Soccer and Korean Corn Dogs

By Noah Kaney

Last week, the Dalat Varsity Girls soccer team travelled to Seoul, Korea to compete in the annual Asian Christian School Conference (ACSC) hosted by Yongsan International School of Seoul. Leaving on Monday and returning Sunday, the girls spent the week playing soccer and touring the streets of Seoul. 

The girls fought hard throughout the tournament, and ultimately finished fourth overall out of seven teams. They had notable wins against Faith and GSIS, a draw against Morrison, and unfortunate losses against ICS Hong Kong, ICS Bangkok, and host school YISS. However, playing on a field unfamiliar to our team proved a challenge. 

Senior defender Natalie Khor had this to say about the challenging pitch: "The field was one of the most difficult things about playing there. The ground was hard, and the artificial turf was so short. The ball bounced unusually high, and we just weren’t used to that type of field so we were at a disadvantage." 

Despite a difficult pitch, Dalat captain and goalkeeper Haylee Douglas, as well as Dalat captain and midfielder Lauren Worten were chosen to the ACSC All-Tournament team!

One of the best aspects of the trip, as reported by the team, was immersing themselves in the culture of Korea. The team found themselves with lots of spare time throughout the week and filled it by eating lots of Korean food and walking around Seoul. The food was undoubtedly one of the highlights, and the team was able to eat the widely popular Korean Barbecue locally. 

When asked about the most fun part of the trip, Lauren Worten said: "The funnest part of the trip was going around Korea with the team. Going to Korean Barbecue was amazing, and they also had some really good Korean corn dogs." They also had the opportunity to witness a spectacular opening ceremony that showcased Korean culture and simultaneously welcomed the ACSC teams to Seoul. 

The team finished with a respectable fourth place finish, and came home with a lifetime worth of memories and experiences. The 2023 ACSC Girls Soccer trip to Korea will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable trips of the year.

Varsity Girls ACSC Soccer

By William Johnston

This last week, the Varsity Girls Soccer team flew to South Korea to compete in the ACSC competition held on the YISS campus in South Korea. Our team had been training tirelessly for months with their coaches Uncle Keith and Ms. Weidemann and were excited to compete with other schools from around Asia.

Unfortunately, the team's first few days were not as smooth as they had hoped. The flat and hard field made of fake grass and concrete was quite different from what they were used to, and they had not brought the right shoes, causing many players to slip during the games. On the first day, the girls lost to ICS Bangkok with a score of 2-1. The second day was a little more hopeful with a loss to YISS by one point and ended in a draw with Morrison. The referees made some questionable calls that led to disappointment for the girls

Despite the early setbacks, the girls managed to turn things around and win their next two games against Faith and GSIS with scores of 2-0 and 2-1, respectively. These two victories helped them to  finish fourth out of the seven schools that competed. The girls were extremely grateful for the support they received from some alumni and former staff who came out to cheer them on during the trip. They brought lots of food, snacks, and drinks, and the girls were thrilled to have their hospitality. 

Natalie Khor (12) said, “Special shoutout to Haeon, Dael, Onyu, Jiah, Ms. Kong, Min Guk, and all the others who came out to support!”

Apart from the tournament, the team found the food to be excellent and enjoyed the pleasant weather during most of the trip. However, when they first arrived, the cold and rainy weather chilled them to their bones. The weather eventually warmed up and the team had the opportunity to explore Itaewon, taking many pictures and visiting Korean BBQs and a variety of other restaurants in the area.

ACSC - TRACK AND FIELD

By Taewoo Song

On Tuesday, April 18th, the Track & Field team of Dalat School, comprising 18 boys, 18 girls, and 3 coaches, left Penang to participate in the ACSC (Asian Christian School Conference) in Taiwan. The Dalat team managed to secure the third position overall thanks to their dedication to the sport and long hours of practice.

The ACSC conference is held every year and highlights the skills of the most talented track and field athletes from four different schools. The event took place at Morrison Academy Taichung, where athletes participated in various competitions such as running, jumping, and throwing. To get a better understanding of the experience the students had during the trip, I interviewed a Freshman girl named Soo Song, who went to Taiwan representing Dalat.

Interview with Soo Song (9):

TS: How was the Taiwan trip?

SS: It was a new experience… I had lots of fun meeting new people and bonding more with my Dalat friends who went on the trip with me. I would definitely go again if I get the chance.

TS: What was the highlight of your trip?

SS: My highlight was when Ms. Keas mistook the hair salon for a hotel. The way she sat down in embarrassment on the floor, covering her face with her hands, was priceless. I thought she really wanted to cut her hair as she kept trying to open the door to the hair salon even though it was very late at night… It was very funny, and we all had a good laugh. 

TS: What was the most impressive thing you saw during the tournament?

SS: Elyza, who is in 8th grade, won 1st in 5k and 3k and 2nd in 800 meters and 1.5K. I know she is good at running so I wasn’t surprised by all the medals she achieved. Instead, I am happy for her.

TS: Do you have any regrets or things you want to improve on?

SS: I have no regrets. However, I want to improve my pacing when I run.

TS: Any final thoughts? 

SS: I want to recommend people to try out track even if they think they are bad at it. If we train harder, we can get first place next time. I am sure of it.

The ACSC proved to be a huge success, highlighting Dalat's athletes' remarkable skills and commitment. With intense competition, the athletes stepped up and delivered impressive performances, setting new records while also having fun with new and old friends. This event exemplified the unifying force of sports, inspiring individuals to strive toward their fullest potential.

TRACK AND FIELD 2023

By Ryan Chew

Last week, Dalat’s Track & Field team attended the ACSC (Asian Christian School Conference), and placed in third place overall.  

ACSC is an annual conference that features 4 schools of the most talented track and field athletes. The event is being held at Morrison Academy Taichung, where athletes compete in various events, including running, jumping, and throwing.

On the first day, the competition kicked off with the 400m hurdles heats, in which Dalat had taken many points for the team. Even though Dalat was against more experienced athletes, they managed to turn the expectations of other schools. The 5000m was another highlight for the team. The athletes pushed themselves to the limit, pacing themselves at incredible speeds, and the crowd erupted into applause as they crossed the finish line.

The second day of the conference was long for Dalat’s athletes. The 100m sprints were some of the most exciting events of the day, with athletes showcasing their speed and agility within a short time. The 400m race needed a balance between speed and stamina.  

Besides track events, Dalat’s athletes also participated in field events. The long and high jumps showcased the Dalat student athletes’ jumping ability, with the athletes soaring through the voluptuous hazy air and landing gracefully. The shot put event required strength and precision, with athletes hurling the heavy ball as far as possible. 

In the 200m and 400m, the athlete, Kahlil Holivarri, broke the ACSC track record and Dalat’s school record. 

“I knew the records were achievable” - Kahlil, Grade 11.

Overall, the ACSC was a resounding success, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of Dalat’s athletes. The competition was intense, and the athletes rose to the occasion, delivering stunning performances and breaking records. The event was a testament to the power of sports to bring people together and inspire them to push themselves to their limits.

A Festive Night in Harbor Hall

By Noah Lee

On Thursday, the 13th of April, the Dalat high school Choir Concert took place. There were two groups that presented separately: the Choir and Show Choir groups. Both groups worked hard and prepared themselves for the whole semester to present themselves on this day.

During preparation week, the Show Choir gathered in the halls every morning at 7:15 in the morning to practice their singing and dancing with Ms. Goh, the Choir and Show Choir teacher.

Ms. Goh tried her best to hype the members on, “Come on everyone! I know it’s morning, but you gotta force the energy out!” Along with the singers and dancers, the tech theater team also woke up early in the morning to get to their stations. Joshua Emmanuel, the ace of the tech team, said, “To help with the choir concert, I have to wake up early every day.” 

As the Show choir danced and sang, the Tech team made many adjustments to the lights and screening. Thanks to them, the stage was lit with fabulous colors and various fancy lights to highlight the performance. The Show Choir members would come and practice on stage first, and the Choir members would come after. Some of the Show Choir members were also part of Choir, so they had consecutive practice right after. 

Mark, a senior in both choirs, said, “We’re doomed for the concert.” Many choir members said they felt the same.

On the day of the concert, both choirs came prepared to the waiting room to warm up before their concerts. The choir members were dressed properly in black, and each Show Choir member wore a distinct costume, filling the room with colors. They warmed up strong, cheering each other on, especially the show choir group. The show choir group gathered one last cheer to encourage each other and set out the door to the concert hall.

That night, the hall was full of energy and spirit. The minute layers of harmonies and powerful strikes of choreography captivated the audience throughout the night. A parent from the crowd said, “It was so great! My son performed tonight, but I wasn’t expecting too much because he kept telling me how unprepared they were, but I think they did awesome tonight.” 

After the concert, everyone took pictures together on the stage. The tech guys came down and celebrated the end of the concert together with the choirs. Tae, a senior helper from the tech theater team, said, “When the choir was singing the part where Moses split the sea in “The Prince of Egypt” movie, I timed the video perfectly. I didn’t even have a cue.” 

Finish With a Bang!

By KyuHwi Han 

Our voices filled the room, bouncing off each other, creating a surreal atmosphere as Ms. Goh conducted the room. The show choir girls stood in front of the mirror, their shawls tinkling with tiny shingles, trying to adjust their costumes, while the boys randomly started doing push-ups to “tone their arms” for the performance. There was a buzz in the air: the first live concert in two years. It was a rebirth and a change—a step away from videos and an empty audience.  

“This is the night, guys,” Nicole Khor (12) said, “Let’s go all out.”  

And all out we did.  

Harbor Hall erupted with the cheers of excited elementary kids, overwhelmed middle schoolers, and supportive parents. We tried our best to sweep them away into a nostalgic Arabian night, then transitioned into a beloved Disney medley. As we stretched our arms out towards the audience, striking our last pose, the rest of the choir rustled backstage to get ready.  

Just as we practiced, the forty of us sang our hearts out: diligently going through our motions for “Bonse Aba”, raising goosebumps as we sang miracles, taking the audience for a nostalgic ride with “Bohemian Rhapsody” while Mark Ho (12) blew the audience away with his electric guitar; singing hope to the crowd with You Will Be Found; and ending in a flourish with Everything That Hath Breath. 

“I was really nervous, so I tried to use that energy to turn it into excitement,” Chika Tsumagari (12) recalled, “And I think we finished well.”  

Absolutely, Chika! That growl of yours will remain in Dalat history.  

But the night was not over.  

While we basked under the purple lights, letting the cheers wash over us, Mr. Penland announced that there was one last performance. 

Three senior boys stumbled onto the stage, flowers and all, and sang their rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me To The Moon” as a JSB asking. The crowd shook the hall with their whistles and hoots of encouragement. 

“Since this is our last year,” Christopher Jang (12) said, “We wanted to end it big and memorable. The boys definitely made it fun.”  

With a myriad of emotions and excitement painting the night, April 13th will remain a dear and lasting memory for many of us.  

P.S. Chris would like to thank Mr. Penland and Ms. Goh for giving them permission and the opportunity to go out with a bang.  

Spring Break in Japan

By Yoseph Yang

During the recent spring break, students from Dalat International School spent their holidays in different places, but this year, more people spent their time exploring the culture and beauty of Japan than ever before.

The trip to Japan allowed these students to immerse themselves in a new and different culture, learn about Japanese customs and traditions, and explore the country’s iconic landmarks and attractions. Some students visited the bustling city of Tokyo, while others chose to explore the quieter cities and towns of Kyoto and Hiroshima. Most began their journey in different provinces away from Tokyo or other destinations and traveled their way gradually, thus allowing them to experience a wider variety of Japanese culture.

Individually, the students could tailor their trips to their interests and preferences. Some visited historic temples and shrines, while others explored the colorful world of Japanese pop culture through anime and manga museums. Many also had the opportunity to sample delicious Japanese cuisine, including sushi, ramen, and traditional tea ceremonies. 

Mark Ho (12) said, “I had the best chicken curry katsu in Tokyo.”

For these seniors, the trip to Japan was a chance to leave their comfort zones and experience the world beyond their borders. They returned to school with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the world and a deeper understanding of different cultures. Some of them even learned new lessons, as Julien Goh (12) said, “Never Let Anna [Phuah] (12) cook when it comes to planning for trips.”

Overall, the many students from Dalat International School who chose to travel to Japan individually are a testament to the school’s commitment to providing opportunities for students to engage with the world beyond their communities. Through these experiences, students develop a global perspective and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of different cultures, setting them up for success as global citizens in the future.

The New Wall

By Sharon Kang

First day back from Spring Break, a dark blue wall separated us from the ocean. 

The usual calm sea that greeted us as we entered the school campus was blocked. Because I was out of the country during Spring Break, I looked forward to watching the sunrise and sunset by the swings. But I only saw glimpses of it in the sky, buried mostly by the blue wall. 

Thankfully, the dorm students had the privilege to still have the ocean view; however, they could not completely avoid the constructions as they watched the vintage chapel being destroyed. Many students at Dalat commented on this new change. 

Jasmine Hassan (12) said, “Dang, I wish I could see the view. This barrier covers it all.” 

Another student, Eleanor Emis (12), said, “It’s so sad because we won’t be able to enjoy the ocean view during our last few months left of high school.”

Similarly, I also felt sad that there won’t be more talking by the swings while watching the sunset. Many also commented that the ocean view was a critical part of Dalat. Whenever people visited or a school came for a competitive game at Dalat, they always talked about how Dalat was blessed to have this beautiful view every day. 

Despite the rising complaints from high school students, middle school students were excited about this new change. Even though they were disappointed not seeing the view, the construction will end with a new middle school building for them, a change many middle schoolers look forward to. 

By next year, the new wall will be gone, and the Dalat community will return to normal with its beautiful ocean view. Although the current seniors won’t be there to see the final product, we hope this construction will end well for the future of Dalat.

Joy Beyond Bug Bites

By Sahana Selvaraja

Penang, Malaysia—an exotic destination that lures travelers far and wide with its unique blend of culture, nature, and adventure. Those who chose to stay in Penang indulged in the ultimate island experience: basking in the sun's warmth, taking refreshing dips in the sea, and exploring the lively buzz of the street vendors in Georgetown, or simply sleeping 12 hours a day in the comfort of their bedrooms without showering for days. 

But for those with a thirst for adventure, the broader region of Southeast Asia beckoned. 

It was finally that time of the year for the Impact Trips. 

From the lively town of Bandung, Indonesia, to the royal capital of Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, our students have discovered new cultures, made new friends, and created memories that will last a lifetime. On the first trip to Indonesia, students partnered with local ministries to provide service opportunities, using sports and English to connect with youths in local prisons and orphanages. And in the second trip to Brunei, they built mountain biking trails and ran activity days for special needs families, forging meaningful connections with local businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

These Impact Trips are more than just seeing new sights and doing new things; they're about discovering the common humanity that unites us all and learning to appreciate the diversity that makes our world so vibrant and fascinating. While not everyone chose to go on an Impact Trip, others decided to spend their two-week vacation luxuriously. For instance, some seniors chose to travel out of Penang state. Steven Shen (12), a senior who traveled to Thailand, shared his most memorable experience: "The most refreshing memory from Thailand is getting bug bites, I would say so." While getting bug bites might seem like an unusual source of refreshment, Steven's willingness to embrace the unexpected is a testament to his adventurous spirit.

Meanwhile, Ray Lee (12) spent his spring break in Japan, "I had a fun time in Japan! Back before COVID started. It was an annual tradition to go there like every spring, and this was my last time going there for a while. I'm going to miss it," he lamented. Ray's nostalgia for Japan echoed the sentiment felt by many travelers who yearned to return to their favorite destinations as soon as it was safe to do so.

Whether you're exploring the temples of Georgetown or trekking through lush jungles, there's no shortage of adventure to be had in Penang and beyond. The perfect time to plan your next getaway is approaching quickly, with summer break only two months away.