“ISKL is an inclusive school. We make this deliberate decision through our admissions process–we seek diversity, we have high expectations, and we believe in collaboration in an environment of empathy and care.
And we wish to celebrate what we value. This assembly is just one way to recognize you for exemplifying our values. There have been other times throughout the year when we affirmed your achievements as well. Many of you received standing ovations for your work on this very stage. Many accepted appreciation for your dedication to a community partner. Others heard well-earned cheers on the court, or on the field, or in the pool or obtained acknowledgment during a sports award ceremony. These accolades align with our beliefs and our guiding principles.
Today is another chance for us to celebrate your growth and achievement in a variety of categories that represent our values. You will receive recognition for academics, athletics, service, and citizenship.
While we recognize that you don’t commit hundreds of hours to your classwork, or your service partnership for an award, the recognitions presented today demonstrate to you that your dedication has been noticed and affirmed. We wish to take time today to say thank you.”
These are excerpts from High School (HS) Principal Jeff Farrington’s opening speech at The International School of Kuala Lumpur’s (ISKL) 2024 Senior Awards Ceremony, a momentous event held on May 31, 2024, to honor ISKL’s 133 graduating students. The Senior Awards, a cherished annual tradition at ISKL, are a testament to our students’ exceptional excellence, dedication, and passion for academics, sports, visual and performing arts, and community service.
Congratulations to all the recipients! Your accomplishments have been truly remarkable, and we are confident that you will continue to shine in your future endeavors.
Valedictorian: Ji Zhe Tan
“Ji Zhe is a passionate and accomplished pianist who participates with the Chin and Karen refugee children and exemplifies the enquirer aspect of the IB learner profile.” ~ Jeff Farrington, HS Principal
About the Award:
The Valedictorian is the graduating student with the highest cumulative grade point average from 11th and 12th grades (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
Valedictorian: Zahira Sham
“Zahira is inquisitive, creative, humble, and deeply reflective. She exemplifies the risk-taking trait of the IB learner profile.” ~ Jeff Farrington, HS Principal
About the Award:
The Valedictorian is the graduating student with the highest cumulative grade point average from 11th and 12th grades (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.
Salutatorian: Simran Sharma
“The salutatorian award for the second highest cumulative average is Simran Sharma. Our salutatorian is positive. She provides encouraging words to her peers and is very hardworking. Simran is consistently kind and supportive of others.” ~ Jeff Farrington, HS Principal
About the Award:
The Salutatorian has the second-highest cumulative average.
To be eligible for these distinctions:
- 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 for International Understanding awarded to Pulkit Chaudhari
“Pulkit is the epitome of diplomatic, savvy, and grace in all his interactions, be it in the classroom, in his numerous extracurricular pursuits, or in dealing with immigration officials. His gregarious sense of humor, good nature, and phenomenal skills have made him an extraordinary contributor to the life of ISKL. He is a remarkable and truly gifted young man whom the faculty are delighted to honor with this distinction.” ~ 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 Lucas Mendoza
“Lucas isn’t just an amazing athlete, he is also a dedicated and inspiring leader. Throughout the year, he has shown incredible talent in every sport he’s played, earning respect and trust from everyone. But his impact goes beyond his skills as a team captain. He motivates his teammates with hard work, commitment, and a positive attitude. He leads by example, helping the team, and is also known for his sportsmanship and for supporting and celebrating his teammates. He is always ready to encourage and uplift them.” ~ Nico A. (‘26)
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.
Scott Smith ‘76 Memorial Varsity Athlete Female awarded to Sarah Samson
“Sarah embodies the heart and soul of HS athletics like no other. Beyond her skills and expertise, her spirit truly sets her apart. She’s the kind of leader who lifts everyone around her and the type of teammate who always gives it her all. Her passion for the game and love for her team has created an atmosphere of camaraderie and excellence in which we all thrive.
Along with representing ISKL for almost ten years, Sarah will represent her country at the Touch World Cup in July. There is no one else who deserves to win this award, not once, but two years in a row.” ~ Aditi Seshadri(‘24)
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 Rania Woodward
“As a four-year IASAS dancer, Rania mesmerized audiences with her unwavering dedication and compelling performances. Her leadership, exemplified by captaining the team in her senior year, earned her admiration and respect. She also represented ISKL on the debate and forensics team and was on the ISKL soccer team for two years and IASAS softball for one. This is her senior year, where she demonstrates prowess on the field and the softball diamond. Rania’s unwavering passion and multifaceted contributions to our community make her deserving of this award.” ~ Karen Palko, MS PE & Dance Teacher
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 2004-2007.
Troy Marschang ’07 Award awarded to Rika Singh
“Rika completed eight IASAS events in four years – it is so demanding. This versatile and flexible award winner participated in the IASAS cultural convention, touch rugby, debate and forensics. Rika is a powerful life force for the strings program at ISKL; she also shines on the rugby pitch and pushes all the limits to win a gold medal in debate and forensics in her first year of competition. She brings a level of classiness to the excellent work that she does, and I admire how she embodies the values and culture of what we expect from IASAS events.” ~ Vincent Cee, MS/HS Music Strings & IB Music Teacher
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 2004-2007.
The Robert B. Gaw 12th Citizenship Award, Senior Class, awarded to Aditi Seshadri
“Aditi makes others feel seen and heard with her smiles and warmth. Her kindness and smiles have buoyed my spirits. But don’t let that smile belie her fierce athleticism. In touch rugby she writes verses of competitiveness, leadership, and passion. She encourages her fellow athletes knowing the most valuable achievement is not the final results, but the grit and the path itself that leads to greatness within ourselves.” ~ Tracy Woodward, HS IB English & Literature Teacher
About the Award:
The Robert B. Gaw Citizenship Award is intended for students who demonstrate exemplary citizenship and is given to one student at each grade level. The award, sponsored by the PTA, is named in honor of Robert B. Gaw, who served as Headmaster at ISKL from 1970-1978.
Award criteria:
- Nominee exemplifies the international aspect of the school. He/she interacts positively with others and shows an appreciation for nationalities other than his/her own.
- Nominee demonstrates courtesy to teachers, staff, and fellow students and shows respect for others’ rights.
- 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.
- A student can only win this award once.
Principal’s Award awarded to Luca Pasquini
“Luca’s passion for learning was evident in every class, as he dug deep into the material and asked questions that were insightful and challenging. His thirst for knowledge made teaching him a joyful experience. His curiosity and intellect make him a teacher’s dream. His brilliance is matched only by his kindness and humility. Despite being a high achiever in every single course he attended. He never made his friends feel intimidated. Instead, he welcomed everyone with open arms and created an inclusive classroom environment.” ~ David Arulsamy, HS Computer Science Teacher
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
The John G. Hadwen Award, Outstanding Senior, awarded to Ole Christian Nygaard
“Ole succeeds because he wrestles with ideas until he achieves understanding and pushes his body until he is the strongest competitor. He rehearses until he can execute with precision.
His special talent is enjoying the work and the struggle so that his hard-earned growth seems to come without frustration. His biggest gift is knowing the importance of putting your heart into whatever you do and cultivating a full presence, courage, and integrity rather than going through the motions.” ~ Leandro Venier, HS World Language Spanish 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- 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.
PTA Visual and Performing awarded to Charlotte Bich
“Charlotte’s legacy in the music department will not be forgotten. Knowing that she will continue her musical studies and teach the next generation of young musicians fills my heart with happiness and pride. They are going to adore her. I know she will do amazing things in her life and will positively affect everyone fortunate enough to meet her. I, for one, feel so grateful to have been part of her life throughout these past four years. Congratulations, sweet Charlotte!” ~ Jaymin Baird, HS Choral & Music Teacher
About the Award:
A Junior or Senior who demonstrates outstanding creative performance and superior ability in the arts will be the recipient.
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