very positive thinker who has a strong sense of self-awareness and is always striving to grow and improve. He maintains a strong sense of balance, treats everyone with fairness, and is a compassionate and outstanding student.”
We are proud to spotlight Kento 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
June 20, 2025
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Don
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Arno

Spotlight On Our Student Arno
This week, we are delighted to shine the spotlight on Arno, a remarkable first grader who began his ISR journey in kindergarten in 2023 and is now nearing the completion of his first year in Elementary School.
Arno was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by his teacher, Ms. Kilian, who shares, “Arno is a shining example of what it means to be a true role model in our classroom. Always responsible and exceptionally organized, he consistently sets a high standard for himself and others. Whether it’s coming into class with a bright smile or approaching each day with enthusiasm and a readiness to learn, Arno’s positive attitude is contagious”.
Ms. Kilian adds, “He is well liked by his peers, not just for his friendly nature, but also for his genuine kindness. Arno is always willing to lend a helping hand, showing care and consideration to everyone around him. His thoughtful actions and dependable character make him a person others naturally look up to. We are so proud to celebrate Arno and the wonderful impact he has on our class!”.
Ms. Johnson, another Grade 1 teacher adds, “Arno is such a caring and considerate student, he always holds the door open for the children to come back in”.
Arno has also made a lasting impression on Ms. Vrem, Head of ISR Kindergarten and Academic Head of Grade 1. She says, “Arno is a wonderful child! He joined us in KG2 and quickly proved himself to be a very thoughtful and gentle person. He is well liked by both friends and staff, and his smile warms your heart”.
Finally, Ms. Fatscher, Arno’s former kindergarten teacher, fondly recalls, “I remember Arno in KG2 as a responsible, kind, honest, and curious student who always tried his best and always tried to do what’s right. What an amazing choice for the student spotlight. Congratulations Arno!”.
We are proud to spotlight Arno 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
June 20, 2025
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Don
Young Innovators: ISR Students Shine at World Robot Olympiad
Young Innovators: ISR Students Excel at World Robot Olympiad
Saturday, May 24, 2025
We are incredibly proud of our talented ISR students who participated in the World Robot Olympiad last weekend! All four teams successfully completed the competition. Eight of our Elementary School students took part in the exciting Starter Program, where they could achieve up to a Level Three Certificate in the competition, meaning their robot was able to complete most of the given tasks. In particular, the team composed of Elizabeth and Naohiro completed more than 90% of the tasks and won second place. Meanwhile, two of our Grade 7 students competed in the challenging Robo Mission Junior Competition in which they placed third.
For months, these dedicated students have been working hard during their SEA periods – designing, building, and programming their robots with creative solutions. At the competition, each team put their creations to the test over multiple rounds, as their robots followed complex instructions and navigated obstacles on the competition board.
We wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mr. Bai, an ISR parent and SEA robotics instructor, for his time, guidance, and dedication to the program. His support has been invaluable to our students’ success!
Congratulations to all our participants, Sai, Paul, Felix, Theodor, Martin, Shengxi, Elizabeth, Naohiro, Alex, and Alice for their teamwork, creativity, and perseverance! Your passion for robotics and innovation truly inspires us all and is further proof of ISR‘s motto: It’s cool to be good!
Get to know more about the 90+ activities we offer at ISR through our SEA Program
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Tara

Spotlight On Our Student Tara
This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our eleventh-grader, Tara, who joined ISR in 2017.
Tara was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by Mr. Bates, the Academic Head of Grade 11. He says “Tara is a pleasure to teach and is always engaged and inquisitive. She is positive, always smiling, and extremely diligent in her academic pursuits. A team player, who has the respect of her peers and teachers, she exudes quiet confidence, and I am sure she will be successful in whatever path she chooses”.
Dr. McGee, Tara’s IB English teacher adds, “It’s been a wonderful experience being Tara’s IB English teacher and Extended Essay supervisor. She’s the paradigm of an English student —truly dedicated to improving her writing craft, and her growing command of the English language continues to impress. It’s been a pleasure watching her grow as a writer, thinker, and student”.
Tara has also made an impression on the Student Leadership Council, with SLC Advisor Ms. McGee noting, “Tara is a bright light on our Student Leadership Council’s Events Team. I know her for always having a smile and an idea to contribute to help with planning or execution. I am impressed with her communication skills and proud of the steady support she has given this year!”.
Ms. Megal, Tara’s former IGCSE Spanish teacher, has fond memories of her student, sharing, “Tara is a cheerful and positive student who always gives her best. She holds herself to high standards and is kind to her classmates. She left a great impression with her enthusiasm and dedication”.
We are proud to spotlight Tara 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
June 20, 2025
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Don
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Luca

Spotlight On Our Student Luca
This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our sixth-grader, Luca, who joined ISR in 2023.
Luca was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by his Spanish teacher, Ms. Sinarcas. She says, “I would like to nominate Luca for his exceptional qualities and efforts throughout this academic year. I have the privilege of teaching him Spanish, and from the very beginning, Luca has shown a remarkable attitude toward learning.
Not only has he worked diligently in mastering a new language (this being his first year of contact with Spanish), but he has done so with a level of positivity, curiosity, and respect that is truly outstanding. Luca consistently demonstrates a genuine interest in the subject-asking insightful questions, volunteering for oral activities in front of the class, and reading texts aloud for his peers.
His eagerness to participate and his friendly, optimistic demeanor make him a joy to teach. Luca is always smiling and is genuinely caring, often asking me how I am and if I’ve had a good day. His kindness, respect, and enthusiasm are qualities that make him stand out as not just an excellent student, but a wonderful person.
It has been a true pleasure to be Luca’s teacher this year. He is, without a doubt, an exceptional young individual who deserves recognition.”
Luca’s Music teacher, Dr. Perez, also has great things to say: “Luca has achieved tremendous progress since I started teaching him last school year. His confidence, his discipline, and his perseverance are plausible. He is always respectful and thrives to do the best even when the task seems challenging. He will achieve great things.”
Ms. Freise, who has covered Luca’s class on numerous occasions, adds, “Luca is truly a wonderful student. He’s kind, approachable, and genuine, and his quick learning and intelligence always impresses. He is very polite and it’s a pleasure to see him grow and excel!”
Our English teacher, Ms. Barba continues, “Luca is an amazing student. He’s hardworking, sweet and kind. He will always put 110% effort into everything he does. He truly represents our motto: It’s cool to be good!”
Finally, Ms. Scholz, Luca’s German teacher, says, “I’ve had the joy of teaching Luca in German since Grade 5, and he’s been a fantastic student every step of the way! His reliability, dedication, and polite nature truly stand out. Luca is a wonderful role model and a much-liked member of our class. It’s always a pleasure to have him my lessons.”
We are proud to spotlight Luca 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
June 20, 2025
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Don
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Erika

Spotlight On Our Student Erika
This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our ninth-grader, Erika, who joined ISR in 2020. Erika’s journey at ISR has been marked by her dedication, leadership, and positive influence on our school community.
Erika was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by our SLC Coordinator, Ms. McGee. She shares, “As a prefect of the Elementary School Department on the Student Leadership Council, Erika stands out for her extraordinary commitment to service. Over the course of this year, she has become a driving force of our team, always present at every event and campaign, supporting not only the Elementary Team but the entire council. With her remarkable dedication and bright potential, Erika is a shining example of what it means to serve with heart and lead with integrity. We are thankful for her!”.
Erika’s Economics teacher, Ms. Van Rhee adds, “Erika continues to impress with her dedication, positive attitude, and consistent effort in everything she does. It is a pleasure having Erika in class, keep up the good work”.
Ms. McGowan, Erika’s English teacher also has great things to say about her student, “Erika is a fabulous English student. She is always engaged in lessons, showing her excellent understanding through her thoughtful and insightful contributions. Her mature approach to her studies and her superb attitude to learning make her a fantastic role model for her peers. No matter the task, Erika gives it her all and she absolutely deserves to be celebrated as an outstanding member of the ISR community.”
Finally, Erika’s Science teacher, Mr. O’Brien, adds, “Erika is an outstanding student who engages actively in class and always gives her best. She is polite and respectful to her teachers and to her classmates and is always ready to help whenever she can.”
We are proud to spotlight Erika 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
June 20, 2025
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Don
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Wilhelmina

Spotlight On Our Student Wilhelmina
This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our first-grader, Wilhelmina, who joined ISR in 2024. Affectionately known as ‘Mina’ by her friends and teachers, she has already made a remarkable impression on our school community.
Wilhelmina was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by her homeroom teacher, Mr. Noomen. He shares, “Mina is a positive, young learner who understands that learning often requires dedication and effort. Each day, she gives it her all. Mina always tries her best, and when she finds something difficult, she asks the right questions to better understand new concepts. Once she has overcome these challenges, Mina is happy to share her knowledge with her peers.
Furthermore, Mina is a kind-hearted classmate who cares about the feelings of others. She values a positive classroom atmosphere, and that is evident in everything she does. Simply put, it is a joy to work together with Mina in class!”
Mr. Baumann, Mina’s Sports teacher adds, “Mina is athletic and enjoys exercise. She is eager to learn and isn’t afraid to try new sports.”
Mina’s German Booster teacher, Ms. Schumann, praises her enthusiasm and dedication: “Mina is a bright student who participates in the German Booster program with great enthusiasm and dedication. She brings not only her curiosity and joy for learning but also a big heart—always ready to support her classmates. With a smile on her face, she tackles every new task, demonstrating that learning can be fun. Her commitment and positive energy make her a true role model for everyone in the group”.
Finally, Ms. Killian, head of the Reading Rainbow Club where Mina actively participates, shares: “Wilhelmina is a pleasure to have in the Reading Rainbow Club. She is always willing to learn and ready to tackle any activity. Her dedication and perseverance during our lesson is outstanding and this is something she can be very proud of!”
We are proud to spotlight Wilhelmina 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
June 20, 2025
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Don
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Johanna

Spotlight On Our Student Johanna
This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our eleventh-grader, Johanna, who joined ISR in 2016.
Johanna was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by Ms. McGee, the Student Leadership Council Advisor. She shares, “As the SLC Advisor, I am grateful for the impact Johanna has made on the School Spirit Team through her commitment and dedication to service leadership. Sometimes our experiences can leave us feeling cynical about the change we can make in the world, but Johanna’s attitude and actions serve as a reminder that those feelings of doubt are misplaced. She is the kind of leader who shows us that through quiet kindness and steadfast effort, change is possible.”
Ms. Racheva, Johanna’s former Sports teacher, echoes this sentiment: “I had the privilege of teaching Johanna and was fortunate to have her in my sports lessons. She is a remarkable young person, beautiful both inside and out. Always punctual, focused, enthusiastic, and motivated, Johanna stood out as a hardworking and gifted athlete who played with fairness and integrity. I am excited to see the path she chooses in the future, and I’m confident she will achieve great success.”
Johanna’s English teacher, Dr. McGee, adds, “As Johanna’s English teacher, I witness on a weekly basis the way she strives for perfection. She is constantly challenging herself to be better and improve her writing and thinking. What is especially great, however, is that within that challenge to herself she also consistently challenges me as her teacher to be better. It’s this trait that makes Johanna a great student for her teachers and a peer for her fellow classmates.”
Ms. Franssen, ISR Activities Coordinator, highlights Johanna’s initiative: “Johanna initiated the Baking Club as part of her CAS projects under the SEA (Service, Engagement, and Action) framework. She brought forward creative ideas such as recipe exchanges, baking competitions, and bake sales to support charitable causes. Her excellent organizational skills and enthusiasm made the club a success, showcasing how deeply students can engage in SEA activities.”
Johanna’s dedication and leadership continue to inspire those around her at ISR.
We are proud to spotlight Johanna 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
June 20, 2025