Dalat International School: Senior Scribble

Megan Chang With each new week came a new discipline to learn; the week for the discipline of service had come and gone. From reading to second graders to cleaning the gym bathrooms to running chapel, the 12th grade Spiritual Disciplines class got to experience firsthand what it truly meant to serve others. For three days, students signed up for various tasks that teachers on campus needed assistance with. “It was so fun reading to second graders. I was surprised to see how excited my kid was to learn about rocks,” said Kylie Toh (12). About half of the students in the senior Bible class headed over to the second grade classroom to read non-fiction books and play math games with them. They did the activities in pairs—one senior and one second grader. The one-on-one interaction allowed them to bond together and get to know each other better. Toh went on, “By the end of the day, she [Toh’s second grader] still recognized me.” On the other hand, a few other students busied th...

Kasey Rogers The Tales of Wonders 2 was a play full of different Christmas stories. All of the actors had to play many different roles. The RLT players worked really hard to memorize the script, and then practice it to put on four performances, during December 1-3 rd , at Penang Pac.    They took a lot of time out of their lives to get everything ready beforehand. They had to get the timing right. They had to make sure the props were in the right places. Then there were the light cues; they had to make sure the lights were in the right places, at the right times. Then there was the music cues that had to play the correct songs at the perfect time, notifying the actors that they had to make their entrance or exit with the music. Also, while speaking about sound, they had to check if the mics were too loud or not loud enough. Could they be heard over the music? This show continued to be challenging with costume changes. People were running around backstage trying to...

Grace Lim Giving thanks can be easy but how often do we give thanks? Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks to those who are often unnoticed. Who makes our lunches? Who keeps our classrooms clean? Who guards the gate when we aren't here at school? Aren't we thankful for all the things they do for us? Sadly, we often don’t take the time to thank those who work in our school. Therefore, in light of Thanksgiving, the Home Economics class decided to take the chance to serve the national kitchen staff members who work at our school. Mimicking the original tradition of Thanksgiving, the Home Economics class cooked a whole turkey and mashed potatoes, baked three pies (pumpkin, pecan, and apple), and made a salad. It took them a whole day to cook all those things; they even started cooking the turkey the day before. Instead of using powders and taking shortcuts on the crust, they took the initiative to bake the pies from scratch. Despite the long, extraneous day working in th...

Shoko Tezuka   Do you like theater? Do you like competition? Then Short+Sweet is for you, as it is filled with a variety of plays and awards. This year, Short+Sweet consisted of 11 plays, hosted at Penang Pac, over four nights, November 16-19. It encouraged people in Penang to perform in or watch theater performances. Dalat presented a play titled, "The Runaway Slave: A Christmas Story." Its script was written by Mr. Sasse a couple years ago, though it wasn’t Christmas themed. Because he really liked it, he decided to re-write it as a holiday play for this year's RLT Players. Three classmates, Kimberly Horton (12), Lilian Li (12), and Aaron Chand (12), represented Dalat in this play. They worked hard alongside Mr. Sassee for this performance and were able to give all they had to the audience. The slave role was acted by Lilian, the lady by Kimberly, and the sheriff by Aaron. After the competition, our actors voiced what they disliked and liked about Short+Sweet...

Yeorin Yun With Christmas Banquet rolling around the corner, many askings took place on Monday, November 21st. According to Andrew Kim (12), the StuCo president, the purpose of having CB is to “have a formal gathering and fun before the start of winter break.” Like Andrew puts the meaning of CB, there is no doubt that our Dalat students truly enjoy CB. Moreover, there’s so much more to the meaning of CB than just having kids dress up for the night. Given the privilege to ask a date in any shape or form, some took on the idea with an endearing mind, while others took on the idea of asking as a dreadful thought. Despite the ambiguity of how students would reflect on this idea of asking, I personally believe that CB helps the young student population to take a lesson or two from this. CB mildly exposes the students to the sophisticated acts of mannerism. In other words, they are learning to adopt a doctrine of courtesy and learn the social etiquette norm of this world. With these a...

En Qi Saw Every school year, students in Dalat International School are required to complete ten hours of service hours within the course of twelve months in order to graduate. More often than not, high schoolers tend to view this obligation as a burden and a chore. Throughout my high school years, however, service projects have always been fun, exciting days where I get to serve the community and spend quality time with my friends simultaneously. This Saturday, 19 November, students who signed up for a service project in a local school, S.K.T.T, gathered on campus at eight o’clock in the morning. After loading the truck with props and materials needed for later, we (twenty-four Dalat students in total) made our way to the local school with a hint of anticipation. Upon our arrival, we were greeted with the happy faces of the local students who were aged between seven and eleven years old. As much as they were excited to see us, they were very polite and were very well-ma...

Sam Huang After six hours of traveling in a van on Friday, November 18 th , the Dalat boys’ basketball team arrived in ISKL for three basketball games, with hopes that each one would further prepare them for the biggest home tournament of the year in February: the ACSC tournament. The Dalat boys started off their first game in ISKL against the Alamis club team, a local adult basketball club. Despite being outsized, the boys were ready to play; however, as soon as the game started, the boys dropped to a ten-point deficit. Their defense wasn’t rotating fast enough, their offense wasn’t running smoothly, and their coach, Chuck Arnold, was not happy. Soon enough, the team found themselves in a mess, being down 35-48 with only a quarter left to catch-up. Before the starters went back onto the court to play the last quarter, Coach Arnold shouted to his players in a huddle, “Come on guys. Winning and losing is a choice. Now, what do you choose? If you want it, go out there and take i...

Andrew Kim Will the Student Council’s optimism for D.A.B. be met with terrific success or absolute failure? StuCo (save the vice president) waits with optimistic anticipation. Dalat International School has looked down on dancing for too long! With an attempt to oust the taboo known as “dancing” at Christmas Banquet, the Student Council plans to encourage the student body to participate in the first ever choreographed dance and lip-syncing competition called D.A.B. (Dalat Air Band). How would the Student Council convince the conservatives of Dalat to dress up and dance all silly? They’d dance in front of the entire high school to set an example, and they’d use money as an incentive. With a cash prize of RM 200 (what!? StuCo giving out money?!) and a priceless trophy, StuCo dares to bribe the high school to a dance off. But that won’t be enough. To show that anyone can dance just as “anyone can cook” ( Ratatouille) , the Student Council planned a dance to show at c...

Jerome Ramirez In a fit to print a picture of ‘the Doctor,’ Jonathan Lafferty (12) directed the mouse frantically back and forth on the computer screen. With a sigh of relief, he heard the printer come to life. Just in time, Bena Mauger (12) joined him. Together, they scrambled out the door, excited to meet their eighth-grade buddies. On a warm and humid Saturday morning (November 12 th ), seniors and their eighth-grade buddies, bonded through a series of fun activities that challenged groups to cooperate, persevere, and fill their hungry stomachs. Craning their necks for a bite, students strived to beat their partners at devouring the doughnut the fastest. Win or lose, not one person left the room with a growling belly. Next up, partners (consisting of one eighth-grader and at least one senior) gathered up the courage to play a round of apple bobbing. After mustering up enough willpower, heads plunged into the unexplainable “murky” water left behind from previous trials....

Tim Sasse ‘Twas the evening of November 12, 2016. Aaron Chand (12) decided to uphold the tradition of a junior and a senior organizing a gala. The tradition was started by Jonathan Chandra, a graduate of Dalat, two years ago. A gala is a social occasion with special entertainment, similar to the Christmas Banquet. This year, Chand and Melynn Kendrick (11) organized a pirate-themed gala for their small group of friends. As I walked in, I was confronted by a peculiar looking man who stole my hand and vigorously shook it. "Ahoy, Matey. Welcome to the Gala," said Captain Jack, also known as Aaron Chand. Right then, I was assigned a seat and a new identity. I was surrounded by my friend’s familiar faces, yet I could not identify anyone. To my right was seated Miss. Jane Bennett, Susan Oh (12), across from me was Captain Davy Jones, David Unruh (12), and to my left was Captain Blackbeard, Melynn Kendrick. Once everyone was seated, the host and the hostess, Captain Jack an...

Penang, Malaysia —According to local reports, a Dalat student was spotted with dark circles under his eyes and messy hair on Wednesday, the 2 nd of November. Upon being asked how he was, he replied “tired” and “busy” with a lethargic tone. Somehow, the student couldn’t find the time to do his homework, apply for colleges, attend mandatory X-blocks, practice for his sport’s team, eat regularly, spend time with friends, and get eight hours of sleep. Pushing for a higher G.P.A. meant longer study sessions after school for the student, and he had to sacrifice some sleep, culminating in an overwhelming sense of busyness, stress, and anxiety. It is rumored that school officials will open an investigation to evaluate whether this is simply an isolated case or whether it’s a widespread epidemic. An unnamed teacher “fear[s] the worst.” School administration will deal with the issue according to their findings. “If this is indeed an isolated case, no intervention will be needed,” an expert...

Aaron Chand International schools all across the world have an abundance of one thing: international students. And those international students all bring their own cultures, heritage, and stories to their school communities. For me, Aaron Chand (12), that special culture, heritage, and story is none other than India—the land of chaos, beauty, and simplicity. It is a place that will always have a special spot in my heart. It was in August of 2016 when I approached my family and asked for them to let me go one last time to this extraordinary nation before I graduate. They agreed, and I had never been more ready to return. I had not returned home for at least three years, and my cousins who I remembered to be mere toddlers had practically grown up. My job on this trip was fairly simple: take pictures and spend time ministering/encouraging the church leaders in that area. In 2012, Forefront Mission began construction on a school that could facilitate grades K-12. Construction wa...

Christy Chow Armed with long sticks and donning streaks of paint, a pack of teenagers wandered around aimlessly to find their next destination. They crossed a raging river while hissing at another pack trying to do the same. They slipped in the mud as they fought others for a chicken, forming temporary alliances with one pack against the others. They emerged from the woods with smudged paint and wild looks in their eyes. No, this is not a scene from the Lord of the Flies . This is a scene from Dalat’s first annual Eagle Games. The Eagle Games are a new experiment for Dalat’s high schoolers, replacing the long-standing tradition of Track & Field Day. Throughout the years, middle school and high school students have had the pleasure of enjoying the athleticism and competition that Track & Field Day provided. It was a day of running, throwing, jumping, and sweating. It was, however, also a day of a lot of sitting around and waiting for the next event to happen. Many student...

Darian Yeap Another tiring Wednesday swung by, and the students gathered in the school chapel for an assembly. The topic was on the innovative idea, presented by Principal Brewster and StuCo, known as the Eagle Games. The assembly ended and the emotions amongst the students were greatly mixed. Students remained skeptical towards the upcoming event which replaced the worn-out event known as Track and Field. But after the Eagle Games had concluded, Rainbow Chan (11) said, “Teamwork is more important than winning.” Are these the words of a noble sportsman? Or could these be the words of a humble loser? On Friday, November 4 th , I was satisfied with my team and set out to our first station. Our first activity was an obstacle course. My team and I did an excellent job and completed the course first. But, apparently, a minor error in the information given by the teachers actually led to a second place finish and a quick apology. As noble and as sportsmanlike as we were, we left t...

Sam Hofer             America was both awestruck with wonder and horror at three consecutive events—the presidential debates. Trump and Hillary exchanged verbal blows repeatedly, sometimes even talking about relevant issues. What I took from those debates was mainly just the amount of times the candidates interrupted the moderator. I think it’s somewhat sad that the candidates we have for the American elections are both as unappetizing as cinnamon and sugar flavored Pringles. I really enjoy the (ideally) honest and respectful discourse of politics, but sadly it rarely happens that way. That is why I am incredibly proud of Dalat’s Presidential Debate. Though the presidential debates ended in America, ours happened on November 3 rd in Penang. Some students from Mr. Sasse’s American Government class took sides in a debate emulating that of the presidential debates in the States, with the exception of Gary Johnson, who als...

Jessie Ross On Monday, October 24, it was announced that the Master Studio and the AP Physics students were merging to collaborate on a project. The task at hand was to take an arrangement of data and bring it to life in the form of an art representation. Little did we (the art students) know how this entirely new task was going to be formed. The students were separated into several groups—with about two Physics students to one art student. The Physics students explained what their project was: each group was given the task to create an arm-like structure with limited resources. Once they had designed and created their “arm,” they were to test it though adding specific weights to see how much their structure could hold. After testing their structures, they were to compile the tested data and record their findings. I confronted my group with an open mind and was ready to assist in developing a new perspective on their project. My group consisted of Tian Ooi (11), Jia Qi Tan (...

Benjamin Finlay ACSC was probably the most enjoyable week I have ever experienced in school. But it was more than just seven days. It was a full season, being ten long weeks of preparing the entire team for this all-important tournament. ACSC is a sports conference focusing on football, volleyball, and basketball. Seven or eight different schools compete, representing various countries around Asia. This particular year, the men's varsity football tournament was hosted by Morrison Christian Academy in Taichung, Taiwan. Unfortunately, only eighteen athletes of our twenty-two roster were able to travel to Taiwan, and it didn't quite feel the same without those additional four players. The community of a team lacked a little bit, and some people I bonded with weren't there with me in Taiwan — it was quite disappointing, to say the least. In the past, our football team has not placed very well. The best we ever placed was second to last, and the other schools always...

Joseph Hsu Hopes were high as Dalat’s varsity boys’ volleyball team travel to Hong Kong for the Asia Christian School Conference (ACSC) tournament; however, tragedy struck, crushing the team’s hopes and dreams of winning the tournament. Bump. Set. Spike! On Wednesday, October 19, the Dalat Eagles ran their usual plays against Faith Academy. After a killer spike by Andrew Kim (12), which tied the set 14-14, a loud, resounding snap echoed through the court. Joseph Hsu (12) and Noah Graves (12) were the first to notice Kim tumbling to the ground. Hsu initially thought that Andrew Kim had torn a ligament. Upon closer inspection, Hsu noticed that Kim broke his leg. The entire team was traumatized by the sight of Kim’s disfigured leg. As the paramedics lifted Kim on a stretcher and took him out of the gym, the Dalat Eagles were discouraged by the fact that they lost their captain early on in the tournament. Unable to clear the tragic event from their minds, the team lost the next two ...

Noah Graves             Fall break, October 16-23, was a big week for Dalat Athletics; it was ACSC time for men’s soccer and men’s and women’s volleyball. Men’s volleyball started off strong in Hong Kong, with initial hopes to bring home a medal. Early in the tournament, they faced an injury that proved to be critical to their success. Their star player, Andrew Kim, broke his leg on the first day of the tournament against Faith Academy. They continued to fight throughout the round robin stages, coming within just a few points of beating the best teams in the tournament. There were a lot of close games, but they needed that extra push to win, and for them, Andrew was the push they needed. After a lot of “almost wins” they had a low seed in the bracket and ended up finishing sixth in the tournament. They kept their heads held high and proved they could play with the best, as Emmett Balzer (12) received all-tournament honors. But ...

Khai Yi Khor On October 6th, Thursday, all the choir students gathered around in the choir room after school, before leaving to the airport to participate in the Bangkok International Choir Festival 2016 (BICF), which was held at International School of Bangkok (ISB). The next morning at 7:30am, Dalat’s choir students departed to ISB. It took approximately an hour to reach the destination. Inside the ISB campus, workers were driving golf carts and giving ISB students rides to school. Each of Dalat’s choir students was given a nametag to help other schools recognize and differentiate students from schools all over the world. There was a total of 400 choir students from various schools that gathered in a chevron theater to do their rehearsals. The schools who participated in this year’s BICF consisted of ISB, Dalat, Grace International School (GIS), Seoul International School (SIS), Bangkok Patana School (BPS), British School Jakarta (BSJ), NIST International School, Ruamrudee I...

Woo Young Chung “Welcome to the 2016 StuCo event, PokéOlympics !” With a thunderous voice, the StuCo president, Andrew Kim (12), alerted the participants about the commencement of the event. This event was composed of two themes, Pokémon and the Olympics. For weeks, StuCo members put their heads together and thoroughly organized this event. From creating promotional videos to decorating cardboard boxes, many hours were put into making this event one to remember. Even with many students missing the event due to the choir trip to Bangkok and the volleyball team playing a game, StuCo pulled off some exciting moments. Various stations were set-up by StuCo members, and the goal was to collect as many gold medals as one could, similar to the Olympics. Struggling to get a grasp, Jarrod Chang (12), Darby Kendrick (12), Hannah Burh (12), Christy Cho (12) and Peter Kim (11), managed to hold each other up on a minuscule surface area of the tarp that was folded in half—six times. Th...

Ning Kang Chia Armed with a tripod and a camera, Matthias Maurin (12) tread down the shoreline in search for the best spot for a late night photo shoot. Jessie Ross (12) and Ning Kang Chia (12) followed him silently, marveling at the mesmerizing waves and soothing sand. It was a Friday night and the PokéOlympics were still going on. Matthias had decided earlier that the theme of the photo shoot would be “fire.” With that in mind, his bag was filled with goodies—flammable ones. He took out a bundle of steel wool and squeezed it into a whisk tied to a long wire.  Matthias proceeded to light the contraption on fire and started spinning it, much like how a cowboy would lasso. A brightening cone of light formed and sparks began spewing all over the place. Jessie and Ning were both awed at the beautiful sight. They learnt how to do this trick soon after, and the photo shoot officially began. Matthias provided clear instructions to the modelling duo as they scrambled to strike ...