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 sbaron@aisa.sch.ae.

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 Caller_of_hope@hotmail.com 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.