Alumni

Jackie Li's (Class of 2019) story reflects resilience, generosity, and the enduring strength of the SAS community. While pursuing physiotherapy in Australia, Jackie faced a life-altering moment when his mother—an SAS educator—was diagnosed with lung cancer. Support came through the Dr. Shuna Sun Compassion Fund, easing financial strain and allowing him to focus on his studies. He went on to graduate top of his cohort and now serves patients as a physiotherapist, carrying forward the impact of those who supported him. Read More.

A Taste of Home captures a special evening at the Singapore Embassy in Washington, DC, co-hosted with the Singapore Global Network. The gathering celebrated both lasting Eagle connections and Singapore’s 60th birthday. The event reflected how deeply place, community, and shared experiences continue to connect SAS alumni—no matter where life takes them. Read More.

In the relentless rush from high school straight into college and career planning, it is easy to lose sight of the importance of simply taking a breath. In this witty and honest open letter to recent graduates, alumna Harini Sethuraman (Class of 2023) reflects on the best decision she almost didn't make: stepping off the academic treadmill to take a gap year. From rehabilitating horses in the Mojave Desert to discovering the profound value of unstructured time, Harini shares her hard-earned wisdom on slowing down, embracing solitude, and the vital growth that happens when we prioritize joy over the "rat race." Read More

A Reunion to Remember captures the joy, nostalgia, and deep connections that defined Alumni Reunion Weekend at Singapore American School. Across shared stories, friendly competition, and unforgettable meals, alumni, former students, and educators came together to celebrate the moments—and people—that shaped their SAS journeys. It’s a reminder that no matter the decade, the Eagle spirit endures.

In The Ultimate Eagles, longtime educators Jane and Bob Dodge reflect on more than three decades of teaching, storytelling, and community-building at Singapore American School. Through unforgettable classroom moments, deep relationships, and a shared commitment to service, the Dodges helped shape generations of learners and the very heart of SAS. Their story is a tribute to the educators who turn schools into homes.

In Classroom to Curtain Call, Aoife Haakenson (Class of 2019) reflects on how her years at Singapore American School shaped her path into professional theater. Through immersive arts experiences, mentorship, and self-directed learning, she developed the discipline and confidence that now carry her across international stages. Her story highlights the lasting impact of creative spaces that encourage students to explore who they are and what they love.

From the hum of school buses to the taste of satay in the cafeteria, Cristina Killingsworth (Class of 2003) reflects on how her childhood at SAS shaped her path from Woodlands to Washington. Now serving in one of the highest policy roles in the U.S. Department of Commerce, she shares how the lessons of adaptability, community, and curiosity she learned at SAS and in Singapore continue to guide her life and leadership.

Josh Makazo, a rising Spotify Radar Artist with nearly 15 million streams, reflects on his journey from high school to the music industry. Once a National Service officer balancing cadet training and songwriting, Josh has embraced music full-time, drawing inspiration from SAS Quest program and his mentor. With a debut music video and a Blade Runner-inspired album, Ultraviolet, on the horizon, Josh blends discipline with creativity. The name "Makazo," a nod to his roots, signals a new era for the same down-to-earth artist.

Several alumni parents share their experiences returning to Singapore American School (SAS) with their children. They recall fond memories of the school's community, extracurricular activities, and cultural diversity. Though the school has expanded and modernized, its core values—emphasizing critical thinking, diversity, and global citizenship—remain unchanged. These parents feel grateful for the lasting impact SAS had on them and are excited for their children to experience the same unique education.

SAS alumni are shaping Singapore's entrepreneurial landscape, blending global perspectives with local innovation. From pioneering fitness and wellness brands to sustainable fashion and aquaculture ventures, they are driving positive change. Their businesses include eco-conscious fashion, natural health supplements, artisanal cakes, and groundbreaking sustainable farming. Each venture reflects resilience, creativity, and a commitment to community and sustainability, showcasing the enduring impact of an SAS education.

Abe and Jolly Abraham, SAS’s first locally hired educators, profoundly shaped the school’s growth through decades of exceptional teaching and advocacy. Abe, a math and physics pioneer, championed critical thinking and fairness as a union leader, while Jolly inspired generations, particularly young women in STEM, with her life sciences expertise and care for students. Together, they advanced equity, diversity, and excellence at SAS, leaving a lasting legacy.

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.

Several Singapore American School alumni reflect on their transformative experiences in Singapore’s National Service, a two-year mandatory commitment for male citizens and permanent residents. From publishing a bestselling memoir about a Naval Diving Unit training to alumni forging lifelong friendships and invaluable leadership skills, their NS journeys shaped their resilience, character, and connection to Singapore. Whether facing initial dread or embracing duty, each story highlights the lasting personal and communal impact of service.

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.

After nearly two decades, Nicole Banister (Class of 2009) returned to Singapore American School, rekindling old memories and inspiring current students. Her visit was filled with nostalgia as she toured the campus, shared her journey as an emcee and social justice advocate, and reconnected with the Eagle spirit that first shaped her path.

After forty years, Michael Barnes (class of 1984) returns to Singapore American School for a visit. Barnes shares how special it was to be back in Singapore with his family.

Vivek Nair (class of 2018) developed a tablet at 13 that sold successfully. Graduating with bachelor's and master's degrees in computer science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign at 18 and 19, he's now a cybersecurity expert and researcher at Cornell’s Initiative for Cryptocurrencies and Contracts.

In this edition of The Ultimate Eagle, we shine the spotlight on two exceptional educators whose steadfast commitment has made a lasting impression on countless students, empowering them to reach new heights and blaze new trails. Paula and Rick Silverman are educators who stand out as shining beacons of expertise and enthusiasm to their students.

From laundry woes to budgeting and embracing change, alumnus Satvik Jain (class of 2020) shares his advice on how to prepare for college.

Aaron Sanandres (class of 1992) shares how he navigated through the corporate world, pursued higher education, and ultimately embarked on an entrepreneurial venture that would revolutionize men's fashion.

Apurv Suri and Carol Kumala, graduates of SAS's class of 2009, find love years after high school, culminating in a surprise proposal at their alma mater. 

Alumna Emma DeCaro (class of 2011) shares insights gained from becoming a certified interpreter and working on projects aimed at advocating for the Deaf community.

Loren Dent Braunohler (class of 1997) joined the Foreign Service as a US diplomat at the age of 23. She shares how her time in Ukraine shaped and will continue to shape her family for years to come.

From working as production counsel on over 150 films to serving notable clients like Mary J. Blige, Taylour Paige, Bernie Taupin, Jesse Williams, and Ne-Yo, among others, Anita Surendran (class of 2000) has an impressive list of career highlights, though her journey to entertainment law was not as simple as one may think.

It is a journey...one of self-discovery, trying to figure out who you are, what you care about, and what your purpose is. Two seniors from our class of 2022 share their journey—the excitement, the frustrations, the waiting game, and the roller coaster of emotions that come with applying to college.

The myriad of science courses at SAS inspired alumnus Alfred Chin (class of 2014) and alumna Ryka Sehgal (class of 2014) to pursue careers in the field of medicine.

At Singapore American School, a welcoming art community and lots of course choices helped this software engineer at Blizzard Entertainment achieve her dreams!

Inspired by his Singapore American School teachers, this alumnus had a distinguished research career before founding a company now on the front lines of COVID-19 diagnostics.

Now working for NASA, this alumna's Singapore American School opportunities have helped her tackle challenges—in this world and beyond!

What is it like to work at a Fortune 500 company? We caught up with five Singapore American School alumni who currently work with some of the world’s largest corporations to find out.

Singapore American School alumni have achieved notable success in the fields of print and broadcast journalism. From morning show producers to data analysts, our amazing Eagles share what it is like to be part of the media world!

For those at Singapore American School who feel they stand “on the shoulders of Giants,” in Isaac Newton’s famous words, no giant is more respected than S. K. Kasinathan, or Coach Kasi, as he was known by the students. This Ultimate Eagle, who passed away last spring, touched the lives of countless students in his two decades at the school.

Ruth Jaensubhakij (class of 2018) shares her advice as you prepare for your transition to college.

We featured Taos Whittaker (Class of 2014) in our summer 2016 issue of Journeys. Since then, he has taken on more projects! We caught up with the talented creator.

The Internships for Alumni program was started in May 2020 by the office of alumni relations at Singapore American School in response to young SAS alumni who were losing internships elsewhere or moving home due to the pandemic. Katie Zhang (Class of 2020) shares how this program has helped her.

After growing up in Singapore and studying in the US, this alumna landed a dream job working with farming families in East Africa—where she sees many similarities between Kigali, Rwanda and the Lion City!

Anup Suresh (Class of 2007) and Yashika Mody (Class of 2008) had to change their wedding plans when the global pandemic caused a shift in international travel. A livestreamed wedding, a photoshoot at Singapore American School, and an outpouring of love and support for the couple turned this special occasion into the wedding of their dreams!

From traveling by train to taking their first flight for an IASAS championship, student athletes at Singapore American School have come a long way.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted and upended our lives in a myriad of ways. Singapore American School graduates across the world were presented with a new set of challenges this past year. How have our Eagles persevered during this difficult time? How have they continued to make the best of their situations?

After graduating from Singapore American School, our Eagles explore the globe—but some choose to return to the Little Red Dot, a place they eventually call home. What brings them back to the Lion City? We asked a few SAS alumni residing in Singapore to share a slice of their lives with us.

From opera singers to writers, animators, designers, actors, and musicians—Singapore American School alumni boast a variety of visual and performing arts careers across the globe. Where are they now and how did they get there? Here’s a sneak peek into the career paths of a few of our alumni!

Student. Teacher. Coach. Mentor. Friend. Legend. A man of many talents, Jim Baker did not just prepare students for college; he prepared students for life. We pay tribute to the ultimate Eagle—Jim Baker, now retired in Penang, Malaysia—whose legacy has enriched our diverse community.

During this tumultuous time, the sense of extraordinary care infused in Singapore American School's cornerstones is embodied so vibrantly in its alumni. Here is an ever-growing compendium of just how SAS alumni—serving in the capacity of healthcare workers, volunteers, corporate leaders, and more—have retrieved their Eagle spirit and loyally serve the communities they live in.

Alison Chin Travis (Class of 2008) shares her journey to some of the most remote locations on planet Earth and how that amplifies her teaching.

A managing story editor in the story development studio at Walt Disney Imagineering, Margaret Kerrison (Class of 1996) works at the happiest place on earth!

No matter who we are, where we live, or what our goals may be, we all have one thing in common: heritage. That is, a legacy passed on from parent to child. Every one of us is passed a heritage, lives out a heritage, and gives a heritage to our family. Generations of Eagle families share a special connection to Singapore American School. Legacy families are students and alumni whose families have attended SAS. As we say, once an Eagle...


No matter who we are, where we live, or what our goals may be, we all have one thing in common: heritage. That is, a legacy passed on from parent to child. Every one of us is passed a heritage, lives out a heritage, and gives a heritage to our family. Generations of Eagle families share a special connection to Singapore American School. Legacy families are students and alumni whose families have attended SAS. As we say, once an Eagle...


From sunny Singapore to snowy Minnesota, Sharon Yoo (Class of 2011) has experienced it all! It has been one brutal winter in the Twin Cities but that does not stop her from doing what she loves—breaking the news!

No matter who we are, where we live, or what our goals may be, we all have one thing in common: heritage. That is, a legacy passed on from parent to child. Every one of us is passed a heritage, lives out a heritage, and gives a heritage to our family. Generations of Eagle families share a special connection to Singapore American School. Legacy families are students and alumni whose families have attended SAS. As we say, once an Eagle...

Priyanka Aiyer (Class of 2018) is an alumna of Singapore American School and a future student at Princeton University (Class of 2023). Under the pen name Topaz Winters, she writes weekly love letters to thousands of readers at topazwinters.com. Her fourth book, Portrait of My Body as a Crime I’m Still Committing, comes out in May 2019.