For anyone living in the St. Louis area, or anyone planning to visit the St. Louis area, Curry Club meets the first Saturday of the month, 12:30 p.m., October through June, at various local restaurants. For specific details, please contact Sylvia Trautmann Rogers, sylvia.t.rogers@gmail.com or call 314-229-3501. We would love to have you join us!
Dear KFI,
Please accept my sincere thank you for the funding to purchase 8 headset microphones. With the funding, we purchased medium-high quality microphones that would give clear amplification as well as high durability. We have now used them on 3 productions – The Wizard of Oz, Fiddler on the Roof & Anon(ymous).
There are two reasons why this equipment is such an incredible asset and your gift immeasurable.
Number 1. The production quality. Even with great acting, it doesn’t
make a difference if the actors can’t be heard. Amplifying the actors had
an immediate and direct effect on the student performers. They had
pride. They had confidence. And they could take risks.
I also believe that the increase in production quality lead to a rise in the
demand for the drama program. My 9-10 grade classes are at full
capacity. This year, we started an IB Theatre program for 14 HIgher
Level (HL) students which may be exceeded in the coming school year.
Number 2. The opportunity to work with high level equipment. Even with
only 8 microphones, on each production, we have been able to train 20
students (performers, stage managers and sound technicians). Over 3
productions, we have trained at least 60 students to use high quality
microphones. Whether these students become performers, doctors,
lawyers, politicians, business people or sound technicians, we have
given them a life skill that makes them more confident and broadens their
career options.
Again, I most humbly and sincerely thank you for your assistance and
support. You have made a huge impact on the lives and education of my
students.
Robert Brian Wood
KIS Drama Teacher
To my Benevolent Benefactors,
My journey at KIS has almost come to an end. I have 2 months left on this beautiful hill that I have called home for the past 4 years. I would like to begin by expressing my eternal gratitude towards you all for allowing me to continue my education at this institution. Without you, this would not have been a possibility.
Through my years here, I have grown in all aspects of my life. I promised you all that I will be making the most of my time here. With that given opportunity, I am glad to tell you that I had my own TED talk, right here at KIS. It was called “The Confessions of an Existential Nihilist.” You can find the tedtalk by googling my name and the title. This was such an accomplishment for me, as I talked about something close to my heart. Furthermore, my work with the Student Council continued, as we established a study leave for all seniors as they gear up for their IB exams. I am so excited to tell you that I got into Virginia Tech for Computer Engineering! I hope to continue work there and maybe, even work with KFI in Boston to contribute in any way that I can. As I have mentioned before, when I graduate from college and have a job, I hope to establish a scholarship of my own at KIS one day. This place has been such an experience that I am even dreaming of getting on the council! Through your generosity, thoughtfulness, and goodwill, I have had the humble opportunity of having such amazing adventures.
The friends I have made here have become loved ones. I am forever indebted.
Sincerely,
A Student who is forever thankful,
Siddharth Gupta (Class of 2018)
Please follow this link to read a letter from the 2017-18 recipient of the IBO-DePaul Staff Training Scholarship, Kurian Alex: KFI-DePaul Scholarship Letter 2017-2018.
The IBO-DePaul Staff Training Scholarship is supported through KFI’s “Fund a Need” Fund.
Received May 2018
To Kodai Friends International (KFI).
We are some senior students of Kodaikanal International School and through this letter we would like to express our sincere gratitude and thanks to the school management for considering us to receive financial aid for our senior field trip to Andaman.
It was a trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a place that we never thought we would be going for our senior field trip. When we first heard about this trip, we were really excited and were eagerly looking forward to the Field Trip week in September. But as days went by and as the dates were approaching, there were a lot of financial confusions and concerns. Thinking about the family situations and our parents, the cost of the trip did mean a lot to us. That is when financial help was requested from everyone possible. Many people started to help by funding our trip.
We truly appreciate everyone’s contributions towards this Field Trip, starting from Mr. Corey and his wife, KIS alumni- particularly the KFI, some KIS parents, other students and everyone else who helped fund our trip wholeheartedly.
On behalf of the class of 2018, we would like to individually thank everyone who has financially helped us. Without your kindness, support and help, many of us would not have had the opportunity to learn, experience and be a part of some of the greatest and most enjoyable moments of our life at KIS.
We feel honored and humbled to receive this financial aid and are extremely grateful for the learning opportunities it has provided us. Once again, thank you for your investment in us. Hopefully in the future too with your continued support and help, students like us will continue to be able to experience learning through such programs.
Warm Regards,
Class of 2018
*Thirteen Seniors received financial aid to allow them to join the Grade 12 Social and Environmental Experience Field Trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in October of 2017, supported through KFI’s Social and Environmental Experience Fund.