CAMPUS NEWS
AWTY STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN THE 12TH ANNUAL DRAGON BOAT REGATTA
Three Awty teams participated in The 12th Annual Gulf Coast International Dragon Boat Regatta on Saturday, November 1. Every team raced three times including the finals. The students had a good workout and lots of fun! The Dragon Boat race required tremendous team collaboration and hard work. In our book, all of the paddlers and drummers are Gold medal winners!
Three divisions were fighting for the top...
- Division 3 (U-Mix): Awty's Blazing Dragons came in 3rd with a Bronze Medal with a time of 1:25.38. Their first race started with a time of 1:37.02, the second race followed with a time of 1:21.87. They improved during the day by 16 seconds. Well done!
- Division 2 (U-18): Water Warriors' first race was timed at 1:24.36, the second at 1:19.46 and their finale time was 1:19.27, improving with each race. They were honored with a 2nd place plaque during the awards ceremony. Good Job!
- Division 1: The Rowing Rams won their first heat with a time of 1:22.75, and their second heat improved to 1:18.17. In the finale their time of 1:16.56 (last year 1:17.87) was defeated by the Chinese Youth Society with a furious 1:11.38 in a photo finish followed by Dulles HS team I with 1:12.58. This race was faster than many of the adult races. A lot of Rowing Ram team members had to leave before the final race in order to make their deadlines and prepare for tests the following week, so parents jumped in to help out (and were probably slowing the boat down). Many thanks to all of the Seniors who came out despite a week full of exams.
Many thanks to the APPA, Rams Booster Club, and all of the parent volunteers who organized this great event and came out to cheer on the Awty teams.
Photos courtesy of Mrs. Barbara Schmidt.
FALL FUN FESTIVAL
Despite a postponement and the threat of inclement weather, students from around the globe and their families had a ghoulishly good time at this year's Fall Fun Festival on November 7. They enjoyed silly games, wild rides, good music, and delicious food.
Awty’s playing field was transformed into a one-of-a-kind festival, featuring carnival rides, ultra slides, games, arts and crafts, face painting, a petting zoo, and one scary haunted house. The event was packed with many tricks and treats.
A heartfelt thank you to the Fall Fun Festival Chairs Patti Gil, Talia Kallop, and Joanna Strachan for organizing such a SPOOKtacular event. This incredible event would not have been possible without their dedication, energy, enthusiasm, and hard work!
Many thanks to all the amazing faculty, staff, student, and parent volunteers who helped with the booths, haunted house, decorations, wristband/ticket sales, set up and clean up, and more. Special thanks to Chef Tim Morgan and the entire Sage Dining Staff for creating and serving such a delicious lunch, as well as Don Davis, Maritza Ramos, and the entire Awty maintenance crew and security team for making the event possible. A very special THANK YOU to Blessing Utomi and the entire Art Club for creating a wonderfully scary haunted house! A BIG thank you to Monica Fulton who helped recruit and organize the parent and student volunteers, and to Sophie Zimmerman and Sandrine Villert for putting together the Flashmob!
Finally, kudos to all of our event sponsors! We are particularly grateful to our main sponsors, Phoenicia Specialty Foods and Meredith Philipp-Tcholakian for their unwavering generosity. Many thanks also to Central Market/HEB, Whole Foods, Panera Bread, Costco, and Trader Joe's for their support.
Thank you for making this a fun, festive, and memorable day for our Awty families.
AWTY STUDENTS TAKE CHINESE COOKING CLASS
In November, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students taking Chinese in the French section took a field trip to the Campbell Learning Center where they learned how to make Chinese dumplings. Using wheat flour and water, the students did a great job wrapping the dumplings. After some practice, they made a delicious dumpling plate. They also learned how to make the Chinese desert Mochi-Rice Cake. Overall, the students had a lot of fun learning Chinese cooking, and some students even said they would make dumplings for their parents.
LOWER SCHOOL 2015-2016 PERFORMANCES BEGIN WITH TWO STELLAR SHOWS
The Lower School Choir and Ensemble's Fall Concert and the 3rd Grade/CE2 Show kicked off the Lower School musical performances for the 2015-2016 school year.
On November 4, the Lower School Choir and Ensemble presented a Fall Concert to family and friends. Under the direction of music teacher Lori Wagner, the Lower School Choir performed three songs including Rise Up, O Flame, Jamais On N’a Vu, and Alexander’s Ragtime Band/Come Hear the Band. The Lower School Ensemble also performed three songs including Crunchy, Crunchy, Crunchy, Bambamukota (The Grasshopper), and Mbira Jam. Both groups performed together to close the show with their rendition of the American folk song All the Pretty Little Horses.
A special thank you goes to Zulfia Finigan for accompanying the student performers on piano during the concert. Thanks also to Language Assistant Misael Perez.
Next, the 3rd Grade/CE2 students, under the direction of music teachers Lori Wagner and Arnaud Renard, showcased songs from around the world during their performance of A Singing World on November 18.
The students, who wore their national dress during the show, performed six songs including Dízzy’s Bag (American Jazz), Douce France, Der Frölicher Wanderer (German song), Sakura (Japanese traditional song), Maori Medley (New Zealand Folksongs), and A Whole New World.
A special thank you goes to Upper School students Maxim Gurevich, Roni Midyat, and Dominic Zambonini for accompanying the 3rd graders during their performance.
8TH ANNUAL SAINT ARNOLD'S BASH
More than 150 Awty parents, staff, and faculty kicked up their heels at the 8th Annual Saint Arnold's Bash, which was hosted by the Awty Dads' Club on Saturday, November 7, 2015.
Guests enjoyed delicious Texas barbeque catered by Demeris Bar-B-Q, refreshing and flavorful Saint Arnold beer, upbeat tunes spun by DJ R Cole, and great conversation among friends.
Many thanks to Jay Kalra, Ray Drexler, Mark Smithard, and the entire Awty Dads' Club for organizing another great event.
2015 HOMECOMING / SPIRIT WEEK
Awty kicked off Homecoming Week 2015 with everyone's favorite day, Pajama Day. Students, faculty, and staff got the chance to "Put the Wildcats to Sleep" by wearing their favorite pajamas to school.
Homecoming Week 2015 continued on Tuesday with Pick A Player Day! Students, faculty, and staff had the chance to dress as their favorite athlete. Several teachers and staff members showed their support of the girls varsity soccer team by wearing pink T-shirts that showcased the Awty ram logo and each player's name.
Students, faculty, and staff then got into a "Green and Gold State of Mind" on Wednesday during Homecoming Week as they rocked this year's Homecoming T-shirts!
It was a bright sight to see on Thursday during Homecoming Week as students, faculty, and staff dressed from head to toe in neon colors for Neon Day!
The Awty Spirit was alive and well on Friday as students, faculty, and staff proudly wore the school colors for Green and Gold Day! The day's festivities began with the annual Homecoming Pep Rally!
The highlight of the Pep Rally was the introduction of the new ram mascot Rambo. Rambo and some of his favorite friends stole the show with their dance moves.
At the end of the school day, Upper School students were invited to attend a special Homecoming Pep Rally just for them. Awty's Drum Line entertained students in the Quad as they made their way into the PAAC. Several students participated in silly games and contests and the Awty Cheerleaders led the crowd in a number of cheers before they headed over to the stadium for the soccer games.
For the first time, Awty hosted a double header at Homecoming. Both the Varsity Girls and the Varsity Boys Soccer Teams took on the Westbury Wildcats. The girls played first and walked away with a 6-0 victory over the Wildcats.
The boys game followed and the Awty Rams swept the Wildcats with a 10-0 shutout.
At halftime during the boys game, the 2015 Homecoming Court was announced, where senior Catherine Ohrt was crowned Homecoming Queen and Antoine Biebuyck was selected as the Homecoming King. Awty’s 2015 Homecoming Court also included Sandra Georges as 9th grade Princess and Spencer Talbot as 9th Grade Prince. In 10th grade, two Princesses were named including Amelia Ward and Kara Fields. Blessing Utami was selected as the 10th grade Prince. In 11th grade, Ines Rousett was named the Princess and Jason Rehg was selected as the Prince.
FALL CHOIR CONCERT
The Awty Music Department presented the 2015 Fall Choir Performance on November 11 under the direction of Choir Director Rob Dee.
The Middle School Choir opened the show with Petit Enfant, featuring Maxim Gurevich on flute. The Middle School and 6th Grade Choirs followed with Something Told the Wild Geese. Then the 6th and 8th Grade Choirs sang Silence and the Song and Blue Skies. Soloists Nolan Kelly, Ashling Devins, and Kiera O'Reardon were featured during the 9th and 10th Grade Choirs' performance of You've Got a Friend. The Madrigals followed with Sixteen Tons. The Awty Singers then performed Song for the Mira, featuring soloists Lou Abecassis, Amelie Roberts, Ashling Devins, and Claire Buehler, as well as Adam Ali on violin. All of the choir groups joined together to close the show with Seasons of Love (Rent), featuring soloists Cameron Ahmed, Aiden Devins, and Ashling Devins.
A special thank you to Hui Shan Chin (accompanist), Awty's Facilities and Maintenance Department, and the Fine Arts Booster Club.
AVEC PARIS, DE TOUT CΠUR / TO PARIS, WITH LOVE
Suite aux attentats du 13 novembre dernier, des élèves d’Awty envoient des vœux de solidarité aux élèves parisiens
Les classes de français en langue étrangère de Madame Carré (de la 6e à la Seconde) ont réalisé des cartes de vœux et de soutien, pour les élèves du Lycée St Dominique de Neuilly (région parisienne). Ces cartes ont été le moyen pour nos élèves de faire face devant cette tragédie et d’y réagir, tout en gardant l’esprit positif et l’espoir intacte. Les cartes sont arrivées à Paris à la fin novembre : les destinataires étaient heureux de les recevoir, avec la photo de leurs artistes-expéditeurs. Les lycéens parisiens ont été très touchés par ces messages de solidarité et de sympathie. READ MORE>>
Awty classes reach out to Parisian students after the terrorist attacks on November 13
Madame Carré’s Middle and Upper School French language classes made and sent personal greeting cards to reach out to students of Lycée St. Dominique in Neuilly (Paris region), France. It was a way to help her students process the tragic events, and react to them in a hopeful and positive way. The cards arrived in Paris in late November; the students there were excited to receive the cards, along with a picture of their creators, and were touched by the gesture of kindness and support. READ MORE>>
EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKET A GREAT SUCCESS!
On behalf of The Awty International School, the 2016 Gala Committee would like to thank everyone who visited the European Christmas Market on November 18-19 and purchased some of the delicious French food items and lovely kitchen accessories.
Thanks to the generosity of The French Farm and the hard work of Awty moms Genoveva Jeanneret, Florence Shaw, and Lorraine Talbot, the market raised over $7,000 for the school and will support the Awty's 2016 Gala, C’est Paris!
We appreciate your support, and hope you will join us for the main event at Hilton Americas on Saturday, March 12, 2016. For more information about the gala, click here.
ASTRONAUT JEAN-LOUP CHRÉTIEN VISITS AWTY!
Un rêve d’étoiles pour les élèves de l’école Internationale Awty avec l’astronaute Jean-Loup Chrétien
Né en 1938, Jean-Loup Chrétien est le premier astronaute français et de l’Europe de l’ouest qui a voyagé dans l’espace. Les élèves de 1ère S et de 2nde de l’école Internationale Awty ont eu la grande chance de pouvoir rencontrer ce fabuleux invité mercredi 18 novembre dans la bibliothèque Sarofim de l’école, rencontre facilitée par la chambre Franco-Américaine de Commerce de Houston.
READ MORE >>
A Dream of Stars for Awty International School Students with Astronaut Jean-Loup Chrétien
Jean-Loup Chrétien, born in 1938, is the first French and Western European astronaut to travel in space. Eleventh S and 10th grade students at Awty had the good fortune to be able to meet this fabulous guest on November 18 in the school’s Sarofim Library, an encounter that was facilitated by Houston’s French-American Chamber of Commerce. READ MORE >>
A THANKSGIVING FEAST!
Both the Preschool and Lower School students celebrated the traditional culture of the American Thanksgiving on Friday, November 20, 2015. The Preschool students prepared food with their class and then shared their food at a Thanksgiving feast with the other classes in their grade. In Lower School, the parent volunteers wore Native American headbands and helped serve lunch to the students while they were entertained by a group of “local actors”. Mrs. Cintra Horn, Mr. Stephen Scott, Mrs. Hedy Mankarios, Ms. Colette McWilliams, Mrs. Penny Cleveland, and Mr. DeMario Pate performed a short skit to teach the students about the first Thanksgiving between the Pilgrims and Native Americans. Getting into the spirit of Thanksgiving, Mrs. Vanitta Clarke-Douglas and her 3rd grade students also dressed as Pilgrims during the day.
Thanksgiving is an annual holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November. Even though the “First Thanksgiving” was celebrated by the Pilgrims with the Native Americans after their first harvest in the New World in 1621, it did not become an official holiday until President Abraham Lincoln issued his Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1863 creating a national day of thanksgiving. For many, Thanksgiving is a day to spend quality time with family and friends, and it is a time to give thanks for each other and for all of life’s blessings.
HISPANIC HERITAGE CELEBRATED AT AWTY
During the month of November, Awty's Spanish Department celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month through various student activities. On November 20, the month culminated with a special presentation by Solero Flamenco for students in 9th, 10th, and 11th grades.
Solero Flamenco specializes in engaging students by having them participate in Flamenco singing and dancing. During their performance at Awty, several students including Ruben Backx, Alejandra Gerlach, Nolan Kelly, Emily Niemer, Valeria Perez, and Griffin Wilkins volunteered and joined the group on stage. Spanish teachers Javi Marin and Renata Bevilacqua also joined the Flamenco group on stage and showed off their dance moves. This presentation was part of the Spanish Department's efforts to offer non-academic activities, from which students can also benefit from learning through a non-traditional teaching environment.
AWTY'S ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
The Awty International School kicked off the holiday season with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 4, where students, staff, and faculty were entertained by the Lower School Choir, Middle School Choir, Madrigals, Awty Singers, Dance Ensemble, Orchestra, and Band.
Everyone in attendance sang along to holiday classics including We Wish You a Merry Christmas and Feliz Navidad. Santa even made a special appearance during the ceremony, delighting students both young and old.
Keeping with tradition, the students who have been at Awty the longest and the student who has attended Awty the shortest amount of time were honored with lighting Awty’s Christmas tree during the event. This year, the honor went to ten students. Nine seniors including Sydney Arceneaux, Connor Grace, Alexandra Guirette-Hentschel, Joel Izzedin, Charlie Meacham, Christina Moreno, Matias Preti, Julien Ruzzo, and Cristabella Wolff began attending Awty as preschoolers in 2001 and have all been at Awty the longest. Romane Laumet, a PS student, is the youngest student and the newest student. These students were joined by Sam Waugh (the employee who has worked at Awty the longest), Fanny Franchitti (the employee who has been at Awty the shortest amount of time), Head of School Lisa Darling, Proviseure Christine Chourré, and Santa Claus in lighting the tree.
Awty would like to extend a BIG thank you to Robert Dee for producing the event. Many thanks also to Jason Peguero, Sina Thompson, Lori Wagner, and Stephanie Sermas for providing the entertainment. Special thanks goes to Steve Willhelm and James Tubb for setting up the screens and projectors, to Becky Johnson for decorating the tree, and to the maintenance crew for setting up the PAAC.
LOWER SCHOOL SPELLING BEE
Students in 4th grade/CM1 and 5th grade/CM2 competed in the annual Lower School Spelling Bee on Tuesday, December 8, 2015. In 5th grade/CM2, the winner was Paloma Villaseñor and the runner-up was Mercedes Matthews-Elston. Paloma won by correctly spelling sympathy in the final round.
Left to right: Mrs. Cintra Horn, Paloma Villaseñor, Mercedes Matthews-Elston, and Mrs. Mary Herendeen
In 4th grade/CM1, the winner was Larkin Helman and the runner-up was Roby Wood. Larkin won by correctly spelling tsunami during the final round.
Left to right: Roby Wood, Mrs. Mary Herendeen, Larkin Helman, and Mrs. Cintra Horn
All four students represented the Lower School when they competed in the Middle School Spelling Bee on Friday, January 7. Congratulations to all!
THIRD GRADERS BRING HISTORY TO LIFE
History was brought to life in the 3rd grade International classes on Thursday, December 10, 2015, when they hosted the Living Museum for friends and family.
The Living Museum was the culmination of the unit on Biographies. During this unit, each 3rd grader selected and researched a significant historical figure, one who made contributions to society and changed people’s lives. This unit taught the students how to perform research and take notes. They also learned characterization, oral speaking skills, timeline skills, and so much more.
During the Living Museum, each student dressed up as their chosen historical figure. Albert Einstein, Sam Houston, Grace Kelly, Malala Yousafzai, Steve Jobs, Lucille Ball, and Benjamin Franklin were just a few of the individuals represented at the Living Museum. Visitors could bring the characters to life and learn more about each character by pressing the “push me” button worn by each student, The students recited a short biography and interesting facts about their character, and then allowed for questions at the end of their monologue.
The Living Museum allowed the students to share the results of their research with family and friends in a fun way.
LOWER SCHOOL STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN HOUR OF CODE EVENT
Awty’s entire Lower School participated in The Hour of Code, the largest technology learning event in history, during Computer Science Education Week (December 7-13). Awty students took part in this event during their Computer Basics and Technology Projects class. They worked through self-guided tutorials with the supervision of the teacher, so each child was able to work at their own level and pace.
Computer science is a foundation for every student today; regardless of which field our students choose to go into as adults, their ability to succeed will increasingly hinge on understanding how technology works. Only a tiny fraction of today’s generation is learning computer science, and fewer students are studying it now than a decade ago. Awty’s participation in the Hour of Code event shows that Awty is ready to teach these foundational 21st century skills to its students.
UPPER SCHOOL THEATRE PRESENTED METAMORPHOSES
Under the direction of Martha Bawara, the Upper School Theatre students presented Metamorphoses, which was based on the myths of Ovid and written and originally directed by Mary Zimmerman, on December 10-12.
Director’s Notes:
A special show deserves a special cast and this was one of those shows. The challenge of Metamorphoses lies mainly in the 5,000 gallon pool that is the prominent set requirement. Not wanting to give up on Ms. Zimmerman’s breathtaking piece, I chose to follow a common alteration by exchanging water for fog. Rather than diminishing the production, this change highlighted the stories as the performance’s focal point – and what stories they are. The title of the play stems from the telling of Greek myths that contain transformation, some for the better, many for the worse. We are walked through some of the most classic myths including: Midas’ gold touch, Orpheus’ loss, and Eros’ deep love, with reminders of Pandora and Narcissus. In our interpretation, we concentrated on how easily people get caught in the monotony of a mundane reality, living a cyclical existence; that is, until something awakens our spirits. We then see the flicker of emotion, the spark of idealism, the color of humanity. These moments serve as a reminder that for better or worse, our lives are interdependent. We play multiple roles, meaning different things to different people. No one survives as a lone entity, and when the fog clears we are left but to whisper reflections of life to our loves and consider the lasting impressions we’ve made.
The cast included Sebastian Andrade, Tucker Arrants, Emma Bradie, Kaia Daniel, Jon Donaldson, Nico Feder, Rodolfo Fernandez, Beatriz Gras, Joni Grommesh, Abraham Grosman, Nisriena Hanifa, Olivier Kuhn de Chizelle, Jackson Meyer, Kalina Mishev, Zoe Mitchell, Adriana Moralez, Chan Mye Myint Thu, Kalyani Persaud, Matias Preti, Meher Qazilbash, Paula Reumer, Leonie Schmidt, Raven Schwam-Curtis, and Isabella Simon.
Many thanks to the following people who made this production possible: Martha Bawara (Director / Production Design), Ryan Harlan (Set Construction), Vera Conrad (Sound Tech & Costuming), Clayton Meyer (Costuming & Backstage), Ale Albin (Costuming), and Claire Steakley (Backstage). Music by Willie Schwartz (broadway production).
HOLIDAY INSTRUMENTAL CONCERTS
The 2015 Instrumental Holiday Concerts were held over two nights under the direction of Jason Peguero, Director of Instrumental Music, and Gesina Thompson, Orchestra Director. The Middle School Holiday Concert was held on December 14 and featured the 6th Grade Band, 7th Grade Band, 8th Grade Band, and Honors Band. The 6th Grade Band opened with six songs including Hot Cross Bun, March Steps, Listen To Our Sections, Lightly Row, London Bridge Duet, and A Mozart Melody. The 7th Grade Band followed with Jingle Bells, My Dreidel, Up On A Housetop, and Jolly Old St. Nick. Then the 8th Grade Band performed Suite of Baroque Dances including Gavotte, Sarabande, and Minuet. The Honors Band closed the show with performances of White Christmas and Russian Dance from the “Nutcracker”.
The Upper School Fall Instrumental Concert was held on December 15 and featured the 9th Grade Band, 10th Grade Band, Jazz Ensemble, Awty Strings, and The Wind Ensemble. The 9th Grade Band opened the night with Hooked on Holidays and Deckin’ The Hall. The 10th Grade Band followed with Frosty The Snow Man and No “L” in Swing. The Jazz Ensemble then performed White Christmas and Swing March from “The Nutcracker”. The Awty Strings performed three songs including Deck the Halls, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from “The Nutcracker”, and Silver Bells. The Wind Ensemble ended the night with three songs including Hark! The Herald Tubas Sing, Amazing Grace, and A Christmas Festival.
Please be sure to mark your calendar and join us for the Middle School Spring Instrumental Concert on April 25, the Upper School Spring Instrumental Concert on April 26, and the Pop Show on May 6. All three events will take place in the Fine Arts Recital Hall.
SENIOR TEA
On December 16, the Class of 2016 participated in a long-standing tradition at Awty, the Senior Tea with the Head of School.
Mrs. Kay Awty, the founder of Awty, began this tradition in 1981 because she wanted to chat with each of the graduating students in a relaxed atmosphere and hear their views, goals, and aspirations for the future.
The first tea time was hosted at Mrs. Awty's home with seven seniors and their teachers. When the number of graduating students and their teachers grew too large for her small home, Awty parents graciously opened their homes to continue this annual event.
Today, Awty's senior class numbers 120 and tea time now takes place in a setting more appropriate to a large number of attendees. This year's Senior Tea was held outside at Awty Field and was attended by the seniors, Head of School, and Proviseure, as well as the staff and faculty who work with the Class of 2016 during their last and most important year at Awty.
SANTA & FIREMEN
During the holiday season, our thoughts naturally turn toward gift giving, seeing family and friends, and thinking of ways to make others happy. Here at Awty, we have many wonderful traditions that make it such a special place. One tradition that is especially meaningful is Awty's Annual Toy Drive for Houston's needy children. In December, students collected dozens of toys for Santa to deliver to those less fortunate. On December 17, Santa made a special visit to Awty to gather these toys. He made a grand entrance on top of a pumper truck from Houston Fire Department Station No. 38. Santa and the firefighters visited with the students before gathering the toys that were collected. Santa then distributed the toys to local charities around Houston.
BINGO & BEARS
Established in 2007, Bingos & Bears was the brainchild of Mrs. Kneale Culbreath. It has become an annual tradition and a fast favorite among the students.
Each December, the Middle School office asks every student to donate a teddy bear. The teddy bears serve as their entry into the popular bingo game, which is held on the last day of school before the holiday break. The students then spend a couple of hours playing several rounds of bingo.
This year, they played for several fun prizes including movie tickets, iTunes gift cards, Amazon gift cards, Game Stop gift cards, a volleyball, a basketball, a soccer ball, and more. Katerina Sawyer, 8th grade, won a gift certificate for customized Converse and Enzo Poggioli, 6ème, won a gift certificate to World Soccer Shop for a soccer jersey. The grand prizes included free dress for the winning grade (Winner - 6th Grade), and a pizza party for the winning advisory (Winner – Mr. Charles Suit’s advisory). During the event, students were also entertained with performances by the 8th grade dancers and 6th grader Andrea Nurko.
Approximately 300 bears were collected this year. They were distributed to three local charities including Casa Juan Diego, Santa Maria Hostel, and Lion Lane Early Childhood Center. The bears brought an abundance of joy and plenty of smiles just in time for the holiday season.
CHRISTOPHER WOLFF WINS AWTY'S SPELLING BEE
Congratulations to 6th grade student Christopher Wolff on winning Awty's annual 4th-8th Grade Spelling Bee. He will represent Awty at the Regional Spelling Bee on February 26, 2016.
Fifteen students competed in Awty’s Spelling Bee this year, spelling a wide range of words from an easy level (cute and grey) to a more complex and challenging level (diamantine and transcutaneous). After more than 15 rounds, Christopher correctly spelled diapedesis and was named the winner of this year's spelling bee. Mercedes Matthews-Elston, 5th grade, was named the runner-up.
Congratulations to both of these students as well as all of the other contestants who participated in the competition including Larkin Helman (4th grade), Roby Wood (4th), Paloma Villaseñor (5th), Lucia Urreta (6th), Rajiv Premkumar (6th), Sumair Nibber (6th), Lillian Cybulski (7th), Lucas Backx (7th), Gemma Morgan (7th), Yamini Roy (8th), Dalal Daher (4ème), Zane Tannir (8th), and Eric Aase (8th).
DR. DAVID EAGLEMAN EXPLORED THE BRAIN WITH THE AWTY COMMUNITY
The Awty International School was delighted and honored to host TED presenter and New York Times bestselling author Dr. David Eagleman on January 13. The evening began when Dr. Eagleman joined Awty’s Board of Trustees and special guests for a private reception followed by a sold-out presentation exclusively for the Awty community.
Dr. Eagleman’s presentation centered on his international PBS series, The Brain with David Eagleman. He explored the wonders of the human brain by walking the audience through highlights of the six episodes of his series.
After his presentation, Dr. Eagleman took time to answer individual questions while signing books. For a few students who are considering further studies in neuroscience, Dr. Eagleman even extended invitations to them to visit him in his lab.
Dr. David Eagleman, a neuroscientist and published author, directs the Laboratory for Perception and Action at the Baylor College of Medicine, and also heads the Center for Science and Law. He is best known for his work on sensory substitution, time perception, brain plasticity, synesthesia, and neurolaw. He has authored over 90 scientific publications and holds several patents. He has also written two international bestsellers, the novel Sum and the non-fiction book Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain. For more information about Dr. Eagleman, visit http://www.eagleman.com/.
The Awty International School would like to extend a BIG thank you to Awty parent Lana Rigsby who generously arranged this unique opportunity for the Awty community.
7TH GRADER HANI SHAIB WINS GEOGRAPHY BEE
After several rounds, 7th grader Hani Shaib was named the winner of Awty's annual Geography Bee on January 21. Hani gave the correct answer of Stockholm to the following question: "Which Nordic captial was built on islands where the Baltic Sea meets Lake Mälaren?" Sixth grade student Rajiv Premkumar came in as runner-up in the bee.
Left to right: Mrs. Linda Doolittle, Rajiv Premkumar, Hani Shaib, and Mr. Tom Beuscher
Congratulations to both Hani and Rajiv, as well as to all of the students who participated in the competition including Joseph Abounohra (4ème), Mohammed Alawami (8th grade), Allison Cybulski (7th), Gaston Elie (7th), Mathéo Hayek (4ème), Miles Lewis (7th), Alex Moyer (6th), and Thibault Tonnel (4ème).
PACK THE PAAC
Awty’s second Spirit Day for the 2015-2016 school year was held on January 26. Students, teachers, and staff showed their school pride by wearing the “We Are Awty Rams” Spirit T-shirt and attending the “Pack the PAAC” event in support of Awty’s basketball teams as the JV Boys, Varsity Girls, and Varsity Boys took on Beaumont Kelly.
Seniors on the basketball team, swim team, and cheerleading squad including Lauren Galindo (Cheer), Gaetano Dona-Jehan (Basketball), Matthieu Ionesco (Basketball), Edgar Rauda (Basketball), Sebastian Andrade (Swim), Rodolfo Fernandez (Swim), Alexia Griffiths (Swim), Christina Moreno (Swim), and Lauren Ward (Swim) were honored in a ceremony prior to the start of the Varsity Boys game. Entertainment throughout the evening was provided by student DJs Jackson Meyer and Toby Reyes, Awty's Drum Line (under the direction of Jason Peguero), Lower School Choir (under the direction of Lori Wagner), Dance Team (under the direction of Stephanie Sermas), Middle and Upper School Choirs (under the direction of Rob Dee), and the Varsity Cheerleaders! Awty's Athletics Department and the Rams Booster Club also brought out two food trucks, Good Dog Hotdogs and Mr. Red Pepper, and provided a free meal to anyone wearing an Awty Spirit T-shirt. There was no shortage of Awty pride as the crowd cheered on all three teams! Despite a loss for both boys teams, Awty’s Varsity Girls walked away with a 41-29 win over Beaumont Kelly
The next Spirit Day will be held on March 17. If you haven't had a chance to purchase a Spirit T-shirt, a few sizes remain available for purchase in the Athletics Department. The shirts are $12 each.
