When students walk through the Hall of Fame, they see an array of photos showing distinguished athletes, banners of each sport, and a row of trophies won by the varsity teams. For years, our school culture has paraded our sports teams, displaying their talents and rewards throughout SIS history.
However, while the athletes’ achievements are something to be celebrated, they are only one area of our vibrant, diverse student body. Where are the scientists who go on to win international competitions? Where are the artists who pour their talent onto the canvas? The musicians, who perform at every concert with practiced vigor? And why is our school spirit—an aspect our school cherishes so much—missing in our revered Hall of Fame?
The Hall of Fame, in its current form, only recognizes one department of SIS. However, if a student were to walk into any classroom and talk to any student or teacher, they would understand the sheer diversity that our school holds, which goes beyond just sports. This issue is not only seen at SIS. Looking into other international schools, it is noticeable that the athletics department receives the most coverage anywhere.
Take KAIAC, for example, KAIAC is well celebrated and acknowledged by the student body, and at first glance, it is recognized as a “sports tournament.” However, what many students are unaware of is the fact that our musicians participate in KAIAC as well and have maintained a streak of winning platinum for almost ten years. Though this is an astounding feat, nowhere in the Hall of Fame is this accomplishment displayed.
Presently, individual student-athlete achievements have been exhibited by the Department of Athletics. However, other individuals, such as musicians, scientists, or mathematicians, should also be displayed for their achievements. Whether it be winning the Physics Olympiad or AMIS recognition rewards, these exploits demonstrate equally valuable and prestigious titles as MVPs in sports.
This is not to say that student-athletes should not be displayed in the Hall of Fame. However, with the amount of diversity present at our school, equal representation of our other excellent departments should be prioritized as well.
Specific aspects that could be added to instigate this plan are “annual rotational feature walls.” One side of the wall could display the usual—banners of our seasonal sports and Hall of Fame pictures—the other could display the rotational feature wall that exhibits exemplary awards or achievements made over the past year. Whether it be displaying a platinum streak for KAIAC orchestra, a student who renovated the abandoned greenhouse, or a list of previous alumni, the feature wall can build on the diversity that SIS truly offers and possesses.
Not only that, but the TV screen connected to the Hall of Fame could put on videos or slideshows of the achievements made by minor departments of the student body, e.g., choir students who won MVP for AMIS, art students hosting an exhibit, or HS students volunteering to coach MS students.
When we look at SIS’s “TIGERS” values, it merits “Global Citizen” as an important facet for students. However, part of being a “global citizen” is to engross and acknowledge the efforts and achievements of others, beyond one’s own department. Whether one is a student-athlete, a musician, a scientist, or an artist, encapsulating the achievements of others is a step forward in engendering the values that our school greatly values.
