TAISM Celebrates the Graduating Class of 2012

Oman Observer, June 2, 2012

 

On Wednesday, May 30th, 36 TAISM students hailing from 20 nations graduated in the presence of H.E. Eng. Sultan Bin Hamdoon Al Harthy, Chairman, Muscat Municipality, Guest of Honor, and Mr. Kevin Schafer, Director of The American International School of Muscat (TAISM). Over 500 parents, faculty, and students attended the event which was held in the school’s new Bosch Center for the Performing Arts.

 

The 36 graduates have enrolled in universities around the world including the U.S.A., Canada, Australia, Europe, and South Africa. Some universities that graduates will be attending include Babson College, Carnegie Mellon University, Case Western Reserve University, Northeastern University, Pennsylvania State University, St. John’s University, University of Aberdeen, University of British Columbia, University of Sydney, University of Tampa, University of Washington and University of Waterloo.

 

 

 

 

Mr. Fawzi Mushantaf, Chairperson of the TAISM Board of Directors, introduced the Guest of Honor and expressed the school’s thanks for the cooperation and assistance of the Municipality. In addition, Mr. Mushantaf highlighted the world that the TAISM graduates are inheriting and how it differs from the past. Moreover, he described how their TAISM education and their backgrounds prepared them well for arising challenges and future opportunities.

 

Mr. Nelson File, High School Principal, presented two special awards to the graduates of the Class of 2012.

 

David Moss was awarded the distinction of Valedictorian, representing the student with the highest overall academic performance.

 

James Tarik Al-Said Marriott was awarded the Outstanding Senior Award, selected by TAISM High School faculty. This award is given for outstanding achievement in academics and co-curricular activities, as well as leadership and personal character.

 

David was given the opportunity to address the gathering, offering his remembrances of his educational years at TAISM and expressing the graduates’ optimistic outlook for the future.

 

Mr. Kevin Schafer, School Director of TAISM since 2000, and Mr. Mushantaf awarded the diplomas to the 36 graduates. The students were lauded for their outstanding achievements and support towards TAISM as well as Oman’s community.

 

Kalli McCoy was the Master of Ceremony for the Graduation Ceremony. The Master of Ceremony is chosen by a faculty committee through an audition of honor students in the graduating class. Kalli provided the welcome address.

 

 

 

 

The TAISM Concert Band, under the baton of Band Director Mr. Tim Wilson, performed the prelude and processional music, including Edward Elgar's popular 'Pomp and Circumstance'. In honor of the graduating seniors, the TAISM High School Choir, directed by Mrs. Melanie Brink, performed the school's choral anthem, ‘Like an Eagle’, written by Carl Strommen.

 

Following the Graduation Ceremony, all attendees were invited to a reception hosted by TAISM at the Bosch Center located at the school's premises in Ghala.

 

Earlier that morning, TAISM held an Awards Ceremony for grade 11 and 12 students who were named as the most outstanding in the following subject areas:

 

Arabic as a Heritage Language – Moza Al Wahaibi (11)

Arabic as a Foreign Language – Daniel Jackson (11)

Art – Hye Jin Lee (12) and Stephanie Oppenhuizen (12)

Choral Music – Laerke Mikkelsen (12) and Ade Aprianosa Paath (12)

Drama – Max Airen Kapoh (12) and Laerke Mikkelsen (12)

English – Yoko Mershen (12)

French – Caroline Nordstroem (11)

Instrumental Music - James Al-Said Marriott (12) and Kevin Enns (12)

Scholar Athletes – James Al-Said Marriott (12) and Alexandra Vrampas (12)

Outstanding Athletes – Ade Aprianosa Paath (12) and Ann-Britt Vejlgaard (11)

Math – David Moss (12)

Physical Education – Omari Richins (12) and Nadia Al Wahaibi (12)

Publications – Nadia Al Wahaibi (12), Afnan Al Yafaey (11) and Fatima Jamal (11)

Life Sciences – Aimee Yvonne Brisbin (12)

Physical Sciences – Daniel Jackson (11)

Social Studies – Daniel Jackson (11)

Spanish – Nihara Rachael Sarker (12) and Leon Vissers (11)

Counselor’s Award – Rania Hany El-Desoky (12)

Community Service Leadership Award – Tara Mary Aziz (11) and Ahmad Dasan (11)

Principal’s Award – Vishnu Mohan (11)

 

TAISM has now completed 14 years of educational service to the American and international communities in the Sultanate of Oman. The school currently enrolls 720 students from Kindergarten through Grade 12, representing 58 nationalities.