Alumni - Where Are They Now?
Rhodes Scholar-elect 2012
Members of the Rhodes class of 2012 have been chosen by selection committees around the world.
Warm congratulations are extended to:
Alisha Gabriel- ASCIS’ 2006 Graduate
Constituency: Bermuda
Current place of residence: Dublin, Ireland
University: The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Current/recent course: Bachelor of Medicine
Other Information: Alisha is interested in public health issues in Bermuda and she has conducted research on the transmission of MRSA through stethoscope use, as well as receiving a grant to work with the solar disinfection organisation SODIS. Alisha founded two student societies, the Bermuda Medical Students’ Society and the Bioethics Society, where she is President. She has volunteered with a house for homeless teenage mothers and Amnesty International, and has raised funds for teachers in Africa. Alisha is an avid long distance swimmer and was Captain of the Varsity Swim Team.
Rhodes Scholars are entitled to attend Oxford University on a full scholarship plus expenses. She was admitted to Oxford University as the Rhodes Scholar for Bermuda 2012. Alisha will be doing a masters of public health which will start in 2013 as she will complete the first year of my pediatric residency before heading to Oxford.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ASCIS’ ALISHA!
 Danielle Hinds (Barbados) – 2011 Graduate
attending Ryerson University (Geographic Analysis)
“My experience at Académie Ste Cécile was one to remember. I made lots of great friends whom I consider to be family now. They taught me that no matter where you’re from in the world, it’s possible to make friendships that last a lifetime even if there is a language barrier. I want to also point out the birth of the athletic side of me. With such well-rounded coaches who care for your best interests, I was able to realize that I can do whatever sport I wanted once I put my heart into it and gave it my extra time for practice. Thank you, Ste Cécile!”
 Eric Tam (Hong Kong) –
2011 Graduate attending The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology majoring
in Civil and Structural Engineering
“I am grateful for the wonderful teachers at ASCIS who provided me with a good academic foundation and better equipped me for my university education.”
Kevin Hamilton (Canada) -– 2011 Graduate attending University of Waterloo, Life Sciences
“Words cannot possibly give enough credit to Académie Ste. Cecile for the impact that it has had on my life. From academics to athletics to the relationships that I have formed over the past 5 years, the school has surrounded me with the people that I needed to succeed and to grow as a person. Coupled with the family-like environment that we students are immersed in every day, graduating was a very bitter-sweet accomplishment; for I loved being a part of everything the school had to offer, so much that it was very hard to leave. As I am now in the next chapter of my life, I truly realize how blessed I was to have had such an unforgettable high school experience and so grateful for how well the school prepared me for university and the challenges that lie ahead. I will always be a part of the ASCIS family.
 Aleah Shuren (Canada) – 2010 Graduate attending University of Windsor/Ryerson University
“Académie Ste Cécile allows students to open their minds and encourages every individual to thrive with their uniqueness and embrace others’ differences. Because of the life-long friends I made, I have been able to travel to Barbados, Trinidad, and throughout Canada to visit my friends who are now family to me. I feel so privileged that I was able to engage in this high school experience with so many wonderful people. Had I not left my old high school and changed to ASCIS, I would not be the individual I am today and for that I am forever grateful.”
Delano Hinds (Barbados) – 2009 Graduate attending St. Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
“I will always remember and consider the two years at ASCIS as the most important part of my life. The school helped me to find my own path to achieve my goals and helped mold me to become the person I am today. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about the time I spent at Académie Ste Cécile. I consider Académie Ste Cécile my second home and the students and staff my family. I would recommend to any parent to send their children to this excellent school.”
Carlos F. Martínez Carrillo - 2008 Graduate
 My name is Carlos Martinez Carrillo and graduated from Ste Cecile in 2007. I was elected now as President of the Law School. (Student Council,Universidad Iberoamericana) Here, it is a huge deal since Law is considered the toughest career if you want to win a student election. In order to compete you need a minimum of 85% in your GPA. There were 3 candidates and we ended up winning with almost 50% of the majority. 
The next month I was hired by the top law firm here in Mexico and Latin America. (Basham, Ringe y Correa). I've been working there for almost two months and it’s been a great experience.
Finally, I am working too at a political project for the youth part of PAN. (Partido Acción Nacional) I am starting to really get involved.
It’s been such an amazing year that I have to share it with you guys. Ste Cecile gave me a bunch of things that I’m really starting to apply in my professional life. I have no doubt that it’s been the greatest year of my life.
Kind regards to everyone;
Carlos F. Martínez Carrillo
Maria Moraru - 2008 Graduate
 My name is Maria, ASCIS graduate of 2008. After growing up in Montreal, adjusting to a small city life was quite a challenge, but as my parents decided to send me to ASCIS (from grade 7-12), I began experiencing the true benefits of an international school. Not only did I make friends from all over the world, but was exposed to a top class education from most prepared and caring teachers and staff. Everyone at ASCIS is there to support and guide their student into achieving their dreams.
I would know, for in grade 10, I decided to move to a public school (out of curiosity). This new school had also started to provide the International Baccalaureate for their students. However, they did not let students choose their own preferences of courses, and had only limited options available. Needless to say, the experience was not what I expected: the lack of organization and control did not compare to the quality of ASCIS and I begged my parents to return to ASCIS the following year. This experience opened my eyes as to the level of compassion and devotion, which existed between the education provided by a private school as opposed to a public school. In the end, I graduated with an IB diploma as well as an OSSD from ASCIS, while taking the courses of my choice and an irreplaceable experience.
Right now, I am writing this letter from the UK. I am a law student at the University of Warwick, studying a 4 year LLB program, with the hopes of become a lawyer. What’s more, I feel that I have a guarantee of friends and colleagues from over the world. Thanks to them, I have been able to travel Mexico, England, and throughout Canada. And in the near future, I wish to pay a visit to the Caribbean, where my extended families await. I would not trade my experience at ASCIS for anything and I truly believe that it has prepared me for the world and for where I am today.
Oliver F. Sabga - 2008 Graduate
 My name is Oliver Sabga and I spent the best 2 years of my life at ASCIS: I went from the small island of Trinidad and Tobago to a small international boarding school which housed almost an entire globe of cultures and ethnicities. My experiences with all of these people coupled with the lessons I have learned from them are priceless!
While at ASCIS, I served as President of the Student Council, a position that I will always be proud of because I will always be able to look back and know that I played a role in developing this "home away from home." I forged friendships that will last forever and I shared memories that I cherish dearly. In fact, on the day of my graduation I think I even cried more than Tessa who was the Head Girl and shared the Valedictorian speech with me.
I am currently studying at the Warwick Business School in the United Kingdom, where I have managed to achieve solid grades so far. In my 1st year, I managed to become a corporate executive of the Warwick Business School Society and later on in my 2nd year President of the organisation. As of now, I stand deep into my final year with many ambitions for next year. Recently I received a conditional offer from the London School of Economics to study a Masters of Sciences in Decision Sciences. I am working towards meeting these conditions with high hoped to succeed.
Lastly, I want to remind all ASCIS students that your time there is valuable. Take full advantage of the great people and get involved in EVERYTHING! I think DOC may tell you that I was probably the first ASCIS Basket Ball player to make it through an entire season with only 1 single point; and that I am still very proud of J.
Ameer Al-Assadi (Canada) - 2007 Graduate with Full Scholarship for his Undergraduate Studies at the
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, U.S.A.
“My experience at this school was one that I will always be thankful for. The teachers were high grade who taught me above and beyond what is taught in traditional schools. I am most thankful to my teachers at Ste Cécile for giving me a solid foundation to pursue my university studies. They allowed me to excel and accomplish my full potential educationally speaking. I would highly recommend Académie Ste Cécile to anyone who wishes to excel.”
Eva-Maria Bieling - 2007 Graduate
 I was in the graduating class of 2007 at ASCIS, and finished my secondary school education with an OSSD as well as an IB diploma. After this I went on to the University of Bielefeld in Germany to study German Law in a direct 4-year program with the ambition of becoming an internationally successful corporate lawyer in the future.
Although no high-school could have prepared me for the subject of Law, especially when this is taught in German, I feel that ASCIS really prepared me for the independent studying expected from university students.
Oftentimes, I think back at the stressful moments we had studying for our IB exams, and then realize that so far those were some of the best days of my life, because we worked hard, always had fun, and in the end, we were all proud of our achievements. Along the way we had many great teachers from whom we not only learned the subject matter, but also important life lessons.
So, as I enjoyed being involved in any school activities, I also enjoy helping out at the University. In my first two years I worked as a sort of research assistant for a professor of international civil law, and I assisted in organizing a university seminar about negotiation techniques. I hope to apply myself even more within our faculty in the future, and thank ASCIS for everything I have learned there, as well as all the amazing friends I made.
I have kept in touch with most of my high school friends, who have become like family over the years, and I am happy that some of them, also studying in Europe, aren’t too far away for an occasional weekend trip.
Crystal Huang - 2007 Graduate
I am from China and I went to ASCIS when I was in grade 11. I love ASCIS very much, and the school did teach me a lot. I met a lot of friends in the school, they are all from different countries. I think it is a good experience for me since I would never have a chance to know those people if I did not come to this multi-culture school. In a word, ASCIS is a great international school and I will never forget the time when I was there!
I am currently studying in University of Toronto, third year major in commerce and specialist in Accounting.
Megumi Kimura - 2007 Graduate
I just wanted to share with you some Good Family News regarding another ASCIS student SUCCESS!
I am proud and very happy to inform you that my brother YUKI KIMURA was accepted into MEDICAL School last week!
Hope everyone is doing GREAT! and enjoying the beautiful December weather.
Hugs and Greetings! Thanks for everything!
Alisha Gabriel - 2006 Graduate
It has been two and a half years since I left ASCIS and the time has really flown by. I frequently find myself reflecting on all the good memories and friends I made at ASCIS. I was given so many opportunities, I learned so much and I was encouraged to be the best person I could be.
I am now in my third year of medicine at The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and, although it is a huge amount of work, I am really enjoying it. I have taken a keen interesting in surgery and I am hoping to specialize in Canada and then go home to Bermuda to practice. Each summer, I have been working in the operating room with various surgeons in the hospital at home. I am also very interested in mission work and this year I plan to go to Ecuador with some Canadian doctors improve the health care in the slums and hospitals.
Since ASCIS, I am still really involved in extra-curricular activities! I am still swimming and this year I am captain of the swim team. We have national championships next week which I am excited for! For the first two years, I was president of my year and next year I hope to run for a position on the student council. This year I am also involved in the surgical society, the Caribbean Society and music society. Merissa and I have also become interested in human rights and have been volunteering with Amnesty International here in Dublin.
So far, college has been an incredible experience. Dublin is such an exciting city (except for the constant rain!) and the people are so welcoming and friendly. Living in Europe, I have had the opportunity to travel around and experience all the many different cultures first hand.
Looking back, I am really thankful to have had the opportunity to attend Ste. Cecile’s. During my two years, I was prepared extremely well for college and I was able to meet so many people who influenced my life in a positive way. Although I am looking forward to what is in store for me in the future, I will never forget my wonderful time at Academie Ste. Cecile International School.
Update from Alisha in 2011:
The first baby i delivered during my Obstetrics and Gynaecology rotation!
It has been four and a half years since I left ASCIS and the time has really flown by. I frequently find myself reflecting on all the good memories and friends I made at ASCIS. I was given so many opportunities, I learned so much and I was encouraged to be the best person I could be.
I am now in fifth year medicine of medicine at The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and, although it is a huge amount of work, I am really enjoying it. I have taken a keen interesting in Paediatrics and I am hoping to specialize in Canada and then go home to Bermuda to practice.I have spent time doing electives in hospitals in Canada, Dublin and Malta. This summer is my last summer before Final Med year, and it will be spent in Mc Master Hospital (since I won the placement from RCSI), Toronto General Hospital and Sick Childrens Hospital. I am very blessed to have obtained placements in such prestigious hospitals and I look forward to summer 2012 when I will graduate.
My leadership experiences at ASCIS (Head Girl) helped prepare me for the future. For example, last year my leadership opportunities included founding the first ever Bermuda Medical Students Society! And I became a published author in the SMJ RCSI journal with my research on physician assisted suicide. I also started the first Bioethics Society at RCSI and we brought 3 world class speakers to debate the important Life issues of abortion, euthanasia, and stem cells. As a future Catholic doctor medical ethics is very important to me. ASCIS helped me with a solidly Catholic education, and with regular opportunities for mass and prayer: I could drop in to pray in the chapel (right in the boarding school facilities) whenever I wanted to!
So far, college has been an incredible experience. Dublin is such an exciting city (except for the constant rain!) and the people are so welcoming and friendly. Living in Europe, I have had the opportunity to travel around and experience all the many different cultures first hand. Looking back, I am really thankful to have had the opportunity to attend Ste. Cecile’s. During my two years, I was prepared extremely well for college and I was able to meet so many people who influenced my life in a positive way. It felt like my home away from home. Although I am looking forward to what is in store for me in the future, I will never forget my wonderful time at Academie Ste. Cecile International School.
God Bless and Love From,
Alisha Gabriel
Stephanie Law - 2004 Graduate
 Born in Fountain Valley, Los Angeles and raised in Hong Kong, I entered the door of ASCIS when I was 15 years-old, still a city girl who was excited about exploring the wonders of the world.
ASCIS has been a second home to me. I met a lot of great people who have played very important roles in my life. The diversity of culture at the school enabled me to interact with people who did not share the common ethnic or cultural background, and I am thankful to see that each individual in the school has treated one another with respect.
ASCIS is a place where you can find peace and unity with people.
I was active in team sports during my time at the school. I took the privilege to lead, and to cooperate as a part of the ASCIS team. ASCIS provides a lot of opportunities for their students to develop their talents. In that regard, I have also been involved in the school Drama club, the chamber choir, and I many opportunities to give piano performances.
The broad school curriculum also allowed me to select classes that are closely matched with my interests and strengths. The atmosphere of the school was encouraging and desirable for academic learning. The teachers are all experts in their field of teaching. I not only gained a concrete base of knowledge and theories, but my life in the University was much easier, for I was all prepared to take a stake at every challenge. I graduated from the school in April, 2004. On my graduation ceremony, I was brought to tears when I saw all the teachers who have supported me in the audience. Three and a half years at ASCIS was a merit to me, and a part of my life that was rewarding and significant. I was proud to be a part of the ASCIS big family.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
At the present, I am furthering my studies at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan.
Clara An - 2004 Graduate
My name is Kayoung Clara An. I am a piano major at Colburn School in Los Angeles. It has been five years since I graduated from Académie Ste. Cecile International School (ASCIS). I spent three years of my high school there. It was one of the memorable moments in my life. One of the reasons that I chose to study at ASCIS is that it has a very friendly environment. As an international student who could not speak a word in English, I needed someone to trust me and guide me to the Canadian lifestyle. From the School Principal through School Advisors to friends at Ste. Cecile, I could rely on their support whenever I was going through the hard times experiencing this new culture.
ASCIS also has developed me into even a more religious person. As I was going through my busy and stressful schedule, I spent time to stop by at the chapel (which is located in the middle of the school) to pray and get some advice from a priest at the church. I believe that this side of Académie Ste. Cecile International School made me into an emotionally strong person away from home.
I strongly recommend Académie Ste. Cecile International School for your next destination of education. ASCIS has wonderful faculty and students who are willing to teach and learn. It creates a very competitive, yet friendly educational place. Time to time, I come back to Académie Ste. Cecile International School and am reminded of many memories which are everywhere in the school. This is my home that I spent a wonderful three years which cannot be found from any other places.
Currently attending Colburn School (full scholarship recipient), Los Angeles
Graduated in 2008 with Bachelors of Music at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Cleveland 2004-2008
Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Canada 2002-2004
Sun-Wha Art School in Seoul, Korea 1999-2001
Ling Lau - 2003 Graduate
I enrolled to Académie Ste Cecile International School when I was 18 after my sister Iris had spent her first year there. Now I think back at the time when Ms. Gadoury accepted me and put me on academic probation (which means if I do not improve my marks, she has the right to kick me out of the school anytime); she made a very risky decision. In front of her was this young lady with orange hair, long colored finger nails, heavy make up, carrying a report card with pretty much every subject failed and couldn’t speak any English, yet she gave me a chance.
Not many people thought I was going to make it at ASCIS. However, all my teachers spent hours and hours to help me understanding the materials because I was in such bad shape. These teachers are the treasures of the school who transform many students like me into a different person. It was more than a school here, a second home, a second chance, a place that accepted me.
Two years later, I finished high school with good marks and was accepted to many great universities in Canada and Hong Kong with scholarships. My parents were very proud of me and also themselves for making such a smart investment.
Now I have successfully graduated from McMaster University right on time and received my Engineering degree. After the first semester in university, about 15% of my classmates didn’t exist in the lecture halls anymore; by the time of my convocation, half of those people were gone. It tells me that I was very well equipped at ASCIS.
Now I’ve come back to work for Ste Cecile and I often have students asking me what am I doing here instead of working as an Engineer making a lot of money. My answer to them is that I am making more than an Engineer. I hope one day they’d understand what I mean when I say that.
Without this school, I wouldn’t be the same, life wouldn’t be the same.
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