Meet Cassie from Canada, who attended ICSB for 4 years in this Senior Spotlight.
What have you been involved in at ICSB?
Yearbook! NHS, musical (cast and crew)
Share about a teacher(s) and how they have impacted you positively.
Mrs. Cooper was the first teacher at ICSB whom I got to know and really love spending time with. When I was a new student, the school was a strange, unfamiliar place where I didn’t know anyone. In the yearbook, Mrs. Cooper welcomed us with open arms and much love, which was exactly what I needed at that time. Ever since then, the yearbook has been my highlight of every day, not just because of the work (though that is fun), but because of the cooperative, friendship-based atmosphere Mrs. Cooper brings to the room.
Mrs. Márton is another teacher who has brought lots of fun into my life. As one of my class sponsors, she has been a familiar face to me since Day One. She is always ready to laugh and ask questions about each student she interacts with. I love spending time in her classroom, drawing on the board, just chatting, or talking over deeper topics. (She also introduced me to Brussels sprouts, which may be the best thing she ever did.)
I’ll always remember my freshman year English class, where Mrs. Culbertson ruled the house. Sadly, that was the only year-long class I’ve had with her, but even so, she has impacted me greatly. Always ready for a discussion or debate, Mrs. Culbertson fosters a place of learning wherever she goes. Every chat in OAF, bible class discussion, or group talk in bible study is filled with a love that she has for each of her students. She makes each student feel special, not only because she treats them that way, but because she truly sees how unique and precious each one of her students is.
What’s your favorite thing or memory about ICSB?
I have many amazing memories at ICSB, some happy, some sad, and some… interesting. But the thing I love most about this school is how the teachers and students interact. Here, students really do want to be friends with their teachers, and both parties actively cultivate friendships in a healthy way.
Share a favorite book you read while you were a student at ICSB? And why did you like it?
One of my favorite books I’ve read at ICSB is “Skyward” (it’s the first in a series of four) by Brandon Sanderson. I don’t often prefer sci-fi media but the way that Skyward talks through friendship, trust, commitment, and trust is a dynamic and engaging reminder about some of the most important values we can have.
What has been the highlight of your senior year?
There have been many good moments, but I’ll forever be grateful for getting the chance to chat with Cami, Kayleigh, and Lydia in Outdoor Aerobic Fitness. The class might not be as much of a break as I wanted, but it’s worth it to learn about and talk to some of my favorite people at this school.
What are some of the ways you’ve grown since you first came to ICSB?
Since my family fled Ukraine to Hungary due to the second invasion, I have learned a lot by coming here. One of the most impactful things I’ve learned is that no matter the situation, God is in control. He put you here on Earth, right where you are, for a reason, and He will provide for you in every moment. “Good or bad, it’s the Plan of God.”
Will you be attending college next year?
No
What are your future plans?
Discipleship Training School with YWAM in Europe before attending Calvin University in 2027.
What did you do for Thanksgiving this year? Well, every year we endeavor to help our kids have a sense of identity, and specifically Canadian in certain ways. One of the ways we do that is by celebrating the holidays.
Usually our vacation time is spent either in Canada or in a neighbouring country. BUT this year we decided to stay in Ukraine and visit a few smaller cities the West. After our trip we asked the kids, what were your highlights?
We started Easter with a sunrise service – yup – even the kiddos climbed out of bed at 5am to be downtown to celebrate with our church when the sun came up. Why do such a thing? Because the very best thing in our life, the presence of God, was made real by the innocent death of Jesus and his resurrection. The events that we celebrate at Easter define our lives, not just the work we do but our very purpose and joy in life.
Of course, like most people we want our kids to enjoy our celebrations too so at 8 in the morning we had our friends over for a special breakfast and the kids got to hunt for psanky (Ukrainian painted eggs). There may or may not have been some chocolate involved too.
Teaching Adventures 