The American International School of Muscat Honors 36 Graduates at 23rd Annual Commencement, June 1st

The graduates are heading off to universities around the world after receiving their diplomas from TAISM

Muscat: On June 1st, thirty-six grade 12 students from The American International School of Muscat (TAISM) made a proud walk across the Bosch Center for the Performing Arts stage and received their diplomas at the school's annual graduation ceremony. More than 500 parents, faculty, and students attended the ceremony, which was followed by a celebratory reception. 

As per TAISM tradition, the ceremony was led by the student Master of Ceremonies, and featured speakers from the graduating class. "I am incredibly proud of our students who led the ceremony tonight.  Their confidence and wisdom is an inspiration to us all.” says Dr. Kevin Schuttinger, High School Principal. "The students' desire to step up and take on the responsibility of leadership is a moving example of the confidence and character instilled in them throughout their time at TAISM."

TAISM’s Class of 2023 will be attending universities around the world. Students were accepted to over 300 universities in 10 different countries, with the US, Canada and the UK being the most popular. Students are pursuing a broad range of studies including Economics,  Film and Television Production, Business Management, Engineering, Health and Sciences, Finance, Business Administration and Entrepreneurship, Life Sciences and Psychology, Computer Science, and Artificial Intelligence.

Fawzi Mushantaf, Chairperson of TAISM’s Board of Directors, and Kevin Schafer, TAISM Director, awarded the diplomas to the graduates. The students were lauded for their outstanding achievements and personal attributes, which they embody as lifelong learners. 

"It is important to honor these students for their growth, and for the diligence shown in their studies," says Schafer. "These graduates rose to the challenge while at TAISM, and have bright futures ahead of them."

Dr. Schuttinger presented special awards to the graduates. The award for Academic Excellence (Highest Honors) was given to seniors Eva Bonde, Liliana Castiblanco Guzman, Rami Idris, Shyaam Lakshmanan, Nilanjana Sha Sudha, Jayani Singh & Nandika Singh.

The Master of Ceremony for this year’s graduation ceremony was Ekaterina Nadezhdina and the Graduation Speaker was Nandika Singh.  Both of these important roles were determined through an audition process of interested students who earned “Academic Honors” and “Highest Academic Honors” respectively.

Nandika focused on the importance of stewarding and appreciating the time we’re given, saying, “But, my hope not only for myself, but also for the rest of my class is, even though there is a certainty in endings and an uncertainty about the future, that we let our awareness of the timer and our appreciation for time guide the way we spend each second.”

The recipient of the Outstanding Senior Award distinguished herself through academic achievement, participation in a variety of extracurricular activities, and significant contributions to the TAISM community through acts of service, leadership and character.  The award was received by Liliana Castiblanco Guzman.  Lili also gave a speech during the event.

During her speech, Lili stated, “Whether I made some massive positive change to the world through my career and life did not define my success. What truly defined my success was rather the impacts I had on the people around me and my community.”

The TAISM Concert Band, under the direction of Kristina LaMarca, conductor, performed the prelude and processional music, including Edward Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance.” In honor of the graduating seniors, the TAISM High School Choir, with some alumni, performed the choral anthem, “Like an Eagle”, directed by Mrs. Mira Boyadzhieva.  

Earlier that day, TAISM held an Awards Ceremony to recognise the High School students who were named as the most outstanding in the following areas for the 2022-2023 school year.  The seniors honored at this ceremony are as follows: Arabic as a Heritage Language: Faisal Al Abri, Maryana Al Shidhani, and Rami Idris, Accomplishment in Visual Arts: Mayya Al Harthy, Outstanding Athlete Award: Lili Castiblanco Guzman and Ashfaaq Shabeer, Choral Music Award: Liliana Castiblanco & Maria Martinez, Drama Award: Mayya Al-Harthy, English Award: Nilanjana Sha Sudha and Liliana Castiblanco Guzman, Instrumental Music Award: Nandika Singh, Physical Education Award: Bambo Ajegbomogun, Life Science Award: Ashfaaq Shabeer, Physical Science Award: Eva Marie Bonde, Social Studies Award: Fares Yousef, Spanish Award: Jayani Singh, Yearbook Award: Jayani Singh, Nandika Singh, Principal's Award: Fares Yousuf, Community Service Leadership Award: Rami Idris.  

Student leadership stands as a vital cornerstone of the TAISM school community, exemplifying the transformative power of passion, initiative, and dedication.  Several students were awarded Student Council Awards and Student Ambassador Awards for their service to other TAISM students in the community, including: Nilanjana Sha Sudha, Ekaterina Nadezhdina, Yasmine Bitar, Aymen Macki, Eva Bonde, Lili Castiblanco, and Yaseen Sherif. 

The Class of 2023 represents the 23rd class to graduate from TAISM, which has been providing educational services to the American and international communities in the Sultanate of Oman since 1998. The school currently enrolls students from Early Childhood through Grade 12, representing 45 nationalities. The mission of the American International School of Muscat (TAISM) is to pursue academic excellence for students in the international community through an American-based education that develops ethical, responsible, and globally conscious life-long learners.