Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Sofia
Spotlight On Our Student Sofia
This week, we are proud to spotlight our twelfth grader, Sofia, who joined ISR in 2022. Sofia was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by her French teacher, Ms. Chanal, who remarks:
“Sofia is a hard worker. She has studied extensively since last year. Her vocabulary is now broader and her grammar knowledge more solid. She has also made significant progress in listening comprehension, reading comprehension, and writing.”
Sofia’s homeroom teacher, Mr. McGowan, reflects:
“It is great to be able to celebrate Sofia’s positivity and hard work. Every morning, her warm welcome and positive attitude greet me and the rest of the homeroom She is always kind and supportive of others and consistently manages to balance her time effectively between work, friends, and homeroom activities. Whenever I see Sofia around school, she seems to be taking the various demands of the IB in stride, and that is a credit to her organizational skills, her hard work, and her positive outlook on learning and life.”
Dr. McGee, Sofia’s IB English teacher, adds:
“Sofia is a kind, conscientious, and committed IB learner. Her consistent preparation and regular participation in class make her a valuable presence during English lessons. In our performance of the Greek tragedy Medea this year, Sofia’s portrayal of the villain Creon was a standout performance and reflected deep knowledge of the play’s themes and lessons. It has been a pleasure to watch her grow and improve as a thinker and writer over these two years, and I cannot wait to see what great things she will be up to post-ISR.”
In addition, Mr. Bates, Sofia’s IB geography teacher, notes:
“Sofia is an absolute pleasure to have in geography class. Her attendance is impeccable, and she is consistently attentive, punctual, and hardworking. She approaches every lesson with a calm, positive demeanor and regularly contributes thoughtful, interesting, and insightful comments that enrich class discussions. Always polite, curious, and fully engaged, Sofia is truly a dream student.”
Finally, Ms. Banna, Sofia’s University and Career Counselor, shares:
“I highly commend Sofia for her maturity, thoughtfulness, and excellent time-management in completing her university applications by – and in some cases even before – our UCC internal deadlines. Her proactive approach to seeking and applying constructive feedback – evident in the several drafts she produced to refine her personal statement – along with her thoughtful selection of university courses, makes her an exemplary university applicant. Her timely submission of her applications has resulted in her already receiving numerous conditional offers from UK universities, which is so well deserved! I am delighted for her and confident that she will continue to go from strength to strength.”
We are proud to spotlight Sofia 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
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Brent
Spotlight On Our Student Brent
This week, we are proud to spotlight our ninth-grader, Brent, who joined ISR in 2024. He was enthusiastically nominated for the Student Spotlight by his French teacher, Ms. Chanal, who shares:
“Brent takes initiative in his French learning, exploring idiomatic expressions and sentence structures on his own to express himself as he does in English. He has been leading the way in this approach since the end of last year.”
Brent’s English teacher, Mr. Davis, adds:
“This is the second year I have taught Brent, and he is a joy to have in class. He always gives his maximum effort and demonstrates a strong writing style, with an extensive vocabulary that he enjoys experimenting with in his work. Brent is eager to contribute to class discussions and debates, bringing a rich range of experiences from his time in Singapore and visits to Japan. I am consistently fascinated by his wide interests – from books to obscure British TV documentaries to history – which make him an eclectic and engaging presence, and a real asset to the class.”
Dr. McGee, Brent’s history teacher, shares:
“It is an absolute delight to teach Brent. He is absorbed in every lesson, shares his vast history knowledge and passion with his classmates on a regular basis, and is not afraid to ask meaningful and challenging questions. It is also always a pleasure to read his written work, as he is like a walking thesaurus, consistently surprising us with clever vocabulary and beautiful turns of phrase!”
Brent’s music teacher, Dr. Perez, also praises his dedication:
“Brent is a talented and bright student with a passion for guitar. He has made impressive progress academically and continues to develop his musicianship beyond performance. He is friendly, cordial, and respectful. A thrilling future awaits him and his artistic soul!”
Ms. Van Rhee, Brent’s Business Management teacher, comments:
“Brent is a joy to have in class! He is very kind, always participates, and brings positive energy to our lessons. He consistently does his best, asks thoughtful questions, and works well with his classmates. Keep up the great work!”
Finally, Ms. McGee, Brent’s Student Leadership Council Advisor, highlights his contributions:
“Brent is a new member of the Student Leadership Council this year, and he has already proven to be a fantastic addition to the Social Involvement Department. Kind-hearted, friendly, and thoughtful, Brent consistently makes time to volunteer and support the school community. This year, he has been developing strong skills in organization and accountability, taking on these responsibilities with care. Without question, Brent shows the potential for an even larger leadership role in the future, and we are excited to see where his journey leads.”
We are proud to spotlight Brent 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
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Soshi
Spotlight On Our Student Soshi
This week, we are proud to spotlight our seventh-grader, Soshi, who joined ISR in 2025. He was enthusiastically nominated for the Student Spotlight by his English teacher, Ms. McGowan. She writes:
“Soshi is a brilliant student to work with, and he is a fantastically positive presence in English lessons, listening attentively and supporting his classmates at all times. He takes his learning very seriously, but he also has a fantastic sense of humour and fun, and I am really enjoying getting to know him and helping him make progress. It is such a pleasure to teach someone so focused on being the best they can be, and I feel very lucky that Soshi is in my class. I cannot wait to see what else he achieves this year and beyond!”
Soshi’s German teacher, Ms. Adamczyk, also has great things to say about him:
“In German class, Soshi shows motivation and a very positive attitude. He works hard in every lesson and is not afraid to try speaking German, even when it is difficult. He always participates, asks good questions, and helps create a friendly learning atmosphere. Soshi treats everyone with respect and brings a positive attitude to every lesson. He is a wonderful example of kindness, respect, and positive teamwork in the German A1 class. I appreciate the way Soshi enriches our classroom community. I am very proud of Soshi and excited to see how he will continue to develop in German.”
We are proud to spotlight Soshi 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
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Vivienne
Spotlight On Our Student Vivienne
This week, we are proud to feature our fourth grader, Vivienne, in the ISR Student Spotlight. Since joining ISR in 2024, Vivienne has consistently impressed her teachers with her positivity, dedication, and maturity, becoming a role model for her peers.
Her Homeroom teacher, Mr. Noomen, shares that Vivienne is a positive and friendly student with a genuinely kind personality. “She is polite to everybody and treats others with respect. In everything she does, it is clear that Vivienne enjoys learning new things, and she is a supportive classmate who helps others succeed. It is a real pleasure to have her in our class.”
Vivienne’s German teacher, Ms. Sahin, adds: “Vivienne is a delight to teach. She brings creativity, commitment, and a calm, kind presence to the classroom. She picks up new ideas quickly, engages actively with the material, and approaches challenges with confidence. I look forward to watching her language skills continue to grow.”
In addition, Ms. Eggert, Vivienne’s SEA instructor for Happy Threads, highlights her dedication and teamwork: “It has been a pleasure having Vivienne in my course this year. She approaches every lesson with attentiveness and enthusiasm, always eager to learn new sewing and handwork techniques. Vivienne consistently demonstrates patience and creativity, and she is always willing to lend a helping hand to her classmates, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere. She can be very proud of her growth, and I look forward to seeing what she will create in the next term!”
We are proud to spotlight Vivienne 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
Turkish Consul General in Düsseldorf, Mr. İzbul, visits ISR
The Turkish Consul General Visits the Traditional ISR Turkish Community Breakfast
Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025
This week at ISR, we had the pleasure of welcoming the Turkish Consul General in Düsseldorf, Mr. Ali İhsan İzbul, once again for our annual Turkish Community Breakfast, lovingly prepared by our dedicated ISR Turkish Community. The morning began with a warm greeting from our Turkish students and staff, who presented a special handmade sign to the Consul General. Our ISR Management Team also extended a heartfelt welcome to our esteemed guest.
The event was made even more special by the presence numerous families from our Turkish Community, who came together to organize a delightful and beautifully arranged Turkish Breakfast. Before the breakfast, Mr. Soliman, Proprietor of ISR, welcomed the Consul General and our Turkish families, highlighting the strong unity and international spirit that define our kindergarten and school. Our guests then enjoyed a wonderful buffet, traditional Turkish coffee, and engaging conversations.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Consul General İzbul for taking the time to visit ISR and connect with our Turkish Community, as well as to his wife who joined the special occasion. We also wish to express our heartfelt thanks to our Turkish Community representative Ms. Kaya, as well as all families who contributed to this special event. In addition, we wish to recognize ISR staff members Ms. Agdas and Ms. Orhan for their excellent organization and support.
We are proud to have such a committed and vibrant Turkish Community at ISR, whose efforts make this annual gathering truly memorable!
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Mian
Spotlight On Our Student Mian
This week, we are proud to feature our eighth grader, Mian, in the ISR Student Spotlight. Mian joined ISR in 2024 and recently won first prize in the 13-year-old age category of the International Peace Poster Project, organized by our ISR Art Department and sponsored by the Lions Club Neuss Novaesia.
Mian was nominated for the Spotlight by her German teacher, Ms. Przybylski, who shares:
“Any teacher will be happy to have Mian in their class, as she is exceptionally responsible, hard-working, creative, and bright, while remaining kind, patient, and humble. She enjoys having a bit of fun while learning and retains concepts very well. Mian is open to learning new things every day, and she approaches challenges with enthusiasm and curiosity. As her German teacher, I am very much looking forward to seeing Mian continue to grow, develop her fluency in the language, and succeed on any path she may choose.”
Mian’s P.E. teacher, Ms. Racheva, adds:
“It is a privilege to have Mian in my P.E. class. She consistently shows impressive effort and a genuinely positive attitude during P.E. lessons, always approaching challenges with focus and determination. Her reliability, quiet leadership, and respectful behavior set a wonderful example for her peers. She brings the same steady maturity and kindness to the rest of her school day, making her a joy to teach.”
Mr. McGowan, who often covers Mian’s class, explains:
“Mian is always a positive and polite student who approaches her learning with a remarkably motivated and impressive attitude. In class, she has always stood out both for her effort and her creative approach to tasks. She very much deserves her place in the Student Spotlight!”
Mian’s Music teacher, Dr. Perez, enthusiastically adds:
“Mian is an outstanding Music student – not only in her academic performance, but also in her attitude towards learning, collaborating in class, embracing new topics, and going beyond what is expected. She is respectful and cordial, and she is an absolute asset to the ISR community.”
We are proud to spotlight Mian 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
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Varvara
Spotlight On Our Student Varvara
This week, we are proud to feature our sixth grader, Varvara, in the ISR Student Spotlight. Varvara joined ISR in 2023 and has continuously impressed her teachers, becoming a steadfast role model for her peers.
Varvara was nominated for the Spotlight by her Homeroom teacher, Ms. Codina, who shares:
“I’ve had the privilege of teaching Varvara for two years in a row. In that time, I have seen her grow into a remarkably capable young girl. I always know Varvara will do her very best. She continually surprises me with her growth and determination. She is a role model to her classmates and an excellent mentor to others. She is kind to everyone –outgoing, bold, and unafraid to be her true self. She consistently pushes herself, rises to every challenge, and shows tremendous perseverance when learning new topics or developing new skills. Varvara excels in every academic subject and is one of the top performers in our class. She truly embodies our motto, ‘It’s cool to be good,’ because she is so cool, and so, so good: a good student, a good friend, and a good person. Varvara is an unstoppable force of intellect and personality, and I am confident she will reach unimaginable heights as she continues to grow.”
Varvara’s P.E. teacher, Ms. Levison, adds:
Varvara is a very kind-hearted student who includes everyone in activities and team games during the Basketball SEA. She always has a positive outlook, and it is a pleasure to have her be a part of the group.
Ms. Sayers Varvara’s Fourth Grade Homeroom teacher, fondly recalls:
I had the pleasure of being Varvara’s Homeroom teacher in Grade 4. From quiet beginnings, I watched her grow in confidence throughout the year. She was always willing to listen to advice and eager to improve in all subjects. She was also extremely kind and helpful, frequently volunteering for classroom tasks. Varvara truly embodies the school motto, ‘It’s cool to be good’, and it has been a pleasure to see her succeed!
Varvara’s MUN Advisor, Ms. McGee, enthusiastically adds:
I would like to commend Varvara for her excellent contributions to the ISR MUN on the Rhine Conference last week. She volunteered to serve as an Admin across several committees and quickly became a strong support for both Delegates and Chairs. Whether she was organizing materials, delivering notes, or helping to secure the door during voting procedures, she made a meaningful impact throughout the event. We hope she joins us for Junior MUN next school year!
We are proud to spotlight Varvara 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
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Leni
Spotlight On Our Student Leni
This week, we are proud to shine our ISR Student Spotlight on Leni, an outstanding eleventh grader who joined ISR in 2017.
Leni was nominated for the ISR Student Spotlight by her IB Mathematics teacher, Mr. Kheir, who shares:
“Leni is a strong, diligent student who confidently asks questions when in doubt, participates actively in class discussions, and demonstrates great maturity in balancing her academic and social life. Her activities outside of school, such as horse riding, highlight her commitment to achieving her personal best. Leni is independent, works well in groups, and shows exceptional academic potential. We are delighted to have her at ISR.”
Her IB English teacher, Mr. McGowan, adds:
“I am lucky enough to teach Leni in English, and her positive attitude, willingness to ask questions, and consistent effort are truly impressive. She approaches every lesson with a smile and a curiosity that enriches class discussions and deepens her engagement with our texts and tasks. Leni is friendly, polite, and always greets others warmly at the start and end of the day.”
Ms. Bucher, Leni’s former Elementary School Music teacher, fondly recalls:
“I remember when Leni first joined ISR in Grade 3. She was thoughtful and reserved as she adjusted to a new environment, and she was warmly supported by her nurturing homeroom teacher and caring classmates. She embraced every opportunity and never gave up. Little by little, Leni’s confidence blossomed. She excelled academically and became a wonderful friend to others. It is inspiring to see how she has grown into such a confident person and role model.”
We are proud to spotlight Leni 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
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Mara
Spotlight On Our Student Mara
This week, we are proud to feature our eleventh grader, Mara, as the ISR Student Spotlight. Mara began her journey with us back in our ISR Elementary School and is now diligently pursuing her IB Diploma, which she is set to complete in 2027.
Mara was nominated for the Spotlight by her IB Art Teacher, Ms. Henebry, who shares:
“Mara is an outstanding student. This term, she has immersed herself in architectural design, experimenting with coding, SketchUp, AI tools, interactive walk-throughs, detailed drawings, and even creating a 3D model. She is organized, reflective, and particularly drawn to the bold forms and structure of brutalist design.”
Her IB English teacher, Ms. McGowan, adds:
“Mara sets very high standards for herself, and it is a pleasure to teach someone so focused on personal growth. Although I have only started teaching her this year, I am already impressed by her resilience and determination to overcome any challenges she encounters. I particularly appreciate her contributions in class; she never shies away from complex questions and always shows a willingness to try new things. This positive attitude makes her a truly great IB student.”
Ms. Freise, who taught Mara in Grade 5 English, fondly recalls:
“It was a joy having Mara in my class. Her humor, intelligence, and sharp wit stood out even then, and it’s inspiring to see how much she has matured and grown since those days.”
Mara’s IB Physics teacher, Mr. Kirk, also praises her strong work ethic:
“Mara approaches physics with focus and organization. She manages her workload thoughtfully, plans ahead, and meets challenges with confidence. Her independence and consistent diligence contribute to a supportive and academic classroom atmosphere.”
Ms. McGee, Mara’s Duke of Edinburgh Advisor, adds:
“I recently began working with Mara as her Duke of Edinburgh Advisor, and I have been thoroughly impressed by her dedication and organization. She has set an ambitious and inspiring range of goals to pursue through the program, reflecting both her determination and her curiosity to grow. Mara is an excellent candidate for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and I’m genuinely excited to continue supporting her journey and guiding her toward a successful final expedition at the end of the year.”
We are proud to spotlight Mara 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
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Anton
Spotlight On Our Student Anton
This week, we are proud to spotlight Anton, a remarkable young learner whose curiosity and creativity continue to shine across disciplines. From his outstanding academic achievements to his innovative scientific explorations, Anton exemplifies ISR’s spirit of excellence.
Anton joined ISR in 2019 and was recently awarded a Commendation in the 2025 John Locke Institute Junior Global Essay Prize, placing him among the top 1–3% of more than 63,000 participants from over 100 countries. This incredible accomplishment has further deepened his passion for writing and critical thinking.
At ISR’s Open House Science Fair, Anton also impressed our community with his extraordinary project exploring whether EEG brain signals can be used to fly a drone in real time. Using a consumer-grade brainwave-detecting headset, he successfully demonstrated that focus alone could control a drone’s flight.
Ms. Mitchell, Academic Head for Grades 7 & 8, shared:
“Anton’s project is a brilliant example of curiosity, innovation, and applied science in action. Congratulations, Anton, on this outstanding achievement!”
Mr. Kirk, Secondary School Science Coordinator, added:
“Anton presented an amazing and novel project in the 2025 Science Fair. His use of a device to measure brain activity to help a drone fly combined multiple areas of science, mathematics, and computer science. His presentation was clear, engaging, and easy for friends, parents, and teachers to understand.”
Anton’s passion for learning also shines in the classroom. Ms. Baker Jackson, his English teacher, notes:
“Anton has boundless energy in class and is proactive about his learning. He advocates for himself by asking great clarification questions during lessons.”
His former Elementary School teacher, Ms. Duenas, fondly recalls:
“I taught Anton in 2nd grade. He was always excellent at mathematics and eager to learn. He constantly had a smile on his face—and to this day, he still smiles and says hi whenever we cross paths.”
Furthermore, Anton is an excellent musician. Adding to his various interests and talents, Anton participated last school year in the 62nd Jugend musiziert Regional Competition in Neuss through our in-house music school, Musicbox Oxana. He achieved outstanding results in the cello category, earning first prize and qualifying for the state-level competition.
Anton’s achievements and curiosity exemplify the ISR Spirit and are a great testament to our motto of It’s cool to be good!
We are proud to spotlight Anton 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
