vol. 2, no. 8 june 2012 · of final exams - from 8 pm-12 am. there was also a separate prom, for...
TRANSCRIPT
Vol. 2, No. 8
June 2012
“The Express here -- your best source for exciting, diverse and bold news about AISA’s multicultural community.”
Sophomores Selected for
NYU AD Program / P. 2
What’s New at AISA Next
Year? / P. 3
Middle School’s Stunning
Shakespeare Play / P. 4
Do you have a summer
beach body? / P. 6
Laughter and Tears at
Capping Ceremony / P. 5
Graduation Day!
By Kairine Maharajh (Grade 12)
AISA’s Voice Co-Editor
"What colour dress are you
wearing?" "What style?" "Do you
have your suit yet?" "Who is your
date?" are the questions that sen-
iors were echoing throughout the
hallways, as they anticipated the
upcoming Senior Prom in late
May.
The Senior Prom - not spon-
sored or affiliated with the school–
was held at Yas Island Rotana on
the 31st of May 31 - the last day
of final exams - from 8 pm-12 am.
There was also a separate prom,
for mostly Emirati girls, also not
sponsored by school.
Prom Committee members –
including Saif Sleiman, Sami Ket-
tle, Lamees Al Makkawy, Ameilia
Fox, Steffanie Sanders and Fares
Salamah -- who all worked hard to
make this year's prom a success.
The committee finalized the
design for tickets, organized the
dinner menu, found a photogra-
pher and other essential aspects
that tied the night together.
"We got together one evening
and spent hours looking for hotels
around Abu Dhabi that would
facilitate our budget," said Kettle.
"Luckily, we were able to find
Rotana in Yas Island, it is really
beautiful and is within a suitable
price range.
"The most stressful part was
trying to please everyone and that
was our job, but I think it's going
to be a really successful event,"
said Sleiman. "We worked really
hard, were very organized and had
good communication skills."
Although there was no theme for
the evening, the senior committee
organized beautiful lighting and
decorations to embellish the ball-
room.
Many senior girls refused to
reveal the designs and styles of
their dresses, as they wish to keep
them a surprise.
Several juniors are also attend-
ing as dates and guests and are
equally excited about the event.
"I know the Prom Committee
has worked very hard and hopeful-
ly all the effort will pay off,"
said Sarah Zaabi (Grade 11)
before Prom. "I cannot wait to
see everyone dressed up!" since support staff were supposed
to move to new housing.
Seniors Enjoy Prom
Zain Azfar Ahmed: University College London, UK
Hamed Al Bloushi: AUS, UAE
Khalifa Al Faheem: Univ. of Tampa, USA Mohamed Al Jneibi: Univ. of Tampa, USA
Khalid Al Mansoori:
Regents Business School, UK Saif Al Mazrouei: King’s College, UK
Khaled Al Mubarak: King’s College, UK
Ahmed Al-Ketbi: Zayed University, UAE Yousef Al-Massry: Iowa State Univ., USA
Hamdan Al-Nehayan: Zayed Univ., UAE
Zayed Al-Nehayan: NYU-AD, UAE Essa Alawar: Zayed University, UAE
Hamad AlAydaroos: AUS, UAE
Mohammad Albuaijan: AUS, UAE Khaled AlHashemi: AUS, UAE
Quosain Memon Ali:
University of British Columbia, Canada Omar AlMarzooqi: Emirates Univ., UAE
Sultan AlSuwaidi: UC-Riverside, USA
Mowafak Alzoebie: NJ Inst. of Tech., USA Kebure Assefa:
Paris-Sorbonne University-AD, UAE
Taymour Bouran: Univ. of BC, Canada Gregory Brown:
School of Audio Engineering, UAE Muhammad ElAmin: AUS, UAE
Ahmad Hamdan: AUD, UAE
Akshaay Hendricks: Manipal Univ., India Samuel Jovanovic: Monash Univ., Aus.
Ahmed Khalid: Univ. of Victoria, Canada
Omar Khalil: Univ. of Oldenburg, Germany Meeneshwer Madhu:
Academy of Art University, USA
Mohamed Mohamed: Royal Holloway, UK Michael Najjar: Dalhousie Univ., Canada
Nick Overkamp: Univ of Tech, Netherlands
Shamil Saeed: McMaster Univ., Canada Fares Salamah: Ryerson University, Can.
Amin Sarafian:
London School of Business and Finance, UK Mohamed Shaker: Oregon St. Univ., USA
Saif Sleiman: U. of British Columbia, Can.
William Smith: Trent University, Canada Norell Tagle: Univ. of Washington, USA
Kevin van Hoogstraten: South Africa
Chef’s Academy, South Africa Teguh Arian Zulian: IHTTI School of
Hotel Management, Switzerland
Janeeta Abbasi: Brock University, Can. Bayan Abukiwan: Parsons Paris, France
Nimra Ahmed: Univ. of Manchester, UK
Hanaa Al Ameri: Zayed University, UAE Shamma Al Khouri: AUS, UAE
Lamees Al Makkawi: NYU-AD, UAE
Maitha Al Mansoori: NYU-AD, UAE Sheikha Al Qassimi: AUS, UAE
Latifa Al-Khumairi: Zayed Univ., UAE
Aisha AlHajeri: NYU-AD, UAE Alyaziah AlHamed: Zayed Univ., UAE
Mariam AlHammadi: UAE Univ., UAE
Salama AlHarmoudi: Zayed Univ., UAE Alya Alhashmi: Zayed University, UAE
Farah AlJaghbeer: AUS, UAE
Rawdha AlMansouri: Zayed Univ., UAE Shaikha AlMeraikhi: Zayed Univ., UAE
Rana Alsaadi: AUS, UAE
Amira Anthonijsz: Hague Univ., Neth. Sumaia Aqtash: AUS, UAE
Joumana Asfour: NYU, USA
Afi Baaqi: Univ. of West England, UK Elena Botella: Florida Inst. of Tech., USA
Tzu-Hsuan Chao: Queen’s Univ., Canada
Danielle Cobrand: Univ of Victoria, Can. Marcela Cuadra Azucar:
Paris-Sorbonne University-AD, UAE Mahynoor Dobay: AUS, UAE
Menatallah El Abd: AUS, UAE
Summia El-Awawdeh: DePaul University, USA
Shahd Elghazali: AUS, UAE
Ameilia Fox: Okangan College, Canada Sara Humaid: Zayed University, UAE
Samantha Kettle: Emirates Academy of
Hospitality and Management, UAE Esrah Kousheh:
German-Jordanian University, Jordan
Reem Lari: Franklin College, Switzerland Zahra Lari: Zayed Universrity, UAE
Kairine Maharajh: Suffolk Univ., Spain
Judy Mallah: AUS, UAE Sonu Mathew: Univ. of Guelph, Canada
Katie May Maxwell:
University of Wollongong, Australia Nahil Memon: NYU-AD, UAE
Jordan Leigh Murray:
Grant McEwan, Canada Mariam Nabulsi: AUS, UAE
Farida Nassar: AUS, UAE
Claudia Oswald: Queensland Univ., Aus. Aria Claire Pavlic: Blue Mountains Inter-
national Hotel School, Australia
Steffanie Sanders: BYU, USA
Tanya Tarazi:
Ontario College of Arts & Design, Canada
Jessica van der Walt: Curtin University, Australia
Dorien van Heerden:
University of Pretoria, Australia Xin Yu: University of Toronto, Canada
94 students to study in 12 countries, with half staying in the UAE, 1/3 in North America, 1/6 in Europe.
By Mahynoor Mohamed (Grade 12,
What’s Up?!) and Salama Al-
Khumaisi (Grade 11, Cosmopolitan)
June 6, 2012. The date that seniors
had been anticipating: graduation.
In a dignified ceremony held under
the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza
bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan,
graduation included speeches from
Dr. Jones, school director, H.E. Mr.
Al-Hashli, chairman, and Mr.
Abushakra, superintendent.
H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarek,
Minister of Higher Education joined
H.H. Sheikh Hazza on stage for the
awarding of the diplomas.
“The graduation ceremony was a
great success. Impressive and heart-
warming at the same time,” wrote
Dr. Jones, who thanked the front of
house, back stage and Ms. Shanti.
“It’s the moment I’ve been waiting
for since I was a little kid,” said
senior Mariam Al Hammadi, who is
planning to major in medicine.
Hamad AlAydaroos recited a sec-
tion from the Holy Qur'an. Valedic-
torians Mohamed Shaker and Aisha
AlHajeri gave heartfelt speeches.
AlHajeri had been nervous before-
hand. "The greatest yet scariest thing
about being valedictorian isn't the
title,” she said. “It's the responsibil-
ity of speaking on behalf of [more
than 90] amazing seniors.”
“I’m not going to say something
stupid like, ‘I love you all,’” Shaker
said in the speech. “But I’ll miss all
of you terribly, and it’s been a real
honor and privilege to have spent the
past five years with everyone.”
Seniors then sang “Here's To Us,”
led by Music teacher Ms. Jana van
Rensburg, with Greg Brown on gui-
tar and Reem Lari on keyboard.
Finally, Mr. Godley, secondary
school principal, presented the Class
of 2012 by announcing the students
who had been at the school from
longest tenure to shortest.
After, students, staff and parents
mingled in the recessional, wishing
good luck and bidding farewell.
The 94 graduates are off to study
in 12 different countries around the
world, with half staying in the UAE,
one-third to North America and one-
sixth to Europe.
“I love the seniors, and I always
have," said Mrs. Jones. "The unity of
the class as one group that's amazing
and the fabulous birthday cakes. I
think I am leaving on a high note
with an amazing class! We know
they will do well and we wish them
the best."
Secretary Ms. Gail Cruzat agreed.
“I will terribly miss all the sen-
iors,” she said. “I’m so sad that
they’re leaving, yet I’m so excited
for them to start their new life after
high school.”
Khaled Al Mubarak, who is at-
tending King's College in London,
was asked about his current plans.
“Turning off my alarm clock,
spending days on the beach with my
fellow graduates,” he said. “Then
moving on to university, graduating
from there and marrying a beautiful
woman. Then building a house and
being a billionaire.”
Al Mubarak offered this advice for
juniors:
“Work hard on your studies, apply
to many universities and plan your
future ahead,” he said. “With faith,
persistence and determination, you
can achieve whatever it is your mind
believes.”
Meanwhile, Meeneshwer Madhu,
who will be studying fashion design
in San Francisco, said:
“I’m having a mix of different
feelings, excitement, but with sad-
ness for leaving high school
friends.”
Salama AlHarmoodi, who has
been at AISA for six years, is senti-
mental.
“I never expected this day to come
where we all graduate and move
towards a new chapter in our lives,”
she said. “I just want to thank all
seniors for the best six years of my
life, and I hope you all find what
you’re looking for in life and make
your dreams come true.”
6 MONTHS
The Express Managing Editor: Mr. Baron
AISA’s Voice (Editorial)
Ahmed Al-Ketbi (Co-Editor)
Lamees Al-Makkawy
Hamdan Al-Nahyan
Kairine Maharajh (Co-Editor)
What’s Up?! (News)
Rana Alsaadi (Editor)
Shahd Elghazali
Mahynoor Mohamed
Tanya Tarazi
The Scene (Arts & Culture)
Greg Brown (Co-Editor)
Steffanie Sanders (Co-Editor)
Teguh Zulian
Cosmopolitan (Beyond AISA)
Khalifa Al-Fahim (Co-Editor)
Salama Al-Khumaisi
Noor Al-Mehairbi
Alia Youssef (Co-Editor)
We Are the Lions! (Sports)
Sakhr Abdullah
Aisha AlHajeri (Co-Editor)
Khalid Al-Mansoori
Zayed Al-Nahyan (Co-Editor)
Marcela Cuadra
Muhammad El-Amin
Staff Photographers:
Aisha AlHajeri, Teguh Zulian
AISA Director: Dr. Jones
Secondary School Principal:
Mr. Godley
Assistant Principals:
Mrs. Jones, Mr. Morley
The Express is produced by students
in the Publications elective for
Grades 11 and 12.
It is published eight times/year, with
additional content in print and
online. Read past issues online:
bit.ly/aisaexpress
Every issue is approved by Admin
before being sent to the printer.
The Express by American Interna-
tional School in Abu Dhabi is li-
censed under a Creative Commons
Attribution-NonCommercial-
ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
Letters to the Editor The Express encourages letters, send them to [email protected].
Students, include full name and grade. Teachers, include grade and
subject. Letters may be shortened for space requirements.
July: 7/2: Dalia Al Hashmi (17); 7/3: Haidy Nabawy
(15); 7/7: Oratile Mphofu (12); 7/8: Alia Youssef (17);
7/10: Reem, (12); 7/12: Rhoda Al Zarouni (12); 7/15:
Mr. Pike (31), Farah Al Jaghbeer (18); 7/16: Nayab Z.
Qureshi (16); 7/19: Safiya (12); 7/28: Dana Aghabi
(16).
August: 8/6: Justine Abcede (13); 8/6: Oorja
Majgaonkar (13); 8/7: Hussain Abou Sayed (13); 8/9:
Noor Al Mehairbi (18); 8/10: Reem Lari (17); 8/14:
Madi Brandes (16); 8/15: Veronique Cossette-Sharkey
(12); 8/16: Ms. Moloney, Adam Sarafian (15); 8/17:
Hadeel Al Mubarak (12); 8/18: Daeun Lee (14); 8/21:
Sumayah Fadil (13); 8/21: Mohammad Anas (16);
8/23: Mouza Al Neami (14); 8/30: Mr. Stewart (29),
Lamya Al Midfi (15); 8/31: Fares Salamah (18).
Sept.: 9/2: Razan Bolbol (16); 9/9: Sherif Halawa ;
9/11: Ahmed Al Romaithi (17), Meera Roumanos
(17); 9/12: Eduardo Cuadra Azucar (16); 9/18: Atiqah
Mohd Azhar (14); 9/18: Elli Repo (15); 9/21: Megan
Jackson (14); 9/23: Carol A. Samad (17); 9/29: Sheren
Abou-ouf (18).
Summer Birthdays!
By Lamees Al-Makkawy
(Grade 12)
A group of highly motivated
Emirati sophomores will be packing
their bags this summer and heading
to Italy and the United States for
educational sessions sponsored by
New York University-Abu Dhabi
(NYU AD).
These eight students received the
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholar-
ship. They will study for about five
weeks at NYU-AD from late June to
early July, and at NYU campuses in
Florence, Italy, and New York City,
U.S. from mid-July to late July.
The selected students are Abdul
Jalil Al Faheem, Al Anoud Al
Shamry, Fahkra Al Foulathi,
Mansour Al Sawaleh, Mohamed Al
Nahyan, Mohamed Eraiqat, Meera Al
Shamsi, and Reem Al Ameri.
Students went through a rigorous
selection process.
“First, you get nominated by the
high school official,” said Al
Shamsi. “Then you send a personal
statement, resume, etc. to NYU itself.
If they accept you, you go to the
campus to have interviews. And that
is the final step. If you get accepted,
you're in.”
High school secretary Ms. Gail
Cruzat added that the selection was
reviewed three times, and 10 of the
school's 12 candidates were accepted.
Now students are working on their
visas. Al Ameri is looking forward to
the Summer Academy.
“It will be a very different experi-
ence that will hopefully turn me into
an independent woman,” said Al
Ameri. “It will be the first time I ever
travel alone, without my family. Al-
so, it will challenge me more outside
my comfort zone and will help me
discover what I am capable of doing
on my own.”
Al Shamry is also excited for the
Summer Academy.
“I feel like it’s going to be a memo-
rable experience, and I’ll get to meet
people my age from other schools
and other countries,” she said. “I’ve
heard so many great things about it,
and it is going to help me prepare for
university.”
NYU AD Summer Program
By Ahmed Al-Ketbi (Grade 12)
AISA’s Voice Co-Editor
Seniors have apologized for
their “pranks” with a lunch for the
cleaning staff and surprising the
Admin with a party.
On Saturday, May 12, the
school organized a “prank day” in
which seniors came to school to
do some silly pranks like throwing
toilet paper in the rotunda and
duct-taping doors.
But several students snuck in
during the nighttime and went
way over the limit, and really
messed up the school.
These seniors hid dead fish and
threw eggs throughout the depart-
ments, coated door handles in
vaseline, and used a Nutella jar in
an unexpected way.
"I'm very devastated and disap-
pointed with the seniors," said
secondary school principal Mr.
Godley .
Afterwards, the mess was left
for the cleaning company and the
school staff to clean.
Secondary school assistant prin-
cipal Mr. Morley said, "It took
ages to clean."
In response, the school gave the
seniors very severe punishments.
After a few days of angry and
disappointed staff members, the
senior students organized a sur-
prise apology party for the school
faculty, bringing flowers, choco-
late, fruit baskets, cake and bal-
loons.
"But that wasn't enough,” said
Mrs. Jones, secondary school
assistant principal. “They had to
apologize to the cleaning compa-
ny staff who stayed hours clean-
ing after the mess.”
So the students organized anoth-
er event to feed the cleaning com-
pany staff for cleaning up after
them.
After redeeming themselves and
apologizing, the school was satis-
fied with the efforts of the stu-
dents and accepted their apology.
“I would like to thank the school
for accepting our apology, and we
all regret what we've done I hope
this would be a lesson for the up
coming years," said senior Khalid
Al Hashemi.
"I hope that they (next year's
seniors) don't do anything worse
next year.”
Seniors Sorry for ‘Pranks’
By Hamdan Al-Nahyan
AISA’s Voice (Grade 12)
Staff and parents are excited for
the annual AISA Used Book Sale in
the Library in mid-June, with pro-
ceeds donated to the support staff.
The sale will take place between
June 10-12, and allows adults to
stock up on reading materials for the
summer, according to Mrs. Morley,
librarian. At the same time, it is a
wonderful opportunity for them to
do some cleaning and get rid of
those books that have just been lying
around in their homes.
All books are sold for only AED
5, and last year's sale raised AED
3,005 for the support staff from
selling 600 books and some small
donations.
“It is fabulous, as teachers can
browse during their breaks,” said
Mrs. Morley. “They don’t have to
drive to a mall or to a bookstore far
away. Here I can purchase twice as
many books for a few dirhams, and
really, that is a steal.”
Staff have the first pick of the
books, then parents can purchase
books on June 12.
“Every year there are more and
more books brought in to be sold,”
said Ms. Shanti, community affairs
coordinator. “Everyone gets excit-
ed!”
Proceeds from the upcoming
AISA Boutique, from June 11-14,
will also go to the support staff.
Staff Used Book Sale Coming Up!
Last year’s group visited the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. / Photo courtesy
Noor Al-Mehairbi.
AISA’s Voice June 2012 2
Dear High School Students,
For our Exhibition topic we picked
Smoking. Some of you high school
students smoke in the bathrooms.
Smoking in the bathrooms affects
you and your body. Also there are
ashes everywhere and the smell is
bad.
It doesn’t only affect you it affects
us; it affects the people who enter
the bathroom.
That’s called second hand smok-
ing. Second hand smoking is when a
smoker smokes near a non smoker
and the non smoker inhales the
smoke and the chemicals from the
cigarette.
Did you know about 1.1 billion
people in the world smoke? About 5
million people died from smoking.
Did you know 53,800 people die
from second hand smoking each
year? Each day about 3,000 children
smoke their first cigarette.
Second-hand smoke has twice as
much nicotine and tar compared to
the smoke that the smoker inhales.
Second hand smoking is really un-
healthy. Smoking is also against our
school rules.
Please stop smoking in the bath-
room it is dangerous for everyone.
Sincerely,
Mohamad Sholi, Hamza Hashem,
Marwan Luqman (Grade 5)
Letter: HS Students — Stop Smoking!
By Adib Khonker (Grade 8)
Grade 8 students enjoyed going on
a field trip to two farms in Abu Dha-
bi in mid-May, as part of their chal-
lenging sustainability unit.
On May 16, students first went to a
high-tech farm that used hydroponic
technological to grow plants of vari-
ous species without soil. There was
row after row of beautiful greenery
and the farm manager gave a tour.
Then they went to a traditional,
Emirate-style farm, which had a
beautiful variety of animals such as
majestic peacocks, muscular horses
and even an hilarious monkey that
expertly drank from water bottles
and stole someone's ghitra!
At the end of the informational
trip, students enjoyed drinks at the
recreation room and, tired due to the
blazing sun, departed back to school.
Overall, it was a knowledge-
inspiring and interesting trip.
Gr8 Students See Green Acres of Emirati Farms
This is my last issue editing The Express,
and it has been a pleasure building commu-
nity at the school through Publications,
CAS, Geography, MUN, Drama and Track.
In Publications, students wrote articles,
made audio slideshows, and designed and
promoted the yearbook, with posters and
“viral videos.”
None of this would’ve been possible with-
out the support from the Admin, thank you
for your help!
Newsrooms are only as good as their staff,
and this year’s was special. Be proud of the
legacy you’ve left behind, and you all have
potentially bright futures in the exciting
field of communications.
As Steve Jobs said in his Stanford com-
mencement speech, you cannot connect the
dots looking forward, only in hindsight.
“Stay hungry, stay foolish.”
Note: Throughout the issue are profiles of
the Publications students in ABC order. -30-
Farewell from Mr. Baron Profile: Khalifa Al-Fahim
Two days before the big
showjumping event, senior
Khalifa Al Fahim spends a
lot of time with his French
breed horse Noble, training
on “flat work.”
“We have to train so the
horse doesn't get over-
worked,” said Al Fahim,
an 18-year-old Emirati, has
traveled around the world
competing among the top
showjumpers. “It’s an hon-
or to meet and compete with
Olympic riders and do what
I love ,” he said.
When not showjumping,
Al Fahim is a thrill-seeker –
he jetskis and watertubes,
and when the weather cools
down he goes to the desert
to ride ATVs, motorbikes
and dune buggies.
“Life is too short so you
have to make the best out of
it,” he said.
-Muhammad El-Amin
By Mr. Godley, Secondary School Principal
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?”
― Mary Oliver
Three years ago, my family moved to Abu Dhabi and
joined AISA. Our time here has been an education in so
many ways. We have made wonderful friends, grown as a
family and become a part of life in this exciting city.
As we tend to do more regularly than others, we will
move on at the end of this school year because you see, the
world is a fascinating place and our next adventure awaits
us.
Each time we “up and move” we have some friends who
have trouble understanding why we are leaving. Some-
times I wonder this myself. We have made such very solid
friendships here with people from the UAE and around the
world.
However, I always land on this favorite piece of text
from Mary Oliver when I reflect on our choice to be global
nomads: “Listen…are you breathing just a little, and call-
ing it a life?”
Admin Corner:
What are your
life plans?
What’s Up?! June 2012 3
By Rana Alsaadi (Gr. 12)
What’s Up?! Editor
Following a community
service trip to Nepal last
year, senior Dorien van
Heerden has won an inter-
national education award
after raising nearly AED
10,000 for a school for poor,
orphan and refugee children
with a photo exhibition and
publishing a booklet.
In November 2011, van
Heerden and five classmates
went on a community ser-
vice trip sponsored by
World Challenge and accompanied
by former science teacher Mr. Des-
champs. On the trip, students hiked
through the Himalayas, attended
cultural events and volunteered at the
Nagajuna Modern Boarding School
in Pokhara, Nepal.
“After visiting Nepal, I saw the
hardships children faced in the
mountains and saw the good work of
[principal] Mr. Yeshi at the Nagajuna
Modern Boarding School,” she said.
“It made me want to help them, to
help more children by raising money
to build a school for them.”
Over the past year-and-a-half, van
Heerden has donated more than AED
8,000 -- more than double her origi-
nal goal -- to the British charity The
Nagajuna Trust to help construct a
new school building that would dou-
ble enrollment to 200 children.
At the graduation ceremony, she
was awarded the ECIS Award for
International Understanding.
Her two biggest projects have been
a photo essay shown at last year's
AISA Art Show, and the accompany-
ing travelogue that was recently pub-
lished. She has also raised money
from the AISA Admin, the AISA vs
ACS staff basketball game, and a
booth at International Night 2011.
“The children at the school were
eager to learn, well behaved and
grateful,” she said. “They inspired
me tremendously.”
The booklet was written and de-
signed by van Heerden, while Publi-
cations teacher Mr. Baron, was her
project supervisor.
He helped in choosing the photos,
edited the several drafts of the per-
sonal essays on the trip and the
books’ video trailer, and secured a
publisher and printer.
“Dorien has worked extremely
hard on this project for over a year,”
said Mr. Baron. “Her dedi-
cation and commitment, in
addition to her passion for
social justice, is incredibly
admirable.”
The girls’ assistant prin-
cipal, Mrs. Jones, is also
proud of Dorien and her
projects.
“I am so impressed with
everything that Dorien has
done for the Nagajuna
Modern Boarding School,”
she said. “Her accomplish-
ments are a reminder that it
only takes one person to
make a difference in the lives of
many. I hope she continues with her
efforts for years to come.”
Currently, booklets are available
from van Heerden for a donation of
AED 20, and are also available
online on Amazon.com.
Before she goes to university, van
Heerden is hoping to display the
photo essay and tell the story of the
Nepalese children at a local cultural
organization.
“I hope that I inspire others
through my work to support the Na-
gajuna Modern Boarding School,”
said van Heerden. “I will be pleased
if my goal to raise awareness is
achieved.”
Note: View her book trailer on the
AISA YouTube channel
bit.ly/nepal_video and the book at
amzn.to/ltDHLD.
Senior Wins Int’l Award for Nepal Charity Project
By Tanya Tarazi
What’s Up?! (Grade 12)
Besides the co-ed craze and hiring
new faculty, the school is planning
on making improvements for the
following academic year.
Last year, the school focused on
new projects to improve our educa-
tion and facilities -- the pools were
built, more SmartBoards were added
and a strong Wi-Fi system was in-
stalled.
But for next year, the focus is being
put on improving what the school
already has, while accommodating
for the secondary school's new segre-
gated and co-ed sections.
“This summer will be spent on
improving what we have rather then
carrying out new projects,” said Dr.
Jones, school director.
Construction will be done to the
second floor girl’s side, enclosing it
for segregated education. There are
not yet figures on how many students
will remain in the segregated educa-
tion next year.
“AISA will be better off as co-ed, it
will be easier for students and staff,”
said senior Menat El Abd.
Many rooms will be re-painted, the
outdoor section of the school will be
cleaned up, and there will be more
playground space and shading.
Senior Jordan Murray agreed with
the school's mindet. “I think that
AISA should just improve and renew
what they already have, not plan on
making big changes,” she said.
More than 20 new faculty are join-
ing the school, including secondary
school principal Mr. Ravesi, second-
ary school girls assistant principal,
Ms. Hansen.
In the elementary school, Mrs.
Pittman-Jones will be taking over as
the principal, while Grade 4 teacher
Mr. Lewis will be elevated to assis-
tant principal.
What’s New at AISA Next Year?
By Shahd Elghazali
What’s Up?! (Grade 12)
Student Ambassadors and Student
Council have raised nearly AED
2,000 for humanitarian organization
Operation Smile.
Founded in 1982, Operation Smile
is an international children's medical
charity that heals children with cleft
lip. Volunteer doctors from the or-
ganization travel across the world to
operate on children with this condi-
tion.
“I think it is a really sweet and
admirable association!” said Reem
Lari, a student ambassador and sen-
ior. “I’d love to see kids get their
beautiful smiles back!”
Mrs. Huner, the secondary school
girls counselor who coordinates Stu-
dent Ambassador activities, was
inspired after a recent trip to Jordan.
“In my tour group there was a man
who was a volunteer doctor for Oper-
ation Smile,” she said. “He told me
about the organization, and that real-
ly inspired me.”
To spread the spirit, students raised
awareness and AED 1,852 by having
bake sales and selling bracelets.
“It’s a lot of fun making the brace-
lets, and raising awareness for such
an honorable cause,” said Kathrin
Harb, a student ambassador and jun-
ior.
They also spread balloons in class-
rooms, which had short notes meant
to bring a smile. Mrs. Huner, who is
known for her wide smile, thought
that the balloon idea would be a nice
way to make people smile.
“It’s always nice to brighten up
someone’s day,” said Mrs. Huner.
Advisories also decorated smiley
faces by writing in what makes them
smile and hung them around school.
They also showed a powerful video
about the organization.
“I think the balloons and the videos
we saw during advisory are a fun and
thoughtful way to spread awareness,”
said senior Tzu-Hsuan “Queenie”
Chao.
The largest event was a pizza sale
during the student-faculty basketball
game on May 24, with proceeds
going to Operation Smile.
Students Raise AED 2,000
for Children’s Charity
Student Ambassador Kathrin Harb helped the efforts. / Photo by Mr. Baron.
Juniors Present
‘Bad Auditions for Bad Actors’
Profile: Mariam Al-Hammadi
Some students study medicine to be-
come wealthy. But for Al Hammadi, she
wants to help people who cannot afford
medication.
"My dream is to make a positive
change to my society with what am
passionate about," said the Emirati-
Palestinian 18-year-old.
She has the determination to succeed –
this year she was the president of the
school's Eco Club.
“This will help me develop my public
speaking and organizational skills," she
said in the beginning of the year.
Senior Rana Alsaadi, last year's Eco
Club president, said Al Hammadi, can
handle the challenge.
"Mariam is a smart beautiful young
lady who has big dreams and is highly
determined she puts 100 percent in eve-
rything she does."
Last year Al-Hammadi was the MVP
of the badminton team, and is a member
of the volleyball team.
Al-Hammadi is inspired by three peo-
ple: her father, Prophet Mohammed, and
late Emirati President His Highness
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
"She is an amazing friend,” said Al-
saadi. “I know she is there for me when-
ever I am in need of support."
-Mahy Mohamed
Dorien van Heerden’s booklet “Prayer Flags for Pokhara.”
Profile: Ahmed Al-Ketbi
When summer ends and
winter arrives, Emirati
senior Ahmed Al Ketbi
gets ready for the Liwa
Festival of all-terrain vehi-
cles (ATV's) and dune
bashing.
At the Festival, he barbe-
cues, tell stories about the
extreme stuff he did that
day. On regular week-
ends, Al Ketbi rides ATVs
and goes dunebashing eve-
ry weekend with his friends
and family. “I go dune
bashing from the morning
until the next morning
without sleeping,” he said.
“I feel that I’m free and I
can do anything and no one
will stop me,” he said.
Al Ketbi, 18, is the
youngest of three brothers.
He said he wants to study
finance. “I don’t want to go
aboard because I want to
stay with my family and
continue to dunebash in the
desert,” he said.
–Hamdan Al-Nahyan
Profile: Aisha AlHajeri
2011 ISAC Finals: AISA down
to ABA with five seconds on the
clock. Senior Aisha AlHajeri pass-
es the ball to a teammate, who
nails a jumper from the wing. The
buzzer sounds, and the team mobs
her as -- they won the tournament!
“It was a mixture of excitement
and relief,” said the Emirati senior.
“Our team became a family and
we all balanced each other out.”
Besides being a straight A stu-
dent, AlHajeri, 17, is also commit-
ted to basketball. For the past six
years, four times a week, the asth-
matic practices layups, passing and
running suicide drills.
“I didn’t really like volleyball,
and I wasn’t good at soccer, but I
started to really like basketball,”
she said. “But it was difficult at
times, [especially] for an asthmat-
ic. I've had to work extra hard.”
After a long season, the team
finished in second place in ISAC.
In university, AlHajeri plans on
studying social research and public
policy. –Steffanie Sanders
Profile: Salama Al-Khumaisi
At school, every junior knows
one thing: Salama-planned parties
are the best. Great decorations,
music and catering – and all from
one student: Salama Al Khumaisi.
“I love to cheer people up,” said,
Al Khumaisi, a soft-spoken 16-year
-old Emirati junior who is great
with numbers. Not only are her
parties well-planned, they are also
well-budgeted.
“I find it so easy,” she said. She
plans on majoring in business/
finance or communications, while
staying in the UAE.
“Salama can be the sweetest per-
son you could ever meet, however
in the beginning she is a bit shy,”
said one friend. “But when you get
to know her there are always laughs
and smiles she offers.”
“I love AISA and everything
about it, is the best school,” Al-
Khumaisi said.
In her free time, Al Khumaisi
love to swim and ride horses and
also plays soccer and baseball. She
also loves shopping, hanging out
and going to see movies.
–Marcela Cuadra
Profile: Lamees Al-Makkawy
Senior Lamees Al Makkawy is a student by day
and a superwoman by night.
During the day, she researches current events –
especially poverty and revolutions and contributes
extensively towards the school's Model United
Nations.
Of Emirati and Egyptian origins, Al Makkawy,
17, a middle child, has lived all her life in Abu
Dhabi.. But she keeps a close relationship with her
family in Egypt, especially during the revolution in
January of this year.
She finds inspiration from her grandpa because
during his lifetime he was perseverant and contrib-
uted heavily to his work and to the people around
him. “People expected a lot from him so he did
what he was told and he did it well,” she said.
Al Makkawy is an intelligent student. who en-
joys Economics and English. She hopes to study
Mass Communication and Media at NYU- Abu
Dhabi, and minor in Economics.
“When I grow older, I’ll figure out what my job
is as I am still undetermined,” she said. “But I
know that I’m going to do something that will
change the world.”
A member of the school's soccer and badminton
teams, she enjoys going to restaurants and play-
ings tennis.
Her friends agree that she's talented. “Lamees is
smart and a great listener,” said fellow senior Fa-
rida Nassar. “I know that she has a bright future
ahead of her.” -Rana Alsaadi
The Scene June 2012 4
By Greg Brown
The Scene Co-Editor
Hundreds of people attended the
third annual middle school Musez-
Drama production of Shakespeare’s
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in
late May.
Directed by Drama teacher Mr.
Gallichan, the 21 middle school stu-
dents performed the play — adven-
tures of four lovers and six amateur
actors in an enchanted forest — in a
round in the TimGym on May 30.
“Congratulations to [Mr. Gal-
lichan] for pulling off what I believe
was AISA’s second Shakespeare
production,” said Dr. Jones, school
director. “The students did a wonder-
ful job. The sets, costumes and make
up were fantastic. Thank you and
congratulations to all responsible.”
The main roles were Grade 8 stu-
dents Dean Carstens as the Fairy
King Oberon, Melinda Knowling as
Fairy Queen Titania, Joel Nasrallah
as the Bottom and Mathilde
Bienseant as Puck, Oberon’s fairy
servant, and PJ van Heerden as Ly-
sander.
Carstens said, “I like fantasy story
that has twist in it, also there are part
of comedic scenes in it.”
The Shakespearean theater group
from the Globe Theater in London
gave lessons in March to help them
learn more about Shakespeare, and
students also saw the production.
Middle School ‘Musez’ Presents
Stunning Shakespeare Play
Photos by Mr. Baron.
By Steffanie Sanders (Grade 12)
The Scene Co-Editor
IBP and IB-1 Art girls ventured to
discover cultural treasures at the
newest exhibition at Manarat Al
Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island in early
May.
On May 6, students visited the
exhibition “Treasures of the World’s
Cultures,” which was designed in
collaboration with the British Muse-
um and has over more than 250 piec-
es ranging from African to European
to even Local Emirati artists, accord-
ing to the Arts Abu Dhabi website.
“A lot of pieces in the show have
never been on tour,” said Ms.
Ramirez, IB-1 Art teacher. “It was a
highly selective collection. God
knows what they would’ve had to
pay to get them there!”
Students also enjoyed the wide
range of pieces.
“My favorite piece was the Wom-
an’s Cloth by a Ghanaian artist
which represented the decay of soci-
ety,” said Salam Oubeid, IBP stu-
dent. “It made me feel sorrow, but it
was beautiful and symbolic.”
Besides international treasures, the
exhibition also held Emirati pieces
that told of the history of the unifica-
tion of the Emirates and Sheikh
Zayed’s life.
Students and teachers alike en-
joyed the exhibition. “It was beauti-
fully curated, it was a fabulous,” Ms.
Ramirez exclaimed. “The exhibit
was just gorgeous.”
Oubeid agreed, “The overall expe-
rience was amazing, the exhibition is
something I’ll definitely think about
coming back to with my friends or
family.”
Art Students Learn About World’s Cultures on Trip
By Teguh Zulian (Grade 12)
Students were excited to attend
the inaugural Middle East Film and
Comic Con in Dubai in late April,
where they met famous artists, writ-
ers and directors.
From April 20-21, thousands of
visitors attended the event at the
Dubai International Marine Club.
Comic Con was sponsored by Her
Highness Sheikha Wafa bint Hasher
Al Maktoum, and is the only con-
sumer event for fans of cult enter-
tainment and popular culture in the
Middle East, according to its web-
site.
Attendees watched exclusive
previews, purchased limited edition
merchandise, took part in exciting
competitions, and made new friends
and fans from across the region.
“It was an interesting experience
since we got to meet directors,
screenwriters, actors, and artists,”
said Mohamed Abbas Mohamed,
who met up with fellow seniors
Kevin van Hoogstraten and Tay-
mour Bouran. “We got to see what
went into making a movie or comic
book.”
Comic conventions started in the
late 1960's. Just as spaceships, al-
iens and superheroes have become a
part of mainstream entertainment
and pop culture, Comic Cons have
also spread to cities around world.
Many fans dressed up as their
favorite characters, known as
“cosplayers,” though none of our
students said they did.
“I did show my support with my
Star Wars shirt I had!” said Mo-
hamed. “Plus I got to take pictures
with some cosplayer, even with the
cosplay Queen herself!”
“It was one of the greatest mo-
ments in my life,” said senior Kevin
van Hoogstraten. “I loved it there.”
ComicCon Craziness
By Señora Aida
Teaching at AISA for nearly two
academic years makes me stop a
second and evaluate our work
through the point of view of my first
IB class, from 2010-2012.
How clearly they phrased what I
was trying to teach with Spanish
immersion. “In the beginning, we
were confused never speaking in
English. But now I know why.” To
prove his point, he handed me a
thank you letter in nearly perfect
Spanish.
Another student happily wrote,
also in Spanish: “Now I speak Span-
ish with my family and I would like
to continue.”
I do believe that education is sim-
ultaneous and works in both ways:
We share our values, opinions and
cultures learning about each other. I
learned so much in these two years
with my students, for which I am
glad. Thank you IB Spanish class y
buen viaje!
My Point of View
By Sheren Abou-Ouf (Grade 11)
Calling all actors and filmmakers for next
year’s first-ever high school film production
club!
The club is led by nearly a dozen current jun-
iors, with staff advisors Ms. Levi and Mr.
Luukkonen.
Already, the club has started some awesome
film projects. Over the summer, the club’s direc-
tor, Sheren Abou-Ouf, will start writing a script
and storyboard for the club.
Mr. Luukkonen, who has experience with
mixing, said, “I am excited to see what people
are going to create.”
Kathrin Harb said: “I have always enjoyed
acting and makeup and this is a great opportuni-
ty to practice what I love.”
However we need actors, directors, script writ-
ers, cinematographers, actors and editors.
For more info, contact Nadia Jacobson, club
manager, at [email protected] or
see Ms. Levi in Room 208.
You could be the school’s next Angelina Jolie
or Tom Cruise! Hope to see you soon on the
sliver screen!
Lights, Camera, Action for New HS Film Club
Back Row: Sheren Abou-Ouf, Kathrin Harb, Lars Sattanathan, Ahmed
Yacout Saleh, Shubhankar Misri.
Front Row: Deema El-Dasher, Ralph Young, Nadia Jacobson, Sallie
Hildebrand. / Photo courtesy Sheren About-Ouf.
Khalid Al-Mansoori is an Emirati
17-year-old who is planning to study
business management. In his free
time, he goes out to the desert with
his friends and does sketches and
drawings. “Most of my drawings are
about war and sights that people
aren’t familiar with and don’t expect
to see,” he wrote in a profile of con-
flict photographer Tim Hethering-
ton. –Mr. Baron
Profile: Noor Al-Mehairbi
Junior Noor Al Mehairbi is not
your typical teenage girl – she has
her own vintage-retro style and is
not a drama queen.
Whether it’s an extra bow in her
hair, or green high-waist pants ,
something in her style stands out.
“I don’t like 'new,' 'modern' or
'up to date' trends,” said the half-
Spanish half-Emirati 17-year-old.
“I don't judge things by their
brand. If I like it, I’ll buy it.”
Al Mehairbi's style, which she
has had since seventh grade, is
inspired by classic rock bands like
The Beatles, Queen and Metallica,
and by her mixed heritage.
“I am some kind of mixed
breed,” she joked.
Al-Mehairbi easily cheers her
friends up with her energetic per-
sonality and humorous wisdom,
though she is shy and quiet in
front of adults and strangers.
A positive trait about Noor, that
isn’t seen often in teenage girls
nowadays, is how laid back, or “un
-drama queen” like she is.
-Alia Youssef
Profile: Hamdan Al-Nahyan
On a sunny Friday, Emirati senior
Hamdan Al-Nahyan enjoys going to
the desert with his two younger
brothers and friends, dune bashing
and hunting with falcons.
Starting from a young age Al-
Nahyan, 17, learned about the Emirati
traditions like hunting from his uncle.
As he grew his love for motor sports
grew with him.
Al-Nahyan has been at AISA since
the sixth grade. Now he is enjoying
his last year as a senior. For universi-
ty, he hopes to get a degree in inter-
national relations, but is also consid-
ering engineering.
“I want to to design the first Emiati-
manufactured off road vehicle,” he
said. –Ahmed Al-Ketbi
Zayed Al-Nahyan will be studying
political science. In his free time,
the 18-year-old natural leader goes
to the desert with his friends.
Profile: Rana Alsaadi
Last year, senior Rana Alsaadi,
student body president, was on assign-
ment in Publications: to cover the
school's charity sleepover called the
“30-Hour Famine,” whose proceeds
would support rebuilding in Pakistan
after deadly floods.
One problem: she had broken torn
ankle tendons. But that did not stop
her, as she went in a wheelchair and
interviewed teachers and students.
Alsaadi, 17, is like the future white
Oprah – debating the social issues of
the world.
Inspired by her Psychology and
Publications classes, she plans to
study journalism in university.
Though she's ethnically Syrian, she
grew up in the U.S., and has been in
Abu Dhabi for several years.
Alsaadi is also inspired by her hard-
working parents. In her rare free time,
Alsaadi swims, shops and writes.
-Lamees Al-Makkawy
Profile: Greg Brown
As a member of rock band
Daisy Grim senior Greg
Brown is a vocalist and
rhythm guitarist. His talented
skills earned the band gigs
and radio performances.
Brown, 17, is one of the
original members of Daisy
Grim. Born in England, he is
half English and half South
African.
Brown said he aspires to be
well-known in the music
industry, and has already
performed in Dubai, Abu
Dhabi and the U.K., where he
performed with other well-
known bands.
“I'm inspired by people I
see, people I meet and meet-
ing other artists,” he said.
Brown is planning to go to
the School Of Audio Engi-
neering, with two years in
Dubai and two years in Eng-
land. -Khalid Al-Mansoori
and Teguh Zulian
Profile: Marcela Cuadra
Senior Marcela Cuadra loves languages
and traveling. Originally from the Central
American country of El Salvador, she has
been at AISA for the past two years.
Cuadra , 19, and the second-oldest of her
three siblings, is used to traveling because
her father is a pilot.
She can also speak three languages fluent-
ly: Spanish, French and English, and can
understand and read Arabic and Portuguese.
Naturally, in university, she plans on
studying media communications and lan-
guages.
Cuadra also loves to play many sports,
especially basketball, swimming and soc-
cer. -Salama Al-Khumaisi
Profile: Shahd Elghazali
Senior Shahd Elghazali is originally from
Sudan but was born in Sweden.
Elghazali, 17, has one yougner sister and
one older brother. She loves swimming and
volleyball, and her favorite color is purple.
“My favorite subject in school, surpris-
ingly, is math” she said. Elghazali will
study medicine at University of Sharjah.
–Salama Al-Khumaisi
Cosmopolitan June 2012 5
By Alia Youssef (Grade 11)
Cosmopolitan Co-Editor
Students and staff praised the year-
book, designed for the second straight
year by the Publications class, re-
leased in early June.
This year's yearbook, “Live Like
It's 2012,” is a happy way to think
about the Mayan's allegedly predict-
ing the end of the world happening in
2012. They went on sale exclusively
for seniors at the Capping Ceremony
on June 3, then for everyone on June
5, at the new low price AED 225.
“I think the new yearbook is awe-
some!” said Heidi Pavlic (Grade 9).
“It seems more creative, and they put
my picture in it a lot more. The co-
vers are original, most of the books
just have a school logo, I think it
looks really cool.”
The yearbook has the most content
ever – including 40 pages for seniors;
each elementary school class with its
own page; every event, club, trip and
sport through March -- and more
middle school content, including U14
Sports and Clubs for the first time
ever.
“This is easily the best yearbook the
school has ever had, I'm really proud
of the Publications students' hard
work and excellent design-sense, and
I think the whole school is going to
be excited to see the results,” said Mr.
Baron, the yearbook adviser and edi-
tor-in-chief.
“The design process is the most
collaborative it's ever been, with both
boys and girls classes brainstorming
and designing the theme and covers.
We also have much more thorough
proofreading this year.”
Publications students also spear-
headed the “Famous” campaign,
where they designed posters high-
lighting unique students and their
yearbook pages, and created “viral
videos” to promote the yearbook.
Yearbook production started in
September, as the two classes brain-
stormed the theme, and designed the
front and back covers. In November,
Mr. Baron started contacting elemen-
tary school teachers and seniors for
their content. Layout for the 168 pag-
es began in February and lasted two
straight months.
“The yearbook is an incredibly
complex and time-consuming year-
long project,” said Mr. Baron, who
took, edited or uploaded more than
5,000 pictures, and tracked down
captions and rosters for clubs and
teams, and coordinated the senior
content.
Students enjoyed designing the
pages, following templates designed
by student editors.
“I loved changing the font around
and making everything match up,”
said junior Noor Al Mehairbi. “I had
lots of fun designing my own junior
page, because I made it unique and
different.”
Still, it was a time-consuming pro-
cess to perfect the pages, with thou-
sands of different pictures, fonts and
backgrounds from which to choose.
“It was really hard having to perfect
my pages, and still manage to stay
stress free,” said senior Shahd
Elghazali. “I wanted to make sure
everything was perfect and errorless.”
Once each page was completed, it
was triple-checked by the relevant
teacher, an Admin and Mr. Baron.
“This would be a great way for
parents to start their own yearbook
collection for their child or children,
and for seniors this is the most im-
portant object they'll take away from
high school,” said Mr. Baron.
“It's a more limited-edition print run
this year, so I'd highly recommend
everyone buy their yearbooks as soon
as possible, and not wait until the last
day of school.”
Students Impressed by Yearbook Sales Brisk — Order Yours Today!
By Khalifa Al-Fahim (Grade 12)
Cosmopolitan Co-Editor
Grade 5 teachers are proud of their
students for presenting their end-of-
year projects to hundreds of visitors
at the annual Exhibition in mid-May.
As part of the Primary Years Pro-
gram (PYP), Grade 5 students
worked in groups with a staff advisor
to research and present on important
issues. The Exhibition was held in
the Tim Gym on May 16.
“They (students) spend six weeks
finding out and preparing a way to
share their information with the
school and community, at the end,
they take action to make the commu-
nity better,” said Mrs. Pittman
-Jones, PYP coordinator, and
elementary school assistant
principal.
Topics, which students
chose, included improving the
environment, saving endan-
gered animals, recycling, re-
ducing water use, preventing
bullying, stopping racism and
stopping smoking.
The students were excited to
show off their hard work and what
they had learned. Bullying was a
topic addressed by several groups,
and advisors stressed that respect and
encouragement will go a long way
and teasing or rudeness can ruin their
big day.
"I am glad that we will do a
change," said Mohamed El-
Theeb (Grade 5). -30-
Gr6 Students Solve Problems at Annual Exhibition
Laughter and Tears at Capping
Photo courtesy Mrs. Pittman-Jones.
By Noor Al-Mehairbi (Grade 11)
Seniors and staff said their emo-
tional goodbyes at the third annual
Senior Capping Ceremony on June 3,
when seniors passed on their year to
the juniors.
At the Capping Ceremony, the 94
seniors chose teachers and Admin to
put their graduation cap in the gym-
nasium. Staff gave students gifts, and
students gave flowers or a token of
appreciation in return.
Salutatorians Nahil Memon and
Mike Alzoebie gave speeches, and
there were humorous “Most Likely”
speeches delivered by secondary
school assistant principals Mrs. Jones
and Mr. Morley, plus a video made
by senior Aisha AlHajeri.
Seniors then ceremonially passed
on their year to the juniors in attend-
ance. They exchanged handshakes
and said their goodbyes.
“It was a great feeling to finally
have the senior title passed down to
us,” said junior Reem Luqman. “Yet
we were all sad to see them leaving
high school for good.”
Yearbooks were also on sale for the
first time – exclusively for seniors --
and students were impressed by the
work.
“Being capped is symbolic,” said
senior Latifa Al-Khumairi, who chose
Science teacher Mr. Mangan.
“It’s like a bucket of wisdom is
being placed on our heads. Although
he’s only taught me for one year, I
grew very fond of him,” she said.
“He’s a great teacher and he always
smells good!”
Additional teachers who capped
many students included English
teachers Mrs. Robinson and Ms. Le-
vi, Arabic teacher Mrs. Babikir, Hu-
manities teacher Mr. Waldman, and
Admin Mr. Morley and Mrs. Jones.
Mr. Mangan appreciated all the
students who chose him.
“Capping a student is a way to say
thank you to teachers for all their
hard support and most importantly for
making students count, believe in
their potential,” he said .
“I will definitely miss them. But as
we all know, it is time for them to
discover another life, undergraduate,
which also means being more respon-
sible and independent.”
Seniors Farah AlJaghbeer and Ameilia Fox after the ceremony. / Photo courtesy
Noor Al-Mehairbi
Profile: Muhammad El-Amin
Waking up every morning at 5:30
am, senior Muhammad El-Amin pre-
pares a healthy breakfast, jogs for 20
minutes and then goes to school to
shoot hoops with Athletic Director
Mr. Hornblower before school starts.
”I believe it’s what you do when no
one is watching that makes a differ-
ence in the basketball season,” El-
Amin, 18, said. “I like to stay hum-
ble, work hard, focus and do what I
can to be the best.”
Ethnically Sudanese and Turkish,
he grew up in Portland, Oregon in the
United States.
“I was upset when I first left the
[S]tates, but then 'manned up' and
stayed positive,” he said.
It didn’t take him a long time to
meet people and make friends includ-
ing myself. El-Amin is easygoing,
and quickly made friends at school.
–Khalifa Al-Fahim
Profile: Kairine Maharajh
Senior Kairine Maharajh is used to
partying to American pop music in
Abu Dhabi's clubs.
But modeling to Arabic music
back in her home country of Trini-
dad?
There she was in a purple carnival
costume, with jewels and sequins
and a huge peacock-styled head
piece, being carried on a bed down
the isle for everyone to see .
“I always look forward to summer
because of all the fun I have!” Ma-
harajh, 18, said. “I can’t wait to
move back next year, my life will be
a party!”
However, Kairine is set on becom-
ing a lawyer. Despite her extrovert-
ed personality, the only thing she
will be partying with is her books.
“I WILL find time!” she said anx-
iously. –Tanya Tarazi
Profile: Mahy Mohamed
Senior Mahy Mohammad is a huge fashion fan –working on designing and
creating her own clothing collection of clothing for women who wear hijabs.
“I believe that every girl has the right to look gorgeous,” she said. “There
are many designers out there who design revealing clothes. My dream is to
provide respectful and elegant wear for ladies who deserve it.”
Mohammad, 18, is ethnically Egyptian but has lived her whole life in Abu
Dhabi. She has played volleyball, badminton and in her free time bellydanc-
es. In university, she is planning to major in finance.
–Mariam Al-Hammadi
Profile: Steffanie Sanders
Senior Steffanie Sanders is a triple threat – she sings, dances, and acts.
And her talents are at an all-time high.
From dancing in the Paranoize dance crew last year, to singing the Ameri-
can national anthem at last year's International Night while dressed in red,
white and blue, to acting in the “Cinderella” play -- this girl has a wide
range.
“Whenever an opportunity comes up for me to sing on stage, I take it,” she
said proudly.
Still, Sanders, 18, is more than just a performer – she also is passionate
about international issues, and is planning on studying Middle Eastern Stud-
ies and Arabic in university. –Aisha AlHajeri
Profile: Tanya Tarazi
This star studded girl can't be
held back. Senior Tanya Tara-
zi, 17, dreams of being a fashion
designer in the global market. Her
passion for fashion emerged from
a young age, when she started
dressing her Barbie dolls, and in
the future hopes to dress celebri-
ties and models.
“If I am associated with the
right people and have the right
connections, I will make it hap-
pen!" Tarazi said. She wishes to
open a clothing line called
"Baybeh" by her mid twenties.
In summer 2009, this soon-to-be
fashion icon began drawing fash-
ion sketches. Last summer she
took an internship in fashion and
was accepted to a model agency
in Dubai to be exposed to the
fashion industry, and worked be-
hind the scenes.
One of Tarazi’s friends, junior
Steffanie Sanders said, “Tanya has
been working towards her goal
since she was a kid, and now that
she’s applying to competitive art
schools around the world, she’s
really amping up her game.”
Tarazi plans on studying design
in university in Toronto, Canada.
“I want to meet designers and
have a shot at Fashion Week!" she
said. -Kairine Maharajh
Profile: Alia Youssef
Junior Alia Youssef is the type
of girl who is not afraid to give her
opinion.
“If I don’t agree with something,
I’ll say it alright,” she said.
Youssef, 16, was born in Saudi
Arabia to Egyptian parents, but
lived in Canada for seven years
before her family moved to Abu
Dhabi.
Youssef speaks Arabic and Eng-
lish fluently, is opinionated on any
topic, and is a member of Student
Council. Still, it takes time to un-
derstand her humorous personali-
ty. When not debating, Youssef is
a makeup guru.
–Noor Al-Mehairbi
Profile: Teguh Zulian
Senior Teguh Zulian, 18, is from Indonesia but has lived most of his
life in the UAE. “It feels like home,” he said..
At first he attended Al-Yasat Sschool, but has been in AISA for the
past six years. While at school, he has danced in the hip-hop dance
group Paranoize, which had a stunning performance at last year’s Talent
Show and International Night.
“Music moves me,” said Zulian.
In his free time plays tennis, basketball and badminton.
For university, his wants to study hotel management so that he can be
a manager of hotel franchises. "I can't wait until I leave and see the
world, but I will truly miss my friends and family in Abu Dhabi."
–Khalid Al-Mansoori and Greg Brown
We Are the Lions! June 2012 6
By Aisha AlHajeri (Grade 12)
We Are the Lions! Co-Editor
A few weeks before summer vaca-
tion, millions of teenagers around the
world hit the gym, hoping to score
that fit summer body. But once sum-
mer starts, many fall off track, and
the heaviest thing they're lifting is a
McDonald's Quarter Pounder and the
remote control.
So what's the secret to staying on
track? It's all a matter of finding a
sport or workout plan that best fits
into your busy schedule, according to
Shape magazine.
"Regular exercise has still been
proven to help reduce stress, boost
self-esteem, and improve sleep,"
according to Shape magazine.
"When your heart rate goes up
during a workout, your body releases
endorphins, which are your body's
stress-relieving hormones."
Senior Will Smith hits the gym
every day to build muscle, improve
his stamina, and reduce stress. "One
day I'll use the punching bag to prac-
tice punches and kicks," he said, "and
the day after that I'd do weightlifting
or maybe some intense cardio."
For students wanted to shed some
pounds, Smith recommends doing
cardio exercises- like jogging or
jump-roping.
"But for those wanting to put on
muscle, eating lean meat or eggs are
ways to get the right amount of pro-
tein," he said.
Senior Ameilia Fox also stays in
shape, and enjoys playing outdoor
sports- like beach volleyball and
swimming.
“Sometimes I go to the gym with my
friends for motivation because when
we work out together, we're more
likely to stay on track," said Fox.
"I recommend eating healthy and
getting some type of exercise at least
two to three times a week, whether
it's swimming or rollerblading on the
Corniche."
Fitness Tips for a Summer Beach Body
By Zayed Al-Nahyan (Grade 12)
We Are the Lions! Co-Editor
Students have mixed reactions to
Manchester City football team win-
ning the English Premier League
title, while longtime powerhouse
Manchester United placed second.
Manchester City's great improve-
ment is by getting better experi-
enced player who have played in
championships, thanks to invest-
ment from the Abu Dhabi United
Group, which bought the team in
2008.
"Manchester City deserved the
title after all that hard work," said
Hamed Al Blushi (Grade 12). Fel-
low senior Essa Alawar said that
Sergio Aguero, the Argentinian
national team striker , had made
Manchester City a more efficient
team in attacking.
Ahmed Al Rumaithy (Grade 10)
was disappointed. “Manchester
[United] has fallen from what they
were, and gave Manchester city the
chance.”
Still, United supporters are opti-
mistic for next season. Ahmed
Hamdan (Grade 12) said: "I will
always love Manchester United."
Students Mixed on Man U. Losing
By Sakhr Abdullah (Grade 12)
As finals approach, it's important
for students to have good nutrition
in order to improve their study
habits and feel fresh for exams.
“It’s important for our psycho-
logical function and for our mental
health for the cognitive function to
be at the most intelligent,” said Mr.
Thomas, who teaches Pyschology.
“Students need to have proper
nutrients to have proper hormone
function, to continue at a high lev-
el, and have good sleep, so they
could function properly.”
While many students tend to eat
fast food and sweets, those do not
help the body.
Like many staff and students, Mr.
Thomas tries to eat healthy food,
but sometimes busy schedules get
in the way.
“I eat salad every day, but I eat
lots of carbs,” he said. “My choles-
terol is good although I have too
many fatty foods.”
Saif Sleiman (Grade 12), who
was Male Athlete of the Year, sug-
gested eating a wide variety of
fruits and vegetables, along with
lean meats and other protein
sources , while cutting out choco-
late.
“A healthy diet is a lifestyle,” he
said. “We need a healthy diet to
maintain good health and prevent
diseases such as cancer and diabe-
tes.”
Finals Nutrition Tips
By Marcela Cuadra (Grade 12)
Though the school sports season is
over, many students continue to be
athletic by doing summer water-
sports like sailing, surfing, swim-
ming, water ski and scuba diving.
Claudia Oswald (Grade 12) has
been surfing since she grew up in
Australia and New Zealand, and
occasionally goes to Dubai to catch
waves.
"It's fun, I love it,” she said. “And
its refreshing, I love the ocean."
Oswald was also a member of the
varsity swimming team this year,
along with seniors Dorien van
Heerden, Nick Overkamp and Yu
Xin.
Water sports are good for the
whole body, because you work all of
the muscles while it feels like you're
doing less work compared to land
sports.
"I enjoy water,” said van Heerden,
who was the girls' MVP of the swim
team. “I swim on my free time."
Overkamp added: "My whole fam-
ily swims and therefore I also want-
ed to try, and I don't regret it, it is
very fun.” He also sails in Abu Dha-
bi. "Sailing can be so relaxing but
also very exiting depending on the
wind," he said.
Water sports are very exciting,but
can also be tiring. Most importantly
don't forget to put on sun screen!
Summer Watersports
By Khalid Al-Mansoori (Grade 12)
As the school tries to be more
sustainable, could the soccer field –
which uses a lot of water – be re-
placed with AstroTurf?
The school uses nearly 125,000
litres of water/day to water the soc-
cer field, according to the recent
Environmental Science class audit.
“The amount of water used to
water the football pitch is truly
shocking,” said Ms. Moloney, Envi-
ronmental Science teacher. “It’s
amazing to think the amount of
water used on the pitch is signifi-
cantly more than all the other uses
of water in the school combined.”
Changing the field to AstroTurf
would save a lot of water and
would be more environmentally
friendly. AstroTurf is already being
used by some of the top soccer
teams in the world, including Real
Madrid and Manchester United,
according to AstroTurf's website.
“This is a question that only the
management can answer,” said Ms.
Moloney. “I would imagine that the
initial cost of an AstroTurf pitch
would be substantial, but I think in
the long run it would save a lot of
money for the school.”
But as she pointed out, the cost
could be an issue. According to an
article in Pennsylvania's The Patri-
ot News, replacing a high school
athletic field with AstroTurf could
cost AED 2.4 million.
Meanwhile, AISA pays only AED
200 for every 25,000 gallons (1.1
million litres) of water used, ac-
cording to Mr. Sayed Ahmed,
maintenance supervisor.
Would the school want to switch?
Mr. Hornblower, athletic director,
referred questions to Mr. Ah-
med. But Saif Sleiman (Grade 12),
who is a senior and a member of the
varsity soccer team, said he would
not want to change to AstroTurf.
“It isn’t very nice to play on be-
cause from one slide your leg
would be all scratched up,” he said.
“While running and moving in your
soccer shoes; they would stick once
you stop suddenly sometimes mak-
ing you to trip. I prefer playing on
the naturally grown grass, because
that’s what football's supposed to be
played on.”
Though AstroTurf would cost a
lot, and would occasionally require
maintenance, saving all that water
would be more effective and envi-
ronmentally friendly. It would also
help the school save a lot of water
and help prevent the water shortag-
es which officials have been talking
about recently.
Can Field be Replaced by AstroTurf to Save Water?
Seniors Nick Overkamp, Dorien van Heerden and Claudia Oswald all enjoy swimming. / Photos courtesy Dana Aghabi.
Seniors Ameilia Fox ( File Photo)and Will Smith
(by Aisha AlHajeri) recommend exercise and
eating well to get into good physical shape.
Staff Beat Students in Annual Basketball Match
By Muhammad El-Amin
We Are the Lions! (Gr 12)
Hundreds of students and staff were
excited to attend the annual Staff vs
Students basketball games held in
late May.
At the games, on May 24, staff
handily beat the varsity basketball
teams. Still, hundreds of students —
and especially seniors on their last
day of school – jampacked the
TimGym, cheering on the teams and
holding up signs.
“I think that this should be a lot of
fun,” Mr. Hornblower, the athletic
director who also was the game's
referee, said before the game.“Every
year this is an event everyone looks
forward and many students enjoy it.”
In previous years, the staff usually
won, including last year when teach-
ers won by six points. The staff have
already had some practice on the
year, playing a nail-bitingly close
game against the American Commu-
nity School staff in November, and
previously beat the varsity team in a
scrimmage earlier in the year.
This year's varsity players had been
wanting to get redemption on the
teachers. Moayad Zawahra (Grade
11) said: “The boys want to get this
win real badly and show these old
guys up.”
Before the game, Mr. Hornblower
had predicted that the male staff
would beat the varsity boys basket-
ball team, while the varsity girls bas-
ketball team would beat the female
staff.
But in both games, the staff domi-
nated the students, who had not
played in three months since the
ISAC tournament. In the opening
game, Humanities teacher Mr. Han-
sard put on a clinic, driving to the
hoop, knocking down three-pointers
and even showing off a reverse hook
shot.
At the end of the 20-minute half,
staff were up 26-11, and despite a late
rally of three's by seniors Quosain
Memon and Mike Najjar, the staff
won 48-25.
Female staff similarly dominated,
with staff up 10-3, 16-5 and finished
24-9 in the hockey-style three 10-
minute periods. Staff were paced by
eight points from Grade 5 teacher
Ms. Kroeger and seven points from
Grade 6 teacher Ms. Rear. Students
showed strong inside game from
senior Menat El Abd and junior Bas-
ma Kanawati.
Still, players on previous varsity
basketball teams, such as Fares Sala-
mah (Grade 12) have always enjoyed
this game a lot.
“The staff game last year had better
attendance than in any of the regular
season basketball games,” said Sala-
mah.
Left to Right: Basma Kanawati shoots over Ms.
Dickman, Menat El Abd with the ball, Mito Owino
shoots, Mr. Hansard drives to the hoop, Dorien van
Heerden leads a team huddle. / Photos by Mr. Baron.