by kfi | Dec 1, 2025 | In the Spotlight, Projects - current |
Recipient: Thae Nandar Su
Thae Su joined KIS in Grade 11 from Myanmar. Studying Economics, Math and Physics at Higher Levels, Thae Su has consistently maintained high academic achievements with a GPA of 3.87. Recently inducted into the National Honors Society, Thae Su also has an interest in Finance and chairs the Finance Literacy Club on campus. In her own words:
“My KIS journey has been nothing short of wonderful so far. Over the past year, KIS has really changed my perspective of life. Here, opportunities are everywhere and I believe I am making the most of them. I’ve managed to score A and A+ grades across most of my subjects maintaining a good GPA. I’ve been actively involved in a lot of extracurricular activities such as the Financial Literacy club, Science National Honour Society, Vanam Diaries and more. This year, I initiated a TEDx talk at school. Through these activities, I’ve made many new friends from diverse backgrounds which enriches my Kodi experience. While this academic year will be much more demanding with deadlines for IAs and EEs, I can say that I am maintaining a good balance between academics, extracurriculars and life in general. Things are hard at home with the political instability however KIS has been one of the things that keeps me hopeful about life. Lastly, I just want to express my deepest gratitude for this scholarship that made all of this possible. None of this would have happened without your unwavering contribution. Studying at KIS has genuinely changed the way I see the world and my future.”
by kfi | Dec 1, 2025 | In the Spotlight, Projects - current |
Recipient Moe Phyu Aung
Moe joined KIS in Grade 11 from Myanmar. With a regular spot in the Principal’s list, Moe has ended Grade 11 with a GPA of 3.85. Moe has been recently been inducted into the National Honor’s Society and is developing a keen interest in Psychology and Biology. In her own words:
“I sincerely appreciate Ms Maureen Aung-Thwin and all the donors for providing me with this valuable opportunity to study at KIS. KIS is not only a school for me; it has become my second home- it is a place where I met my friends, my precious teachers, and a lovely dorm parent. Without this scholarship, studying for the IB diploma would be a significant burden for me, considering my family’s financial situation. With the help of this scholarship, not only am I now able to study IB, but it also enables me to further develop my tertiary education. It has been one year at KIS, and I have participated in various clubs, including Rotary and Girls in STEM, among others. It is also an honour to be a part of SNHS and NHS. Being able to join activities like camping at Poondi and hiking, has also developed my mental resilience. As a scholarship student, I am trying my best to be a well-deserved recipient of this scholarship by maintaining my GPA of 3.85, my character, and my relationship with my peers. I sincerely believe that the school and its community will prepare me for my future and help me develop my skills for university studies. At this moment though I must admit, I am stressed with college applications! Once again, I am incredibly grateful for everyone’s support. Studying in such a nurturing and inspiring environment would not have been possible without your generous contribution. Thank you once again!”
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.
