Crashing Uncle Keith's Birthday Bash

By Sophia Coker

You can spot Uncle Keith on Dalat’s campus from a mile away. The sun reflecting off his bald head can be blinding at first, but once you’ve recovered, he always meets you with one of his contagious smiles and a wave. Then he may make a joke, or comment on how “monkeys never cramp” or, worst of all, tells you to drink lots of water. Walking off with a look like he’s up to something, you know you’ll be doing lots of sprints and conditioning that day. 

“Uncle Keith, while scary on the outside and loud on the sidelines, is one of my favorite people, and I couldn’t be happier to have had three years on this team to learn so so much about soccer and life," said Marissa Elliott (12).

This may be surprising because Uncle Keith doesn’t look a day older than twenty five, but Uncle Keith’s sixtieth birthday was coming up and everyone was determined to make this birthday extra special. With two posters and notes in hand, the girls soccer team marched into the Ziemer Dorm, where Uncle Keith’s birthday party was being held, unannounced and yelled “Surprise!” 

But Uncle Keith is a dorm dad. You always think you’ve pranked him or finally surprised him, but that is never the case. This time, he claimed “the size of the carrot cake” gave away that his team was coming. 

Surprise or not, Rebecca Wong (12) said, “It was great to be able to celebrate uncle Keith’s birthday and be able to thank him for everything he has done for us as a coach. Crashing his party was funny even though he figured out we were coming."

When asked about the highlight of Uncle Keith’s Birthday Bash, Soniya Peters (11) remarked, “I wish I could say the best part was seeing your (Uncle Keith’s) reaction to the surprise but the carrot cake was the real highlight.” 

We love Uncle Keith and are so blessed to have him as our coach, Happy Birthday Uncle Keith!

Senior Transition Retreat: Preparing for the Future

By Juan Moon

During a two day event (March 27-28), Senior Transition Retreat, seniors got to skip school and learn valuable information that will help them as they step into adulthood. While there were some concerns about the trip, most seniors found it to be a worthwhile experience in preparing for life beyond high school.

Many students initially complained about the event being held on campus rather than at a hotel, but was it really that bad? In reality, this change turned out to be a blessing in disguise. According to Peter Hsu (12) “Honestly, hosting the Senior Transition Retreat at Dalat actually went better than expected.”

One of the benefits of staying on campus was the activities made possible by the cost savings. On the first day, seniors enjoyed an off-campus lunch at Gurney Plaza, followed by a bowling outing, which turned out to be a highlight. Additionally, staying in a familiar location, school, provided a sense of comfort. Being in a well-known environment allowed students to feel more at ease, making it easier to engage with the content of the retreat.

Perhaps the biggest concern was the sleeping arrangement, but even that turned into an advantage. Instead of being confined to assigned hotel rooms, students had the freedom to organize their own sleepovers, creating a more comfortable and social experience. Those who preferred a quieter setting could recharge alone, ensuring they were well-rested for the next day. In the end, the decision to hold Senior Transition Retreat on campus proved to be a practical and effective choice.

As for the learning aspect of the event, most students walked away with valuable insights. Topics covered included relationships, finances, faith, boundaries, and self-care. These discussions provided essential life skills that students might not otherwise encounter in a typical school setting.

Rebecca Wong (12) shared her thoughts on the experience: “I am grateful for the Senior Transition retreat because I learned a lot about things to prioritize, and I feel like I have clearer expectations of what university life will look like. Also, I now know what to do to prepare myself to leave well.”

Ultimately, Senior Transition Retreat was more than just an event, it was a meaningful opportunity for seniors to bond, reflect, and prepare for their future. Despite initial doubts, the experience proved to be both enjoyable and educational, leaving a lasting impact on the graduating class.

Striking down the Retreat

By Anju Takikawa

March 27 may have been just another usual school day for the juniors, sophomores, and freshmen. However, it wasn’t just another usual school day for us seniors. March 27th marked the first day of the Senior Transition Retreat! 

The seniors gathered in the first-floor hallways of Harbor Hall. Some students were excited about the upcoming event, which would be a gateway from the usual school routines. Some dreaded it, as they would have to sit through long hours of the sessions ahead. The door of the Heritage Chapel soon opened at 8:30 a.m., welcoming all seniors. 

Mr. Dobson soon started the first session, introducing us to the Retreat theme: Leave Well to Enter Well! Throughout the sessions, hungry seniors were met with delightful snacks: curry puffs and fruits. With their stomachs full, the next session began.  

The occasional erupt of laughter and the clattering sound were heard throughout the room. The seniors entertained themselves with the many interactive items, such as the wooden stacking rocks, aka the culprit of the clattering sounds, as they listened to the speakers discuss the transitions.  

Soon, the most anticipated time for many seniors begins- finally leaving the school campus! The students eagerly jumped off the bus at Gurney Plaza as they fled to different places and restaurants in no time to eat lunch.  

After nearly an hour, the seniors returned to the bus to head for the next destination: Penang Bowl! Some students were determined to show off their bowling skills, confident they would make many strikes. Others, including me, were less optimistic as their experience with bowling was limited. Nevertheless, a burst of laughter filled the alley as the bowling sessions began, showing that it was still a fun memory to cherish whether you are a beginner or a pro at bowling.  

Grace Cao (12) adds, “I had a really wonderful bowling experience because it’s my first time doing it.” 

Whether the students were anticipating or dreading the senior retreat, it’s safe to say that it was a fun and cherishing time, providing yet another memorable memory for the seniors. Not only were the seniors able to have fun, but they also gained life-worth advice as they prepared for the next stage of their lives.

The Impact We Can Make

By Aiden Jeong

Over spring break, students will go on impact trips to various places to serve, learn from, and engage with people of diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. These trips provided students with opportunities to make a difference while deepening their understanding of the world.

The first Student went to Indonesia, Yogyakarta. During that time the Group stayed at an orphanage run by a Korean missionary couple. This trip was a collaboration with OBAS. In the orphanage, the kids learn crucial knowledge and skill through homeschooling and outside institutions, which were less like a school and more like a tutoring place.

Throughout their stay, students planned activities such as music, writing/grammar, and games. These activities were rotated so all the children had the chance to experience each one. At night, the boys were all sleeping in one room with some Indonesian kids. The girls got their own room with an aircon.

The group also enjoyed fun outings like camping, hiking, visiting a waterpark, and participating in sports. They even held a talent show where students and the kids could show off their special skills. Through these activities the students were able to see how close-knit, supportive, and wonderful this community was. Students also shared their personal testimonies of their relationship with God.

Juan Moon (12) reflected on the trip: “Impact trips will have moments where it is tiring and hard but, in the end, it will be the most meaningful experience and memory of the whole year.”

Another group of students traveled to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where they worked with the organization OM to help less privileged children. The group spent time with homeschooled Chinese children, singing songs, performing skits, and teaching English in the mornings.

In the afternoons, they toured local villages and participated in activities like making crafts, teaching basic hygiene (such as brushing teeth and washing hands), and worshiping together. The experience allowed students to better understand the struggles of others and serve communities in need.

Stephen Branum (12) shared some of his thoughts: “This impact trip to Cambogia it gave me another chance to see the reality of other people are living in and showed me how some people struggle to get basic needs, so serving to people and kids was a great reminder for me that I am very blessed and I need to be going out of my way to help others who are less privileged.”

“I would definitely encourage anyone who is thinking about an impact trip, to go ahead and pursue going on one as not only does it benefit and grow you personally but you’re also able to get closer with God and give you the opportunity to serve people who would appreciate it all at.”

Both trips provided students with valuable experiences, fostering empathy and a deeper connection to the global community. As they returned home, they carried with them unforgettable memories of service, growth, and connection.

Visa Ate Us Up

By Ellie Park

“It all felt like a dream. Reality hit the moment I was sorting through calculus quizzes, realizing how much I had to catch up after a break that ended way too fast,” said Eleannor, still recovering from the whirlwind of our spring break.

This March, my friends Zoe Yeoh (12), Kiera Nichols (12), Eleannor Tang(12), and I packed our bags and our excitement to spend spring break at my house in Korea—a trip we had been planning for months. It was the first time I had my friends staying over in Korea, and I couldn’t wait for the late-night chats, endless shopping, and group activities I’d always dreamed of having there. 

But our plans hit a bump before we even boarded the plane.

Caught up in excitement, we forgot one important detail: the visa. Since Zoe and Kiera were still minors, they breezed through without issue. But Eleannor, who had just turned 18, needed special visa consent—and hers hadn’t been approved yet. We stood there in disbelief as she was turned away at the check-in counter. With heavy hearts and heavier suitcases, we watched her walk back home, hoping that her visa would be processed in time.

We landed in Korea to a blast of shivering unexpected cold. Spring? Not quite. We shivered under layers of thin jackets, completely unprepared for the snowy landscape that greeted us the next morning. Add jet lag and a missing Eleannor, and you could say our spirits were… a little frosty.

Then, something crazy happened.

My phone rang. It was Eleannor. We hesitated—was it good news or just another update on visa delays? But when we picked up, we saw her bundled up inside a moving vehicle, eyes sparkling with excitement. Before I could ask, she flipped the camera—and there it was. My house. Covered in snow. On her screen.

“Is this your house, Ellie?” 

Her grin said it all.

Within seconds, our screams of joy shattered the silence. She made it. Against all odds, just in time for the real adventure to begin.

That break may not have started how we imagined—but in the end, it gave us a story we'll never forget.

A Familiar Place, a Different Place

By Yong Xi Yan

This final spring break was a wild stretch for its unique activities. Throughout the past seven years, I have been to Kuala Lumpur seven times, almost as regularly as if it were a neighboring city. These trips encompass some of my incredible memories, with examples including a meetup with fellow cousins and creating collaborative YouTube videos, constructions of solo travel plans around the city, utilization of weekends for open campus events, and other errands. Just a day ago, on March 24, I embarked on yet another trip to the city, but this time with my friends: Daniel Willoughby, Hudson Brooks, and Iyan Sandahl. (12)

Outside school grounds, I have only been on vacation with my parents or relatives. I have never traveled with friends on this scale. After some hastened planning, we organized train tickets and an Airbnb, mitigating tons of costs otherwise presented by hotel booking and other factors. Plans for tourist attractions and other locations emerged over days of rigorous thinking. All that remained was the boarding and enjoyment.

Boarding the ETS Gold train at Butterworth, bound for KL Sentral, we found ourselves talking non-stop, taking dumb photos, enjoying the view outside, and more. Upon reaching, we were engulfed in a huge station incomparable to the tiny station at Butterworth, with a huge mall and elevated LRT trains. As a train enthusiast, I found in awe that KL, despite major shortcomings such as the presence of one central station and the lack of rapid service trains, still developed a system incomparable to Penang, which lingers with sickening traffic and slow cars.

Going to numerous towers and taking pictures, touring our large Airbnb with the perfect view outside, and checking out massive, four-times-bigger malls, were among our events. Particularly stunning were our photographs of the Merdeka 118 tower, where we got to take a ground shot of ourselves and the tower and some infrastructure-themed photos, and our lunch at one of the fantastic tens of Japanese restaurants surrounding the final floor at the Lot 10 and Isetan department store. Spending our time in various malls and towers meant an utterly distinct experience from what we had in Penang.

One trip organizer and great friend, Hudson reflects on our trip opportunity: “The most fun part of the trip for me was being able to spend time with my friends. We've been friends for a very long time, but we never really had the opportunity to do something like this.” 

Daniel also reflects on skills he practiced, “I was able to practice my planning and budgeting skills, since it was fully up to us where we went, and how much we spent on food and transport.”

As we headed back to Penang, we realized the opportunities we had taken to sharpen our management and cooperation skills and, most importantly, our strong friendship over these seven years. It wasn’t just about the break that allowed us to rest easy, but this fun trip that brought us to new places.

Picture of us at the Merdeka 118 Tower

Porkchops in Vietnam

By Darnell Dwumfour

March 18th is a special day for pork chops. It is the day the Porkchops travel to Vietnam, a group trip with eight handsome men who made it out of the group chat. 

They didn't know what to think of the trip. Would it be good, or would it be a flop? They were hoping it was worth the time they spent planning. Micah Pickett (12) said, "I thought it wasn't going to be as good because not all of our friends were coming." Little did he know that it was the opposite of that. 

As the Porkchops arrived in Vietnam and the Airbnb, everyone thanked Romeo Kontsas (12) for picking the most luxurious Airbnb. Then, the first thing they did after that was go outside and explore. Everyone was excited, so nobody thought about searching for good restaurants nearby to eat or go to a mall. Instead, they made it seem like they were stranded without money and the internet (even though everyone had data and money besides Jason Choi (12). 

Darnell Dwumfour (12), the navigator, searched for the nearest beach on Google Maps and led the pork chops along a dangerous 30-minute walk downtown. Of course, when Darnell led the Porkchops along this journey, everyone started to doubt him, mainly because they were walking along sketchy streets and pathways that looked like a dead end. Thankfully, Darnell was a good navigator, and he led everyone to the beach, and some of the Porkchops found food. 

However, everyone began to realize that there were no good food options near the beach. The beach was also not a recommended beach to go to because there are better beaches elsewhere. Therefore, everyone walked home in a joyful yet annoyed mood as they walked for 30 minutes to find food, not to find food but happy because the journey there made memories that will be cherished. 

The Porkchops returned to their Airbnb and ordered delicious Texas Chicken on grab food. 

And that's a wrap of the first day in Vietnam with the Porkchops. 

Legendary Grab driver gives students secret directions to “the best fishing stop in Penang.”

By Nate Johnson

Over spring break, a small group of my friends—including Abraham Latham, Kyra Brewster, Sabrina Boyd, and I—decided to take a fishing trip to Batu Ferringhi for the day.

Our day began at the Tanjong Bungah morning market, where we bought bait and fueled up for the adventure. We chose fresh prawns for bait, though we sometimes use chicken or squid. For breakfast, we had roti canai and wonton mee, accompanied by drinks like Milo, teh ice, and kopi ping. As we ate, we cheerfully discussed the kinds of fish we hoped to catch and our plans for the day.

Not long after, we booked a Grab, loaded up our fishing gear, and hopped in. The drive along the ocean road toward Batu was scenic. Our Grab driver noticed our fishing poles and asked if we were heading out to fish. Smiling, he shared his own love for fishing, and we asked if he could point out the best spots along the way. Little did we know, he wouldn’t just point them out—he would take us to an entirely different destination.

"If you want to catch kerapu (grouper), you have to go to this spot," he said, suddenly making a sharp right to turn off the main road. We found ourselves on an overgrown path leading toward the ocean, with no signs indicating beach access.

“I promise I won’t kidnap you,” he joked, sensing our hesitation at the secluded road.

When we reached the end, we thanked him and got out, only to realize he wasn’t just dropping us off—he actually walked us to the fishing spot. As we arrived at the shoreline, we saw massive boulders lining the edge of the land and sea.

The Grab driver stoically pointed to the area with the best fishing and left without another word.

Abraham had this to say about our new friend and his fishing tips: “It was interesting to see where the local fisherman choose to fish and how open and friendly our driver was.”

Little did we know, the real challenge was just beginning. The boulders were large, slippery, and difficult to climb. With our fishing gear in hand, we carefully made our way across the rocks, ready for the day ahead.

With our hopes high we carefully made our first casts into the crashing waves. We hooked things that day that were too large to reel in and too heavy to pull out of the water. Our fishing poles couldn’t stand a chance against their weight and their immovability. We mostly just hooked rocks… but we did have one good catch that day. 

PC: Sabrina Boyd

Seoulmates Forever

By Zoe Yeoh

“Hey, Ellie…didn’t you say it was spring in Korea?” I asked, glancing outside.

“Yeah, why?”

“Then what’s this?” 

A thick white blanket covered the once-green park, hiding the ground beneath it and stealing away the warmth of the sun. Kiera Nichols (12), Eleannor Tang (12), Ellie Park (12), and I put on our jackets and rushed outside, unable to contain our excitement. 

“I need to collect some snow for my sister,” Eleannor remembered “Someone get me a cup.”

Over the course of a week in Korea, we made a pact to wake up early and stay out late to experience as much as possible. Our first stop was the biggest Olive Young in the area—a massive three-story store. We spent hours inside, filling our baskets to the brim with makeup and skincare, completely starstruck by the variety of products. After that, we wandered down the road to store after store—Fwee, Gentle Monster, Brandy Melville, and countless other small boutiques. Each shop had something different to offer, and it felt like we were in a never-ending fantasy. 

Of course, all of this walking and shopping made us hungry. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we committed to only authentic Korean foods. Eleannor was especially adamant about this rule and made sure we didn’t eat any other cuisine. We also tried all kinds of Korean street food, from crunchy tanghulu to hotteok filled with sweet syrup. Every bite was mouth-watering, and we quickly realized that no matter how full we were, there was always room for more food. 

Each of us was given a “role” when it came to eating. Kiera was the meat eater, I was the rice eater, Eleannor was the equal portion eater, and Ellie was the money eater. Everyday when we came home, a new package was waiting—with Ellie’s name on it. 

In Korea, fashion was like a 1930s television. But Kiera Nichols made sure she would never get lost. She engulfed herself in a luxurious, furry, brown jacket paired with a skirt that was a pink version of Van Gogh’s Starry Night. The embarrassment of standing out was worth it, especially for the laughter we shared.

Beyond shopping and eating, we made sure to capture as many memories as we could. Our camera rolls were full of pictures and videos of each other. We also made sure to stop by every photo booth to bring back as many printed recollections as possible. We made customized keychains and clothes and got matching rings that two of us may or may not have lost already. 

Every night on the trip, we stayed up and had a debate session, preparing us to be future lawyers. We debated on the most diabolical topics imaginable, and somehow, it just became an ongoing thing. However, on the last night, Ellie educated us on all her favorite K-pop groups, and we stayed up watching fan cams of New Jeans for at least 7 hours. 

When we had to leave Korea, we were exhausted but incredibly thankful. Are we running it back?

Back from Spring Break

By Sophia Teoh

The first day of “Back to School from Spring Break” was filled with hugs, friendly hellos, and the usual questions “How was your break? Did you do anything interesting over the break?” And of course, the chatter and rhythm of a normal school day at Dalat.  

As the all-too-familiar C minor tune of the school bell ushered Dalat’s high school students to their classes, be it AP Calculus BC, choir, and whatever else, Mr. Scott Uzzle stood tall with a congenial smile, calling our names and saying his usual loud, confident “GOOD MORNING.” Some students would smile, and some students would wish him good morning back with a friendly salute.  

Many people wish for a slow easing back into the normal routine of school following a break. I would say that it would be a mix of slow and fast. In Calculus BC class with Mrs. Sara Kearney, the 20 or so students were given a practice check-in quiz to prepare them well for an upcoming test that struck terror in the hearts of many, but there was also the beloved supply of cookies, named after the German mathematician Leibniz, that eased the tension a little.  

It is truly great to be back, even if it meant our break needed to come to an end. I enjoyed hearing what my friends had to share about their breaks. Marissa Elliott (Grade 12) animatedly shared about her Langkawi adventures; Jadyn Bui (Grade 12) recalled her unforgettable trip with her family to Cambodia and the happiness of the local kids despite them living in poverty without access to basic necessities (this description was enriched by Naomi Neiger (Grade 10) who remembered her Cambodia Impact Trip and how the locals at one of the Cambodian slums would always make the most out of the little supplies they had such as building playgrounds with PVC tubes and simple equipment); and my mom and I went to Kuala Lumpur to celebrate my belated birthday.

There is just something bittersweet about the end of a holiday and the transition back to school.  You get to see your companions again and hear all the exciting stories from your friends even if it means going back to the usual pattern of homework and assessments here and there. People get new looks such as by perming hair, re-dyeing hair, getting a haircut, buying new shoes, you name it. It’s safe to say that all of us high school students greatly appreciated this spring break Dalat had to offer and it allowed us to unwind from the pressures of our upcoming final exams (for some of us, these exams will play a significant role in the next chapter of our lives). Not only that, but it lets us cut down the time we spend using our screens to complete our tasks and invites us to slow down. I hope Dalat School will continue to maintain this much-loved practice of providing its students with a well-deserved break during the spring for everyone’s happiness and wellbeing.

Welcome back, everyone.  I hope you have rested well.  

ACSC Choir Trip

By Ian Dobson

The ACSC Choir trip was a great opportunity for Dalat students to grow in their singing abilities and interact with people from different schools. This year, it was hosted at Faith Academy, in Manila. The Dalat guys stayed at a student's house, which was also a dorm, and the girls stayed at a complex called The YMC. 

Most of the trip involved singing and eating; the singing was hard for some people as we had to continue singing for longer than we regularly do. But we did things other than singing as well. We started the week with a boodle fight, which is a Filipino style of eating where all the food is on banana leaves, and you use gloves to eat the food. Everyone eats the same food, and there aren’t separate plates or anything. Later on in the week, they also had an interesting Filipino festival where there were lots of Filipino foods and activities. They had belut, ice cream, taho, chicken and pig intestines, all kinds of noodles, and much more. The activities they had included karaoke, a dancing game with two long bamboo sticks, and a game with an elastic band where they had to get their leg over the band held up by two other people. It was interesting to see the culture in the Philippines through the cultural activities we participated in. We concluded the time there with a concert, and after the concert, the Dalat group went with some of the Faith students to a mall. 

When asked about his favorite part of the trip, Andrew Mattson, a tenth-grader who sings bass, answered, “My favorite thing about the trip was getting to hang out with friends and meet new people. I also enjoyed the concert, the swimming pool, and the service trip.” He also said, “I think I learned better technique for how to sing more beautifully as Dr. Hopper taught as when to breathe or not breathe and also when to sing quietly or what type of voice to use.” He had a lot of fun and also learned a lot more about singing from the director, Dr. Hopper, who used to work at Wheaton College.

As a whole, all the Dalat students who went on the trip both made new connections with other students from international schools and learned a lot about singing.

Sing Out My Soul

By Stephen Branum

On March 8th, at Faith Academy, singers representing ACSC schools stood line by line on the risers. The crowd was silent, with anticipation hanging in the air. The director motioned the piano to play, and the choir burst out loudly, calling to “sing out.” The bass came in first, and the tenors bounced off them a second after. The harmonies and syncopated rhythms echoed through the performance hall. ACSC choir was off with a bang, and the energy never stopped. Forty minutes later, the choir finished their final song, “Alleluia”, a common favorite, as the audience stood clapping. While the concert was performed well, there was a lot of work that occurred behind the scenes. 

The choir on stage went through serious amounts of training and work together. The students were able to get familiar with each other through icebreaker games, a service opportunity, and hours upon hours of practicing the 10 songs they performed. With around 15 hours of practice leading up to the concert, the nerves and the weariness was present for the majority of the students. The singing was broken up with a break time containing snacks and socializing, then right back into singing. Whether it was through shaping their vowels, enunciating words, or knowing the correct singing posture, guided by the director, Dr. Hopper, the students learned a lot and developed themselves as singers. 

The students grew in many ways but also were able to have fun in the midst of it all as they were singing for the Lord and with each other. Dalat singer Rebecca Seo (10) said her favorite part of the trip was, “not only seeing my progress within a short time but also having the opportunity to experience volunteer work with some new people from our choir team. Spending time in ministry made me realize how precious our lives are. The best part was being part of that new group and meeting several new friends which helped me notice the honesty that filled my interactions.” 

The students not only felt the impact of the community they developed, but also saw its effect on others around them. Singing with all their souls for the glory of God resonated and developed a passion seen through performance. Despite the travel schedule, all the students saw the trip as a highlight in their school year. 

Drums in the (Deep) Lobby

By Josh Conklin

 Dalat’s Concert Band Percussion section boasts a plethora of fun, wacky, loud, and entertaining instruments for every occasion, but one thing it lacks is a drumline. However, on the Honor Band trip to Raffles American School (RAS) in Johor, Dalat percussionists had the opportunity to play in one. 

In many schools, drumline is a percussion-only music style often played at sports events. The drums, consisting of bass, snare, and tenor pitches, are worn by the percussionists by special harnesses and played while standing in line or in formations. Drumline is an exciting and intense genre of music and a delightful challenge to percussionists who sometimes only play once or twice in a one-hundred-measure-long piece. 

On the first day of the Band Trip, all nine percussionists gathered in a lobby just outside RAS’s auditorium with the drums before us, excited anticipation building. Like our other pieces, we had the drumline sheet music with us. Unlike the other pieces, no parts had been pre-assigned. Even so, those present who did not play drumline could not have practiced them. 

As there were so many of us, we split into two groups. At first, we all tried to learn our parts in the lobby. But it was much too loud. With a sound like hundreds of fireworks going off simultaneously in a massive room with terrible acoustics, any semblance of rhythm or order left the room faster than our hearing as all nine drummers sound compounded on each other into one thunderous, echoing, muti-pitched drone. 

Barely able to hear ourselves, we certainly couldn’t hear each other’s parts. The most crucial aspect of drumline is togetherness; each note must be in sync, each stroke perfect, each stick in unison. The echoing noise soon proved detrimental, and the groups separated to practice individually. 

The parts were technical but manageable, with each group spending several hours over the two days of the festival practicing together, slowly increasing the tempo to ensure they got the rhythms precisely right. Soon, what was once a cacophony became a symphony. One challenging yet enjoyable aspect of drumline is the reliance on every other person in the section to play their part precisely, every complimentary rhythm overlapping into a beautiful percussive harmony. As a group, we all learned together, struggled together, and performed together, both teaching newcomers and being taught by those with more experience. The very nature of drumline forced unity in a way percussionists, who often only embellish the Band’s music, don’t usually experience. 

Dalat percussionist Ethan Khor (8) reflects on the experience: “I’ve always wanted to be a part of a marching band/drum line performance, and I didn’t expect that at honour band I’d get to experience it. So being able to be a part of it was amazing!” 

Despite the temporary deafness, mistakes, and technical challenges, students from many schools, especially Dalat, appreciated the opportunity to play on a drumline.  

Ms. Vossler is the Best

By Anya Shanmugabalan

The last band trip of the year was unforgettable. With lost passports, exploding chargers, and misplaced instruments, our chaperones were kept on their toes from beginning to end. 

Last Thursday, Dalat students from Middle and High School traveled to Johor Bahru to attend the Raffles American School Arts Festival 2025 (RASAF). Raffles American School, or RAS, invited around ten schools from Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia to collaborate in art, dance, and band. Although Dalat only participated in the band portion, our students experienced and thoroughly enjoyed this unique opportunity.

Thursday night, disaster struck: I lost my passport. After eating dinner at the RAS dormitories we were staying in, I realized my passport and wallet were missing. I assumed this would be the mishap of the trip and would eventually turn up, but this was just the beginning.

The start of the festival on Friday marked the beginning of 8 long hours of rehearsal. Hours of practice as a full band and in sectionals were exhausting. Friday night, I filed my first police report, officially informing the government of my missing passport. Ms. Sara Vossler was the best, waiting at the police station as I made my report. Jing Xuan Leow (12) enjoyed herself, too, vlogging the whole experience.

Saturday was concert day, and while there were only 4 hours of rehearsal, we had a long day ahead of us with our journey home after. Before the concert started, the RASAF 2025 team gave out Section Chair Awards to recognize leadership and excellence in their musicianship. Of the 9 sections with this award, Dalat represented 5 of the winners, with Haesol Park (8), Shon Kang (8), Iyan Sandahl (12), Daniel Willoughby (12), and Joshua Conklin (12) all receiving a Section Chair pin. 

When the time of the concert finally arrived, we were ready and excited to play, knowing many of our family and friends were watching online. After the concert, our excitement was dimmed after realizing there had been no audio available on the stream. Nevertheless, RASAF 2025 was a wonderful educational experience. 

Jing Xuan Leow (12) reflected, “It's a little sad knowing that this would be my last trip of the year, but it's one filled with a lot of special memories, such as Anya Shanmugabalan’s (12) lost passport, Joseph Yim’s (11) forgotten clarinet, Evelyn Stevens’s (9) exploding charger, and my misplaced IC.”

Since I didn’t have a passport, I needed to take a 10-hour bus back to Penang. Ms. Vossler, the best teacher ever, stayed with me throughout our long journey. It is without a doubt I will never, ever forget this trip.

A Symphony of Challenges and Triumphs: Dalat’s Band Trip to RAS Johor

By Sophia Tan

Three days, four songs, and twelve hours of intense rehearsals—Dalat’s band trip to Johor was nothing short of an adventure. What was meant to be a simple trip to perform in an orchestra concert at Raffles American School quickly turned into a whirlwind of unexpected challenges, new friendships, and unforgettable moments.

The journey began on Thursday afternoon, filled with excitement and anticipation. After a smooth flight, the band arrived in Johor late at night, too tired to do anything but check into the school dorm and rest for the long days ahead. The real work began the next morning when rehearsals kicked off. With only two days to prepare for the big concert, the band spent hours perfecting their music, fine-tuning every note and dynamic. It was exhausting, but the shared experience brought everyone closer together. Laughter filled the rehearsal halls during breaks and team bonding activities, and the time spent playing snooker and ping pong with the students from different schools made the long hours feel more bearable, if not worth it.

However, the trip wasn’t without its complications. Before even arriving at the school, one student realized their passport and wallet were missing, sending the group into panic mode. Despite frantic searching, the missing items were nowhere to be found, creating an underlying stress that lingered throughout the trip. On the day of the concert, another setback struck when one of the musicians fell sick, forcing last-minute adjustments. And as if that wasn’t enough, on the flight home, another student accidentally left their clarinet on the plane, leading to a desperate dash back to retrieve it.

Despite the hurdles, the trip ended on a high note. Dalat students stood out not just for their musical skills, but for their leadership and dedication, earning recognition and pin awards for their efforts. More than just a performance, the trip was a test of resilience and teamwork—a reminder that the best memories often come from the unexpected moments.

As the bus drove back onto campus that Saturday night, the hardworking students let out sighs of exhaustion and pride. The music had ended, but the friendships, the lessons, and the memories? Those would last far beyond the final note.

Starting Season 3 with AI and Cows

By Yuan Tee

With season 2 sports drawn to a close, the time came for 3rd season track and field and the return of girls soccer.   

For some of the seniors, 3rd trimester meant the last season representing their beloved school in sports as they shortly end their time as a Dalat eagle. Last week marked the first full week of practices for the varsity girls soccer team. With tryouts complete, the team of girls from 8th-12th grade began work at once, preparing for the upcoming ACSC tournament that will be held in Faith Academy, Manila. The schedule involves practices 4 days a week at either upper field, the field by Adventist, at the Soccer Experience nearby, or in Georgetown. Last Thursday, our Adventist session involved a pleasant visit from a herd of adorable cows.  

Though many of the girls had come back from season 2 sports such as basketball and rugby, the 1st week of practice involved an abnormally large amount of conditioning to ensure that we were in peak shape. Much lap-running, sprinting, hopping, and even squats and ab exercises were newly implemented to the usual routine. 

As we lay on our backs doing leg-lifts, our coach Uncle Keith assured us that “We’re going to be the fittest team out there!”  

As weird as it may sound, this unprecedented level of exercise is the product of AI. Before the season had started, Uncle Keith had asked Chat GPT to develop a training program for a girls soccer team in preparation for an upcoming tournament. Consequently, our practices are now enhanced with the various ideas the AI has fed our coach. 

In the words of Sophia Coker (12), “Uncle Keith’s gonna work us to death with his ChatGPT!” 

Time will tell if the AI clearly knew what it was talking about. As for now, the team continues to train hard and improve as they get ready for the big tournament in Manila. 

Flickering but Not Extinguished

By Natalia Nosker

John 12:46 “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”

The days, weeks, and even months following events such as MEW inspire great pursuit after God. Messages from speakers and classmates, direct enough to strike a chord in the hearts of any listening, fan into flame the students, parents, and teachers’ relationships with Jesus. This MEW - Alight - was no different in impacting the Dalat community. Hearts were lit for Jesus whether it be for the first time, or the catching on fire of branches that had burned out. 

Nate Johnson (12) shared the following message God placed on his heart this past Saturday at the worship night that regularly occurs at his house:

“While we were worshipping, a picture came to mind of this wet, thick black blanket covering the    people of God in Penang. The blanket was laid over them; over the blanket was God shining like the sun over his people. Evil and darkness covered the people and they were cut off from the feeling of "sunshine on their skin". They still had God within them, yet the feeling of being in the sun - or the presence of God - had dramatically changed. 

"Coming out of MEW, the enemy’s plan was to snuff out the people who were alight for God by covering them in a heaviness. But despite being out of the sun, the people of God persevered and continued to strengthen themselves with worship and prayer. As they did this, the fire within them was reignited and they began to burn in such a way that the blanket became dry, eventually burning up completely. Holes formed in the blanket, and the people began to feel the sun on them again as more and more people were reignited. 

"Heaviness and sorrows make it feel like God is far away. But we need to strengthen ourselves in God by reminding ourselves of truth (scripture) and worshiping and praying regardless of how it makes us feel. This is how we overcome the enemy.”

The world is a place of need - people need food, they need healthcare, they need education. But there is something greater about their need for a community, and their need for a Saviour.

In this past week, the Dalat community has seen this need met in light of heavy hearts sharing one another’s burdens and helping the community.

Drawing Mission Emphasis Week to a Close

By Anna Kilgo

From the 19th to the 21st of February, Dalat School was visited by speakers who traveled from Canada to speak on the theme “Alight” for Missions Emphasis Week, or MEW. All students attended the day's messages and worship, and many returned for the evening sessions. 

Each day began with heart-stirring worship songs accompanied by a daily themed message taken from John 8:12, where Jesus states that He is the Light of the world. At the night services, many games were played, including geography trivia and a chance to win a MEW shirt if a slip of paper was below your chair. 

However, the last session of MEW looks a little different from the previous nights. Instead of the speakers coming up to tell stories and offer wise words, it is completely student-led, from the worship to the messages to the prayer time. Friday is devoted to senior stories. Members of the Leadership Development class were given 10 to 15 minutes to share a testimony from their lives that may relate to many students and even parents. Some highlighted the struggles of change, challenges in their faith, or difficult times they faced and what they learned about God from the experience. 

“My favorite part of MEW was the opportunity to glorify God as a community. It was also fun to learn new worship songs, and I really experienced something new when I prayed for my friends, and they prayed for me. It really changed my daily school life for the better!” Jay Chong (10) exclaimed. 

Many students enjoy the open atmosphere of praying with Leadership Development students, the guest speakers, staff, friends, or by themselves at the night services. They were also given the option to pray for people groups in South America, Asia, North America, and more for a wide range of topics. 

The night ended strong with the upbeat worship song, “I Thank God,” with everyone jumping, singing, and enjoying themselves. The last day of MEW 2025 was an overall success and an enjoyment for Dalat International School!

“What does it mean to be ‘Alight’ in a community that already feels light-polluted?”

By Sabrina Boyd

'Alight': this year's MEW theme. The topic was quite impactful for many students, staff, and families; however, some admitted that it is hard to feel 'Alight' when we live in a society with so many believers already. 

In case you missed it last week, MEW: Missions Emphasis Week was from Wednesday to Friday. Many members of the Dalat community attended the chapels and night sessions to hear guest speakers from Canada and members of Dalat's senior class share their takes on what it means to be 'Alight'. The guest speakers, including Cara, Rick, Hanna, Ana, and Sam, came from Portico Church in Mississauga, Canada. Cara spoke to the elementary school, Hanna spoke to the middle school, Sam spoke to the high school, and Rick then shared with everyone who attended the night sessions.

Uncle Keith, coordinator of the high school worship team, reports that "Hanna, one of the guest speakers, said, 'I have never seen an all-student worship team that was so good. Usually, there is always an adult. They are so good! You would be so proud,' and I am!" 

This semester, the focus was on being 'Alight' for God and what it means to be practically missional in our daily walk with the Lord. Being alight means being intentional in how we act, speak, and love those around us after being filled with the fire of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to reflect God's character.

A challenge, however, is being able to stand out, as Jesus describes in Matthew 5:14 ("You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden"), when we live in a community where many of us believe and trust in the Lord. 

Romeo Kontsas (12) contemplates this idea: "In our community that is filled with Christians, it is sometimes hard to be a light amidst the "light" all around us. We blend in more than we stand out because we won't get judged for our beliefs. However, when we are amid non-believers and darkness, it is easier to stand out as the light and be different, but we have to be ready for the judgement that might follow."

Kontsas' idea understandably makes it difficult to see the fruit of being 'Alight'; however, once we all move to different places of the world, it will undoubtedly become apparent just how necessary it will be for Christians to be a reflection of a Hope in the darkness.

So, I urge you to examine yourself and evaluate just how much of a light you are in your everyday life for the Lord. Have you become complacent in your faith and everyday actions just because it feels like being 'Alight' doesn't make a big enough difference? Old habits die hard, so why not continue shaping them into good, Christ-like habits that show those beyond the Dalat bubble that He is the light of the world?

Be Alight

By Esther Jung

As the lights went out at Harbor Hall, we were engulfed in complete darkness until one small light flickered in the crowd, shining light in the darkness. 

This year’s Mission Emphasis Week focused on being alight for God. Tears were shed, and hearts were softened as the students heard the amazing, miraculous things God can do for us and how we can be on fire for God to fulfill the Great Commission.

From February 19th to the 21st, speakers from Portico Community Church, a multicultural church in Mississauga, Canada, were invited to speak at this year’s MEW. They emphasized on the idea of how as Christians, it is important to not only keep the good news to ourselves but to share it with others. During the evening services, the worship team started off with powerful praise and worship, followed by a message from a guest speaker speaking, and ended off with prayer.     

When asking Elijah Peh (12) what he thought about MEW, he said, “It was an inspiring experience to see students and adults of all ages and all origins come together to worship God.”

On the last day of Mission Emphasis Week, some of the students from the Leadership Development Team had the opportunity to share their testimony to the audience, each of them recounting their journey of encountering God and choosing to follow Him.

Natalia Nosker (12), an LD student who shared her testimony on the final day, reflected on how she felt before going up to speak. “Thinking about sharing my senior story moments and even days before going up on stage was honestly terrifying. As I walked up on stage, my legs were shaking, and I prayed God would help me. Sitting down and praying was the key because my nerves vanished as I started speaking from that stool. If you are considering doing LD, do not back down because of public speaking. God WILL give you everything you need as it's through His strength and not your own.”

Year after year, Mission Emphasis Week has impacted and changed the lives of both students and adults, and this year was no different. It was so evident how God worked through people’s hearts, making it a truly powerful, transformative experience for all Dalat students. 

FOBISIA Touch Rugby Tournament

By Onyou Kim

Fueled with determination and teamwork, the varsity girls touch rugby team competed at the FOBISIA Tournament in Johor, Malaysia, displaying their skill and bonding like never before.

It was Friday morning, and the 17 girls were excited to finally leave their B-block classes and head for the airport. With Pastor Bob giving a final prayer for the team, the girls were off to go to Johor. After arriving at Penang International Airport, most of the team ate at McDonald’s and waited to board their flight, eager for what was to come. Upon landing, their long and strenuous wait was coming to an end as they approached Marlborough College Malaysia.

Even though it was a friendly match on the first day, the girls couldn’t contain their excitement. The clouds loomed over Johor, and heavy rain started to fall, but this wasn’t going to stop them from playing; instead, it was the perfect weather to dive. The rugby girls quickly changed into their uniforms and cleats, warming up to play their first game. However, as fate would have it, the lightning alarm went off, and the girls were left with a fun practice in the torrential rain. 

Jenna Juday (9) optimistically expressed, “I loved the team bonding in the bus and the practice we did in the rain,” showcasing the team's unbreakable spirit.

When the girls arrived at the Sunway Hotel after their mini practice, two unfortunate souls found themselves without their comfortable shoes, as they had left them on the bus. With the bus not arriving until the next day, the two girls had no other choice but to wear hotel slippers until then, which made for a fun and bizarre memory for everyone on the trip. 

The morning quickly came, and the girls had an extravagant breakfast at the hotel. With their stomachs filled, they were ready to tackle the day and win. Arriving at the school once again, the girls warmed up and started their matches as early as 8 AM. Wins and losses were stacking up, but the girls pushed on. Despite their hard effort, the rugby girls narrowly missed their place on the podium, but they did not lose heart and vowed to become a stronger team. 

Surya Mu (10) remarked, “I was impressed that we almost placed third out of a lot of good teams, but we will next time.” With much anticipation for next year, the rugby girls are ready and determined to win their next tournament and show everyone what they are capable of. 

ACSC Basketball

By Sean Lee

“We are at least getting 3rd,” I said confidently before entering the tournament. 

When the tournament ended, we finished in third-to-last place, which meant we ended up 6th. We had only one win throughout the entire tournament, a result I never imagined we would see. The first two days were the roughest I’ve experienced in my three years of varsity basketball. We lost all our games and found ourselves in the losers' bracket. In that bracket, we faced ICS Bangkok, the hosting team, and sadly, that was our one and only win. After that game, we had to compete against Grace to secure 3rd or 4th place. Everyone was exhausted as it was a back-to-back game. Unfortunately, just five minutes into the first quarter, Jaeyoun Kim (12), who had been performing well throughout the tournament, got injured and had to leave the game. From that point on, our team’s energy drastically dropped. We fought as hard as we could but ultimately lost to Grace, 46-58. 

“If I hadn’t gotten injured, we could’ve beaten Grace,” Jaeyoun said. It was a tough loss, and we had to battle for 5th or 6th place against YISS. I was determined to get 5th place at least. However, Aaron Morrison (11) couldn’t play due to a finger injury. With Jaeyoun and Aaron out, we went up against YISS in a tight match. We fought hard until the very last second but fell short, losing 34-31. 

That was it. It marked the end of my basketball career at Dalat. I felt so disappointed with the outcome and with myself. Every time I closed my eyes, one thought haunted me: what if I had played better? Why didn’t I perform better? That thought kept me up at night, filling me with regret. However, even with the unfortunate placement, the trip was really fun. I got closer to the underclassmen, and the team bonded together. 

It was a trip I will never forget.

The Last KawKaw Basketball Edition

 By Shasha Menon

The 2025 ACSC tournament was a rollercoaster of emotions for the Dalat Varsity Girl’s Basketball team. After nearly 4 months of dedication and perseverance, the girls had made it through to the semi-finals against Faith. Despite falling short with a final score of 21-37, the team displayed unwavering determination until the very last second.

From the get-go, Faith had already come out strong, applying relentless pressure on Dalat’s defense. Despite the challenge, they held their ground, fought back, and caught up early in the game. Their defensive efforts and quick dribbles kept them in the game; however, Faith’s consistent shooting and fast-paced play caused a gap in the score. Even with the scores against them, our girl’s basketball team kept pushing forward. 

One of the senior girls, Caitlyn Chan, reflected on the game, saying, “I felt overwhelmed with joy being able to end the season well and placing third in ACSC.” Placing third in the tournament was no small feat, and it was evidence of their team’s hard work throughout the season. 

For Kiera Nichols, the game was especially hard. She said, “My last game as a senior for basketball was very emotional because it’s probably the last time I’m going to be playing for a long time. I’m gonna miss my team.” Her words captured the bittersweet moment of a closing chapter filled with friendships, growth, and unforgettable memories on the court.

Although the loss to Faith was rough on the team, the Dalat Varsity girls walked away from the tournament with their heads held high. A team filled with passion and commitment gave their all and secured a third-place finish making their school proud. Their journey throughout the season will not only be remembered for their victories, but for their perseverance and love for the game.

Taking Home Bronze

By Kyra Brewster

This past week at Dalat, the school hosted the Girls Asian Christian Schools Conference Basketball tournament. 7 teams from Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, and Hong Kong travelled to the school for a weeklong tournament with games spanning over a four-day period. 

The week began with an opening ceremony and a trip to the Tuesday night market with girls from all different teams. That night, anxiety and stress were high as the athletes prepared themselves mentally and physically for the high-stakes competition that was to follow the next day. On Wednesday, Dalat girls faced SPH, a school from Indonesia first, playing tough and smart to eventually come out in the lead and winning their first pool play game. Many other games were played on Wednesday with some predictable outcomes and some surprising ones.

During games, the crowd stands were filled to the brim and the entire gym filled with cheers and yells from the excited fans watching. When one team would begin a chant, the crowd would follow with a “let’s go eagles” chant louder and crazier then the first. The stands shook with stomps and the gym echoed with the sounds of whistles, screams, and buzzers. The tension was high as the players felt pressure to perform well and would feel a rush of fulfillment when they made a shot, and the crowd exploded in deafening noise. Throughout the craziness of the atmosphere, all athletes remained calm and collected, communicating with their teammates on court and during timeouts to play as best as possible. 

Each team was assigned to an elementary school class that they visited and talked to. They got to know each kid and the class made posters and cheers to support the teams at their games. This companionship between players and young Dalat students continued throughout the week as players would see their supporting class and give hugs or share small conversations. In addition, a service day was held in which all teams bonded together to teach students from a Rohingya school how to play basketball. It was a unique experience with smiles passing from face to face and laughter coming from every child in the gym. 

Ee Rynn Ong (11) from the Dalat girls varsity team says, “It was nice to interact with the kids even if it was for a short time. I was at the crafts station and one of the kids drew a card with all our names on it which was so cute.”

Dalat girls played 8 games in four days, ultimately winning important games to come out in third place. They were pleased with their placement at the end of many difficult games pushing though injury, fatigue, and anxiety. At the closing ceremony individual awards for top defender, top rebounder, top shooter, and tournament MVP were given. In addition, there were all tournament team awards as well as medals handed to the first, second, and third place teams. Every athlete on every team performed to the best of their ability and used their talents throughout the week to glorify the Lord and leave everything they had on the floor. 

ACSC 2025!

By Andy Tan

Intensity. Excitement. Nervousness. So many emotions and feelings flowed through DALAT this past week. The ACSC (Asian Christian Schools Conference) tournament for Varsity Girls Basketball was hosted on our very own Dalat campus this past week, welcoming 7 other basketball teams from different schools. 

The battle was long and hard for our varsity girls who faced off against skilled and challenging opponents, using all that they had practiced and trained for this basketball season. From Wednesday to Saturday they played tirelessly, every game with its own difficulties and obstacles, and our Dalat Eagles struggled through it. They encountered close games and tight squeezes, with their position in the tournament on the line, enduring and persevering to make it through all the way to the semi-finals.

Even games they lost, such as against the difficult team of FAITH, with physical opposition that seemed too much for them, Dalat proved that it wouldn’t let them stop their fight, pushing themselves to give FAITH a game that they wouldn’t forget. There were no easy games, but within all the hardship and opposition, the team also built new memories, grew stronger bonds, and played with excitement and heart for our school and for God. 

One of our very own varsity athletes, Kiera Nichols (12), said that, “ACSC was so much fun. Not only did I get to play one of my favorite sports everyday but I got to bond with my teammates.”

However, the fire of the team was also shared by those that supported them. Each day crowds of students flooded into the gyms to support our girls team, and even in the classroom live streams were playing that showcased the games. It seemed that every block of the day, chunks of our student body congregated to the gym to watch the games, and cheer on the athletes that were fighting for their schools. 

The atmosphere was intense and heated, metaphorically and literally. Dalat showed its strength as a community with chants and cheers of encouragement at every game, Aunt Claudia leading the charge as she always does. One of our top cheer squad members, Gerald Yang (12), said, “A highlight was chanting against YISS for Dalat to win by one point.” 

In the end, the exciting week had finally come to an end. Mixed emotions of sadness and happiness filled the air as people headed home after the last game. Sad that the week of madness came to an end and how they would have to return to their mundane life the next week. Happy with how Dalat was placed at ACSC and are able to go home and finally rest. Both players and crowd, completely exhausted and drained from the week, had no problem sleeping well that night.

A Colourful Celebration of 100 Days

By Elijah Peh

Last Friday was an incredibly eventful day, one filled with a myriad of surprises and fun that many of all ages enjoyed thoroughly. Firstly, it was the 100th day of school, where the elementary students dressed up as “old folk” and were rewarded for their hard work and studies with Freezies gifted by the Senior class. Much of the Senior ExCom stood outside the Sandycroft building distributing the freezies all dressed in a variety of “old people” clothing to fit the theme. In addition, many elementary students enjoyed the variety of amusements that were provided to them by their teachers and staff alike. While short, it marked a large milestone in this year for many individuals, not only students but staff as well.

Secondly, the Senior Class hosted the annual Colour Wars event, where the Freshman, Sophomore, and Senior Classes all participated to redefine the definition of colour on school grounds. Beginning with a free chicken rice dinner, the night started with a trivia session where all the grades competed for a winning prize of Freezies. It was a hard fought battle, with all Freshman, Sophomore, and Senior grades battling each other in wits and brains to solve these questions. Alas, with the final question, the Sophomores took home the prize with a 2 points lead over the Seniors. 

We then pivoted over to the Dodgeball where each grade was divided into 4 groups, allowing for intermingling amongst the grades for optimal cooperation. As per usual dodgeball fashion, everyone began to pelt their enemies with a hailstorm of balls with no mercy. Eventually, this came to a close as the main event was finally introduced. Thanks to the Senior Year’s sponsors, the event was smoothly set up and the games soon began. While there were rules, it soon became a Free-For-All battle where friend and foe alike were being coated in a variety of coloured powder. Finally, once the dust had settled, everyone was covered in colour, one could see a rainbow on the ground. 

Senior Liv Gohan says that, “It was a great event, colour everywhere. I had lots of fun bonding with my friends.” 

All in all, this 100 Days of School was a massive success on all fronts, with many saying that it would be something they would do again. I hope in the future this day continues to be a highlight of many DALAT students. 

The End of the Marathon

By Nikita Sarhad

With the second semester of the school year now in full swing, there’s no doubt as to what that age-old affliction beginning to creep up on many of us seniors is: senioritis. That, and having 99% of our conversations revolve around college.

Jokes aside, every senior, at one point or another in their final year, feels the weight of college applications and the pressure to make some important life decisions. With college just around the corner, the stakes just seem to multiply. Grades, GPA, and AP exams are just some of the things that take up more space in our heads than ever before. Even so, the urge to take our feet off the pedal early is stronger than ever. The motivation that kept us going in previous years may be starting to sputter out now, with the end so near in sight. 

In many ways, this semester feels like a kind of in-between for the familiar high school life we’ve always known and the life we envision for ourselves soon after. Sarah Loh (12) says that, “So far, in second semester, the most challenging thing has been grappling with the idea that I'll be graduating in four months and moving away across the world in six. But I'm excited to see what the future brings.” 

While some of us want to savor the present, others are looking to the future. Whatever the case might be, I think we are all determined to enjoy our last semester at Dalat, spend time with close friends, and cherish the memories of this time in our lives.

Despite the busyness of this last semester, there are many opportunities to make this final stretch of senior year memorable. With the Senior Transition Retreat and Senior Tea coming up soon, we will all have the chance to reminisce with friends and teachers, as well consider what the future might hold. 

So, in all the mayhem of our last semester here, I think we should not forget to make the most of this time, push through, and finish the year strong.

Thriving Traditions

By Eleannor Tang

Chinese New Year is not just a one-week-long celebration. It consists of 15 days of gatherings, fireworks, ang paos, and delicious foods! This year's festival was somber for me. I knew it was the last one I could spend home with my family and relatives since I'll be abroad next year. I got to spend time with my baby niece, which was something memorable for me because my cousin used to babysit me when I was younger, and now I babysat her baby daughter, which felt like a full-circle moment. She even said that I was her favorite aunt! One of the things we kids look forward to during Chinese New Year is money. In Chinese culture, when you get married, you automatically aren't the ones receiving ang pao anymore but who offers them. It's one of my favorite parts because who doesn't love money?

On the other hand, fireworks aren't something I usually enjoy. It's loud, dangerous, and very smelly. With Penang's 35-degree weather, fireworks often make the night hotter and more unbearable to get through. I love this time of the year because I reconnect with family and experience my yearly traditions. 

Students at Dalat celebrate Chinese New Year in different ways. Let's see what Kiera Nichols says about how she spent her week: "I spent time with my family, and I spent lots of time eating home-cooked meals." 

Home-cooked meals are essential because they bring the taste of childhood and can make you relive the past. This is how another senior, Zoe Yeoh, spent hers: “I celebrated my Chinese new year in Taiwan, and it was a refreshing escape from the usual heat in Malaysia. The cool air, glowing lights, and mesmerizing fireworks made it an unforgettable experience.” 

Many students travel to different places to reunite with their loved ones to celebrate. Without them, Chinese New Year wouldn’t hold the same memories and meaning. 

On the 10th day of the Chinese New Year, I started the night with a color wars event with the underclassmen. The event included a trivia game, dodgeball, and a color war. It was a good bonding experience with people outside my friend group and from other grades. Right after, we went to Liv Gohan's house to make our own celebration. We did lou sang and played a game of poker, which me and Kiera came out victorious. Lou sang is a traditional Chinese raw fish salad, also known as a Prosperity Toss. You are supposed to use chopsticks to "toss" it up and down and wish for a good year to come. 

These 15 days of festivities are an essential part of Chinese culture. Dalat students get a five-day weekend to reunite with family and friends to celebrate this time. It's an important reminder for the current seniors that no matter how far away from home we are, we should try to keep the tradition alive.

Future ACSC Basketball Champions?

 By Ting-Yi Huang

ACSC Basketball is right around the corner. What better way to anticipate it than to ask Mr. Van, one of the varsity basketball coaches, what his thoughts on the upcoming event will be like. With the team's amazing first place win during the Island Shootout tournament, Mr. Van confidently stated that “the Island Shootout tournament really galvanized the team, and showed us that we can be real competitors at ACSC.” This year’s varsity basketball team shows promising results in their performance, something that they will surely carry into ACSC.

Diving into the team itself, let’s ask the captain, Sean Lee (12), what he thought about the recent win in the Island Shootout tournament. “I think overall, it was good. We did a good job on keeping the ball and attacking the basket. But, I think we are still struggling to communicate and move without the ball. Moreover, I think we need to work more as a team so that we have a better chemistry,” he said. With this in mind, the team has had more training since the tournament, certainly learning from their mistakes, as well as improving their team chemistry and telepathic-like communication during games.

The team without its captain is like a boat without its sailor, and how good the team can be depends on the captain as well. Asking Darnell Dwumfour (12) how he felt about his captain, he said, “Sean is the strength of this team. As a captain, he united the team to its greatest. When times were tough, Sean was there to save the day. Although he fell off during the end, we still ended up taking the dub. Yay!” It’s obvious that this team feels very proud to have Sean as their captain, and for good reason as well. 

Bonded together through friendship and perseverance, Dalat’s Varsity Basketball team, even though they won the Island Shootout tournament, still works very hard to become better throughout every training they have. As Mr. Van says, “The goal is to win, and if the individual players can buy into the philosophy of the team, we can beat anyone.” 

With this mentality and persistence, it’s safe to say we will see extraordinary performances during ACSC. Go Eagles!

Incredible Island Intensifiers

By Jaeyoun Kim

Champion Gooners, how does it feel to win? “Erm, heh.. Nah, I’d win,” said Sean Lee. Up until the half, it was a close game, but bagless winners unite!

Every member of the Dalat team played to secure the victory, the days were long but we were fit. 

“I think the tournament was a great success because of the way each player on the team fought for each other. Rebounds, points, and steals were for the team and not for the individual player’s benefit," said Mr. Van. The coaches felt the victory in reach, so the players played while scratched and hit.

Every team played long and hard to show they were strong, and crowds were created from all teams to make the experience belong. When scores were close, players were worried, and everyone felt the intensity. To pull away from a close game and to feel relief or despair. Each game won was evidence of their tenacity. 

Between games, you watched other teams play, were nervous to play the next game or just tired and wanted to rest. Eating before the championship game was nearing and everyone wanted to play their best. We played these games before.. So adaptation was key for both teams. 

The championship game had the opponents fired up, they played their hearts out along with ours, matching our points back to back. The coaches were worried as we were not able to pull away. Mr. Consistency came to help us out with strong defense and tough shots and rebounds to break away. Hyping each member up so they have the confidence to keep going, as confidence is key as they say. Seeing the younger boys act tough after they get fouled, fueled the drive in the rest of us.

The bagless boys united football club has been victorious!

A Blasting Weekend

By Kiera Nichols

This past week was a time teeming with celebration, festivities, and fellowship for our Dalat students. Having only 2 days of school, everyone was blessed with freedom and roistering thanks to the Chinese New Year holiday. 

One major hallmark of the Chinese New Year holiday schedule is the bombardment of fireworks that enriches our night sky every night. The smell of smoke, booming of gunpowder, and flashing of vibrant, exotic hues offered exciting and exhilarating thrills of festive celebration. Many of the Dalat students took part in the fireworks, from our freshmen like Evangeline Fan, who said, “I visited my hometown and got some red packets and played with firecrackers. I had fun", to our Seniors like Braden Abrams: “I had fun being stupid with my friends this weekend and set off fireworks."

People who celebrate Chinese New Year often have a torrential schedule, which usually entails evenings of preparation for meals, long days of visiting relatives, and plenty of feasting and salivating food! One of our freshmen said, “I spent a lot of time with my family and celebrated Chinese new year together. I helped prepare for new year celebrations” (Giselle, grade 9). Aside from all the chaos of these communal activities, a staple of this Chinese New Year week that can’t be forgotten is AngPaos, the red packets that almost everyone who celebrates this holiday looks forward to.

While all this prosperous and money filled uproar was surging around the island, some took this opportunity to slow down and take a well deserved break from the responsibilities and pressures of school. One such student was Ellie Park (12), “I stayed home and did puzzles to destress." 

Overall, this past week has been a blessing and a privilege for everybody, to spend time with friends and family, take a breather from school stressors, and simply have fun. 

Eating Brings Fortune

By Liv Gohan

Chinese New Year is a period of rest, rejoice, and reunion. It emphasizes that the people should take their days off from work and studies to come home to family and friends to celebrate the New Year together. One of the most significant factors that make Chinese New Year special is the food that sometimes is only served a couple times a year, such as Yee Sang, Bird Nest, Tang Yuan, and more. Did you know that the food we eat also have specific meanings behind them? 

I spent about 60% of my Chinese New Year holiday eating, and it was definitely worth it. My family and I visited a lot of restaurants, and some of the food we ate was typical for every Chinese New Year reunion dinner.

Chinese New Year Eve is arguably even more important than the first day of the New Year, because Eve is when all our family members get together and have dinner to welcome the New Year. Every year, my family switches up when to celebrate Chinese New Year; sometimes they choose my hometown Medan, sometimes we go to Singapore, and this year, they decided to come to Penang.

On Chinese New Year Eve, my family and I had our reunion dinner (团圆饭 ) at Maple Palace, a Chinese restaurant with lazy Susan style meals. They served delicious boiled peanuts as an appetizer, and we had chrysanthemum tea for drinks. 

Before we started dinner, we did the yee sang (发财双鱼雪梨捞生) which had salmon, whitebait fish, and pear. Yee Sang is a Chinese New Year tradition where we toss a crunchy salad with ingredients like fish, carrots, red cabbage, and other crunchy vegetables while shouting good wishes and blessings. Elijah Peh (12) explains that “the higher the salad is tossed, the more luck will come to you”. Overall, Yee Sang represents wealth, abundance, and fortune. 

We also had shark fin soup (黃焖八珍鱼翅羹), chicken with ginger scallion sauce which represents unity and good luck (脆姜红葱自切粟米黄皮槽鸡), steamed fish which represents abundance (双椒墨鱼丸蒸笋壳), abalone and oysters also representing good luck and fortune (发财澳洲2头鲍鱼片海参蚝士青菜), and clay pot rice (北方腊味砂煲饭). For dessert, we had sweet Snow Fungus (海底椰莲子八宝茶) and New Year cake, which symbolizes prosperity (椰丝年糕).

A lot of the food we ate were puns and sounded similar to good wishes and blessings (for example fish in Chinese sounds similar to the word for abundance). We eat the food because they symbolize good things like prosperity, wealth, and fortune, and the act of eating these foods represent us wishing for these good blessings to come to us in the new year. So, eat a lot of good food during Chinese New Year, and good blessings will come upon you and your family. Happy Year of the Snake!

Chinese New Year Excitement

By Romeo Kontsas

The fuse was lit, and now we were all just waiting for the familiar firework sound, but instead, we got more than we could have ever asked for.

My friends and I decided to meet at Gerald Yang’s (12) house to celebrate Chinese New Year with food and fireworks. After finishing our delicious food, we eventually made our way to his backyard, where the fireworks were waiting for us. We started off with the usual routine of starting off small and making our way to the biggest. We had a lot of fun (and horror) throwing around small fireworks that you light in your hand and seeing how far or high we could throw them. 

As we were finishing off all the smaller fireworks, I came across a cylindrically shaped firework that was pretty small in size. Not being too worried about the sound or impact of the firework because of its small size, I lit it in my hand and threw my first bomb. After what felt like an eternity, the fuse was finally up, and then it happened. The sound and vibration I felt was a record high from a single firework. It made the ground beneath my feet vibrate so that I felt it throughout my body. The sound deafened every other sound beside me, and all of us covered our ears. My friends and I all looked at each other and were baffled at the potency of this little thing. 

One of my good friends Braden Abrams (12), said it the best, “It was like a flashbang we were so disoriented and surprised at what had just happened.” 

We all nodded at each other in unison to this remark because that was what it truly felt like. After our first experience with this firework, the fun did not stop. With the remaining few that we had, we would try to throw it and then line up a pose to match the timing of the bang, although unsuccessful, it brought us a lot of joy.

After throwing a few more of the fireworks, we moved on to bigger and more grandiose fireworks that were more in line with everyone's expectations for the evening. However, the little “bombs” that we threw were definitely the highlight of the night and what we would remember when reflecting on our last Chinese New Year together.

The Year of The Snake Has Arrived!

By Gerald Yang

Gong Xi Fa Cai! This Chinese New Year is the year of the snake, which is the 6th zodiac of the 12. 

All over Penang, students, teachers, parents, and friends are kept awake by the fireworks the echoed night after night since the first day of Chinese New Year. The first day (Chu Yi) fell on Wednesday, the 29th of January and since then, Penang’s traffic has come to a standstill. Popular places like Georgetown, Gurney Drive, and The Penang Bridge were crammed with cars of those who were visiting relatives, and friends for the sought-after red packets. 

During the day, temperatures hit a high of 33 degrees Celsius or 91 degrees Fahrenheit which contrasted the weeks following up to Chinese New Year which were littered with days of rain. As residents tried to catch a break in the cool evenings, the crackle of fireworks echoed through the night leading to sleepless nights. Instead of thinking they are an ear sore, join a friend! If you celebrate Chinese New Year, invite friends to set off fireworks to participate in the yearly tradition of making noise whilst seeing your money explode in front of you. Romeo Konstas, a senior, recalled, “Jaeyoun playing baseball with the fireworks was the funniest thing ever.” So make sure you don’t miss out on creating lasting memories with friends. 

Photo Credits: Ooi Choon Jin

A typical day of Chinese New Year would have included visiting family or friends paired with a full day of eating. Snacks that are native to this festivity are pineapple tarts, almond cookies, love letters, and pork jerky; if you haven’t been able to try one of these snacks, make sure to visit one of your friends who celebrate Chinese New Year before the last day which is on February 12th. Until then, expect to hear the continuous screeches of fireworks.

Speaking of the last day of Chinese New Year, be sure to appreciate different Chinese New Year decorations that can be found in temples, malls, and homes. Lanterns are commonly hung up during Chinese New Year as they are a symbol of fortune and good luck.  Above is a picture of this year’s decoration at the Goddess of Mercy’s Temple which is also the oldest temple in Penang.

The Day Lunar New Year Ended

 By Ryan Khaw

The only certainty in this world is change. For many, change is a difficult thing to accept, but only because it comes suddenly upon them. Slowly adapting to life is the key to moving on. I remember when there were constants in my life I was scared to lose, but growing up meant slowly accepting that nothing was forever.

For a significant portion of my life there was always one constant. Every January or February, my family would visit my paternal grandmother (We referred to her as “Ah Ma”). Extended family that reached as far as Singapore would visit for one or two days and cousins from Johor would make themselves home in Ah Ma’s place for three days. The festivities were the rare time the family was all together. Before teenage-hood me and three of my first cousins removed would retreat to one of the bedrooms away from the noise of the adults gambling and entertain ourselves with a myriad of card games I cannot recall. When the older cousins brought out the illegal fireworks and firecrackers we would rush out to watch them light it; we would again run back to the room because we hated the loud noise. Afterwards we would play with snappers (or “pop-pops” as we would call it) and sparklers, repeat the whole process three for three days, and go back to regular life until the next year to do it all over again. 

As time passed on, us first-cousins-removed came more distant, and Ah Ma’s health was deteriorating. She didn’t stand up much as the older she got it was increasingly more painful to walk, coupled with eating an excess amount of sugary diet she developed diabetes, She had surgery to remove her right kidney due to diabetes. 

The inevitable occurred on October of 2022: Ah Ma had passed and since then we haven’t had a full family reunion. 

“People of your generation don’t have a family monarch or leader," said Huang Ju Lee. Ah Ma was the centre of the family, and with her not around, each part of the family celebrates Lunar New Year by their own and the Lunar New Year I knew was gone. 

If you told this to 8 year old me, I would probably fall to my knees crying that reunions were over, but as I grow older I saw the writing on the wall and instead of constantly denying the inevitable and suspending myself in ignorance, I slowly came to accept what I feared. Pushing off your fears will only lead to more pain when I come around and you have left yourself unprepared for it. 

As a child, having certainties are important, but part of growing is knowing that nothing in this world is certain, and growing for me was knowing Lunar New Year was going to end, and that I needed to accept change instead of run from it.

Chinese New Year: The Uninterrupted Fireworks

 By Grace Cao                                                                              

What time can people hear fireworks every night? Chinese New Year! Dalat International School had a five-day weekend starting January 29 for parents and students to celebrate with their families.

Chinese New Year is an essential holiday in Dalat because Chinese and Koreans celebrate the new year with their families. It is a time for people to connect with their families and talk about the wonderful things that happened in the year. No matter how far away people are from their families, they will always return. Delicious food is necessary during the Chinese New Year. There is food that has good meaning. For example, there will always be a big fish dish on the table, which shows “年年有鱼.” It means that there are blessings left every year. The most important part of Chinese New Year is giving red envelopes to children. The child must thank and praise the elders to receive their blessings and money. It is a traditional activity that connects elders and children better.

There are many fun activities during the Chinese New Year, but don’t forget about the fireworks that happen every night. During the Chinese New Year, fireworks are being played to chase away the negative spirits, pray for peace, and welcome the new year. The last year's negatives are all being chased away, and the new year will be full of blessings. There are many kinds of fireworks used during the holiday. People use firecrackers to chase away the negative things and beautiful fireworks to welcome the new year. It is a charming time for family and friends to watch the fantastic fireworks together. It is also a lovely time for people from other cultures. 

Like Nikita Sarhad (12) said, “ I had a lovely time with my family and friends during the CNY!”

On January 29, the first day of the Chinese New Year holiday, some Dalat students got to spend time with their parents on the beach. They enjoyed the time light and watching the fireworks with their parents. Seniors and middle school students were spending time with their friends. They set the campfire with their parents and baked sweet potatoes using the fire. It was a great time building connections with people.

The Junior Varsity Basketball Players Maintain a Resilient Spirit

By Sam Boyle

It was the morning of Friday the 17th of January, and the JV players, both the boys and girls teams prepared to embark on a bus trip to KL. It was a grueling 6 hour trip, but the players took it as an opportunity to prepare themselves and bond with each other. 

"The bus ride was mega long but we got to talk and eat with each other as a team which helped us prepare ourselves," said Matthias Seevaratnam (11). Once the Eagles arrived in KL, they grasped the opportunity to hang out in the KL City Centre for the rest of the Friday as they were without any games until the following day.

Saturday Morning

It was 6:30AM at the Oakwood Hotel, and the players were fired up and equally as excited, boys and girls alike. After breakfast, the Eagles flocked over to the bus at 7:30 and left to ISKL for their first games. 

As for the boys, their first game was at 8:30, a tough matchup with ISKL. The boys unfortunately lost their match against ISKL but it didn’t break them as they still stayed confident. 

“We lost the fight but we didn’t lose the war, of course we’re gonna win against them next match," said Abraham Miller (11) when asked what he was feeling after they lost. The boys lost their next two games. 

“We just turned the ball over too much and didn't control the pace,” said Benjamin Lim (9) about why he thinks they didn’t see success in their matches. 

It was now the final game of the day: Imagine the JV Boys, engulfed with desperation, wanting nothing more than to win this match against the Saigon Dragons. Abraham started in this game where he tried his hardest to control the game as the Centre. Before you’d know it, he displayed his fury and finished the game with 16 points. 

Although they lost all their games, the JV Boys showed their deep mate-ship and resilience as they continue to push forward and win games in the future. 

Last Run

By Timothy Hollon

The first bell rang as Dalat Seniors filed into their A-Block classes, still chatting and laughing about everything they had done over Christmas break. Stories were told in dramatic fashion, old inside jokes were brought up once again, and countless red shirts were donned for one last run.

Then the second bell rang. And we Seniors returned to what we’ve been doing continuously for the last 14 years. School. Choir students once again went through their same warmups, Calculus students started working through their logarithms, and the Bible Students started with their usual questions and worked with their table groups. 

And school just went back to normal. Our last first day of school was just another day. Another day, we just went through the motions; another day, we sat through each class just trying to get to the next block, and another day we spent all of D-Block figuring out what to order for lunch.

It was normal. Yet, we can’t let this semester slip by. As fellow Senior Andy Tan put it, “I’m scared of wasting time and letting the last months of senior year slip by me, and ending up leaving school with regrets about things I should have done.” We cannot let regret take hold of us.

In an article published by the National Institute of Health, hospice nurses reported that the most common regret that dying patients have about their lives is not doing enough. Very few reported caring much for making a bad decision, only for not taking a risk they were too afraid to take. The human instinct is to let passivity overwhelm us. We’re inert by nature. However, especially this last semester, we can’t yield to the trend of doing what everyone else does. As cliche as it sounds, we’re all meant for more. 

So, Senior Class, I want to encourage you: take that risk you’ve been considering. Push yourself. Ensure that in thirty years you don’t look back on these next six months and say, “I wish I had done more.”

Do more, starting today.