Varsity Sports Award Ceremony

By Amos Koay

On April 22, the Varsity Sports Awards was held in Harbor Hall. This was when people who had joined a Varsity sport would get acknowledgment for all the blood, sweat, and tears they sacrificed to fight for Dalat. 

Many amazing athletes got the recognition they deserved. Some notable people are Romeo Kontsas (11), Isaac Lee (12), Naomi Weidemann (12), Josia DeJager (12), Joshua Morrison (12), DJ Yost (12), Caitlin Chan (11), and Alexia Nyul (12), who all got awarded MVP in their respective sports.  

Although many people got different awards, one athlete stood above the rest of the players. One exceptional athlete who was in soccer, basketball, and track, where he broke multiple ACSC and school records for his sprints—the Male Athlete of the Year, Kyle Tang. 

The following quote is what Kyle Tang (12) had to say about his achievements: "Winning athlete of the year is an incredible honor, especially with the amount of sacrifices I've spent improving myself as a person and athlete. I am also grateful for the many opportunities I have been able to represent Dalat this year, and I am forever thankful for them." 

Although the night's primary purpose was awarding athletes for their achievements, a team is not only made up of the players. There is one person on a team that is the anchor. An anchor that holds everything together and makes the players thrive as a team. Above everyone else, we appreciate our coaches from every sport. The amount of effort, dedication, and time that they sacrificed did not go unnoticed. The coaches are the most important person on the team and the most important part of Dalat Athletics. 

This event perfectly wrapped up all the impressive milestones and achievements the athletes of Dalat have accomplished during these three sports seasons. With everything ending this year, we will have to thank all the coaches, assistant coaches, and our Athletic Director, Mr. Ulmer, for allowing everyone to fight for and represent Dalat. 

“When I was in Highschool”

By Anna Ruble

Goodbyes are inevitable but yet incomprehensible for the majority of the senior class. We have all had our fair share of goodbyes, yet never with one another. We said goodbye as we all left during our 8th grade year, expecting to see each other again in 2 weeks. We said goodbye as Covid swept quite a few of us away to different countries. We said goodbye every summer, as we all turned our books into the library and got into our parents' cars. Each one of these goodbyes was sad, and had a lot of emotions tied in. However, none of these goodbyes were quite as impactful as the goodbye that is quickly tumbling towards us on June 6th. 

In nearly one month, every senior will gather together in a room. We will take our seats on a stage where typically we watched PB speak every Friday. A stage where many of us have performed concerts, plays, and worship. A stage where bittersweet memories rush through our heads, as we watch Miss Wood hand each of us our diplomas. 

There is comfort in familiarity. Walking down the halls and recognizing people’s faces is something that our brains notice, yet we don’t fully process that it might one day come to an end. On June 6th, these “familiar faces” will vanish from many of our lives. They will simply become a memory in our minds, whose faces will blur as the years continue to pass. It is likely that many of us will forget to say goodbye to someone whom we will think about later and wish that we had one more class to talk to them. One more class to play fireboy and water girl. One more class to watch basketball games during class. It is likely that these memories of high school will continue to live in our minds as we grow older. 

Many seniors have been in Dalat for longer than high school, making their classmates' faces more than just familiar. The thought of leaving, and never seeing many of them again is a hard thought to process. Popi Grous has been attending Dalat since 6th grade. She said, “I feel sad, I’ve cried a lot about it, I’ve cried so much. It is gonna be weird walking down the halls and like realizing that I won’t be talking to some of the people in our grade that I’m not super close to ever again. I’m so used to seeing them everyday.” 

Once, we receive that diploma, our high school years officially come to an end. No more memories can be added into our story book labeled, “When I was in high school.” Once we leave the doors of the harbor hall, we will begin to take pictures. We will look through the crowd of people to find  familiar faces once again. People whom we want to remember forever. People whose faces we are scared might fade. We ask to stand together as we smile at a phone that captures the moment. Now, we feel better knowing that their faces will never fade. Their faces will stay inside of our phones and we can open the photo when we want to tell a story from our book labeled, “When I was in high school.”

2024 ACSC Track and Field Meet

By Yuna Lee

In the midst of a truncated schedule and limited facilities, the Dalat International School (DIS) teams encountered various challenges during the 2024 Track & Field Meet season; nonetheless, both the Girls and Boys Teams showcased outstanding perseverance, culminating in a commendable 2nd place finish in their respective divisions at the Asian Christian Schools Conference (ACSC) held in Manila, Philippines.

Illuminating the charge for the Varsity Boys' Team was DJ Yost, who not only earned the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) and served as a co-captain but also showcased exceptional prowess, securing a coveted spot on the All-Tournament Team and clinching medals in three events, namely the 5000m (1st), 3000m (2nd), and 1500m (3rd), achieving personal best records in each discipline. In reflection, DJ Yost expressed, "It was by far one of the most enjoyable Asian Christian Schools Conference (ACSC) events I have attended. I am so grateful to conclude my senior year with such an amazing team."

In like manner, Caitlyn Chan emerged as a standout performer for the Girls Team, seamlessly picking up from her previous year's achievements, her stellar performance earning her a position on the All-Tournament Team with an impressive tally of four gold medals, notably shattering records in the 100m and 200m events, while also contributing to breaking the school record in the 4×400m relay and securing first place in the long jump.

Aaron Andrews, another integral member of the Boys Team, showcased his multifaceted talent by excelling in the Track & Field Meet, with his contributions proving pivotal in securing victories in the high jump and 4×100m relay events, while also clinching a podium finish in the 200m race.

In addition, the Girls Team saw notable contributions from Eliza Setzfand, who formed a formidable distance running duo alongside Caitlyn Chan, earning her medals in the 4×400m relay, 5000m, and 800m events, achieving commendable results and setting personal records along the way.

A newcomer to Track & Field, Amanda Lim, made an indelible mark with her outstanding debut performance, medaling in four events and notably contributing to the school record-breaking 4×400m relay team, while also achieving personal best records in multiple disciplines.

Kyle Tang emerged as a record-breaker, setting a precedent with his remarkable sprinting abilities, including breaking three school records and one Asian Christian Schools Conference (ACSC) record in the 100m, 200m, and 100m hurdles events, while also contributing to breaking the Asian Christian Schools Conference (ACSC) record in the 4x100m relay.

In conclusion, the 2024 Asian Christian Schools Conference (ACSC) Track & Field Meet was a testament to the resilience and dedication of the participating teams, as the athletes showcased exemplary performances, setting new records and etching their names in the annals of school athletics, thus highlighting their individual talents and underscoring the collective spirit and camaraderie that define the essence of competitive sports.

Can’t Track This: Track and Field Season 2024

By DJ Yost

Two weeks ago, the Varsity Track and Field Team took a thirty-hour round trip to the Philippines to compete in the ACSC Tournament. 

There had been many frustrations with the season, with spring break wiping out an entire third of it, injuries plaguing many, and some teammates not being able to participate due to visa issues. But despite these frustrations, the team pulled together and came out stronger and better because of it. Some of their strategies were running the same hill thirty-two times, buying 100-plus freezies from the Junior Class Store, taking pictures of Kyle’s toes, adopting a bearded seventeen-year-old from another school, diving down a water slide as a human train, and going viral on Instagram. 

The night before the meet, the Faith Academy team (the host school) put on a boodle fight for the athletes. Dinner (consisting of mangos, grilled chicken, spring rolls, and rice) was piled on banana leaves in bundles and lined up in rows of tables, and the goal was to see which team could (safely) eat all of their food. The Dalat Track team instilled fear into the hearts of the opponents even before the actual track meet by being the fastest team to devour everything. 

After a chaotic twenty-four hours of competing in the Manila heat, both teams finished in second place, the highest placing for any Dalat varsity sports team this year. They also won the sportsmanship award, often looked down upon as a compensation prize, but the team’s affinity and optimism made them shoo-ins for the trophy. The coaches and seniors were definitely proud to lead their team to these achievements. 

Kyle Tang (12), who placed third in men’s overall points, described the trip as “one of the best experiences I’ve ever had throughout all the ACSCs I’ve attended. Competing in over 35-degree weather, being badly sunburned, cramping up at the worst times possible, but still ending up on the podium on most of my events makes this trip one of my most significant achievements and best moments in my sports career.” 

Kate Lee (12), one of the team's co-captains, fondly summarized the trip: “It was by far one of the most fun ACSCs I've been to. I'm so grateful to end my senior year with such an amazing team.” 

Football Reborn

By Sam Owen

It’s football season. 

Again.

The international kind, not the American kind. At least, I certainly hope so, or else our girls are severely under-padded. Shin guards can only do so much against a linebacker.

The team started the spring season at a disadvantage; many of the original fall semester players could not return, forcing the team to have additional tryouts halfway through the year to find fresh blood.

And find it they did. The active selection of Laura Choi (9), Naomi Weidemann (12), Addie Elliott (9), Sophia Coker (11), and Isabella Coker (9), and return of Marissa Elliott (11) proved favorable as they are forces to be reckoned with and have greatly benefitted the dynamic of the team.

But the provision of new players didn’t mean the transition was easy.

Noella Seevaratnam (12), captain and footballer for over five years, explained that the gap between seasons presented a challenge as it required “learning to work as a team and rely on each other’s strengths in a short manner of time.”

However, she ultimately concluded that the short practice time with a new team “only made us stronger” and left her “excited to see how this team progresses after [she] leaves.”

We, as the supporters of Dalat Athletics, have to agree. All year, both the fall and spring, players have been training devotedly, honing technique, and posting reels regularly at the expense of Uncle Keith.

Alexia Nyul (12), one of the captains, articulated the team’s preparation: “We have been working hard in our daily practices, making sure we have our cardio up and our teamwork solidified.”

ACSC football didn’t start today. Our girls haven’t been fighting their hearts out for this tournament just this week but throughout the ups and downs of multiple seasons. This week is just when their work pays off. 

This is the throwdown. This is the last stand. This is the final countdown.

If the Basketball Court Could Speak

By Noella Seevaratnam

“It’s the end of an era, but I'm excited for what lies ahead,” said Alexia Nyul (12).

Thursday, April 5th, 2024, was Varsity Girls Soccer Senior Night. For many seniors in sports, senior night and ACSC is their last time playing on a team. It marks the end of their 4-day-a-week practices, the end of developing their craft alongside their teammates, and the end of being an Eagle. Sick on the sidelines during my senior game, I watched my team face a combination of Dalat staff, spouses, and boys for their last home game. I took in the beauty of our community, appreciating those who came to play on the opposing team and those on the picnic blankets, and reflected on my years at Dalat.

The outdoor court, gym, and upper field have watched me grow in interest and skill over the course of the last 15 years. They’ve seen me kick my first soccer ball in pre-school, shoot my first hoop in kindergarten, and continuously attempt and fail at racket sports. They’ve seen me do field days in track and run around the court playing dodgeball with fellow staff kids. They’ve seen me fall in love with being on a team, deal with pressures, face losses, and learn how to become more disciplined. They’ve probably seen tears, but I know they've seen a lot of laughter, and soon they will see a lot of “goodbyes.” The outdoor court is where seniors will grieve and hug and send each other off with tear-stained wishes, just like it was a place where many of us found our first friends during recess.

If places could say words, I bet these spots would speak thousands. Mocking students for their overcompetitive spirits, encouraging the underdog who thinks they aren’t good enough, but most importantly, relishing the community that gathers around them, and sharing memories about those who have left. If these places had arms, I bet they’d dominate at dodgeball and prevent soccer balls from leaving the field and entering the upper-field jungle. I also bet they would have flicked us off the court during those Friday nights in middle school, begging us to go home and stop playing basketball at 9 pm. They would have intervened with our elementary four-square, silencing our king of their corrupt rules. They would also unwillingly pick up the trash that has consistently been left behind on the bleachers by our lunch-ballers. Most importantly they would join the group hugs on our final night, feeling a similar and sorrowful loss. 

To these places, to my coaches, and to this community, I personally thank you and will miss you dearly. 

“There’s no community like Dalat; every student is a blessing. May you never let go of your child-like wonder and never give up on your dreams” (court, gym, upper field).

Spring Break Shenanigans

By Noah Brooks

Spring break is a time of rest, pain, and fun. A break many have thought about as it was slowly approaching. People planning with their friends what to do during a two-week holiday, like multiple parties that may have happened, sports, and beach visits with family, friends and co-workers. Besides all the planning of events to do with some kids, plans were already set with an Impact trip. The locations were Chiang Mai, Central Java, Phnom Penh. Each location had a different set of activities. Two teams worked with kids, and the other labored on a farm. 

Out of the many fun trips that Dalat hosts, Impact. One of the trips, Chiang Mai Thailand, was a hot and fun trip. There was lots of physical work like wheelbarrowing, hoeing, removal of a building, painting, and much more fun activities. One of the students who got to go on this trip, Himani Alagan (12) who is known for being outdoorsy, hard working, and constantly enjoying the sun, went on this trip. 

Himani, focusing on the relationships of this trip said, “I really appreciated getting to interact with students outside my grade. It was really nice to forge relationships with them and make an impact on others during my final year in Dalat.”

One of the many sports played by students over spring break was volleyball, if it's with a club or a Dalat open gym, volleyball is one that is enjoyed a lot by many over the years. 

Josh Stevens (10) mentioned, “Over the break I spent time with my friends and family, having fun for the most part. I would play volleyball a few times over the break. On the last day of open gym, I ended up slipping a few discs in my lower back but thank the Lord it’s slowly healing and should be fine in 6 weeks.”

Trips are always fun, and you are able to make lots of memories with your friends. In the future, you can boast about all the fun times you had to your kids.

Flossing in Central Java

By Kathryn Boyd

On March 18, 2024, the Central Java Impact team embarked on a journey they weren’t fully anticipating. Upon landing in Yogyakarta, our team boarded a bus set for Rumah Boas (a home and school for children who have been abandoned by their families). After four hours, the eleven tired students exited the bus and were greeted by thirty-two children aged 3-17, ready to meet and hang out with them. 

With a schedule pinned to the bulletin board, the students from Boas and Dalat awaited an exciting and busy week. The first full day was Sunday, which included church, games, and camping. Michaela Parsley (11) and I were asked to lead worship with some Boas kids. As we entered the room, we were met with some awkwardness and confusion as we didn't really know the children and some of the songs we were to lead. We were asked to help lead an Indonesian worship song, One Way, and Goodness of God. However, despite confusion and awkwardness initially, leading worship allowed us to connect with the older children through a shared love for music. 

Michaela Parsley (11) stated, “I liked leading worship with the Boas kids because I got to experience their kindness and generosity. Even though they were much more musically skilled than me, they still wanted to include me. They made room for me to try something new.” 

That evening, Boas and Dalat set out for the foothills of Bukit Tengtung, where we were to camp for the night. From nestling in tents to stay out of the rain to building, eating, and singing around a bonfire, the evening allowed Dalat and Boas to bond with each other. 

Douglas Koay (12) says his favorite part of the camping trip was “learning guitar chords in the tent with the kids and teaching them how to do a Rubix cube.” 

One of the older students from Boas, Zeva, stated, “I liked hanging out and camping with the Dalat students because we got to work together and have fun preparing the campfire.” 

By spending a lot of time and helping one another outdoors, we broke some of the awkwardness we felt at the beginning of the trip. 

The next few days didn’t follow the schedule pinned to the bulletin board, allowing our Impact team to demonstrate F.L.O.S.S (Flexibility, Learner, Observer, Servant & Sacrificial). This F.L.O.S.S acronym is taught to Impact teams before trips to prepare us for uncertainties we may encounter. On this trip, our team had to facilitate different stations (music, drama, art, & games) three times, and we were often told a few hours in advance that the next round of stations was to be done. Strategic and fast planning allowed our team to facilitate the stations to the kids and have fun in the planning and executing stages. 

On the fourth night, Teacher Kang (Rumah Boas) asked if the Dalat team could perform in the Talent Show, which our team had not anticipated participating in because it was not scheduled. However, we agreed and met to organize who was going to perform. We combined our talents and performed “The Cup Song,” solving a Rubix cube while being timed, a timed drawing, rapping, worship, and finally, a dance by our whole team to “Cupid” by FIFTY FIFTY. 

Towards the end of the trip, lifelong friendships and connections were made. During the evenings, before dinner, students played soccer, played on the playground, did parkour, and played group games. At dinner, conversations about life in Malaysia and Indonesia were exchanged, as well as laughter and jokes. 

Yohanes, one of the older kids at Boas, exclaimed, “I really enjoyed the stations and playing soccer with Dalat because it allowed us to get closer to one another and have fun.” 

On the last day, the Dalat and Boas kids exchanged prayers, tears, hugs, gifts, and notes. This week created an unforgettable bond between two groups of students from two different nations. We left with our hearts full of love for these children, and despite the exhaustion, we would miss these children deeply.

White Stripped Shirts

By Caleb Jun

Some dreaded coming back to school, others were excited to come back to a routine they were familiar with, but whatever we senior boys felt coming back, we all looked forward to one thing. DBA. The Dalat Basketball Association hails from the long traditional 3 on 3 lunch ball that we seniors have played since we wore those white and blue uniforms of our middle school days. Playing every lunch, even during the 10-minute middle school break times, was a time for our competitive spirits to clash with one another to bring the gold out of that furnace. Yet, after the academic challenges we faced during our high-school years, it slowly diminished as time could not be spared, and COVID disabled our talents.

Yet what we thought was lost was saved at last by Adam Silver, aka Aidan Leong, reigniting the spirit of our middle school hearts.

“At first, I wasn’t sure that people wanted it back, but when I released the DBA trailer, people got hyped and excited about it, which kickstarted the league," said Aidan Leong.

Complete tournament brackets were made, stats, shooting percentages, video services, and referees; we all gave everything we had for our one last run for the gold. On the first day back from spring break, we continued our tournament with the Bomberz vs the Black Sheeps, going into overtime with Bomberz’s Captain, Ezra, shooting the game-winning 3. 

“Our team might not be the best, but we want it more than others,” says the Bomberz’s Captain Ezra Latham.

We continue to enjoy these joyful moments we get to have as the year comes to an end, and we cherish them with memories that go all the way back to those white-striped uniforms. It is times like these we will look back to, and although it fills our hearts with sorrow that these moments will end, it brings us to enjoy and savor every moment.