INSI

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FEATURES

OPINIONS

ARTS

SPORTS

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Meet the Team/ FPAC & TRI-M

Artist Profiles/ The News + Arts Staff

t h e I N T ER NAT IONA L Head EditorHead Layout EditorHead Writing Editor Advisor

Seoyoung LeeThanya ChatKaty Lewis

Conor Duffy

Arya BhaiChloe Griffith

Austin Gallagher

Sarah LimSammi ThomasDan Borenstein

Nathan Scott

Sofi SintesTosia LekawskaBecky Bradley

Stella Kim

Re p or t er sS e c t i on E d i t or sOpinions FeaturesArts/ News Sports

02 The Opinions Team/ CAS Got Your Tongue?Letter from the Editors

06 Teacher Anecdotes

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03 Challenge of the Ice Bucket Challenge04 There are No Shortcuts to Success

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10

Long Talk with Ms. Derow

Front Cover by Ciel Sriprasert Inside Cover by Jayna Milan Back Cover by Boonyanin (Genie) Pakvisal

Although we’re already into mid-September, welcome back Panthers! I hope you all had an exciting and productive summer holiday and are pumped to get back to work. For the inside cover of this very first issue of the year, I used a photo titled, “Bonfire Heart” taken by ISB alumna, Jayna Milan. I chose this image not only because it is aesthet-ically beautiful, but also because it is relevant to our current stage in life as high school students. As we start our year, it is important that we constant-ly try to discover the fire- the passion - that lies within us. Maybe you want to try out for a sport you’ve only dreamed of doing. Or join a human rights activism club you’ve only paid little attention to. Whatever it is that you do, always remem-ber to step out of your comfort zone and take on new chal-lenges. No fire can be ignited without action--so can’t ours. Rememebr to take some time off of your work, though, by reading ISB’s one and only student magazine, The International. We are now online with Panther Productions under a new name, PantherNation, so check that out as well! Seoyoung Lee

09

3 Outdoor Pastimes

13

Sports Section IntroductionReady, Set, Run...Success Starts with a GoalSetting Up Shop

Ellen SypoltMadeline GroveCarolina Zeitune

Mr. Duffy

Seoyoung Lee (12)

Advisor Head Editor Head Writing Editor Head Layout EditorKaty Lewis

(12)

Thanya Chat (12)

panthergrowlsWhat are you most looking forward to this year?

“I’m excited abouttaking English10 Challenge.”

Chris Rogers ‘10

“Finishing my first year of IB.”

“Completing my first IB year in a new school with

new people.”

Ida Börjegren ‘11

“Meeting new people.”

Ryan Yi ‘11

“I am most looking forward to

directing my own play this year.”

Baden Soltes ‘12

“Getting more involved with

clubs.”

Bina Johnson ‘11 Nadya Eddy ‘11

“EE, SATs and Finals!”

Samantha Gavin ‘10

“GCW and all of the upcoming

activities.”

Lena Namatinia ‘11

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4 1

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 42

O P I N I O N S

THE OPINIONS TEAM

Editor:

Sarah Lim (11)

If you won the lottery, what would you buy first?

Writer:

Chloe Griffith (11)

Writer:

Antonina Lekawska (10)

The conundrum involving CAS hours

A million chihuahuas. A mattress the size of a basketball court. A horse!

CAS GOT YOUR TONGUE?

For many juniors, this year marks the beginning of the two years of challenge,

success, time management and stress that is the IB diploma program.

Extended essays, math portfoli-os, TOK, IOC’s, FOA, IA’s in every class… The list can be daunting and bewildering at the same time. Though IB students eventually come to recognize the value of the full IB, many would also say that at times, they have found them-selves overwhelmed by the assign-ments, expectations and pressure.

Another task that IB Diploma students are asked to complete are CAS (Creativity, Action, Ser-vice) hours. To graduate with an IB diploma, students need 150 combined hours of cre-ativity, activity, and service.

Personal opinions on CAS hours vary depending on the student. Many feel CAS aids in promoting well-rounded students that are balanced academically, social-ly and physically. However, some negative views on CAS hours are also prevalent, as some feel it is simply a task they must complete.

Johanna Stiefler Johnson (12) found the positive in CAS. “I think CAS hours are really cool be-cause they allow you to partici-pate in a bunch of activities that you might not have done other-wise. It might seem like it takes a lot of time but honestly just by participating in a sport and one or two clubs, you are good to go!”

Mason Burgess (11) offered a contrasting viewpoint as his IB journey begins. “I felt like I had to do service hours in freshman and sophomore year yet they do not count for IB. Fifty hours for each [of Creativity, Action and Ser-vice] seems a bit excessive. It will be difficult to manage the aca-demic requirements for IB alone.”

Mrs. Tananone, with the support of Mr. Rogers and Ms. Stewart, spearheads the CAS Program through the Community Activities Office (CAO) next to the book store.

What is abundantly clear is that many opportunities exist at ISB for students to get involved and com-plete their CAS hours from Com-munity Service clubs like Baan Ratchawadee and Street Boys, to

a wide range of Sports teams, to FPAC and Art Club. Global Citi-zenship Week (GCW) also offers many courses where students can gain community service hours.

While it is true you cannot force everybody to want be active, cre-ative, and involved in communi-ty service, these IB requirements clearly offer an opportunity for stu-dents to learn how to balance and manage their time – a very signif-icant trait universities search for.

CAS hours also provide us an op-portunity to think beyond our-selves, and our own problems while we learn to help others, or work together as a team to accomplish something bigger than we could on our own.

Whether CAS hours are viewed positively or negatively, they are a requirement for a full IB diploma and thus inevitable.

Hopefully students can leave ISB with a life long willingness to help others, get involved, and make a difference in the com-munity and world we live in.

Chloe Griffith

of the ice bucketThe benefits and criticisms of the ALS Challenge

I’m sure all of you have seen videos of “ALS Ice Bucket Challenge,” popping up on

your Facebook and Twitter news-feeds.

The nominations to pour ice wa-ter in order to raise awareness and increase donations for ALS research have been spreading like wildfire worldwide. But the question still re-mains: how many of the people who participated in this challenge really know what cause it’s for?

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), one of the most common of the five known motor neuron diseases, is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes its victims to progressively lose control of their muscles, speech, swallowing and breathing. Only 4% of patients are known to survive longer than ten years after its onset.

In order to raise awareness and funds for research, participants of the ice bucket challenge are expect-ed to dump ice water on their heads and nominate three others to do the same. Nominees are expected to do-nate $10 if they complete the chal-lenge or a $100 if they are unable to do so.

Although inherently created to raise awareness for an amazing cause, the ice bucket challenge does not go without criticism. It has been criticized for focusing on the fun of the activity, whereas the center of attention should remain on the se-riousness of the issue itself, rather than the playfulness of the activity.

Often, the term “slacktivism” has been used to describe the ice buck-

et challenge, as many choose to just dump water instead of donating. Slacktiv-ism, a blend of the words slacker and activism, is used to describe the “feel-good” factor of sup-porting a cause rather than actually making a difference of any sort.

One may join an organization and feel good while under the im-pression that they are benefitting the cause simply by being a part of it.

When speaking to Peyton Emery (10) about this method of aware-ness and “slacktivism” she said that it is a given “that there’s always go-ing to be people who are unaware of their aims when there’s such a big fundraiser.” She went on to say that throughout the challenge, the “majority of the people have gained knowledge about ALS.”

According to Peyton, although there are always some people who feel as though they are helping, they are not. However there are always others who really are helping and that is what matters.

Obviously, the ice bucket chal-lenge is dedicated to a great cause. Since that start of the Ice Bucket Challenge, a huge difference has been made to various ALS research foundations.

Prior to the challenge, aware-ness of the disease and donations for its research were limited, but currently, donations are soaring. In about two months, the ALS Associ-

ation succeeded in raising approx-imately $41.8 million dollars and this is just one of many ALS chari-ties.

The challenge has also been called out for wasting water, which in itself is a cause for worry, while others believe that there are caus-es of equal importance that need as much awareness as the ALS founda-tions.

The challenge really has brought about change and achieved its goal of raising considerable donations and awareness, so the issue only really remains with the few people who make light of such serious mat-ters.

Critics aim to voice their opin-ions and say, don’t do the ice buck-et challenge because “it’s the cool things to do.” Do it because you genuinely believe that your dona-tion is going to help someone or be-cause five seconds of sheer pain on your behalf will teach someone else about ALS.

Don’t do it because it makes you look like a better person. Do it be-cause you are a caring human be-ing willing to take some time out of your life to teach yourself about the struggles of others.

Arya Bhai

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4 3

O P I N I O N S

challengechallenge

Credit

: icfcb

log

Credit: Panther Productions

The New Academic Dishonesty Policies

There Are No

Plagiarism, collusion and malpractice. There is not a student in the ISB High

School that has not heard those words at least once in these first few weeks of school.

It is obvious that Academic Dis-honesty has recently become a very important and frequently men-tioned topic as our school has made significant changes to the policies regarding it.

The policy for a first offence for academic dishonesty used to be de-tention and getting the student’s parents/counselor involved.

However now, according to Dean of Students, Mr. Peter Roback, “be-sides the normal policy, we are also talking about a student’s participa-tion in the National Honor Society and the semester honor rolls being impacted.”

A major change has been made to the policies and many students wonder why the school has decid-ed on it now. Mr. Roback explained that “last year the school dealt with an uptick of issues related to Aca-demic Dishonesty.”

There were a few students citing improperly, plagiarizing significant-ly and cheating on major assess-ments towards the end of the year.

Perhaps these students were too lazy to complete their own work and took the easy way out. After all, it is just a few keystrokes. Just press the buttons command c, command v and you suddenly end

up in heaps of trouble.

Or perhaps the situation was a misunderstand-ing where the student did not

know how to cite properly, or that

he/she had to cite everything.

This, according to Mr. Roback, “caused the school to look at [their] policy and decide that it could use some extra teeth behind it.” The previous policy simply needed a bit of freshening up and the students needed a reminder.

Many students actually support this change. When asked why they believed the school had made a change to its Academic Dishonesty policies now, a student replied by saying, “Why now? More like why not now. You cannot let this keep on happening.”

They then went on to explain that “our parents pay a large amount of money so that we can learn and increase our own level of knowledge and understanding. Not to copy off of someone else’s paper.”

Though plagiarism, collusion or malpractice may seem right at the moment, how do they in any way help prepare you for the future? Besides, learning is about doing your own work. You cannot learn by stealing the work of others.

Various students believe that these policies are too harsh. An anon-ymous source wor-ries that they “may be removed from the high honor roll for making one tiny mistake in citing [their] sources.”

However, besides

changing the Academic Dishonesty policies, the school is making sure to increase awareness about this topic.

Through communication group meetings, assemblies and class-room teachers, the students are told exactly what we have to do in order to be academically honest.

We are told how to cite our sources. We are told not to look at other papers during tests, quizzes and exams. We are told not to show our papers to others.

The school teaches the students how to be academically honest. Therefore, students cannot acci-dentally plagiarize or cheat.

If you choose to be academically dishonest, then you are going against what the school believes is best for its students and you should be ready for the inevitable conse-quences.

A majority of students will never even have to worry about these changes to the Academic Dishones-ty policies.

As for those students that have a habit of being academically dis-honest, the school hopes that these harsher policies will deter some of them from making wrong decisions and taking shortcuts.

After all, as Bo Bennett once said, “when it comes to success, there are no shortcuts.”

Antonina (Tosia) Lekawska

Cred

it: K

im H

o

Cred

it: K

im H

o

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 44

O P I N I O N S

Shortcuts To Success

F E A T U R E S

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 45

Editor: Sammi Thomas (11)

“Definitely grammatical errors. My mom always mistakes the past tense of the verb “to text” as simply “text”. I’m constantly cor-recting her, “texted” I interrupt her, “it’s texted.”

Writer:Arya Bhai (12)

“When people touch my face or my hair or when people make

noises while they chew.”

Writer:Austin Gallagher (11)

“When people clap to the beat over musical performances. It

makes me unreasonably angry.”

HS P

SYC

HO

LOGY TEACHER DR. NANCY LEN

EZET

The Tri-M Music Honor society is made up of stu-dents in grades 10 to 12 with a strong commit-ment and dedication to the art of music mak-

ing. All these students are enrolled in music courses at ISB. It is the perfect place for those interested in serving others through music.

The members are provided with many opportunities for leadership as they perform in charity concerts, raise money for instruments for local Thai schools, teach les-sons to younger musicians and attend professional con-certs. Furthermore, this group focuses on supporting and strengthening music education and music-related events at ISB to motivate and recognize musical achievement.

Members of Tri-M inspire other students to excel at music and simultaneously provide service through music to enrich the lives of others.

Tosia Lekawska

The Fine and Performing Arts Council (FPAC) is made up of enthusiastic, creative and passion-ate individuals. It is the perfect place for

those interested in being a strong advocate for the Fine and Performing Arts at ISB.

The members form a highly active group that takes care of supporting the fine and performing arts groups, promoting awareness of the performanc-es and activities for the fine arts, and raising au-dience attendance at performances. Furthermore, they enhance the fine and performing arts image at ISB and appreciate students’ fine arts achievements.

There is a wide range of Fine and Performing Arts pro-grams being offered at ISB. Students that are interested in becoming positive role models and leaders for these pro-grams should apply for FPAC and have their voices heard.

Writer:Ellen Sypolt (11)

“When people are unorganized or mess up my

stuff, when people touch me with their feet... I have

too many pet peeves.”

FPAC TRI-M

Photo by Jack Zaw

Photo by ISB Photography Club Photo by ISB Photography Club

Meet the TeamWhat are your biggest pet peeves?

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4

Have you noticed? Our teachers know so much about us - too much. They are watching us grow up into adults, but what about them? The International decided to take action and turn the spotlight onto some of our favorite high school teachers. Here are some of their stories.

While hitch-hiking across the Australian outback, I was picked up by an old driv-er of a road train (it was three trucks in one - 100m long). I drove with him for

the better part of two days. Due to his serious (and smelly) stomach issues, and the fact that he was under pressure to make his delivery deadlines, I had

to take the wheel and drive the truck while he moaned in the sleeper com-partment behind me. The real shock came at dusk when several kangaroos,

attracted to the head lights, and committed suicide by jumping out in front of the truck - to which the ailing truck driver groaned, “Keep on driving mate.”

When I was getting ready to teach at ISB, I exchanged a few emails with Susan Bates, the registrar and Mr. Bates’ wife, who was helping me register my children in the

ES. When she informed me that the process was finished, I forwarded her message to my husband and wrote something like: “Hi my darling pie, the kids are now reg-istered, love you so much x x x”. The reply I got was pretty unexpected: “I think this

was meant for your husband,” it said. I had actually clicked reply instead of forward, and ended up sending that loving message to Mrs. Bates! I had never met her, and I was trying to make a good impression at my new school, so I was mortified! Need-less to say, the first time I met her in Bangkok, I thought I would die of embarrass-

ment. Thankfully she thought it was hilarious and we still joke about it now.

Many years ago I was a safari guide, in the Congo of Africa, and I would take my people to go see the gorillas. My first trip there, the gorilla group really kind of … accepted me in to their group and they did so by beating me up. They literal-ly abused me. They took me, hit and tossed me around like a rag doll. But at the

end of my first week with gorillas, a female gorilla… felt sorry for me. She did, she felt sorry for me and she came down the hill and gave me a very gentle mas-sage. I’ve got pictures of it… of a beautiful massage from a wild female gorilla.

In January 2002, Mrs. Hansberry and I, along with six upperclassmen, visited Acre, a region in the Amazon, to deliver school supplies. A group from our school had ventured into this maze of rivers each year for a decade, working with the same

boat captain (there are no cars or roads where we were), so we had at least a reasonable idea of where to go. One pre-planned stop was at the house of a rub-

ber tree tapper. Among other means of showing their appreciation, this fam-ily prepared a special dinner for us. They sent their sons to the jungle and the river, returning with a monkey and turtle, preparing both for our meal. While not typically given to eating either of these foods, all eight of us in the group

demonstrated our awareness of their sacrifice by eating heartily, in many cas-es consuming second portions of these somewhat unfamiliar delicacies.

Carol Zeitune

HS P

SYC

HO

LOGY TEACHER DR. NANCY LEN

EZET

F E A T U R E S

HS MATH TEACHER MR. D

AN

IEL BENTLEY

HS S

CIENCE TEACHER MR. COKE SM

ITH

HS SOCIAL

SCIE

NCE

TEACHER MR. KEN HANSBERRY.

Teacher Anecdotes

6

Meet the Team

F E A T U R E S

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 47

Whether or you live in Nichada or downtown, it’s easy to get caught

in your own bubble and stick to the same routine. But Bangkok is one of the world’s top locations for peo-ple to let all their stress melt away and enjoy themselves. You deserve a break too -- check out these three activities that are perfect for just that!

Chatuchak MarketThis outdoor weekend market is

perfect for some weekend thrift shopping. It’s one of the staple weekend markets in Thailand, com-plete with delicious coconut ice cream and people from all walks of life roaming the streets. But be sure to plan to spend a whole day there -

it’s one of the world’s largest week-end markets, at over 35 acres! Also, take a map with you. That 35 acres is a jumble of over 15,000 shops selling all kinds of things, and it will be hard to find your way around if you don’t know where you’re going.

Bangkok Safari World Zoo and Marine ParkIf you’re looking for a place to

get away from homework and spend a Saturday with your fami-ly, this is just the thing for you. It’s Thailand’s most popular open zoo. You can take your family on a fully guided tour on a trip around the world. You can take a safari through the African grasslands, a jungle cruise through the marine park and even visit adventure island to play with dolphins!

Siam Park CityLast but not least, somewhere to

go with your friends and make a bunch of unforgettable memories. This theme park will be less crowd-ed than Dream World, it will still offer tons of rides to go on, and it’s not too far away. This theme park offers a princess castle, exhilarat-ing water park rides and a haunted house. Be sure to put it on your list for next time you need somewhere to scream all your stress away.

Bangkok has so much to offer - from markets pulsing with life to haunted house deep within the bel-lies of theme parks. Next time you have a free day, don’t forget to go out an experience the amazing city we live in!

Katy Lewis

3 Outdoor Pastimes

FRESHMAN council

President: William LewisVice-President: Seung Won PaekRepresentative: Ahmed IbrahimRepresentative: Celine MoussaRepresentative: Sarah Fry

SOPHOMORE council

President: Josh UpadhyayVice-President: Ice SomboonRepresentative: Paola LindoRepresentative: Plearn Aroonchote

JUNIOR council

President: Shania PensukVice-President: Siri AsdathornRepresentative: Stefan Stanley

Representative: Adit Mangharam

SENIOR council

President: Rachel SengVice-President: Arya BhaiRepresentative: Pim TemcharoenRepresentative: Juan Sintes

THE RESULTS ARE IN...

CABINET council

President: Swikriti DasguptaVice-President: Kimberly RemijanSecretary: Katy LewisTreasurer: Helen ChangWebmistress: Thanya Chat

Artist ProfilesA R T S

What form of art are you in-volved in and why did you get involved?

I am interested in many forms of Visual Arts. During High School, I decided to take advantage of the course diversity to try to ex-pand my knowledge into the per-forming arts, so I spent a few years in dance and drama. However, as of now, I am focused primarily on Film and Photography.

What messages do you like to convey through your film and photography?

My film and photography helps to identify my inner identity, be-liefs, and emotions. I love linking stories to historical context, both the emotional side and the factual side, through symbols in my light-ing, character, and props. My films usually convey and emphasize re-latable themes and experiences.

What form of art are you in-volved in and why did you get involved?

I’m involved in acting in theatre and in film. I love acting because I love telling stories and inspiring people, and it lets me experience another person’s story, but at the same time, still be in touch with myself.

What piece of art are you most proud of?

I wanted to be an actor since 6th Grade. However, I only got on stage at the beginning of 10th Grade. I’m really proud of my performance in the original piece for IASAS Cultural Convention 2014’s “Carbon Copy”, because I felt like it was one of my best performances onstage. I feel like my performance defined my character’s identity because he was an original character in an original story.”

Ellen Sypolt

What form of visual arts are you most passionate about?

I’ve always loved my cartooning and fan art. I know it sounds nerdy, but I feel like I owe my pencil car-toons and characters a little - it was the first thing that really made me consider taking my art seriously. It’s the one thing that I always come back to because I feel most comfort-able and happiest doing it. I also feel like I can tell stories and, in a way, give a bit of life to the characters I draw. People also seem to enjoy my cartoons - and I love being able to share what I like to do with people who enjoy them.

How long have you been in-volved in this art?

Sixteen years. Literally all my life. Not planning to stop anytime soon, either!

Rigel BlattNote Kaewbaidhoon Marsha Niemeijer

THE NEWS/ARTS STAFFIf you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?

A bear, so it could give me literal bear hugs and awesome bear-high fives.

A dragon, so I could rule over the seven kingdoms of Westeros.

My brother, because he’s tama-ble, doesn’t require much attention and he doesn’t shed.

Writer: Madeline Grove (12)

Writer: Carolina Zeitune (10)

Editor:Dan Borenstein (11)

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4

A R T S

LONG TALK WITH MS. DEROW

8

A R T S

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4

A R T S

GETTING TO KNOW OUR NEW ARTS DIRECTOR

What’s your favorite area of arts to work on personally and why?

I thoroughly enjoy all the arts, but gravitate more towards the performing arts, particularly music and drama. I attended university as a double major in music and drama and still enjoy dabbling in those ar-eas, both onstage and behind the scenes, particularly in musical com-edy ... what a joy to make people laugh!

What was your first art project at ISB?

I guess I’d have to say the first big arts project I was involved in here was the HS Musical. We worked on Beauty and the Beast. Great creative team, great kids and fantastic costumes! It was a project everyone was very proud of.

You left ISB a few years ago and have now returned, what are you most excited about in your return to ISB?

It’s been wonderful being back and seeing so many familiar faces

who have been so welcoming. But if I’m truly being honest, I’m most ex-cited about being able to walk out the door without having to plan for how to cope with rapidly changing weather patterns. Back home you always had to dress in layers, bring along indoor shoes, decide if you needed a hat or gloves or boots or... you get the picture!

Why do you think arts is an important part of education?

Studies point to the fact that an arts education develops creativity and encourages a person to look at

9

LONG TALK WITH MS. DEROW

the world from a different perspec-tive. It strengthens problem-solving and critical-thinking skills and of-ten provides an individual the op-portunity to work in a communal environment. But plain and simple, it’s usually fun and provides an in-dividual with an outlet as an excel-lent way to express themselves!

As for the arts community of ISB, what should we expect to see in the up and coming years?

Opportunities for students to participate in the arts at ISB con-tinues to multiply at the curricular, extra-curricular and community levels. They are being exposed to interesting guest artists, are provid-ed with travel opportunities to par-ticipate in the arts abroad and many students have even been inspired to venture into the arts as a profession. Facilities and programs continue to be expanded and updated and that inspires our students to rise above their own personal limitations and to go where they’ve never been be-fore. What more can you ask?

Sammi Thomas

“It’s been wonderful being back.”

“I thoroughly enjoy all the arts, but grav-itate more towards the performing arts”

Hello audi-

ence! We are proud

to present this year’s sports

section writers. We will do the best we can to bring you

all the inside information on ISB’s sports teams and events, includ-

ing IASAS, exchange, BISAC, and more!

So sports section staff, which athlete inspires you the most?

Sports Section Introduction

Writer Stella Kim (10): It would probably have to be Usain Bolt because he’s the fastest sprinter in the world (and I also don’t know any other famous runners).

Writer Becky Bradley (11): Mo Farah inspires me because of his grit and determination. Anyone that gets as far as he has in running is a true hero with the toughest mentality! I love you Mo!

Writer Sofi Sintes (10): Probably Javier Mascherano because he gives his all when he plays. I also really like Sergio Busquets because I enjoy watching his style of play.

Editor Nathan Scott (11): The athlete that inspires me the most is Laurent Koscielny, the French Arse-nal center back. His size sometimes lets him down but his fearlessness more than makes up for it!

S P O R T S

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 410

Sports Section Introduction

Ready, Set, Run...

The Varsity Cross Country ros-ters are officially set! The cross country team is already

knee deep into their training with grue-ling interval workouts in preparation for IASAS in Manila. Last year, both the boys’ and girls’ teams finished with gleaming silver medals. However, this year, the Panthers are hungry for the gold!

The boys’ team only lost two IASAS runners from last year, and with new students and freshmen, the team seems stronger as a whole. Their ultimate goal is, of course, to win IASAS, however their individual goals range from pushing each other to run personal bests (PBs) while making new friends and having fun!

Co-captains Zach McVey (12) and Robbie Melhorn (12) both admitted their target is the gold medal. While Zach claims that, “the team’s strategy for keeping the group cohesive is to have regular sleepovers,” Robbie admits they

“stay close through the gossip on their long runs.”

Many wonder why people run or how people are able to view running as something other than a chore. When asked, Varsity Boys’ Coach David Bent-ley revealed how “running is like bang-ing your head against a brick wall, it feels really good when you stop! If you don’t run often your body is not accustomed to it, so the pain or/and discomfort will outweigh the ‘runner’s high’ or great feeling that you get after you exercise aerobically for extended periods of time, therefore it does feel like a chore, or worse.”

This year the girl’s team only have three returning IASAS runners, howev-er there is an abundance of new girls with a prospective future. The returning runners are fitter and faster thanks to their training over the summer. Coach Giles says he wants “unity on the team, healthy runners and most of all [he]

want[s] tough mindsets in races. If [they] achieve these three things, [they] will go far.”

Captain Becky Bradley (11) is super excited for the season and getting to know the girls. Becky is enthusiastic and looking forward to September where they have a retreat to Kanchanaburi, a home exchange, and two other races be-fore IASAS.

When asked how Coach Giles viewed running he responded: “Anyone who has not raced at the level at which we run has no idea how tough it is. But it is also the purest and most individual test that a high school athlete can face. At the same time, running gets in your system and the mind/body balance that run-ning provides is something that I and most of our team craves. That’s why you see so many XC runners training after the season!”

Becky Bradley

On September 6th and 7th all high school runners, in addition to varsity runners, travelled to Kanchanaburi, which is a three-hour drive, for a run-ning retreat. Varsity Girls Cross Country coach Mr. Giles explains that, “first of

all, Cross Country is meant to be about running on trails and in the mountains, so we’re headed to Kanchanaburi to get some real rugged training in.”

He adds that, “the biggest reason, however, was to really bond as a team, set some goals and spend time togeth-er. This will solidify our team in many

ways.” Coach Giles says the inspiration for a team retreat came from “taking [his] teams from Seattle on a retreat at the beginning of every summer.” He hopes to achieve “goal setting, team uni-ty, and some great training.”

Becky Bradley

Kanchanaburi

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The future of the ISB cross country

Success Starts with a Goal

Summer’s out, school’s in, and the Varsity soccer teams are kick-ing back into gear, As they zeal-

ously initiate the season, the skillful play-ers have aspirations and goals before heading off to IASAS in Kuala Lumpur this October.

With nine players whom had gradu-ated and left ISB, the current The Varsity Girls’ team is fairly young, with players spread evenly across grades. They have already begun the season with immense positivity and determination, looking to improve on last year’s third place finish.

In terms of the girls’ anticipations, Varsity Girls’ assistant coach, Ms. Lee O’Rourke, has high hopes that the girl’s will (hopefully) “get a medal at IASAS.” However, success should not solely be measured by numbers, but rather by improvement.

Tori Alexander (12), one of the cap-tains of the girls’ team, believes that, “This is a very strong, hardworking team,” but “needs to work on playing together as a team through [their] com-munication and trust in each other’s abilities.”

Coach O’Rourke says fitness is an es-sential aspect of being successful since “on day 3 of IASAS when [the players are] exhausted, [they] want to still be feeling strong & fit.” With fitness, she continues “our teams will be able to take it to our opponents.”

The Varsity Boys’ team has started this season with prospects of reaching their full potential as a team this season.

Head Coach, Justin Wah, describes the team as “quick, skilled, and intelli-gent,” being “similar to last year; [they] have a lot of technically good players,

along with decent speed.”Captain Nathan Scott (11), said that

the team is “full of passionate football players which is all [they] need to reach [their] full potential.” Additionally, Jeff Kraprayoon (12) has noted that “every-one is showing great character and is willing to put 110% effort at practice,” and the determination shown already is “a really good sign, especially at this point in the season.”

Upcoming exchanges at Jakarta In-ternational School and the Friendship Tournament of September 26th will provide stern tests for both teams as they prepare to enter the IASAS arena in October, and despite the small size of teams this year, Coach Wah says “as ISB has proved a few times, you don’t have to be big to be good!”

Sofi Sintes

nament, and win it!Margo Pottebaum (9): My per-

sonal goals for soccer are to play D1 soccer in college. I also have a HUGE goal of becoming a professional player.

I know that doesn’t sound very realistic, but they say that being re-alistic is the most commonly trave-led road to mediocrity.

Sofi Sintes

Questions for the newbies

What are your personal goals in regard to soccer this season?

Daniel Bjaerum (11): Personal-ly, I always try to improve my tech-nique and understanding of the game. However, what is most im-portant for me right now is to play well for the team in the IASAS tour-

Margo Pottebaum (9) and new student Daniel Bjaerum (11), with teammate Sean Powell (10)

The Varsity soccer teams head back out on to the pitch

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Set-tling back into the new season, the Varsity volley-ball teams have already

bumped up their game, ready to start the season off with a hit.

The Varsity Girls’ volleyball team has entered the season with great excitement and last year’s first place gold medal still fresh in their minds.

Even though the girls have lost a lot of their starting players, Captain Lily Akrapongpisak (12) exclaimed she has “already seen so much im-provement” in the first week and “is looking forward to seeing everyone pick up their game even more.”

The Varsity Girls’ head coach Steve Perkins describes his new team as “driven, fearless, and pos-itive.” He also adds that “with only

four returning players, [they] are looking for the newbies to step up to the plate this year.”

One of Lily’s goals “is to definite-ly have really great team chemistry with all of the players.” She also adds that in terms of IASAS, which is at International School Manila this year, she’s “going to try and make sure that [their] team is the one that the other schools are nerv-ous about.”

The Varsity Boys’ team is also striving for another chance at an attack at IASAS, hoping to improve on last year’s fifth place finish. The Varsity Boys’ Coach Colin Stephen-son stated that their “returning players are a very dedicated and talented group.” He also adds, “the new players in the team give [them]

a level of potential that is very en-couraging.” Afi Blackshear (11), the captain of the boys’ volleyball team, states that the team “is running a more dynamic and faster offense,” this year and “the practice atmos-phere feels a lot more intense and competitive.” He also adds that although their team is still fairly young, “with [their] youth, [they] have a lot of potential” and it will also give the older players a chance to lead the team.

As both teams prepare for the upcoming exchange at Singapore American School as well as IASAS, their dedication and enthusiasm for the season is clearly noticeable and, as Coach Perkins says, they “love the challenge and the work ethic of a new group.”

Setting Up Shop

Questions for the newbies

What is the biggest difference/change from being on U15 and be-ing on Varsity?

Alaina Pinvises (9): “The biggest difference would have to be that there is more pressure on im-proving and doing the drills correctly. Since everyone else is

so serious and has had more ex-perience, you are forced to im-prove and be more mature.”

Jessica Kim (9): “Being on U15 was more laidback and not as intimidating, but now that I’m on the Varsity team, I’m a lot more aware of my mistakes and the areas that I need to improve in.”

Stella KimOur freshmen interviewees

Photo by Stella Kim

Varsity Volleyball gets ready for another great season

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Stella Kim