Accomplished and Well-Rounded: ISM’s 2024 Legacy Graduates

ISM’s Class of 2024 includes ten legacy graduates. This group represents students enrolled at ISM for at least seven years, including two who transferred from international SABIS^® Network schools. Legacy graduates benefited from ISM’s nurturing educational community from a young age, where they were given the tools to succeed academically and socially. Attending the same school from elementary through graduation was also to their advantage, and eased transition challenges between the lower, middle, and high school levels. 

The growth and success of this well-rounded group of students is commendable. Among them are student leaders in the SABIS Student Life Organization^® (SLO), varsity athletes, artists, musicians, and performers. They each participated in an average of three or more extracurricular activities including robotics, math team, track, volleyball and the spring musical to name a few. Academically accomplished, over half of the legacy graduates took at least eight AP^® courses and graduated with academic honors. Legacy graduates are now headed to top universities this fall including Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, Northeastern, and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. 

Lifelong SABIS^® learners Siena Becchetti and Elsa Swanson joined ISM in preschool 15 years ago. Siena and Elsa both excelled academically over the years and graduated with honors. As her senior year came to a close, Elsa expressed gratitude for the education she received sharing, “ISM has a challenging academic program, which I appreciate because it helps push me above my peers from other, less competitive schools,” says Elsa. Through the years, both Siena and Elsa developed a passion for music. Siena grew as a performer in theater, while Elsa found her passion for playing in funk rock, and orchestra.

Aarya Batchu and Matthew Eid joined ISM in Kindergarten. Reflecting upon his experience, Aarya shared that his favorite thing at ISM has been “developing strong personal connections with teachers and students outside of my grade. It creates a better, more enjoyable learning environment, and gives an outlet to viewing things from a different perspective.” Aarya explains how he pushed himself to keep learning by being actively involved in various activities and extracurriculars over the years, including SLO, theater, math team, and robotics. Matthew was also active in SLO, most recently as a Deputy Head, where he shares that he has “learned how to communicate professionally and to lead a team of students.” 

Samuel Peterson joined the husky pack in 1^st grade. Samuel shares how he appreciates the strong community at ISM, where everybody knows his name. Robotics was a highlight for Samuel, he says, because of the support from his father as the coach, as well as ISM’s support in building a robotics lab for the team to use. Sam was also a contributing member of ISM’s High School Math League that took first place at State two years in a row.

Karim Abdel Samad, a SABIS^® lifelong learner,  joined SABIS^® Network’s International School of Choueifat- Lebanon in PreK, transferring to ISM for his junior year. Similarly, Luis Leckett joined ISM his senior year from The International School on the Rhine, a SABIS^® Educational Systems Inc. licensed school in Germany he attended since 2^nd grade. Both Karim and Luis joined the varsity basketball team and enjoyed their experience. Karim also supported athletics as Deputy Head of the Athletics Department in SLO creating new initiatives, organizing intramurals, and supporting husky athletes. 

Shawn Tan and Langdon Lai have attended ISM since the 2^nd and 3^rd grade. Shawn's favorite thing about ISM is the great community and shares how he learned greater discipline and teamwork through his experience in SLO. Langdon also developed his teamwork skills as an active participant in theater, badminton, and the boys’ volleyball team. 

Our final legacy graduate, Ava Kletti, enrolled at ISM starting in middle school. "One of my favorite things about going to ISM is the teachers. I have received so much support from a multitude of teachers throughout my years here, and it's clear that they genuinely care about every student. Unlike at other schools, I am able to form connections and most receive help when I need it,” says Ava. Most recently, Ava was captain of varsity cross-country and track, and the lead in the past three musicals. She has held various positions throughout the years in SLO, which has helped her confidence and ability to organize and lead others. 

Following ISM, these students intend to pursue degrees in computer science, engineering, biology, and international business to name a few. We are thankful to have been an integral part of their educational journey and know they will continue to excel in their next chapter. 

Congratulations Class of 2024 Legacy Graduates! You now join the 34,000 SABIS^® graduates around the globe.