by kfi | Nov 20, 2025 | In the Spotlight, Projects - current |
Recipient: Anastasiya Tserakhava
Joining us from Belarus, Anastasiya is known for her intellect, and deep passion for Science. Juggling an intense combination of Higher Levels in Physics, Mathematics and Psychology, Anastasiya has maintained a GPA of 3.82. An active ambassador for KIS, Anastasiya is constantly looking for ways to spread word about her KIS experience to her fellow country mates. In her own words:
“My name is Anastasiya and I’ve been a student at KIS for a year now. At KIS, I’ve undergone a transformative journey where I learned a lot not only in the classroom but through the experience of living in a residential school. I have tried to engage with the vibrant social life here and by participating in events like Dorm Dance, Hiking (I completed 6 hikes in total last year!) and being part of the Psychology club. Thanks to the Award for Women in STEM, I keep pursuing my passion for science here. Collaborating with my classmates, we recently created biodiesel from used cooking oil and conducted an outreach session educating children from Kodaikanal about sustainability. My passion for Math has led me to winning 2 global distinctions at Math competitions organized by the University of Waterloo. This year I was honored to join the school’s NHS and plan to keep pursuing my dreams her. As the college application process is approaching, life has become more intense but I still find time to enjoy with my new friends. I sincerely thank my donors for my KIS experience and for changing my life”
by kfi | Nov 16, 2025 | In the Spotlight, Projects - current |
Recipient Name: Navya Hariharan has been warded the Dennis Lettemaier scholarship for the 2022 to 2026 (Grades 9 – 12) academic years.
A diligent student, Navya has been studying at KIS for over 4 years now and takes a consistent spot in the Principal’s list for her academic achievements. Aside from her commitment for academics, Navya enjoys being part of the Advanced Choir group and is an active participant in our Hiking program. Navya concluded her Grade 11 with a GPA of 3.77 and is now channelling her efforts in applying for Medicine programs in the UK and beyond. Navya is no stranger to KIS as her sister Nina Hariharan graduated from KIS in 2021. Navya is a promising student and this scholarship was valuable for the family that required financial assistance as they supported both Nina and Navya with their educational endeavors. Outside of academics, Navya is a good singer and an enthusiastic member of the Advanced Choir Group participating in our annual spring and winter concerts. Her teachers describe her as an attentive and hardworking student, who is always keen on expanding her learning. In her own words, “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to experience both education and residence at KIS through this scholarship. Last semester at KIS was an extremely busy yet fulfilling experience as I was exposed to a variety of events, clubs, and activities that made me grow as a person, not only academically but socially, emotionally, and physically. From hiking every weekend and earning a spot at Tahr camp, to performing at Kodi Unplugged and Rock Concert, to having fun and singing with the choir at music field trip, to running for Student Council as Creative Director and winning the position – all these experiences hold a close place in my heart. Being a part of so many helpful and uplifting clubs, including being a part of the social media team of Rotary Interact Club, a member of the National Honour Society, Girls in STEM, UNSDG Club, YouthRise, and SNHS, I had the opportunity to take up a lot of challenges and contribute to the Kodi community and student wellbeing. This year in KIS is my last, and I plan on shifting my full focus to my academics as I am planning to apply to medical school in the UK, which requires top grades and achievements. For this semester, I am focusing on getting my grades up in Chemistry and preparing for the UKCAT medical aptitude test. This year is going to be filled with discussions and decisions regarding college and my future after KIS, I am thankful to my donors for helping me experience this journey at KIS, which made me evolve as both a student and an individual.”
by kfi | Nov 15, 2025 | In the Spotlight, Projects - current |
DeJong Memorial Music Award 2025
Recipient 2 – Adam Jo, Class of 2025
Adam Jo has been a student at KIS since Grade 5. An avid bird watcher and hiker, Adam is a talented artist and has always been part of our advanced band and ensembles. In his own words: “I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities I had at KIS to develop my musical skills and contribute to the school’s music program as a trumpet player, starting from the beginning, intermediate then the advanced band, as well as in various smaller ensembles that my friends and I formed. Concerts, celebrations, field-day marches, music field-trips and the ABRSM exams were an important experience during my time at KIS. I was also able to contribute to the worship in the chapel on many occasions. This summer, before beginning my studies in Japan, I’ve been fortunate to stay musically active. I performed in a Wind Symphony concert in Budapest, joining rehearsals and the final performance with a combined ensemble from the Budafoki Fúvós Egylet (BFE) and the First Coast Wind Symphony from Florida, USA. I’m also planning to attend a music camp near Budapest with BFE in August. In September, I’ll begin studying International Relations at Ritsumeikan University on a full scholarship. Thanks to the DeJong Music Scholarship, I was able to purchase a high-quality intermediate-level trumpet that continues to support my musical growth. While I’m not pursuing music professionally, I have made arrangements to join the Ritsumeikan University Wind and Marching Band—a near-professional level orchestra—and continue lessons, with a special focus on jazz.”
by kfi | Nov 15, 2025 | In the Spotlight, Projects - current |
DeJong Memorial Music Award 2025
Recipient 1 – Mengutsunuo Shurhozolie – Class of 2025
Mengutsunuo joined KIS in Grade 11 and carried a strong passion for music and perofrming arts. She was part of the advanced choir and performed at several stage events.“I am filled with a lot of gratitude for this place has given me so much. From the friends I have made along the way to the encouragement that I have received from my teachers, KIS has led me to become who I am today. KIS has inspired and motivated me to develop my passion for music through many practices, rehearsals and performances. I have accomplished things that I never thought I could. As I move forward, I intend to pursue musical theatre through formal education, acting and live performances. I intend to improve my skills in voice and acting and exploring different genres of performing arts. Thank you for the award, I am very grateful for being a student at KIS!”
The Keith and Marcine DeJong Music Legacy is supported through KFI’s Keith DeJong Music Award and Scholarship Fund.
by kfi | Nov 15, 2025 | In the Spotlight, Projects - current |
Recipient: Anushka Moudgil, Awarded for two years, Grade 11 & 12
Anuskha is the recipient of the Russell De Valois Scholarship (23-25). Having studied in a Cambridge program prior to KIS, Anushka was looking for an academic program that would allow her to enhance her worldview in Economics and Business. Partly Russian and partly Indian by ethnicity, Anoushka was a wonderful student with a keen interest in STEM subjects. Apart from her academic pursuits, Anoushka immersed herself in our Music and Hiking program. In her own words, “As my two years in KIS came to a conclusion, I left Kodi with a myriad of memories and experiences. Whether it was having discussions with my teachers, lounging on the library lawn with my friends, or just taking in the beauty of Kodaikanal out on hikes, everything KIS had offered me helped me grow. To grow in intellect, to grow in kindness, to grow in friendship and understanding. To me, these memories and experiences aren’t just something to look back fondly on, but also lessons and reflections of how I was able to develop myself into a better person, and how I can keep developing myself further. For instance, KIS has helped me foster a stronger learning attitude to the point where right now, during the summer break, I can’t help but try to teach myself some more German, piano and music theory! KIS has also helped me determine what I would like to continue doing. Though initially I was unsure if I could handle the intensity of Medicine, after much thought and encouragement from teachers and my career counselor, I feel confident in my choice of pursuing Medicine at Saint Petersburg State University. I would like to thank you dear donors once again for helping my reality take the shape that it did and for helping me set the stage for me to shape my future.”
