2025 Senior Awards Ceremony

In May, 151 Grade 12 Seniors from The International School of Kuala Lumpur’s (ISKL) graduating Class of 2025 filled the Robert B. Gaw Theatre for the Senior Awards Ceremony. This annual event celebrates the diverse achievements of students in academics, athletics, the arts, leadership, and service.

In his opening remarks, High School Principal Jeff Farrington reflected on the cohort's journey together.

“This is the final moment of your journey here with us,” he said. “You’ve explored your passions, stretched your potential, and brought your best to all that you do. At ISKL, we recognize and celebrate not only achievement but also effort, service, and kindness – qualities that reflect our Values of Empathy & Care, Equity & Inclusion, Collective Efficacy, and High Expectations.”

At ISKL, we align what we recognize with what we value, and our approach to awards is guided by:

• Acknowledgment of Effort – Awards don’t only go to those with top scores. We value initiative, curiosity, and persistence, and recognize students who show dedication and passion for learning.
• A Breadth of Criteria – We celebrate a wide range of talents and contributions, including academic success, athletic performance, service, and citizenship.
• Transparency – Our recognition process is clear and inclusive, with well-defined criteria and a fair, thoughtful approach to nominations and selections.

Mr. Farrington emphasized this in his message, “Recognition is not about exclusivity, it’s about inclusivity and celebrating what aligns with our community values.”

From academic and sporting achievements to community service and co-curricular involvement, the Senior Awards reflect the many ways our students have made a difference during their time at ISKL.

Our congratulations to all the recipients – we are #ISKL proud of their accomplishments and wish them all the best for the future.

 

Valedictorian awarded to Joie Lee (‘25) & Kaibo Ma (‘25)

“This year, we are proud to state we have two valedictorians. To be valedictorians, students need sustained effort, resilience, and a passion for learning. It means consistency, consistently balancing their academic load while embracing challenges and managing time well. They show that success comes from perseverance, growth, and a commitment to make a difference.” ~ Jeff Farrington, HS Principal

About the Award:

The Valedictorian is the graduating student with the highest cumulative grade point average from Grades 11 -12 (four semesters).

Award criteria:

• A student must have attended ISKL for all four semesters before graduation.
• A student’s grade point average (GPA) is computed at the end of these four semesters and includes all courses except Teacher’s Aide.

 

Hee Won Bahk ‘94 Award awarded to Hyren Gan (‘25) 

“Hyren was born in Malaysia but spent most of his first 14 years in Hong Kong, where he could have remained. However, he returned in 2022 to reengage with and support his homeland. This decision is a lifelong commitment for him. Such resolve is the hallmark of a person of conscience. One willing to embrace their roots while also striving to foster internationalism and change within this local context.” ~ Richard Martin, HS Social Studies Teacher

About the Award: 

The student who has made the most positive and dynamic overall impact on the ISKL community. Outstanding contributions in the fields of service, scholarship, sportsmanship, and character.

Award criteria:

• Scholarship: At least a “6” average in the senior year
• Leadership: Class or school officer, club or committee chairman, team captain
• Character: Willingness to accept responsibility, initiative, mature judgment, able to carry a project to completion, willing to take risks and make a positive difference in the lives of others.
• Sportsmanship: A competitive spirit in athletics, drama, music, and/or forensics combined with a sense of fair play.

 

Scott Smith ‘76 Memorial Varsity Athlete (Male) awarded to Michael Van Cott (‘25)

“Scott Smith was an active student at ISKL and representing Panthers across many sports teams. It's an honor to receive this prestigious award named after someone

who embodies the Panther athletic spirit so well. Michael is a three-season athlete who excelled on every team he competed on throughout this year. He has had an incredible year and a truly full, outstanding athletic career.” ~ Jake Stockman, HS Director of Activities/Athletics

About the Award:

This award is presented to the outstanding female and male athlete of the year. The award is named after Scott Smith, an outstanding student-athlete who was killed in an automobile accident in 1980.

 

Troy Marschang ’07 Award awarded to Yanqing (April) Huang (‘25)

“Troy was a three-season athlete, an MUN stalwart, and a very good speaker in debate. This is very similar to this year's winner. April Huang, who is a fierce three-season competitor, and this year, through track, cross country, and especially basketball, she's shown her grit and determination.” ~ Jake Stockman, HS Director of Activities/Athletics

About the Award:

The Troy Marschang Award is presented to the senior who participated in the most IASAS events during his/her ISKL high school career. It is dedicated to the remembrance of Troy Marschang, a 2007 graduate, who participated in 17 IASAS tournaments/conventions from 2004 to 2007.

 

The Robert B. Gaw 12th Grade Citizenship Award, Senior Class, awarded to Jason Reitz (‘25) 

“You have been true by being authentic and confident in yourself. This has given others the inspiration to do the same. You have been pure to yourself, your friends, and your family by exemplifying integrity and choosing to do the right thing. Even when it's hard, you have been strong physically and mentally, but also by showing resilience, your grit and determination on and off the field are inspiring. You have been brave by being vulnerable and truly feeling and expressing your emotions openly. ” ~ Jaymin Baird, HS Choral and Music Teacher

About the Award:
The Robert B. Gaw Citizenship Award is intended for students who demonstrate exemplary citizenship. The award, presented by the PTA in recognition of their commitment to community building, is named in honor of Robert B. Gaw, who served as Headmaster at ISKL from 1970-1978.

Award criteria:

• The nominee exemplifies the international aspect of the school. They interact in a positive way with and show an appreciation for nationalities other than their own.
• The nominee demonstrates courtesy to teachers, staff, and fellow students and shows respect for the rights of others.
• The nominee demonstrates a positive attitude and willingness to support in-classroom and extracurricular projects and activities.
• The nominee is gracious in dealing with success as well as disappointment.

 

Principal’s Award awarded to Zhao Yang Kuah (‘25)

“Our award winner is eager to engage in great, meaningful connections, whether between ideas or people, or different aspects of his identity. He shows an exceptional ability to integrate his various interests and skills uniquely while maintaining authenticity in his self-expression.” ~ Shaun McElroy, HS Counselor

About the Award: 

Awarded at the discretion of the Principal on behalf of the High School faculty in recognition of an outstanding graduating senior who:

• Embodies the spirit of The International School of Kuala Lumpur community

• Is a consistent and outstanding contributor and performer within the academic and co-curricular program of the school

• Is widely respected by peers and faculty

• Demonstrates respect for ISKL’s international character and diversity

These honors reflect ISKL’s student-centered approach and dedication to cultivating future-ready skills that support each student’s unique path.

 

The John G. Hadwen Award, Outstanding Senior awarded to Katelyn Li (‘25)

“Katelyn is an inquisitive, authentic learner. She works in small groups with anyone in the classroom and stays after basketball practice to work on a skill. Does little things for others, such as bringing snacks without being asked to a Saturday study session, and writes thank you notes. After important milestones are reached, these actions add up over time and contribute not only to a person's well-rounded activities, but also to well-rounded character traits such as kindness, integrity, determination, and empathy.” ~ Aaron Stewart, HS Math Teacher

About the Award:
This award is presented to the most outstanding graduating senior, the student who has made the most positive and dynamic overall impact on the ISKL community. Outstanding contributions can be demonstrated by the recipient in the fields of service, scholarship, sportsmanship, and character. The award winner must have spent at least the whole senior year at ISKL. Mr. Hadwen was the Canadian High Commissioner to Malaysia from 1967 to 1972.

Award criteria:

• Scholarship: At least a 6 GPA average in the senior year.
• Leadership: Class or school officer, club or committee chairman, team captain.
• Character: Willingness to accept responsibility, initiative, mature judgment, able to carry a project to completion, willing to take risks, and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

• Sportsmanship: A competitive spirit in athletics, drama, music, and forensics, combined with a sense of fair play.

ISKL Lifer Award given to students who have attended ISKL for 12 or more years

 

ISKL Class of 2025 Departmental Awards

A Community of Support

Throughout the ceremony, there was a strong sense of gratitude not just for the accolades but for the journey itself. Many students expressed appreciation for the support of their teachers, counselors, coaches, and peers. ISKL’s Specialist Counseling Program and culture of care continue to play a central role in guiding students through both challenges and opportunities.

“It’s inspiring to see how each award represents more than achievement,” said one faculty member. “It tells a story of resilience, growth, and contribution.”

Looking to the Future

The Senior Awards Ceremony also served as a launching point for what lies ahead. As these young adults prepare to step into universities and communities worldwide, they carry the lessons learned and values lived at ISKL.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Your journeys have already made an impact, and we can’t wait to see what you’ll do next.

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