Journeys

The phrase "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle" rings true for SAS alumni like Braden Betts, Emily Hoekstra, and Lynsey Howitt, who have returned as educators to guide the next generation. Braden, a 2006 graduate, draws from his student experiences to foster empathy and engagement through programs like CWW and Interim Semester. Emily, Class of 2000, values inclusivity and personalized learning, inspired by her own supportive teachers. Lynsey, Class of 1996, focuses on empathy and connection, aiming to instill kindness and confidence in her students. Together, they embody SAS's enduring spirit and commitment to holistic education.

Jim Baker (Class of 1976) and Mike Norman, iconic former SAS educators, join alumni parents at a gathering on 15 Rochalie Drive—the site where Singapore American School began in 1956. The evening is filled with reminiscing about the school’s humble beginnings, including its original colonial home setup, along with shared memories of SAS traditions, teachers, and experiences. As alumni now enrolling their children at SAS, parents like Vrutika Mody, Emily Hoekstra, and Kate Gardner express gratitude and aspirations for their children to experience SAS’s legacy, from academic opportunities to the values of global citizenship and curiosity.

Singapore American School began in 1956 as a small community effort by American families in Singapore. Over the decades, it grew from a single bungalow at Rochalie Drive to its current Woodlands campus, evolving alongside Singapore with each move and expansion. Today, SAS stands as the largest single-campus American school outside the United States, rooted in a legacy of academic rigor, community connection, and the pioneering spirit of its founders.

Sharmishta Sivaramakrishnan (Class of 2012) shares how her journey into international affairs and diplomacy began at Singapore American School, where her passion was ignited in H301's Model United Nations sessions. Recently appointed as a youth leader to the UN ECOSOC Youth Forum, she reflects on how SAS’s nurturing of her early interests empowered her to represent Singapore on the global stage and stay committed to her goal of impactful leadership.