Panthers of ISKL #271: The 60th Anniversary Quilters
In celebration of ISKL’s 60th Anniversary, a group of dedicated parents and alumni faculty members have come together to create a collection of commemorative quilts—each one a reflection of the school’s rich history, vibrant community, and lasting impact. These quilts are more than just fabric and thread; they are stories stitched together with love, creativity, and a deep connection to ISKL.
Each quilt carries a unique inspiration, from ISKL’s iconic panther mascot and lush campus to personal memories and cultural influences. Whether experienced quilters or first-time stitchers, these contributors have poured their passion into designs that embody the school’s spirit of inclusion, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Four of these extraordinary quilts will be auctioned during the International Fest event on April 12 on campus, offering a chance for our community to take home a piece of ISKL’s legacy while supporting the school.
Meet the creators behind these beautiful works of art and discover the inspirations that brought their designs to life.
Delyn N., Current Parent: “Heart of ISKL”
“I originally come from the United States, having lived in both Utah and Texas. Before moving to Malaysia, I spent four years in Cambridge, England.
Quilting has always been a part of my life. My mother was an avid quilter, and our home was filled with sewing machines. She taught me how to sew and guided me through my quilting projects, often working alongside me on hers.
I first learned about this project through a call for crafters and quilters in one of the school’s newsletters. It sounded interesting, so I offered to help.
One of the proposed ideas for the auction quilt was a heart in ISKL colors. Inspired by this, I designed my quilt on a pattern with just one big heart in the middle, but I wanted to add more. I incorporated elements from the ISKL campus map, subtly outlining the heart in a way that mirrors the shape of Zurich Field. Inside the big heart, I stitched a turtle shell pattern to mimic the pattern on the campus map. I also incorporated batik fabric into the design to honor Malaysia's artistic heritage.”
Yoko G., Current Parent: “Panther Spirit”
“I’m from Japan and have been in the ISKL community for seven years. Although I regularly volunteer in the Costume Room, this is my first time quilting—a new and exciting experience for me!
When I saw the call for volunteers in Panther News, I was eager to contribute to this special anniversary event, especially since I love handicrafts.
For the design, I wanted to capture the spirit of ISKL’s 60th anniversary by illustrating Roary, the Panther mascot, surrounded by the school’s lush greenery. Initially, when I sketched the panther, it looked more like a cat! So, I reached out to a talented student who beautifully refined the drawing.
I imagined the panther as a young learner at ISKL. I added shiny beads to its eyes to bring this idea to life, symbolizing strength and sparkle.”
Yoshiko Y., Alumni Parent: “Rhythm of ISKL” Quilt
“I was born in Japan and raised in my hometown, Chiba. Over the years, I have lived in the U.S., Syria, South Africa, and the Philippines, and I now call Michigan, United States, home.
When my friend shared the opportunity to contribute to ISKL’s 60th Anniversary Quilt, I was excited to take part in the celebration. This was my first time making a quilt, though I usually enjoy embroidery and crocheting.
The inspiration behind my design comes from my son, a passionate musician and percussionist. The ISKL Music Department—especially MS Band Teacher Mr. Jonathan Baird and other dedicated teachers and staff—transformed his life. His love for music grew because of them; now, he’s completely immersed in it! I have always admired the ES Music Department hallway on the ground floor, where the beautiful paintings capture the essence of music. These visuals sparked the idea for my ISKL music-themed quilt.
To me, this quilt embodies the spirit of ISKL’s 60th anniversary, reflecting the joy and impact of music across the school. Music education at ISKL doesn’t just teach notes and rhythms—it shapes lives and inspires futures!”
Susan Rahim, Alumni Faculty: “Wau Kite” Quilt
“When I agreed to create icons for each branch of the school, I sat below the three kites that hung over the center of the entrance to the school and studied the colors, the shapes, and the icons for quite a while, taking notes. Then I went back home and started laying out the kites, the various color patterns, and the significance of each kite. The various colors and shapes represent the various countries and cultures, and the three kites represented the Elementary, Middle School, and High School. It took me several days and hours to create the final product. I was pleased with the results.”
Abdul Rahim Sariff, Alumni Parent: “Once A Panther, Always A Panther”
“I was born in a village called Tanjung Ipoh, near Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan. A village steeped in the Minangkabau Matrilineal system where the oldest woman in the family wields considerable power over the immediate and extended family. It is also our Matrilineal system that a male in the family, upon puberty, must leave the family, seek fortune elsewhere, and may return to the family later. So, after High School, I was accepted into Mara Institute of Technology (now University Mara) to do a three-year diploma course in Business Studies.
Upon graduation, the Federal government offered all graduates a place in universities in the US with full scholarships. I choose Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, to do a Bachelor's as well as a Master's degree. There, I met Susan Kendall, who was doing her double Master's degree. After getting our Master’s degrees, we got married in 1978. I worked for the government for three years, then with a telecommunication company, and finally with Bechtel, an American engineering company. That year, in 1978, Susan met Dr Gail Schoppert, the Headmaster of ISKL, and was offered a teaching position immediately. She was there until she retired in 2015.
My inspiration for creating my quilt was when I saw my wife, Susan Rahim, Alumni faculty, taking the lead in creating four other quilts with the help of some ISKL parents. She was very helpful to the parents in designing their quilts. I have no experience with quilting but have seen Susan make complicated and well-designed quilts for friends and sell them at local bazaars. Mine was a simple Panther Quilt I designed, and she helped me quilt.
In my design, I want to show the significance of the Panther and its role as the school mascot, and that the Panther gives a sense of strength and pride in being associated with the school. My challenge and the significance behind the design was to place the wordings “Once A Panther, Always a Panther” on the quilt. Susan helped me cut out the letters and sewed them. It took her a few hours to accomplish that; I could not do it all by myself without her help. There is nothing more poignant than a Panther representing the courage, determination, and power of a Panther and representing ISKL. Not many entities can get to 60 years in their profession, like ISKL. Not only has it reached 60 years, but it has also flourished and grown bigger and better in education.”
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff who always has an anecdote to tell, loves to share some insights into their passions and interests, or simply is a Panther through and through? Nominate them to be featured in our Panthers of ISKL stories by sending in your submissions here.