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!

Spotlight On Our Student Jun

This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our fifth-grader, Jun, who joined ISR in 2022.

Jun was nominated for the spotlight by her homeroom teacher, Ms. Codina, who praises her as follows: “Jun radiates energy, positivity, and happiness in everything she does. Her genuine love for learning creates a fun and engaging classroom environment for both students and teachers. She is playful and curious, always eager to explore new topics further or ask insightful questions to deepen her understanding. Jun works hard, consistently pushing herself to excel beyond her own expectations. She is the kind of student who brings me a sense of fulfillment and joy in my job, making me look forward to the joy of teaching and learning. She is a wonderful human being!”

Jun’s German teacher, Ms. Schmitz, adds, “Jun’s kindness and respect for others are truly evident. She always strives for perfection in everything she does, and her dedication and positive attitude make her a joy to have in German class.”

Ms. Barba, Jun’s English teacher, agrees, “Jun is hardworking, resilient, sweet, and kind. She consistently does her absolute best and is an amazing student.”

Ms. Morris, the Academic Head for grades 4 and 5, comments, “Jun is an incredibly bright and creative student. She always has a smile on her face and approaches new situations with curiosity and a genuine desire to learn. Jun is a fantastic student both in and out of the classroom, and we are proud to have her at ISR.”

Jun also excels in sports, impressing both her sports teacher, Ms. Racheva, and her football coach, Mr. Baumann. Ms. Racheva notes, “I have been teaching Jun since 2024 and am impressed by her eagerness and dedication to her sports lessons. She is always well-prepared, on time, follows instructions, and tries her very best. She is a wonderful person and a great team player—it’s a pleasure being her PE teacher.” Mr. Baumann adds, “Jun is part of our girls’ football team. She has a lot of will and perseverance and enjoys competing even with older students. Jun is always polite and shows great team spirit!”

We are proud to spotlight Jun 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 Cornell

This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our eleventh-grader, Cornell, who joined ISR in 2019. Cornell was nominated by our ISR Student Leadership Council (SLC) Advisor, Ms. McGee, who highlights his exceptional contributions.

Ms. McGee praises Cornell, saying, “As Deputy Head Prefect of the Student Leadership Council, Cornell has been invaluable. His dedication earned him this role, and we’re grateful for his skills this year.” She continues, “Cornell connects with everyone and has grown significantly in leadership and communication. He takes his responsibilities seriously, supporting our eight departments with attention to detail. Whether listening to ideas, organizing, or planning, he approaches every task with dedication. We’re delighted to have him inspire future SLC generations and look forward to seeing what the future holds.”

Mr. Urban, ISR’s CAS Coordinator, also commends Cornell: “He is a dedicated and hard-working student who consistently delivers. Cornell founded and leads the Debate Club and actively participates in History Club and Model United Nations, engaging in discussions on ethics, philosophy, current events, and world history.”

Mr. McGee, Cornell’s IB English teacher, adds, “Cornell is a true Renaissance man and the epitome of an IB learner. He excels in English, consistently improving his writing and demonstrating a remarkable command of vocabulary. What impresses me most is his genuine helpfulness; he offers empathetic advice and support to anyone who approaches him; and there is no doubt that it is good and useful advice!”

We are proud to spotlight Cornell 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 Abdulrazak

This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our third-grader, Abdulrazak, who joined ISR in 2024. His positive attitude and infectious enthusiasm have had a great impact on both his peers and teachers, inspiring a supportive and collaborative classroom environment.

Abdulrazak, affectionately known as ‘Abudi’ in class, was nominated for the Student Spotlight by his homeroom teacher, Ms. Vittin. She says, “Abudi is a bright and selfless learner, who genuinely loves learning. He is constantly helping others out and considering them in the classroom. Furthermore, Abudi is a wonderful partner, who is patient, and always takes the time to explain different concepts to people who need help. He is also more than willing to help out in the classroom, or to help other teachers and students outside of the classroom. Abudi strives to do his very best and always puts 110% into all the work he does. All in all, he is a role-model student, who is a true joy to have in class, well done!”

Mr. Nous, Abudi’s Sports teacher, adds, “Abudi is a friendly, sporty boy who clearly enjoys being active. He adjusted in the group quickly last year and is an appreciated member of the group.”

Abdulrazak’s ability to balance being a supportive classmate with his own academic pursuits is truly commendable. We are proud to have him as part of our ISR family and look forward to seeing his continued growth and achievements. He truly embodies our school motto: “It’s cool to be good!”

We are proud to spotlight Abdulrazak 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 Arjun

This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our seventh-grader, Arjun, who joined ISR in 2017. Since his arrival, Arjun has had many great accomplishments, recently winning the top prize in Germany for the Lion’s Club International Peace Poster Project. His teachers, both past and present, have shared glowing reflections on his talents and character.

Mr. Kirk, ISR’s Science Coordinator, says: “I have been impressed with Arjun’s contributions both within and outside the school. Arjun has produced multi-disciplinary work between science and computing, with his AI assistant “ISRBuddy”. The project was excellent and was entered into the jugend forscht competition where his efforts were recognized with a trophy in the “special curious researcher” category.”

Dr. Mitchell, Academic Head for Grades 7 and 8, adds: “Arjun is quiet, kind, and talented and we are always impressed with his motivation to participate in extracurricular competitions such as the Jugend forscht and the Lions Club International Peace Poster Project.”

Ms. Freise, Arjun’s former English teacher, says, “Arjun is a bright and talented student with a wonderful curiosity for learning. He is highly articulate and impresses with his ability to communicate in multiple languages. His love for reading is evident, and he often shares insightful thoughts and ideas. Arjun’s artistic talent shines through in his creative work, and his keen sense of humor brings joy to those around him. He is always polite and respectful, making him a valued member of the class. It is a joy to teach Arjun.”

Ms. Morris, ISR’s Academic Coordinator for Grades 4 and 5, adds, “Arjun has always been an excellent student. I was particularly impressed by his coding project at this year’s science fair during ISR Open House, where he created a chatbot to share information about ISR. His creativity also shone in his prize-winning entry for the Peace Poster project. Arjun’s talents and wonderful personality always shine through, and I am proud to see everything he is accomplishing!”

And finally, Arjun’s former Kindergarten teacher, Ms. Fatscher (née Ramirez), remembers him fondly saying, “Arjun was in my kindergarten class. I will always remember his kind spirit and positive attitude. When he faced challenges, he kept trying! He always wanted to do his best and showed compassion to others. His playful nature brought great ideas to life! Seeing him now still brings a big smile to my face when I hear him say, ‘Hi Mrs. Ramirez!”

We are proud to spotlight Arjun 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 Joan

This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our fifth-grader, Joan, who joined ISR in 2022. From the time she arrived, Joan demonstrated an eagerness to learn and a passion for excelling in all areas of her education.

Joan was nominated for the Student Spotlight by her Music teacher, Ms. Bucher. She says, “Joan is consistently at the top of her class in Music. She takes every assignment seriously – whether Music theory or composition or performing. Since joining ISR, Joan has made remarkable progress in her English skills. She soaked up every word her teachers and classmates shared, listening intently and observing closely, which allowed her to advance quickly. It’s wonderful to see what a confident learner and active participant Joan has become.  She’s so intelligent, hardworking, kind, and has a good sense of humor!

Joan has also impressed her homeroom teacher, Ms. Schmidt. She explains, “Joan displays all the attributes of an exemplary student. She is a positive and enthusiastic person who always gives her best efforts. Joan is kind and considerate, she is a wonderful friend and always willing to help out her fellow classmates.  Her willingness to participate and learn make her an asset during classroom discussions and group work activities. Joan enjoys creative aspects of school life and shows great talent all round.”

In addition to excelling in Music, Joan’s rapid improvement in English highlights her determination and ability to adapt quickly. Her enthusiasm for learning, paired with her kindness and teamwork skills, makes her a role model for her peers.

We are proud to spotlight Joan 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 Zach

This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our seventh-grader, Zach, who joined ISR in 2018 and has been a valued member of our school community ever since.

Zach was nominated for the Student Spotlight by his Social Studies teacher, Dr. Mitchell, who has been consistently impressed with his performance in her class. She says, “Zach is very excited about Social Studies and expresses a lot of interesting ideas about the topics in the course. He knows a lot about history and finds it engaging.  He is always trying to perfect his written work and build good arguments. We look forward to seeing him excel in the future!”

Ms. Freise, Zach’s sixth-grade English teacher, has fond memories of her former student. She says, “Zach is a lively and engaging student who brings great energy to the classroom. His creativity and sense of humor make him enjoyable in class. He has a natural ability to express ideas in an interesting way. He is talkative and always eager to participate in discussions, which adds to the dynamic of the class. Zach is a pleasure to teach, and I look forward to seeing his continued growth.”

Zach also made a lasting impression on Ms. Morris, our Academic Head for Grades 4 and 5, when he joined ISR. She says, “I met Zach when he started at ISR in 2018, and his enthusiasm for learning was present from the start. Zach has a brilliant mind, and his unique perspectives always added to our class conversations. His personality and huge smile continue to light up any room he enters, and his kindness and willingness to help others embody our motto, “It’s cool to be good!”

Zach’s enthusiasm for learning, creativity, and ability to inspire those around him with his positivity and unique perspectives truly sets him apart.

We are proud to spotlight Zach 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 George

This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our ninth-grader, George, who joined ISR at the start of the current school year. According to his teachers, George exemplifies a strong work ethic, consistently demonstrates polite and respectful behavior, and approaches learning with curiosity and enthusiasm.

George was nominated for the Spotlight by the Academic Head of Grades 9 – 10, Mr. Kheir, who shares, “George joined ISR this year and has demonstrated remarkable dedication and effort in his academic journey to reach his current level of achievement. He is highly motivated, committed to his studies, and consistently displays a polite and respectful demeanor”.

Mr. O’Brien, George’s Science teacher echoes this praise, stating, “George has worked extremely hard this year and demonstrated great maturity and determination in improving his science grades. Keep up the great work!”

George’s Computing teacher, Mr. Ellis, also commends his efforts: “In Computing, George has made great strides with his work ethic and commitment in our computing class. He has also demonstrated a proactive attitude and commitment to learning that has distinguished him from others. George has a genuine interest in computing and frequently asks questions to deepen his understanding of complex topics, always contributing actively to the discussion.

George’s dedication and positive attitude reflect the values we strive to cultivate at ISR.

We are proud to spotlight George 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 Kaylee

This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our eighth-grader, Kaylee, who joined ISR in 2021. Kaylee consistently exemplifies leadership, collaboration, and a dedication to fostering a supportive and collaborative atmosphere for her peers.

Mr. Nisic, Kaylee’s Mathematics teacher nominated her for the Spotlight, saying, “Kaylee is not just a great student she is a remarkable leader and an even better person. Throughout her time in my class, she consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of mathematics, but what truly set her apart was her willingness to help others. Whether explaining a tricky concept to a classmate or offering encouragement during challenging lessons, she always stepped up to support those around her. Her ability to lead with kindness and patience made a significant impact on the classroom dynamic, creating an environment where everyone felt comfortable learning. Kaylee’s dedication to both her own growth and the success of her peers is something I deeply admire, and I have no doubt that her leadership skills will take her far in life”.

Kaylee has also impressed Ms. McGee, her Social Studies teacher, who also works with her in Model UN. Ms. McGee says, “Kaylee is a wonderful student to work with. She not only enjoys our social studies curriculum but also stands out as a curious, engaged, and kind individual. Through class discussions, it’s clear that she is eager to learn across all subjects and continuously seeks ways to improve her skills. In Junior MUN, she actively works on developing her leadership abilities, bringing thoughtfulness and enthusiasm to our research, collaboration, and debates.  I am very proud of her!”

Ms. Welz, Kaylee’s German teacher cheerfully adds, “Kaylee is a joy to work with. She is always motivated, focused, prepared for class, and ready to learn. Kaylee has a positive attitude towards learning and demonstrates maturity beyond her years. In class, she regularly participates in discussions, she gets along well with others, and she demonstrates a strong interest in improving her German.”

We are proud to spotlight Kaylee 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 Vivian

This week, we are excited to shine the spotlight on our fifth-grader, Vivian, a student who exemplifies creativity, curiosity, and dedication. Since joining ISR in 2021, Vivian has become a valued member of our school community, known for her enthusiasm for learning and her remarkable talents. Most recently, she was recognized for her exceptional writing skills and intellectual curiosity, earning a Commendation Award for her essay submission to the prestigious John Locke Institute’s Junior Essay Writing Competition. 

Vivian was nominated for the Student Spotlight by her second-grade teacher, Ms. Duenas, who worked closely with Vivian on her essay submission. Reflecting on this achievement, Ms. Duenas shares: “I am thrilled to recognize Vivian, a standout writer and curious thinker, for her recent achievement. She received a Commendation Award for her great effort. Vivian has always exhibited a passion for writing, and we are proud to share that she submitted an essay to the prestigious John Locke Institute’s Junior Essay Writing Competition. Her essay, titled ‘Is There Life After Death?’, explores profound philosophical questions with maturity and insight beyond her years.” 

Vivian took the initiative to submit her essay independently, with support from Ms. Duenas and Ms. Sayers. Her dedication to both her craft and intellectual growth is truly inspiring and reflects her commitment to excellence. 

Vivian’s current homeroom teacher, Ms. Codina, echoes these sentiments, saying: 

“Vivian is the kind of student who views every challenge as an opportunity, every new topic as an adventure, and every new skill or task as a chance to exceed expectations. She is witty, often making clever jokes far beyond her years. She is a beautiful writer, creating stories with vivid imagery that transports the reader to new worlds. 

She is respectful, kind, and always behaves as a role model to her peers. Her maturity and intelligence are commendable, and I believe Vivian will accomplish great things in her future.” 

We wholeheartedly congratulate Vivian on her hard work and encourage her to continue pursuing her passion for writing and critical thinking. Her achievements so far are just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary journey! 

We are proud to spotlight Vivian 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!