Making New AMIS

Elizabeth Brokaw

For a musician, nothing is quite like spending three consecutive days with talented musicians, eating lots of great food, and performing fantastic pieces of music—even if it means suffering from jet lag in consequence. That’s what the Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS) is all about. (“Amis” is the French word for “friends,” so it is pronounced ah-mee, not ah-mis or ay-mis or any other possible way—the AMIS people are quite particular about that.) AMIS is about meeting new “amis” in a new place. This place is an environment where great musicians all feel very much at home—rehearsal.

Based in London, “AMIS is an international, non-profit, non-sectarian, politically neutral organisation dedicated to the promotion of excellence at all levels of music education.” Having students from all around the globe come together to play incredible music is its main focal point; but it also ultimately embraces cultural diversity and overcoming differences to instead work together and perform something beautiful. As it says on their website (http://amis-online.org/about/):

Its objectives are to advance the education of school pupils and teachers throughout the world by developing their understanding, knowledge and appreciation of music; to advance the education of young people and their teachers in global issues and cultural diversity through the performance and study of music; to promote high standards of musical performance in school pupils of all ages and abilities throughout the world; to promote furtherance of educationally valuable music repertoire.

AMIS has a variety of events each year that are hosted by different member schools for both high school and middle school students. They have band, orchestra, choir, and solo and ensemble festivals, as well as a Young Composers’ Competition, a Music Educators’ Conference, and various other workshops. This year from March 16-20, two seniors—Sunny Kim and Elisabeth Brokaw, with the accompaniment of their band director, Miss Laura Danneker—had the opportunity to go to Qatar to participate in their second AMIS Honour Band festival. Last year, Singapore American School hosted it, but this year the American School of Doha hosted it.

During the three-day festival, they had several long rehearsals and an hour-long sectional each day, totalling over 15 hours of playing by the time they performed the concert. The rehearsals were divided up by breaks and lunch, in which the students were all fed delicious foods, such as numerous types of bagels and cream cheese, Arabic biriyani with lamb, and grilled vegetables with rice. After rehearsals finished each evening, students were entertained with special activities for dinner. These included a visit to the night market called “The Souq,” a ride on open-air boats called dhows (which were very cold due to strong winds), and a banquet after the concert.

The culminating event was the Gala Concert on Saturday evening. Both the band and the orchestra performed numerous pieces, including one in which several band members joined the strings to form a symphony orchestra. (The concert can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1HGuWoVU_Q.) Though a bittersweet moment for the seniors—particularly those who had been selected four years in a row—the concert was an extraordinarily memorable experience. The music, memories, and ‘amis’ created will never be forgotten.

A Taste of the Middle East

Sunny Kim

Elisabeth Brokaw (12), Sunny Kim (12), and Miss Danneker explored the Qatari Souq and got their first true taste of the Middle East.

On March 17, these ladies set off for Doha, Qatar in order to participate in the AMIS (Association for Music in International School) Honor Band. Arriving at 1:30am Doha time, the tired girls looked around their destination and saw a rather empty and quiet Doha. However the next day they were all in for a treat, literally; after a successful first day of rehearsal, all of the AMIS participants went to the Souq (a traditional Qatari market) to sightsee the beauty of Qatar and have a taste of true Arabic food.

The Souq was a hodgepodge of various shops, restaurants, and cafes. At first glance it seemed rather small, but more and more shops kept appearing as shoppers strolled along. Some shops sold pets such as birds, rabbits, and cats. One of the stores had two falcons! Interestingly their heads were covered with a hat that had small pom-poms attached, like that of a clown’s hat. Elisabeth said, “The souq was really fun to visit. There are so many different things to see there! It certainly was something to walk down an alleyway and see cages of all sorts of animals lining both sides of the road. There were tons of birds, and we got to see camels on a little detour! ”

Everyone, foreigners and locals alike, enjoyed the Souq. Miss Danneker said, “It was fascinating to see Qatari life intermingle with the modern and international world while we wandered through the Souq. I loved seeing the locals in their traditional dress, smelling fragrant Arabic food, and hearing their lively music and singing while seeing tall skyscrapers in the distance and intermingling with AMIS people from all over the world."

After admiring the unique architecture of the souq and looking at Qatari trinkets, Sunny, Elisabeth and Miss Danneker stopped for food. In the middle of the Souq was a quaint Qatari restaurant. The generous hosts, Cheryl (a former Dalat student) and David Waters, ordered hummus, cheese and honey bread, and a platter of meat. Filled with delight, everyone stuffed themselves with good Qatari pita bread straight from the traditional stove and dipped it into a good amount of humus.

After a nice full meal, the girls strolled along and found a store that sold all sorts of baklava. Each looked so different but so appetizing at the same time. Not knowing which type to buy, everyone ecstatically bought a little of each to share with family and friends. Finally to conclude a true Arabian night, the girls stopped by a tea shop and drank some lime and mint tea, a very refreshing and unique drink.

Photo credit: Laura Danneker 

For Sparta

Hannah Graves

“We’re officially Spartans!” Teddy Zimmer (10) yelled to his teammates after finishing the Spartan Race.

On Saturday, March 19, twelve Dalat students and faculty members piled into a van headed for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For the first time in history, a team of Dalat athletes, headed by Mr. Brian Brewster, decided to take on the Spartan Race, a rigorous obstacle course race held in over fourteen countries at various times each year. In preparation for this thirteen kilometer run including over twenty-five obstacles and dozens of mud pits, Brian Brewster and Eddie Jenkins led training sessions twice a week. This team of students and teachers, who trained vigorously for four months, came to call themselves "Spartans" in anticipation of completing the race. 

After staying the night in a nearby hotel, the Spartans woke up early Sunday morning and began their day anxiously loading the van with all of their Spartan equipment. “I’m not nervous,” Charlotte Combrink (12) exclaimed early in the morning on the way to the race, “I’m just excited!” High school principal, Brian Brewster, told the team many times, “Don’t think of it as a Spartan Race; think of it as Spartan challenge.” As the team made their way to the race site and registered for an early heat, they encouraged each other in jittery excitement.

At 8:15 a.m. on Sunday morning, the Dalat team lined up just minutes away from starting the race. “You will help your fellow Spartans; defeat is not an option!” the announcer yelled. Just seconds before the start of the race, he motivated the future Spartans standing before him, screaming, “Who are you?” “I am a Spartan!” the crowd responded with energy. “Three, two, one…” he counted down, “Go!” The Spartans were off.

The combined thirteen kilometers, strenuous obstacles, and brutal Malaysian heat made for no easy course. However, teamwork made this feat much more enjoyable. Most of the group stuck together in twos or threes to enjoy comradery during the race and encourage each other along the way. Keegan Oppenheim, the first of the Dalat team to finish, commented, “The rough terrain made [the race] much more adventurous. Although each obstacle got harder and harder, it made the run very exciting.”

Nearly three hours after starting, the team regathered after the race. “Crossing the finish line was such a relief,” Alan Luchtenburg (11) sighed. After lots of pictures, laughs, and shared “Spartan stories,” the team prepared to head back to Penang. The Dalat Spartan team finished well: all completing the race within the top 300 times to finish out of over 5500 people. Keegan Oppenheim (12) and Alan Luchtenburg (11) finished first and second in their age group, and twenty-second and twenty-sixth overall, while Charlotte Combrink (12) and Hannah Graves (12) finished first and second in their age group as well.

Mr. Brian Brewster ended the long, grueling day reminding the team, "What I love about the Spartan Race is not the race itself but the lessons you learn along the way—lessons about comradery, encouraging others, not quitting, and seeing the benefits of hard work pay off."

Shoe Game Strong

Zach Tan

What defines a teenage boy today? Does his physique define his place? Does his hairstyle make him more attractive? Or is it the people whom he hangs out with? Although these options may be true, a majority of teenagers today are defined by what they wear on their feet. Shoes are no longer just shoes. Sneakers describe the hobbies one partakes in or the group he belongs to. Whether he chooses to wear a pair of high cut Jordans or dons gum-sole Vans, a teenage boy can tell you in great detail the significance of his shoe. Popular teenage culture has been overtaken by a growing amount of “sneaker freaks” in the past decade. Shoe companies such as Nike, Adidas, Jordan, and Asics have competed for control over this prime industry. Every year, new sneakers appear in fresh colorways and textures, making it an exciting investment to partake in. Dalat students, especially seniors, have been playing in this “shoe game” for a very long time. I interviewed three senior sneaker freaks, being Shawn Lim, Robert Kilgo and Titus Hwang, to get a better understanding of this prominent shoe culture.

1.     What shoe have you brought today and when did you buy it?

Shawn: Kobe X Elite Commander. I purchased it last Christmas break when I was in Japan.
Robert: I bought my pair of Vans Sk8 from a friend.
Titus: Tubular Runner. I bought it four weeks ago from Gurney.

2. I can see you have picked this as your favorite pair. What significance does this shoe have for you (any memories, moments, or significant details)?

Shawn: It was very exciting for me to get my first pair of Kobe’s. Basketball has been my life for the past four years, so I love wearing basketball shoes. Besides, this shoe goes well with my jersey.
Robert:  I've had this retro shoe for more than five years, and it still fits perfectly. This is my favorite pair because it reminds me of my roots, and how I have always wanted to be good at skating. I have spent countless hours skating with this pair on, so they have a special place in my heart.
Titus: It looked really good and had a cool design because of its tubular shaped sole. I also needed comfortable shoes.

3. What are you favorite things about your shoe?

Shawn: I love the colorway as it makes me feel attractive. It’s incredibly comfortable to wear, and it protects my ankle from spraining easily.
Robert: The rubber familiarity. I love the distinct feeling I get when I pick them up. It's hard to explain, but it is like aged wine. It only gets better over time (if you take good care of them).
Titus: Shoes are important for guys to style up, and I think it is important to look good and take care of myself. Shoes are so important!!

4. Why do you think shoes/sneakers are so important to so many boys in our grade, and so many teens in the world?

Shawn: I think it’s because many celebrities have extremely nice shoes, and they look really good wearing them. It’s one way to feel similar to the celebrities while looking good.
Robert: A lot of guys buy sneakers because it’s what everyone is into at the moment (I'm guilty of this sometimes). However, I usually buy sneakers because it gives me a sense of originality. Having a pair of shoes that no one else has in your school/community is really sweet. I have a Winnie the Pooh pair of Vans that reminds me to stay young at heart always.
Titus: Buying sneakers and shoes makes them feel happy and satisfied. It’s a very nice feeling when you get the shoes that you want and you are able to wear it to show your friends.

5. How does having nice sneakers affect you as a person?

Shawn: By having a strong shoe game, it makes me feel confident; plus, I just love collecting shoes.
Robert: It definitely makes me more confident. If you can get people to look at your shoes admiringly, then you've done it right (shout out to Mary-Claire (12) and her sandals).
Titus: I can walk better and feel better because I am confident about myself.

6. What shoe are you planning to buy next and why?

Shawn: The next shoes I plan to get are the Jordan Futures. I saw them on a basketball player and it looked really good.

Robert: Probably Vans Old Skool in a Champagne colorway. I love Jordans and Adidas, but it's too overhyped right now. I'll stick with the King of Southern California.
Titus: I am planning to collect all the Jordans in the world and many more Adidas shoes, and possibly a new pair of Vans.

Again, shoes are no longer just shoes in today’s teen culture. It brings confidence, happiness, and satisfaction to its owner. It is a prominent new trend catching on among many teenagers around the world, each displaying a unique taste of style and preference. What is next for the sneaker generation? Only time and creativity can tell.

Will You Go to JSB With…

Sarah Tan

With the year’s most glamorous evening encroaching, excitement has filled the high school hallways in anticipation of the next boy who will valorously invite his special girl to the JSB.

As the Junior Senior Banquet (JSB) is just around the corner, boys are rushing around the island in attempt to buy exquisite bouquets of flowers and testing their artistic skills by drawing and designing creative posters. Girls are being bombarded with origami, handed a trail of mysterious notes, and even left to find a self-crafted wooden spear in their lockers.

Tension and anxiety are mounting among the boys as they try to decide who their lucky girl will be and then embark on the dauntless task of finding a way to amaze her, leaving her in awe of his charismatic charm. Meanwhile, suspicious thrill and butterflies are swarming the girls as boys are dropping “subtle” hints, avoiding them, or suddenly chatting to their friends every day in attempt to discover more about them.

The JSB is an annual banquet organized—in secret—completely by the junior class and its sponsors as a way of honoring the senior class. Although the night itself is beyond spectacular, a unique and extremely entertaining aspect of the event is the “askings.” The sophomore, junior, and senior boys advance to the status of “men” as they brave up the nerve to ask the beautiful ladies to attend the banquet with them. The boys do a magnificent job of scheming imaginative and original plans to ask their friends or significant others the key question of, “Will you go to JSB with me?”

This was the case for David Unruh (11), who devised a complex proposal by pretending to be the peacemaker between two of his peers, Benjamin Finlay (11) and Aaron Chand (11), who faked a standoff to win over Chloe Castro (11). After accepting Unruh’s invitation with a “yes” on Monday, 14 March, Castro said, “It was exciting and reminded me of the stories I’ve heard about in the past. I wasn’t sure who it was because my friends had purposefully tricked and confused me as to who was asking. It was super creative and quite funny.”

Perhaps the most elaborate asking of the year, even involving rehearsals throughout the week, was a flash mob performance of the song “Uptown Funk” by Jonathan Park (12) to Kassy Steinkamp (12) at the PTO Food and Fun Fair on Friday, 18 March. As Steinkamp is an avid dancer, Park choreographed hip and trendy moves to this hit single and enlisted the help of his senior friends to sweep Steinkamp off her feet. To his great relief, the dance was a success; Park reflected, “Despite our lack of practice, just the fact that we were able to pull off a flash mob was so fun and exciting. I am so thankful for all my friends who helped because they gifted me with an unforgettable memory.”

Asking season therefore has been a thrill for the high school students involved as well as the rest of the student body and staff who have been delighted and enlivened by this outburst of spirit. In addition to being purposeful for the upcoming JSB, askings break the rigid structure and stressful air during this hectic time of the year as a truly unique, iconic, and memorable aspect of Dalat tradition.

A Battle in the Setting Sun

Sabrina Ly

            As the sun slowly went down, cheering and laughter drifted out over the soccer pitch, as the Dalat varsity girls’ soccer team faced off against the Penang State women’s team in their first match of the second season.

The game was held at Padang Brown, a local field surrounded by stalls and passing cars. The field itself was brown, dusty, and hard-packed. In addition, the blazing Malaysian sun bore down on the pitch, ensuring that at least the first-half of the game was played in unfavorable conditions. Yet, the harsh weather and adverse environments didn’t stop both teams from giving the game their all.

With the eventual arrival of the ever-tardy referees, the game began with a shrill whistle. Dalat, wearing blue, had a quick start to the match, kicking the ball up field, while the State team, wearing white, scrambled to get into position. Despite beating Penang State early in their first season, Dalat had trouble controlling the ball as both sides battled back and forth for possession. This Penang State team was comprised of only Malaysian citizens and featured more experienced players, proving themselves as challenging opponents. Both sides fired several shots on goal, with Dalat narrowly missing a shot fired by Joy Kiehl (9) as it bounced off the side bar. Penang State retaliated with several corner kicks that were centimeters away from being goals before they were tipped out of the net by the goalie. The field itself also became an obstacle as the dry dirt formed clouds as the players ran through it, making visibility difficult for the other players. In the meantime, the gathering crowd of locals laughed with amusement at the dust clouds while the physical battle being fought out on the pitch continued. However, despite tremendous effort from both sides the score remained tied as the sun set, and the last seconds of the game passed away.

The game proved a great learning experience for both sides as they prepared for upcoming tournaments. After the match, the two teams took a picture together to show good sportsmanship and no hard feelings. When questioned about the game, sophomore Melynn Kendrick stated, “I feel like our girls played very well and we are all really taking the things that Coach Frohlich and Coach Mahoney teach us and putting them into action on the field.” In response to the same questions Christy Chow (11), the soccer captain, said, “Despite playing against a stronger and older opponent, our team stood up and played our hearts out to result in a draw.”

As the setting sun gave way to a dark night, Dalat’s soccer team traveled home in good spirits and full of laughter. The elation of giving the game their all brought smiles to their faces as they parted for the night to get some rest, already preparing for the next match.

How Will Seniors Survive the Real World?

Cheryl Yeap

            With graduation so close in sight, how will the seniors react? Are they prepared for college? How will they survive the real world?

Going to college and stepping out into the real world is an exciting but terrifying feeling. Dalat International School is a “bubble” that shelters its students well. Unfortunately, it does not prepare us well for life after high school, which is why seniors have to go to the senior transitions retreat.

            The retreat at Paradise was an awesome experience. The experienced and knowledgeable speakers understand how each senior feels. They understand the confusion that the seniors are going through--the insatiable desire to graduate but the dreadful feeling of having to leave their friends and their comfort zone. The speakers gave the seniors some very useful and interesting advice. They urge the seniors to cherish the last moments that they have with their high school friends and to prevent themselves from isolation since everybody will be separating and pursuing their various endeavors. The speakers also gave the seniors many great advice about making new friends. People should be cautious in choosing their friends because friendships play a big part in molding the individual’s behaviors.

            Aside from the sessions, the organizers planned many fun games for the seniors to play. For example, they gave every senior a pack of gum. The seniors chewed the whole pack of gum at once, spat it out, and built rafts with their bare hands. Also, the seniors played a game created by Mr. Brewster and a few others. Fake money called Brewster Bucks was distributed to every senior. Then, Mr. Brewster pretended to be a college professor; and the seniors have to pay one Brewster Buck after every lecture. Since people often request for student loans to pay for their college fees, those students often have to work in college. Each senior were randomly given different jobs and had to do either burpees, air squats, or pushups to earn some Brewster Bucks. The game relates to the real world. It taught us how expensive attending college is. It impacted most of the seniors and taught them to appreciate their education in college.

            The seniors also had some free time during the retreat, and it was fun for them to be able to bond with their classmates. Some swam in the pool, while others played card games during free time. The senior transitions retreat was truly a memorable experience.

Will You go to JSB with Us?

Mackenzie Jordan

Students everywhere on campus recognized the familiar sound of a lockdown drill alarm. Teachers halted in the middle of their lessons and quickly locked the classroom doors and turned out the lights as their students slid out of their chairs and did their best to squeeze under their desks. This was a task accomplished more easily for some than for others.

Students moved restlessly, trying to find the most comfortable way to fit all their limbs under their desks. After five minutes of silently staying crammed beneath the tables, another alarm resounded across the campus: the fire alarm.

Expecting nothing exciting to happen during this, all the grades assembled on the outdoor basketball court. Unbeknownst to them, the juniors had a surprise in store. After the assigned staff members confirmed that all were present the sound of a trumpet blasted through the air. Hannah Buhr (11) played the Star Wars theme song as several of her classmates rushed up the bleachers, holding brown sheets of paper.

Another familiar song floated through the air and then one by one the juniors flipped their papers around and shouted out the words written on them. “Class of 2016, will you go to JSB with us? Yes? or No?”

Smiling at this unexpected delight, the senior class responded with a loud “yes!” The juniors handed out official invitations and cookies. Distraught expressions crossed the faces of many as they realized that the race was now on to ask their desired date to the Junior Senior Banquet. 

Coffee Emphasis Week: It’s MEW, but with Lots of Coffee

Joel Halbedl

Mr. Derek Smith made a dazzling return to Dalat International School on Monday afternoon, February 29. His sharp wit and quick jokes made MEW incredibly memorable, reaching out to Dalat students in ways that many speakers have failed to do.

Mr. Smith was remembered by most as that Australian math teacher whom everyone wanted to have. He was called back to Dalat to preach and talk about how missionaries can be everywhere and do anything, even make coffee. His wife Pip also made an appearance to the stage, introducing the concept of missions at home, where she explained that not everybody has to be a missionary in a foreign country.

Their coffee business in Laos has been expanding rapidly over the past few years, and the Smiths were more than excited to share about their experiences with sharing the gospel with the Lao people and making lots of coffee. Mr. Smith’s incredible language skills left the audience in shock, marveling at how his tongue made those weird noises.

On a side note, both the Junior Class and the Worship Team worked hard to make this an enjoyable event, with the Junior Class providing snacks and the Worship Team performing before (and sometimes after) each service. As the drummer on the worship team, I really took the time to soak up the music while I was playing it, and it almost felt, at times, like I wasn’t even really moving.

In all, MEW was a highly attended and enjoyed event. Enthusiastic MEW attender Rachel Halbedl (12), when asked about what struck her the most about MEW, said, “The idea of making life a journey and a process, rather than accumulating everything in one big goal.” Rachel was referencing the speeches given by Pip Smith about taking the steps to achieve your goals in life, rather than just rushing to the finish line. 

Troublesome, Traumatic Tryouts

Jonathan Park

Thirty-three high school boys headed towards Upper Field on 25 February at 4 pm for a softball tryout. It was the day softball/baseball fans anticipated the most.

Before the clock hit 4 pm, it was obvious how nerve-racking this tryout was as lower campus was filled with throwers and preparers. It wasn't an easy day for the returning varsity players as well, for Mr. Sasse took over the coaching job for the guys' team. Tryouts started with a simple jog around the field as warm up and, soon after, Coach Sasse proceeded to his first judgement: throwing. It seemed very casual and easy going as we were told to play catch with a partner—until Coach Sasse decided to join in and play catch with us.

The most basic and fundamental part of the game, throwing and catching, couldn't have been more frightening, as Josh Park said, “I have never been more scared in my life.” It felt as if the seams didn't exist on the softballs as the combination of sweaty palms and the must-impress mentality didn't favor the best results. Although it was inevitable that errors were to be committed, throwing and catching mistakes occurred much more than one expected. Softballs were all over the place, like shooting stars in broad daylight, flying behind the bushes and flying down the slope. A suppose-to-be calm and relaxing warm up of playing catch turned into a rather harsh conditioning session.

The second part of tryouts was fielding, which required athleticism, concentration, mental awareness, and anticipation. Due to the extreme heat wave that has engulfed Penang Island over the past month, balls were rolling and bouncing in unpredictable directions on the Savannah-like terrain. Although fielding was the last opportunity to redeem oneself, the topography did not make it easy.

Tryouts ended with words of encouragement and hope for Coach Sasse leaving the players with anticipation of positive results. 

Sharks in Dalat’s Pool?

Amanda Goh

On Thursday, March 3, 2016, the seniors and the sophomores gathered for a fun-filled evening. Before the seniors leave for university, they wanted to spend time with the underclassmen and get to know them better.

            “Inviting the sophomores over for a party couldn't have been a better idea. The two classes that seemed very segregated were united, and I found myself making new friends in no time,” said Peter Lee (12).

            The party started off with a game of capture the flag: water balloon version!  We split into two teams and began to go into battlefield mode. The game started off with both teams glaring at each other and taunting one another to cross the forbidden line. Rather than defending the flag, one of the teams was having a civil war. Evan Chinn (12) and Sheng Ting Yang (12) decided to pour water and soap all over their teammates instead of on the enemies. Fortunately, seniors like Calvin Thompson (12) tried his best to protect the flag by using the water sprinklers to his advantage to distract the other team. Despite the terrible failure of one team, everyone was having a blast and did not want to stop playing; we became kids again.

            After an hour of Capture the Flag, we went to eat some creative snacks made by the Senior Excomm. There were goldfish, fruits, chips, and blue Kool-Aid.

            We then headed to the pool to watch Jaws. Some did not want to get wet again and sat outside of the pool while some jumped right in to the pool to get the full effect. Before the movie started, everyone got comfortable with his or her floaters, life jackets, and friends. “This is going to be so scary,” exclaimed Sunny Kim (12). When the shark scenes came on, trolls like Joel Halbedl (12) would grab onto a poor victim’s leg to scare them.

            The night ended with Mr. Steinkamp thanking the sophomores for joining the seniors. Everyone left the party with genuine smiles on their faces as compared to the awkward ones at the beginning. It was definitely a night to remember. “I really loved spending time with the seniors! We bonded well and had a great time. I especially liked how we watched Jaws in the pool. That was a really cool idea!” said Areeya Kunawaradisai (10) at the end of the party.

Ping, Pang, and A Little Fun with a Hard Ball (Softball)

Angela Tan

On February 29th, twenty-four girls gathered on the upper field under the hot blazing sun as Coach Edman shouted, "girls, hustle and gather in."

March is approaching soon, and the softball season is finally here again.

The girls stood nervously and patiently as Coach Edman introduced himself as this year's new girls’ varsity softball coach. The mood was engulfed in extreme intensity, but it didn't last for long when Emily Grad suddenly introduced herself as the new "Royal Highness" softball coach.

With that, the softball tryouts started. Twenty-four girls paired up with random partners as the two coaches evaluated each pair's throwing and catching abilities. After some fifteen minutes, the girls proceeded to the remaining sessions which tested for ground balls, pop flies, batting, and fielding, respectively.

By the end of the tryouts, the girls scattered back to Lower Field with excited and nervous hearts awaiting for the email announcing the roster for this year's girls’ varsity softball team.

The next day, an email was sent out. The senior girls celebrated with joy upon the news that all ten of the senior girls who tried out made it into the team, although Coach Grad said that the girls' batting with the machine "totally stunk. P.U."

Softball is not a common sport, especially in Asia. In addition, softball has never been the sport in which people would view as “competitive,” such as basketball, volleyball, or soccer. So, what made some of these girls want to join softball?

Annabelle Teoh (9), a new freshman member who made it into the softball team this year, said, “I wanted to try a new sport with different skill-related fitness components, and I figured that softball would be a perfect sport for that.”

Furthermore, softball indeed is a sport that emphasizes on teamwork and the bond of the members of the team. This year’s team is a senior-laden team. Therefore, it is not surprising that many of the seniors have targeted on getting the most out of their last year of high school by participating in softball together, for one more hurrah.

Amanda Goh (12), a senior who has been in the softball team since 9th grade, replied as follows when being asked why she wanted to join softball again this year: “I've been in softball since 9th grade. At first in ninth grade I joined because I wanted to get some exercise, but I found myself loving the sport. I enjoyed the memories and friendships that I have made through softball. It is incredible to play a sport I love with people I love. Also, softball helps me take my mind off of stress and studies.”