A Two-day “Wow” Moment

Thizbe Balzer

Dalat International School’s many talented high school musicians, artists, actors, and dancers brought this year’s Fine Arts Festival to a satisfying and legendary close.

On the evenings of Friday, May 20^th and Saturday, May 21^st, the resonating rumble of eager voices rose as the audience members entered the large auditorium at the Penang Performing Arts Centre (PPAC).  The high school concert band students sat patiently on stage, instruments in hand.  Once given the cue by their instructor, Miss Danneker, to commence the pre-concert warmup regime, a melodious and unified sound penetrated the auditorium and instantaneously put an end to the surrounding chatter.  The two hours that followed were no different.  All of the featured performing ensembles, including the Madrigal Singers, concert band, concert choir, the Five Guys, and jazz band, made for a time filled with many inspiring musical moments. 

In addition to the wonderful music were opportunities that fueled appreciation for other forms of fine art, such as art, drama, and dance.  The art students lined the auditorium entryway with awe-inspiring portraits and intricate canvas drawings which people admired as they passed by.  On Saturday, two showings of the Dalat Drama & Dance Showcase included multiple duet-act plays, featuring seniors Joel Halbedl and Elisabeth Brokaw to name a few.  These were followed by a lyrical ballet dance number. Darby  Kendrick (11), Susan Oh (11), and Thizbe Balzer (12) rose and fell with the music, displaying a great amount of upper body strength and control.  Aaron Chand (11) closed out each show with his solo act entitled “The Twelve Year Truth.”  He brought himself and many audience members to tears during his final performance.

Whether a tear-jerker, musical-expresser, or canvas-drawer, Mr. Steinkamp, to bring close to the final concert on Saturday night, took a moment to sincerely recognize and appreciate the hard work of each and every student involved.  “I don’t know about you, but I must have gone ‘wow!’ at least five times over the course of the last two hours,” he remarked to the audience.  “I found myself forgetting that these were high school students!” 

Similarly, Miss Danneker said she couldn’t have been happier to end her career as a band teacher at Dalat with anyone other than the students she had just led in performance.  “Thank you all for a wonderful final concert tonight!” were her words to the band members afterwards.  “Each one of you played your best, and there were so many musical moments throughout all of our pieces, many of which almost felt surreal.  Seriously, I found myself thinking several times, ‘Are we really playing this live? It sounds too good to be live…’ ”

Evidently, Dalat high school students have harnessed the ability to capture and inspire the hearts of family/staff members and friends through a vast array of “performances” in the fine arts industry; and beyond the scope of Dalat International School lie so many more opportunities for these students to impact the world in a similar way.

A Prince, a Witch, and a Magic Pool all in on

Karsten Ladner

The high school drama, The Secrets of the Magic Pool, opened Friday, May 20, featuring unforgettable characters and a perplexing story centered around a mysterious pool guarded by an enigmatic woman.

The play follows the story of a man, Cane (played by Sam Hofer (11)), who is transformed by the mysterious Magic Pool. After having only a drop of the pool, he is transformed, and his infirmities leave him. Heeding the advice of a witch (played by Hannah Graves (12)), Cane seeks out the pool guarded by a mysterious woman (played by Ysabel Loh (12)) who demands an exorbitant price for a single drop. Many characters intersect the main characters, and the play includes a love story between a prince (played by Noel Teng(12)) and a princess (played by Mary-Claire McIntyre(12)) and between a humbler cobbler’s daughter (played by Sarah Stoltzfus (9)) and the village baker’s son (played by Seth Kelley(9)).

Auditions for the play began in January of this year, and many tried out for it. Once the final cast had been set, the cast began practicing under the direction of Mr. Mark Sasse and Miss Laura Danneker once a week until opening night; but in the final weeks leading up to opening night, they practiced long hours on Saturdays in addition to their normal Monday practices. The directors worked hard to help the actors and actresses bring their characters to life.

At the same time, Miss Mary Geiman worked diligently to create all of the costumes for the cast. Although she came prepared with many ideas and materials, she worked hard throughout the semester to find apparel that would fit or create new costumes for the cast. She was joined by Mrs. Emily Heiber who came in the final weeks of practice to design the hair styles used by all of the actresses.

In addition to directing, Mr. Sasse supervised a team of students who met weekly to build the scenery and backdrops used in the play. This team worked on the Magic Pool that briefly appears in the second act, the princess’s chamber, the cobbler’s house, and the structure around the Magic Pool.

Towards the end of the semester, the crew joined the cast in rehearsals in preparation for all the lighting and sound effects that would be used throughout the performances. Four students came to the practices and watched, jotting down notes occasionally, as the cast practiced. During the performances, these students sat in the sound booth and managed all the lighting and sound for the play.  

By opening night, it was clear that the play was the product of many talented students and staff members who sacrificed a great deal of time to bring Mr. Sasse’s original script to life on that Friday night.

Mr. Sasse, about finally seeing all the parts come together for the play, said, “It was 17 months from conception to stage, so in that sense, it feels like a great accomplishment, and I’m proud of what our team put together. To me, there's something utterly fascinating about telling a story for the first time ever, so when the laughter started, when the oohs and awws came, it was very rewarding.” 

Once Bound Now Free

By Katiera Cox

Human trafficking exists today. There are 2.7 million people in slavery across the globe where men, women, and children are trapped. Many are victimized to brutal hours of forced labor without pay, some are trapped behind the locked doors without a way to escape, and some are hidden in the dark brothels of sex slavery.

That reality became real to me growing up across the borders of India, witnessing firsthand the brutal vulnerability many walked in. Fear gripped society in their castes, and the poverty restricted many from their own voices to freedom.

They were trapped behind their own culture. In desperate need many were forced into human trafficking. Deceived, vulnerable, weak, and used there was no way out. The cycle continued to repeat itself as if a norm rather than a horrific fairytale.

Village Artisan, a fair trade organization, allowed a way out to prevent those from entering the cycle. For the first time, these women no longer had to ponder the option of selling themselves in order to take care of the hungry family at home. For the first time, children didn't have to quit school to beg on the streets. For the first time men didn't have to waste away in bars crying of their debt. Village Artisan provides work for the hopeless. It trains and teaches individuals how to create, design, and work in a business setting.

The organization set up seventeen years ago, now has multiplied in five different cities across Northern India today. It transforms lives and liberates those from the bondage of slavery.

On May 13th and 14th, individuals across Penang, Malaysia had a similar opportunity to bring about transformation to individual families and women who work for Village Artisan.

"Ding. Ding." The bell rang with excitement as more customers entered the Village Artisan Pop up Shop at Straits Quay.  Kantha scarves made out of recycled saris draped across the art studio, the hand crafted jewelry hung artistically on each table, and the intricately designed journals lay open welcoming individuals to write their stories upon each hand made page.

"I full heartedly support and contribute to the cause of Village Artisan. They transform lives by the work that they allow to stop human trafficking and prevents women off the street to sell their bodied, providing jobs for feed their families," said Kaela Ruble (12) who helped contribute to the cause this weekend.

Each sale supported these men and women to fight human trafficking and empowers individuals with dignified work. It allows their children to go to school and supports the economic growth of Northern India. Along with that, this sale also supported me in my pursuit to fight human trafficking, continuing my passion for justice and freedom for these people; profits will go towards my Discipleship Training School (http://www.ywam.org/dts/) in Australia.

My hope is for transformation. My hope is for change. My hope is for freedom. Come on board with us to see that change happen. It starts with us, standing up for truth and justice, respecting women as individuals, and liberating those who are hopeless. Let’s be a part of bringing light to our broken, hurting society.Thank you for your support! 

Check out the website: http://villageartisan.com/

What a Bargain!

Sarah Stevens

Near the end of each year, Dalat International School hosts a yard sale on the outdoor basketball court to allow faculty, students, and parents to easily sell items they no longer need. The added bonuses of convenience and more customers is provided by the many other people selling in the same place.  This is exceedingly useful for families and students about to move. Also, everything is relatively cheap and well taken care of. This arrangement, which has been around a long time, is mutually beneficial to both the seller and the bargain hunter.

Since the first yard sale several years ago, many amazing things have been found for sale. This year alone there were soccer cards with unknown values, retro toys that hold countless memories, and dining ware perfect for any holiday get-together.

            The juniors really appreciated this event. This was a wonderful way for them to get some last minute sales in before they end the year. “It was an awesome chance to give back to the community as a couple of juniors served as bodyguards; as well as a great way to end the year with our final fundraiser” says Jerald Chang (11), Junior Class President. The bodyguards provided by the junior class really added to the safe and fun atmosphere.

I personally liked this event because I found a wonderful birthday gift for my brother at one of the many booths. The wallet I found is in great condition, even though I bought it for only one ringgit. What a bargain! Other people sold their old thing and were able to clear out their dorm rooms in the process. This is especially useful for seniors who don’t need or want to take everything to college with them.

Even though this year’s yard sale was hot, and therefore slightly uncomfortable to the people selling on the edges of the court, the turnout was great. There seemed to always be around fifty to a hundred people there—this is not counting the many families selling.

Dalat is really great about supporting each other and getting together to hang out and fellowship. This is just one of the many things Dalat does to show this mentality. Everyone who came seemed to have a great time, and many are looking forward to coming back next year. 

A Friendly Yet Competitive Game

By Karissa Steinkamp

            The 3:50 bell rang and eighteen high school girls rushed to the gym. With mitts in their hands, they made their way up to Upper Field, ready for the challenge that laid ahead. The girls began to warm-up by throwing to a partner as they eyed the competition once they made their way to the field. After ten minutes or so of warm up, the captains were called to do the coin toss. With Boyie Chin (12) representing the varsity girls’ team, the girls won the coin toss giving them the opportunity to choose to field first. After a few warm-up pitches done by Felicia Teoh (11), the first batter was up and the varsity girls versus the staff and parents game commenced.

An hour ticked by with the two teams battling it out. The score was neck-and-neck for most of the game. With Mrs. Renae Roberts pitching for the staff team, the adult team united together, creating a cohesive, competitive team. The game allowed staff members that have had an impact on the varsity player’s lives and parents to enjoy a friendly, light hearted game of softball. As Aunt Jan Hogan said, “I had a really great time playing with the varsity girls’ team! It didn’t bother me one bit when they got me out every time I batted! I hope it was good practice for the upcoming MSSPP softball tournament.” It also gave the girls a chance to interact with staff members without the confinement of a classroom.

Cheryl Yeap (12) said, “The student/staff game was fun and competitive. It was eye-opening and very funny to see teachers go all-out on the field. It was hilarious to see the compassionate side of teachers in the classroom versus their competitive and wild side on the field.”

 Mary-Claire McIntyre (12) said, “The softball game was a ton of fun. It was awesome watching my parents play. It was an intense game because the adults had quick throws and great softball knowledge.”

The purpose of the game was to not only to play against staff and parents but to also gain game experience. With MSSPP around the corner, the girls’ team desired to play against another team in order to work out some kinks before entering the state tournament. And that it did.

 “It was the first staff game we’d ever played, and it was quite fun! It was a great batting and fielding practice playing against older and more experienced players—just what our team needed before MSSPP,” said Felicia Teoh (12)

Although the staff pulled ahead in the last inning, the game was declared a tie as the girls didn’t get their last chance up to bat due to time. The hour scrimmage taught the girls many skills that could only be taught through game situations. The staff versus student game will be remembered as a friendly, yet competitive, game filled with good playing, sweat, and laughter. 

Worship Through Service

Taewoong Won

On Tuesday, 10 May, a group of seniors gathered in front of the gym instead of going to their A block class. They were getting ready to go to the Kawan House as part of their service project for their Spiritual Discipline’s class.

The Kawan House serves food and provides a place to rest and shower to those in need. Although it is known that the Kawan House is for homeless people, not everyone who visits Kawan is homeless. Some people do have their own house, but their income is minimal that they do not have enough money to afford meals every day.

At the Kawan House, seniors cleaned the house and served breakfast to people.

Sheng Ting Yang, one of the seniors who went to the Kawan House, said, “It was great. It was fun. I liked it, and people were nice.”

He also noted that his motivation for joining the service project was to “experience what the Kawan House was like.”

Service is an important part of life. Through service, we not only sacrifice ourselves and our time to help others, but we also take off our shaded glasses of prejudice towards groups of people, like the homeless or poor, and realize that we are equal people before God.

Achieving Perfection- Taking the AP Exams

Jane Jung

 “Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.”- Og Mandino

From May 2^nd to May 12^th, high school students in Dalat were given the chance to show what they have been studying throughout the year. Students who took AP courses this school year took their AP exams during their school hours, either at 8:00 a.m. or at 12:45 p.m. The Advanced Placement courses in Dalat are provided to prepare the students for the Advanced Placement exams which are college-level examinations. The AP exams that Dalat students took were as follows: AP Chemistry, AP Psychology, AP Computer Science A, AP Physics 1: Algebra based, AP English Literature and Composition, AP Calculus A/B, AP Chinese Language and Culture, AP Untied States History, AP Music Theory, AP Biology, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP English Language and Composition, AP World History, and AP Statistics.

“Every night I spent about two hours going through my practice exam booklet, and if I had any question for certain topics, I asked my teacher the next day,” stated Joyce Oh (12) who took AP Psychology on the very first day of the AP week.

Dalat high school students have been studying and preparing for their AP exams throughout the entire year, especially the week before their exams. Most of the AP exams were taken in Room 11 with Mr. Mahoney being the proctor.

“I had to take two AP exams- AP Calculus and AP Chinese Language and Culture on the same day, so it was definitely a tough day for me. I remember my eyes roasting, my hands fatiguing, and my legs shriveling. It was like my soul no longer existed in my body. I was awestruck by the substantial amount of notes I had to review and my will to study almost vanished. But after the exams, I felt free and content that I was able to show what I have been studying for throughout the year,” claimed Sheng Ting Yang (12).

Students who have already taken their AP exams are now enjoying their free block study halls and happy that they have less final exams to take. Several students still have to take their exams on Wednesday and Thursday for AP English Language and Composition, AP World History, and AP Statistics. 

A Library Fit for a King

Aaron Kelley

Cardboard boxes stacked the shelves where library books once sat as the library staff began reclaiming and packing Dalat's entire collection of library books for a monumental move to the newly completed CASTLE.

With construction on the CASTLE finally completed, the library staff has begun the long and arduous process of packing up every book the library owns, except textbooks that the students need for the remainder of the school year, and moving them to the new library on the middle floor of the CASTLE, Dalat's new center for learning. The library staff set the final deadline for returning books to April 29th in order to box up all the books for transfer.

            When asked about the reason for the book move, Mrs. Pamela Hoffmeyer, the head librarian, said, "With over 50,000 books in our entire school collection, we had run out of room in both the MS/HS and ES libraries." Mrs. Hoffmeyer also said that the CASTLE would provide "more room to display books to pique student interest" and an "atmosphere more like a bookstore with books shelved according to their various genre.

The CASTLE will house all of Dalat's library books, from elementary to high school, so that parents and students have the convenience of one unified library instead of two separate libraries. As for the atmosphere, Mrs. Hoffmeyer also mentioned that the new library will have "more seating and reading areas" and a "new ES library classroom...with its story area commanding a magnificent view" to "encourage kids' reading and creativity." What better way to encourage creativity in the minds of children than within the halls of a magical castle?

Construction workers have worked their own magic on the CASTLE in the form of persistent toil since last summer under the supervision of Mr. Brian Brewster. "The CASTLE [does not] represent the shape or function of the building, but rather the pieces that finally fell in that space," said Mr. Brewster. Consequently, the CASTLE stands for the "Center for the Arts, Science, Technology, Library and Educational services" to represent the classrooms, computer labs, and library housed within its walls. Mr. Brewster informed the Senior Scribble that the CASTLE will serve as "a central place on campus that [will] draw in students from all divisions and give students a place that they [want] to go into to learn." The centrality of the CASTLE will save both students and parents from having to scurry between buildings scattered across campus in order to gain access to different educational resources.

After months of discussion, planning, and construction on the CASTLE, Mrs. Hoffmeyer and Mr. Brewster still have much work to do. Even so, the end is in sight. Soon many essential educational services, including the new library and other classrooms, will come together under one roof rather than separated across campus. Thanks to the vision and hard work of people like Mrs. Hoffmeyer and Mr. Brewster, the CASTLE will bring Dalat students together within a stronghold of reading and learning, keeping in lockstep with the school motto, "Education for Life."

Both Mrs. Hoffmeyer and Mr. Brewster project that the CASTLE, as well as the library, will open in August of the 2016-2017 school year, pending permission from the Tanjung Bungah City Council to move in.

The Art of Inversion

Kai Fraser

On Thursday afternoon, the 28th of April, in the grasslands of Dalat’s vast campus, Daniel Kang (9) was seen, accompanied by Kai Fraser (12), reviving his previously abandoned art—tricking /flipping. He was reportedly learning a new move called the Raiz, which requires one to twist 360 degrees in the air whilst parallel to the ground, legs twisted apart. Much to Fraser’s chagrin, Kang managed to learn it in a matter of minutes.

Swinging to and fro on the monkey bars were climbers Keegan Oppenheim (12), Bijay Rana (12), Evan Chinn (12), Simon Jeong (10), John Choi (10), Chia Hoong Ewe (10), and Shion Fraser (10). Oppenheim could be seen hanging upside down from one of the bars, while Ewe (10) was climbing away from Fraser (10), who was playing a vicious game of tag with him.

What do these two practices have in common? They both require a form of bodily inversion. Humans have an innate fascination with inversion -- once they get over the fear, of course -- and why is that? Interestingly, the majority of the aforementioned athletes tend to have an affinity for handstands. Handstands are one of the basic forms of inverting, and it serves as an excellent way to acquire a taste of it. Inverting the body gives one a sense of his proprioceptor system and increases the awareness of bodily orientation, but it is not simply a benefit of physiology. Being upside down allows one to see things from a new perspective; attention is drawn to different aspects of the environment and perception is thusly changed.

Jeong (10) speaks on his backflips and states that "life is like a backflip because backflip is life." The statement serves as a good insight into his views on life, essentially stating that his life is all about inversion.

Rana (12), on the other hand, digs deeper with a description of his time hanging from the bars. “When I went onto the monkey bars, the sky moved below me, and the ground moved above. I realized that we walk on the ground every day, but we never really stop to appreciate it. It gave me a whole new way to look at the world. Now I like to hang on the swings at home just to look at the birds flying by.”

These fellows have experienced a new way to look at the world they live in, simply by discovering a change in orientation. Everyone can benefit from trying something new, even if it may not seem like an attractive thing to do. At the very least it will feed one with new experiences that may end up lasting for a long time. 

Unity, Cohesion and Singleness of Purpose

Emma Hofer

"Girls, we got this. We have trained an entire year for this moment, and we want this more than anyone else. All that we have done will be poured into the next few minutes of this game. Now we will have to summon the willpower from within to push forward and win,” varsity women’s football captain Sabrina Ly’s (12) words resonated with the squad of sixteen players who stood around her.

Over the past three days of the Asian Christian School Conference (ACSC) tournament and the past seven months of the school year, the girls had endured painful sessions of conditioning and disheartening losses against the JV boys’ team that had contributed to their successes in the tournament.

"Having a split season, one part from August to October, the other from March to April, really spurred us on and kept us looking forward to the April tournament in Guam,” said Mackenzie Jordan (12). “We were encouraged and motivated to work hard in the offseason and because of that, we started off the second part of the season in excellent shape.”

They spent each Friday scrimmaging against and losing to the Junior Varsity boys, which benefitted them for the ACSC tournament as they were able to anticipate a quickened speed of play against their opponents.

The second part of the season took place at the same time as other important events, such as the JSB and the Senior Transition Retreat; but the girls kept their eye on the team goal they had collectively made at the start of the season: to place at least third in the ACSC tournament, a competition which included six other teams.

The trip to Guam included stops and long layovers in Singapore and Manila, and the girls anticipated early morning games under Guam’s blazing sun. The girls arrived a day early and held a practice on the football field of the host school, Saint Paul’s Christian School, before attending the opening ceremony that night.

The next few days involved sharing a crowded bathroom with the Faith Academy team, going on early morning runs to the supermarket for breakfast, having laughter-filled car conversations with the coaches, Mrs. Robin Frohlich and Mr. Kerry Mahoney, playing two games each day on the windy field in Dededo, watching The Jungle Book in the Micronesia Mall with the other teams, and relaxing afterwards in the food court while eating sandwiches at Submarina or burritos at Taco Bell.

By the third day of the tournament, the team had lost to International Christian School of Hong Kong, had tied both Saint Paul and YISS (Yongssan International School of Seoul), and had beaten Grace International School, Morrison Academy, and, finally, the undefeated Faith Academy to ensure a spot in the third-fourth place game.

After losing to ICS earlier on the third day, they knew that in order to meet the team goal they  would have to beat Faith Academy, a team that had beaten every other team by at least two points who went on to win first place. The girls knew they had the capability to do so, but it took a lot of focus and determination from each player to make it happen.

The next day, the Lady Eagles started their game at 11:00 am. The players’ nerves wore off as a goal in the early part of the second half ensured their victory, or so they thought. With thirty seconds left of regulation, a YISS player scored, rendering the game a 1-1 draw.

Overtime commenced and the score remained tied. After two five-minute halves, the whistle blew and a feeling of dread crept through each player’s mind.

After five players from each team took penalty kick shots in the shootout, the score sat at 2-2. This meant that a goal from either team would automatically win them third place.

Shannon Frohlich (9), the sixth shooter, struck the ball past the grasp of the YISS goalie, but so did YISS’ sixth player on Dalat goalie Sabrina Ly (12).

Aimee Buhr (8), the team’s lone middle schooler nailed the seventh shot into the corner. As she ran back to her team, they all held hands, hoping that their anxiety would soon cease. And so it did. The seventh YISS player shot high, and the field went wild. Players laughed, cried, and hugged one another as they realized that they had reached their goal.

“This team displayed some of the best unity, cohesion and singleness of purpose that I have witnessed in my coaching career. I loved the way they were inclusive of everyone on the team, the way they took care of their bodies off the field by eating healthy, re-hydrating, and getting to bed early, and to top it off these girls had fun. I don’t think I’ve heard as much laughter as I heard last week in a long time,” said Coach Robin Frohlich.