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!

Spotlight On Our Student Ayssan

This week, we are proud to spotlight our twelfth grader, Ayssan, who joined ISR in 2011. She became part of our community in kindergarten and is now in Grade 12, preparing to Graduate in June!

Ayssan was nominated for the Spotlight by her English teacher, Ms. McGowan, who shares:

“Ayssan is an outstanding English student, and it has been an absolute pleasure teaching her over the last two years. I am always impressed by her enthusiasm, curiosity, and dedication to her studies, and I have loved seeing the progress this positive attitude has brought about.  Ayssan’s excellence extends far beyond her academic achievements – she is consistently thoughtful and respectful in her interactions with staff and peers. Her ability to balance intellectual rigor with personal integrity truly sets her apart. She is a remarkable student with an amazingly bright future ahead of her!”

Her Grade 12 Homeroom teacher, Mr. O’Brien, adds:

“Ayssan personifies the ISR ethos in both her attitude and actions. She is an independent learner who takes responsibility for her own work and always strives to do her best.”

Ms. Ghica, Ayssan’s former Kindergarten and Grade 1 teacher, fondly recalls:

“I still remember Ayssan as a bright and cheerful student, always ready with a witty comment or an infectious laugh that could light up the entire room. Even back then, her bubbly personality made her a joy to teach, and it’s been incredible to watch her grow into the remarkable young woman she is today. While she has always been full of energy and fun, Ayssan has also shown deep commitment to her studies, approaching every challenge with focus and determination. Seeing her now as a Grade 12 student – still radiating positivity, yet mature, driven, and academically dedicated – fills me with pride. Ayssan truly has an amazing personality that inspires everyone around her!”

Ms. Racheva, Ayssan’s PE teacher, shared her perspective:

“Ayssan has been an exceptional member of our school community since her Kindergarten years. Having witnessed her growth and development, I can confidently say that she embodies the very best qualities of a dedicated, disciplined, and well-rounded student. Her curiosity, motivation, and commitment to excellence make her a standout learner in every classroom. She approaches challenges with positivity and always strives for the highest standards. As her Physical Education teacher, I have had the privilege of observing her remarkable enthusiasm in sports – she consistently demonstrates teamwork, sportsmanship, and determination, while treating others with respect. Throughout her years at ISR, Ayssan has shown integrity, kindness, and a genuine passion for learning and personal growth. I have no doubt she will continue to achieve great success in all her future endeavors”.

Her Elementary School Music teacher, Ms. Bucher, recalls:

“I first met Ayssan when she was just a little girl in kindergarten and had the pleasure of teaching her Music through Grade 4. Ayssan will always hold a special place in my heart. Even as a young child, she was confident and strong willed – qualities that have served her extremely well, as reflected in her academic accomplishments throughout her ISR career. I have always known her as intelligent, well-spoken, hardworking, and polite. She’s going places! I can hardly believe she is already in Grade 12!”

Ms. Megal, Ayssan’s Spanish teacher, adds:

“I have known Ayssan since Grade 6, when she first began learning Spanish with remarkable dedication. From those early days of curiosity and hard work, she has grown into a confident communicator who now writes her IB Extended Essay entirely in Spanish – quite an achievement!

Over the years, she has consistently shown herself to be a committed, responsible, and incredibly hardworking student. What truly sets her apart, though, is her wonderful sense of humour, which brightens every class, perfectly balanced with her strong sense of responsibility. Watching her journey has been both inspiring and delightful!”

The Head of the Spanish Department, Ms. Hautz, agrees:

“I have known Ayssan since Grade 6. She has always had an inquisitive, kind, and bright mind. It’s a privilege to have her in my IB course. Her presentations are well researched and often focus on humanitarian and ecological issues. Ayssan is a mature, responsible, caring, empathic, and lively young lady.”

Ms. Freise, who taught Ayssan in earlier years, remembers:

“I had Ayssan many years ago in cover classes and always remember her being kind and friendly. She is an amazing writer and an all-around great student! It was always a pleasure to have her in class!”

Ayssan’s IB Chemistry teacher, Dr. Ouaket, says:

“I have had the pleasure of teaching Ayssan this year and last year in Grade 11. I truly enjoy having her in class – she consistently demonstrates an excellent balance between hard work and a great sense of humor. In IB Chemistry, she shows outstanding dedication and curiosity, always striving to do her best while maintaining a positive and engaging attitude.”

Finally, Dr. McGee, who teaches History and English and serves as TOK Coordinator, reflects:

“Ayssan is one of the most creative thinkers I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Though I haven’t taught her since grade 9, her name always comes up in team meetings as a student who offers insights her teachers had not anticipated.

This creativity and nuance of thought were clearly on display during the recent TOK Exhibition.  Her imaginative response to the question “What counts as knowledge?” was one of the highlights of the event and sparked many conversations among Grade 11 students.  Next time you see her, ask her about Katzi.  You might find her answer very enlightening!”

We are proud to spotlight Ayssan 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!

Spotlight On Our Student Zoe

This week, we are proud to spotlight our eighth grader, Zoe, who joined ISR in 2020. Since her arrival, Zoe has consistently impressed teachers and peers alike with her resilience, dedication, and remarkable growth both academically and personally.

Zoe’s homeroom teacher, Ms. Chroni, shares, “Zoe is an outstanding student. I had the pleasure of being her Math and Homeroom teacher for two years, during which she consistently demonstrated focus, humility, and a strong work ethic. She asks thoughtful questions in a respectful manner and expresses herself with exceptional clarity and confidence.”

Ms. Ghica, Academic Head for Grades 2 & 3, writes, “I’ve had the privilege of knowing Zoe since she was in Grade 3, when she and her twin sister first joined us all the way from Great Britain. I still remember her first year—she had to navigate the challenges of joining a new school community right in the middle of Covid. That wasn’t easy.

At first, Zoe was a little shy, but her resilience, determination, and strong academic skills quickly began to shine through. She has grown into a confident young person who continues to inspire others with her quiet strength and her commitment to excellence.

Zoe, we are so proud of you and the amazing journey you’ve taken here at ISR. Keep shining—you’re a true example of perseverance and growth!”

Ms. Freise, Zoe’s sixth grade teacher shares, “I taught Zoe in Grade 6. She was very inquisitive and always up for a challenge. She is very smart and studies a lot. It was always a pleasure to have Zoe in class.”

Zoe’s Music teacher, Dr. Perez, adds, “When I first met Zoe in Music class a couple of years ago, she was very open about the fact that Music was not her favorite subject. Despite this, she has excelled academically in every activity and assessment. Zoe is always respectful, well-prepared, attentive, and engaged – asking thoughtful questions and offering insightful answers. She also brings a wonderful sense of humor that brightens the classroom. She is simply a joy to teach!”

Ms. Racheva, Zoe’s Sports teacher, adds, “I have had the pleasure of working with Zoe for the last few years and I can confidently say she is an outstanding student. She demonstrates exceptional dedication to her studies, consistently producing high-quality work that reflects both critical thinking and creativity. In addition to her academic excellence, she brings a positive and enthusiastic attitude to PE lessons. She always participates with energy, encourages her classmates, and shows great sportsmanship. Her cooperative spirit and determination make her not only a strong student but also a valued team player. With her intelligence, discipline, and positivity, I am certain that Zoe will continue to achieve great success in any academic or personal endeavours she pursues.”

We are proud to spotlight Zoe 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!

Spotlight On Our Student Alessandro

This week, we are proud to spotlight our fifth-grader, Alessandro, who joined ISR in 2019. He was enthusiastically nominated for the Student Spotlight by his music teacher, Ms. Bücher. She writes:

“I’ve had the pleasure of teaching Alessandro since 1st grade! For as long as I’ve known him, he has consistently brought wonderful effort and enthusiasm to every lesson. He is both ambitious and curious, paying close attention regardless of the topic and contributing thoughtful, well-synthesized responses. Alessandro approaches learning with a positive attitude and a great sense of humor, and his wit makes him a joy to have in class. He is also highly respected by his classmates, reflecting his kind and engaging nature.”

Alessandro’s homeroom teacher, Mr. Freise, also has great things to say about him:

“Alessandro is an excellent choice for the Student Spotlight. He brings energy, humor, and discipline to every lesson and is such a joy to have in class. He is the youngest of three siblings at ISR—his older brother Mathias graduates this year, and his middle brother Nicolo is currently in Secondary School. They are a wonderful family. Outside the classroom, Alessandro is also an accomplished ice hockey player, traveling to compete with his club, and he is a devoted Chicago Blackhawks fan!”

Mr. Prestel, Alessandro’s PE teacher, continues:

“From the start of the school year, Alessandro has impressed in PE with his skill, enthusiasm, and positive attitude. A natural leader, he supports his teammates, encourages collaboration, and makes everyone feel included. Fully engaged in every activity—from warm-ups to demonstrations—he shows remarkable commitment and energy. Alessandro’s dedication and spirit make him a joy to teach and a true example of our school motto: It’s Cool to Be Good!”

Alessandro’s drama teacher, Ms. Bennet, adds:

“Alessandro brings fantastic energy to our Theatre lessons. He eagerly embraces new challenges and approaches every activity with curiosity and enthusiasm. Always supportive of his peers, he contributes generously to the spirit of teamwork and ensemble. Alessandro is truly a joy to teach.”

Ms. Freise, who occasionally covers Alessandro’s class, also shares:

“Alessandro is a kind and pleasant student who actively participates and is always willing to help. His sense of humor and positive attitude bring great energy to the classroom, and he truly adds value to his class community.”

Alessandro has been a part of our ISR Community since joining our Kindergarten. Ms. Vrem, the Head of Kindergarten, remembers:

“Alessandro was always smiling, quick-witted, and caring. He made friends quickly, and his teachers truly enjoyed having him in their group.”

Finally, Ms. Mihailescu, who was a teaching assistant in Alessandro’s kindergarten class, recalls:

“Alessandro was a little bundle of energy and life. Always smiling, open, and cheerful, he quickly became the heart of the group—a communicative, friendly child who brought joy to everyone around him. It was a true pleasure to have him nearby, a little embodiment of our motto ‘It’s Cool to Be Good!’—always eager to learn and share. Now, in fifth grade, I hope he continues to carry that same energy and kindness that make him so special.”

We are proud to spotlight Alessandro 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!

Spotlight On Our Student Valentina

This week, we are proud to spotlight our second grader, Valentina, who joined ISR in 2024. She was warmly nominated for the Student Spotlight by her homeroom teacher, Ms. Hartmann, who shares:

“Valentina joined ISR last year and has been a dedicated, hardworking learner. She begins each school day with a big smile and a positive attitude. Every day, she gives her best. Whenever Valentina encounters a difficulty, she tries even harder. She truly embodies our ISR guiding principle: ‘We enable great minds and strong characters.’ I can’t wait to see her thrive this school year.”

Valentina also made a lasting impression on her first-grade teacher, Mr. Noomen, who recalls:

“Valentina joined ISR late last year, which was a big challenge, as she suddenly found herself in a school where almost all lessons are taught in English. Despite these adjustments, she came to school each day in a very good mood. She always tried her best during lessons and was self-reflective in every subject. It was a pleasure to work with her.”

Her English teacher, Ms. Barba, supports these impressions, adding:

“Valentina is hardworking, kind, and always willing to help others. She truly embodies our ISR motto: ‘It’s Cool to be Good’, and it has been amazing having her in my lessons.”

Finally, Ms. Vrem, the Academic Coordinator for Kindergarten and Grade 1, shares:

“Valentina is a bright-eyed, hardworking student who is always positive in her interactions with peers and teachers.”

We are proud to spotlight Valentina 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!

Spotlight On Our Student Ramin

This week, we are proud to spotlight our eleventh-grader, Ramin, who joined ISR in 2019.

Ramin was highly recommended for the Student Spotlight by his homeroom teacher, Dr. McGee, who shares:

“I have taught Ramin for 3 years now, he has always been a wonderful student to have in class, and I am impressed with his growth and the maturity he is showing at the start of this year.  In class, he stands out as one of the most outstanding presenters, always well-prepared and confident, often adding his own signature humor to engage his peers. He is studious and eager to improve, never hesitating to ask questions that benefit the whole class. And, I must add, he does some of the best teacher impressions I’ve heard!”

Ramin’s former Grade 6 teacher, Ms. Freise, also added some kind words:

“Ramin has made tremendous progress since joining ISR. He is a kind and considerate student who has grown personally and academically. His English skills have improved greatly, and he continues to work hard in class. Ramin’s positive attitude and dedication are truly commendable, and I look forward to seeing his continued success.”

His current Business teacher, Ms. van Rhee, echoed these sentiments, saying:

“Ramin is very kind and always contributes positive input in the classroom. It is a pleasure having him as a student.”

We are proud to spotlight Ramin 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!