ISM Students Attend SABIS^® Student Life Training Conference in Istanbul, Turkey

The International School of Minnesota (ISM) is proud to send two student leaders, Tyler Lafferty (’26) and Elianna Agunwamba (’29), along with Student Life Coordinator Mrs. Sarah Bianucci, to the annual SABIS^® Student Life Training Conference (SLTC), held this year in Istanbul, Turkey.

This eight-day conference brings together over 100 student leaders and 30 Student Life Coordinators from SABIS^® Network schools worldwide. It offers a unique opportunity for students to sharpen their leadership skills through hands-on workshops, team-building activities, and cultural experiences.

“The SLTC is a great opportunity for our students to gain more leadership skills and have an experience of a lifetime with fellow SABIS^® students,” Mrs. Bianucci said. “Tyler and Elianna are great leaders at ISM and look forward to seeing what they can learn here and bring back to ISM to teach our SLO^® students.”

Both Tyler and Elianna have already demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership within ISM’s Student Life Organization (SLO^®). Tyler will serve as Head Deputy of Sports in the upcoming school year, while Elianna, an incoming freshman, has been actively seeking ways to get involved and contribute to the ISM community.

“I’ve seen so much growth in Tyler this past year,” Mrs. Bianucci shared. “He’s passionate, a great communicator, and committed to making a difference. Elianna is also eager to lead, she’s already asking how she can get more involved in SLO^® and find new ways to contribute.”

Since SLTC participants may only attend once, Tyler and Elianna are excited to make the most of the experience, learning from others, building friendships, and immersing themselves in Turkish culture.

“I’m really excited to meet other students from SABIS^® schools and to experience a new culture,” Elianna said. She also noted the importance of SLO^® in helping her grow as a leader.

Tyler echoed her excitement and added, “I was encouraged to come with an open mind and be ready to learn from everyone around me. I want to soak it all in and bring that knowledge back to ISM.”

Each day at SLTC is structured to include morning leadership workshops, afternoon excursions to local landmarks, and evening dinners to foster connection and reflection. Past attendees often describe the conference as a life-changing experience, and one that leaves students wanting more.

Mrs. Bianucci emphasized that full participation is key: “The more involved a student is, the more they take away from this experience. I know Tyler and Elianna are ready to dive in.”

We wish Tyler, Elianna, and Mrs. Bianucci the best as they represent ISM in Turkey. We look forward to hearing how this global leadership experience will inspire and shape their continued impact at ISM.