On a recent Wednesday morning, our High School MUN director, Marina Procopio, sent me a WhatsApp message informing me that the MUN group traveling to BRAMUN (Brazil Model United Nations) was at the airport and ready to go.  George Salmon, our IB Economics and Business Management teacher, accompanied the group as a chaperone because the MUN co-director, James Kessler, was…

…in Paraguay, preparing to present at the AMISA Conference with EAB World Studies teacher Priya Branson.  Five other HS teachers, Sofia, Maria, Ana Luisa, Beto, and Robin, were also there to present. Later that morning, the group sent me this picture.

A few hours later, IB Chemistry teacher and House Cup Committee Co-Chair Connie Hedderson organized the HS community for the inaugural House Cup Championship Table Surfing competition.  It was so much fun and a great example of the work IB Theatre Teacher and HCC Co-Chair Jodie Dodinginton and Connie have done to improve the House Cup Championship in its second year.

EAB’s version of The Moth, one of my favorite events, kicked off just after school ended.  It was a gorgeous scene as EAB teachers, students, and staff demonstrated tremendous courage by telling their five-minute stories live. Brought to us by departing Director of Teaching and Learning, Andy Jones, the Moth has become a great tradition in the high school and will continue long after Andy is in Japan. In the background of the picture of Andy below, you can see lights going up because…

…shortly after the Moth was over, a cornerstone event at EAB—the Year Two IB Arts Exhibition—began. 

EAB IB Art Teacher Diana Campre’s first exhibition was a smashing success that wowed the parents, students, and HS Faculty.

It was an amazing evening that lived our Vision “To positively impact the world through excellence in… the arts” and demonstrated the wonder of the EAB Arts Program. A favorite piece of mine at the exhibition was by EAB Senior Diego Piedmont-Gauvin, which is below. The stunning work of another senior, Maddie Wray, is the header of this post. 

While the Arts Exhibition was in full swing, down the road, both the varsity boys’ and girls’ futsal teams were competing against local rival Galois.  The girl’s game ended in a 2-2 tie after a late goal by the opponent, and junior Davi Mutzig scored a stunner in the final seconds to lead the boys to a  5-4 win.

We started Thursday with a college fair that included excellent schools from the United States and closed the school day with a second college fair for universities from Ireland.

Also, on Thursday, the MUN kids continued to shine at their conference by winning several individual awards and recognitions, while four more members of the HS Faculty presented at AMISA in Paraguay.

After school, the EAB Varsity Boys’ Volleyball Team defeated COC Lago Norte two sets to zero.

Finally, on Thursday evening, I had the honor of being invited to three IB Year Two Individual Theater Performances.  I was left speechless not only by the depth and quality of the performances but also by the insights and analysis of the students in the audience. It was an absolute joy to be a part of.  What’s more, three years ago, IB Theatre didn’t exist at EAB, and it was only due to Jodie’s vision and persistence that the beauty of the night was possible.  

When you work each day with exceptional people doing exceptional things, the extraordinary sometimes seems the norm.  These 36 hours, however, have reminded me what a truly amazing place the High School of the American School of Brasilia is.  I am humbled each day I serve as the leader of the students, faculty, and staff of this great institution.  

It’s always a great time to be at EAB! 

David