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Class of 2026: Graduation Reflections

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On June 16th, family, faculty, and students of BASIS Independent Brooklyn gathered together at the Palm House in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to celebrate the accomplishments of our Class of 2026. Our twenty-five graduates are now poised to continue their academic careers in top colleges and universities in both the U.S. and abroad.

During the ceremony, Co-valedictorians Gregory G. and Nate C. captured their time together as a class and inspired their fellow graduates to look ahead to all that is in store for them. We wanted to share their speeches with our community since their words reflected the joy, humor, and honor at the heart of the celebration.

Gregory S. ’26 Co-valedictorian
Photo by Danny Dolan (www.dannydolan.com)

Address by Class of 2026 Co-valedictorian Gregory S.

Hi everyone. I can’t believe our time in high school is coming to an end, so with that, I have some words to say.

There’s one question I get more than anything when people find out where I go to school. They say how is BASIS Independent Brooklyn? And my answer has always been the same: it’s small.

For a long time, I said that like it was a complaint. But now I realize it was a blessing and the best thing that ever happened to us.

It’s all about perspective.

When I got to BASIS, I noticed pretty quickly that a lot of things just didn’t exist yet. No club for this, no group for that. And at first, I thought that was a problem. But then I realized — that’s actually the opportunity.

Think about it. Amazon didn’t start because Jeff Bezos had everything handed to him. It started because there was no good way to buy books online, and he went and built it. Some of the greatest companies in the world exist because somebody looked at something that wasn’t there and decided to go build it themselves.

We did the same thing. If the East Asian Club didn’t exist, someone in this room would have built it. The Jewish Affinity Group, the Motorsport Engineering Club, and DECA — all started by people in this room. BASIS Independent Brooklyn, being small, meant the opportunity was wide open. We just had to be willing to step up and take it.

BASIS being small also meant there weren’t a lot of people in the class. You look around, you’ve got 25 kids in your grade, and you think: this is it? So, there were definitely some moments where we all felt like we were missing out. Brooklyn Tech has a thousand people in its class.

Meanwhile, we’ve got 25.

But those 25 people were in every single class with you. They were there stressing over the same deadlines, praying for the AP curve to save everyone’s grade, having fun in Spanish together, and chilling at lunch. You didn’t get a thousand acquaintances. You got a handful of people who actually know you.

I’ll take five people who know me completely over a hundred people who don’t know me at all. Every single time.

Before I close, I need to thank some people.

Mom, Dad — thank you. For everything. To my older brother —thank you for screaming at me when I needed it. To my younger brother — sorry for screaming at you. You probably needed it too.

To my teachers, thank you for all the care and effort you put into this school.

And to my class — you shaped me more than you know. I went through all of it with you, and I genuinely hope our paths keep crossing.

So, here’s what I actually want you to walk away with today. Not that BASIS is small. Not that we missed out on the massive homecoming. But that didn’t stop us from going out and being great. From building things, to showing up for each other, to becoming genuinely amazing people.

That’s perspective. Taking what you have, not using it as an excuse, and making something out of it anyway.

Don’t let the small stuff stop you. Don’t let what’s missing define you. Look at what’s in front of you and ask what you can build with it.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. Go be great.

Nate C. ’26 Co-valedictorian
Photo by Danny Dolan (www.dannydolan.com)

Address by Class of 2026 Co-valedictorian Nate C.

Good morning, everyone. I want to thank everyone for attending this highly anticipated yet mandatory event. Whether you are excited to be here or one of the siblings who was dragged here against your will, I hope my words will resonate with you today.

Thank you to parents, teachers, administrators, family members, esteemed guests, average guests, and of course, the Class of 2026.

I am honored to serve as your co-valedictorian. So let me briefly introduce myself. People know me as Nate the Great, Nate Dogg, the old man, the guy who sleeps too much, the guy who doesn’t sleep enough, and, for a certain few teachers, the traitor who didn’t take their capstone course this year.

Regardless of how you know me, I want you to know that I entered BASIS [Independent Brooklyn] in 9th grade as someone who had never been in such a close-knit and supportive environment. I had never seen such dedicated teachers, flexible schedules, and clean restrooms in my life. To be honest, I was quite terrified and overwhelmed, but BASIS took me in without a second thought.

Of course, I wouldn’t have gotten here without the support of the people around me. As much as I hate to admit it, I wouldn’t be standing here without my family’s support. I specifically want to thank my parents for encouraging me to leave my room and be “more social”, my grandparents for bringing an absurd amount of food to increase my “brain power,” and my brother for keeping me up during late-night study sessions with his superb singing and guitar skills. I also want to thank my friends and classmates for putting up with my sarcasm and constant exhaustion.

We have all grown over the last four years at BASIS. We have all grown as readers, writers, mathematicians, scientists, and emerging scholars. While we have improved in many ways, we must acknowledge room for improvement, whether it’s only showing up late twice a week rather than four times or only falling asleep in class once rather than twice a day.

Throughout these past four years, we have truly gone through it all. We memorized countless literary devices, trig functions, the entire unit circle, the periodic table, and every major war between 1600 and 2000. And we couldn’t have done it without our supportive yet at times overly zealous teachers. Whether it was trying not to blow up the classroom during our chemistry labs, rewriting history in AP world, or channeling our inner acting talent during AP literature plays, our teachers supported and encouraged us.

Moving past academics, we have started so many clubs and greatly improved our local Red Hook community. I have honestly lost count of the number of awards we have earned over the years. We have become leaders and have shaped our school in just as many ways as it has shaped us.

Throughout our time together, we have created many fond yet, at times, embarrassing memories. From getting sunburnt and taking the wrong ferry to our high school retreat, to taking our local trash pickup too seriously by collecting an absurd amount of questionable items, we have done it all. I still remember stuffing my face with unknown delicacies during World Fest and being forced to take a photo with my four favorite teachers during Prom (you know who you are).

As we prepare for the next chapter ahead of us, we need to remember what we will be leaving behind. We will miss having a welcoming student lounge all to ourselves, accessible student hours, and of course, free food. These everyday moments, the ones we barely noticed at the time, are the ones we’ll miss the most. However, we will not be missing the numerous post-AP projects, college essays, or times the vending machine scammed us.

I also want to take the time to congratulate you all on your college acceptances. Whether you are attending your dream school or simply trying to get as far away from your parents as possible, I’m confident it will work out. We will carry the values BASIS instilled in us to college and beyond, including hard work, perseverance, and the courage to negotiate every and any assignment we find unfair.

I look into the crowd, and I see future doctors, engineers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and many other successful professionals. I hope we all stay in touch in the future, whether as friends or as simply colleagues, we call for investment advice.

I’m sure you’re waiting for a cliche ending or overused quote, but we’re innovators here, so you’re going to have to keep on waiting forever. I also know many of you have been impatiently waiting at the finish line for the past three months now. Well, guess what, we’re all caught up now, so are you ready to graduate?

Thank you, Class of 2026, and good luck.

# # #

Thank you to Gregory, Nate, and our entire Class of 2026 for leaving their mark on our school community! We will be cheering you on these next few months during the transition to college, and remember, you will always have a home here.

BASIS Independent Brooklyn is a PreK–Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bears community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here. 

From Page to Carnegie Hall: Celebrating Kurn S., Class of 2026

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For many students, writing is an assignment. For Kurn S., it has always been something deeper—a way to understand the world, and himself within it.

That passion culminated this year in one of the highest honors a young writer can achieve. Kurn was named a 2026 National Gold Medal Portfolio Award recipient in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, placing him among just 16 students nationwide selected from over 10,000 submissions. The award represents the highest distinction in the competition and is awarded to only 16 high school seniors each year—8 artists and 8 writers. As part of this recognition, Kurn received a $12,500 scholarship and traveled to New York City, where he was honored on stage at Carnegie Hall.

Kurn S. holds his National Gold Medal Portfolio Award at Carnegie Hall, honoring his achievement as one of just 8 writers nationwide selected for this distinction.

His winning portfolio, Cosmology of My Second Spines, explores themes of identity, memory, and reconstruction. Rather than building a perfectly cohesive collection, Kurn leaned into something more authentic.

“My portfolio existed less as a curation of connected works and instead displayed the real, live way the human mind moves through memories the body refuses to remember,” he shared.

This willingness to embrace complexity—and even fragmentation—is part of what defines his voice as a writer. His English Subject Expert Teacher, Hal Hansen, describes his work as “sincere, personal, and very intuitive,” noting that “he’s very creative and original.”

In addition to his Scholastic recognition, Kurn was also named a 2026 YoungArts Winner with Distinction, placing him among the top 150 young creatives nationwide. Earlier this year, he traveled to Miami for National YoungArts Week, where he collaborated with peers across disciplines and performed his work at the historic Lyric Theater. He also served as the 2025–2026 Santa Clara County Youth Poet Laureate, acting as a literary ambassador and working with local schools and organizations to expand access to creative writing.

Kurn S. performs his spoken word poetry at the historic Lyric Theater during National YoungArts Week in Miami.

Behind these accomplishments is a process grounded in observation and patience. Kurn describes constantly capturing small, fleeting moments—details that might otherwise go unnoticed—and later transforming them into layered imagery and metaphor. His work often evolves over time, revisited and refined with fresh perspective.

At BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, he credits his growth in part to his AP English Literature experience, where he was able to put language to instincts he had developed on his own. Through studying poetic structure, sound, and technique, he strengthened both his analytical and creative confidence.

Still, sharing deeply personal work has not always come easily. Writing, for him, is often an act of vulnerability—one that requires both courage and acceptance.

“It’s most important for me to be proud of what I have created, and to know that it is brave to share my work with the world,” he reflected.

This mindset has shaped not only his success, but also his perspective on achievement. While recognition has been meaningful, he remains grounded in the purpose behind his work.

“Art should always be written first for the self and second for the audience.”

Hansen sees this dedication as something lasting well beyond high school. “I think Kurn is going to be writing for the rest of his life,” he shared. “He’s a natural born writer, and writers tend to write.”

This fall, Kurn will attend Stanford University, where he plans to major in Symbolic Systems, an interdisciplinary field combining neuroscience, linguistics, computer science, and philosophy. While he does not plan to pursue writing professionally, he intends to continue engaging with poetry through spoken word groups, student publications, and research exploring the intersection of neuroscience and creative expression.

Kurn celebrates a milestone moment, holding his diploma at graduation as he closes one chapter and begins the next.

“In a lot of ways, this recognition feels like a simultaneous cap on my high school creative writing career and a stepping stone for the next era of my life,” he said. “I will always consider myself a poet.”

His achievement also reflects a broader culture of writing at BISV. As Hansen noted, “There are more young writers at BISV than you’d maybe think… and Kurn did really well this year.”

From the classroom to the stage at Carnegie Hall, Kurn’s journey reflects the power of authentic expression and the impact of pursuing one’s passions with intention. As he begins this next chapter, his voice—and the stories he tells—will undoubtedly continue to evolve.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is a TK – Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bobcat community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here. 

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Quiz Bowl Earns National Recognition at Middle School National Championship

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The BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Quiz Bowl team earned an impressive 8th-place finish at the 2026 NAQT Middle School National Championship Tournament, held May 8–10, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. Competing against 192 teams from across the country, the result marks the program’s first national-level trophy since 2018. The tournament is widely regarded as the pinnacle of middle school academic competition in the United States.

Qualifying for the national championship alone is considered a major accomplishment, particularly within the highly competitive Northern California Quiz Bowl circuit. BISV entered the tournament as one of the top-ranked teams in the nation after winning multiple regional tournaments throughout the season, carrying that momentum into one of the strongest national fields in recent years.

Team members from left, Andrew F., Ishani D., Ishaan D., and Aditya H.

What makes the team’s achievement especially remarkable is the composition of the roster. Despite being one of the younger teams competing at the tournament, the group worked together to secure a top-10 national finish and establish BISV among the country’s elite middle school Quiz Bowl programs.

The National Championship result also capped an exceptional season for Ishaan D. Earlier this year, he was named NAQT Middle School Player of the Week by the National Academic Quiz Tournaments organization, a national recognition awarded to standout players during the regular season. At the national championship tournament, he also earned an All-Star Award, an honor reserved for the top 30 highest-scoring individual competitors across the entire field. These accomplishments follow his Rising Star Award earned at the 2025 National Championship, further establishing him as one of the nation’s most accomplished middle school Quiz Bowl competitors.

The 2026 National Championship team included Ishaan D. (Grade 8) as captain, along with Grade 6 students Aditya H., Andrew F., and Ishani D. as team members. The team’s achievement was also featured in the Mercury News, highlighting this exciting milestone on a broader stage.

Congratulations to the BISV Quiz Bowl team on an outstanding season and a historic national finish.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is a TK – Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bobcat community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here. 

BASIS Independent Manhattan: Class of 2026 College Results

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In the world of New York City private schools, success is often measured by numbers—test scores, GPAs, and matriculation lists. We are proud of our nine seniors whose collective impact resulted in monumental success.

Our Class of 2026 finalized their plans for the fall, and the results tell a story of intellectual curiosity, resilience, and the power of a personalized education. From the historic campuses of the Ivy League to the nation’s premier research hubs, our seniors are headed to institutions that reflect their unique passions and the high-rigor college-prep they received at BASIS Independent Manhattan.

Redefining Elite Results in NYC

two male senior students hold up college flags to show where they are enrolled -- one says Carnegie Mellon University and the other one says Yale.

When looking at the landscape of a private school in Manhattan, it is rare to see such a high density of elite placements within a single graduating cohort. While larger institutions may celebrate dozens of acceptances, the statistical acceptance rate for our nine seniors is extraordinary. Among this year’s Class of 2026:

  • 100% gained acceptance and enrolled in schools ranked in the Top 50.
  • 33% secured spots at Top 15 universities (as ranked by U.S. News & World Report).
  • 56% received offers from institutions within the Top 25 nationally, including prestigious names like Yale University, Columbia University, and the University of Michigan.

This is a testament to the BASIS Curriculum, our scaffolded college prep that starts in grade 9, and the dedicated teachers who know each student so they can excel no matter the competitive landscape.

The Privilege of Options and the Right Fit

While our seniors ultimately chose eight world-class institutions for their next chapter, their collective List of Acceptances (found at the end of this post) afforded them the comfort of selecting the “perfect fit” for their next ambitious pursuits.

  • The Ivy League: Students will be heading to Yale University and Columbia University, continuing our legacy of placement in the world’s most storied academic environments.
  • The Public Ivies: The University of Michigan and the University of Virginia—two of the most selective public institutions in the world—will welcome our graduates this fall.
  • Specialized Excellence: With enrollments at Carnegie Mellon University, Northeastern University (two students), George Washington University, and American University, our students are pursuing careers in everything from cutting-edge tech and engineering to global policy and international relations.

*See the full list of College Acceptances for the Class of 2026 at the bottom of this blog.

four students walk through Yale University on a college tour.
Senior went face-to-face with our faculty on Pi Day.
The annual seniors vs. teachers basketball game.
A little snow fun on the roof for our seniors.

The BASIS Curriculum: Prepared for Any Path

What makes a BASIS Independent Manhattan student stand out in a sea of thousands of applications? It begins long before the college essay. From the Middle School Program through our specialized High School offerings, students are asked to take ownership of their learning. By the time they reach their senior year, they have already mastered collegiate-level discourse and advanced STEM concepts.

This preparation allows our seniors to approach the admissions process with a level of confidence and agency. Whether they are discussing social-emotional learning (SEL) initiatives or presenting their Senior Projects, they attract admissions officers because of their high achievement and because they are ready to contribute meaningfully to a campus community.

juniors and seniors smile in a group standing on the gym floor at Chelsea Piers while their parents are in front of them taking pictures

Looking Ahead

As the Class of 2026 prepares to walk across the stage and head to New Haven, Ann Arbor, Charlottesville, and beyond, they leave behind a legacy of excellence. They have proven that a PreK-12 education in New York City doesn’t have to be a “one-size-fits-all” journey. At BASIS Independent Manhattan, we remain committed to ensuring that every student who walks through our doors is given the tools to find their own version of a Top 50 success story. We look forward to seeing how these nine individuals change the world. After all, if they could achieve this much in a class of nine, there is no limit to what they will do on the global stage.

Curious about how our High School program prepares students for the Ivy League and beyond? Visit our school to experience BASIS Independent Manhattan firsthand or explore our academics page to learn more about the BASIS Curriculum.

BASIS Independent Manhattan Class of 2026 College Acceptances

American University

Amherst College

Babson College

Binghamton University

Bocconi University

Carnegie Mellon University

Columbia University

Cornell University

Dartmouth College

Denison University

Drexel University

Fordham University

George Mason University

George Washington University

Georgia Institute of Technology

Indiana University-Bloomington

Ithaca College

James Madison University

Northeastern University

Purdue University (Main Campus)

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rice University

Rochester Institute of Technology

Skidmore College

Stony Brook University

SUNY University at Buffalo

Syracuse University

The Ohio State University

The University of Warwick

Tulane University of Louisiana

University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Davis

University of California, Los Angeles

University of California, Santa Barbara

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Maryland-College Park

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

University of Miami

University of Michigan

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of Southern California

University of St Andrews

University of Toronto

University of Vermont

University of Virginia

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Vassar College

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Yale University

Grade 5 Students Take on the National Latin Exam

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This March, our Grade 5 Latin students reached an exciting milestone as they participated in the National Latin Exam (NLE) for the very first time.

The National Latin Exam is a nationally recognized academic competition that invites students to demonstrate their knowledge of Latin language and culture. Covering areas such as vocabulary, grammar, mythology, history, and Roman life, the exam offers students a chance to apply what they have learned in the classroom while also seeing how they compare with peers across the country.

The exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions, with awards granted based on the number of correct answers. Students can earn distinctions ranging from Cum Laude to the prestigious Gold Medal and Summa Cum Laude recognition.

We would like to congratulate all of our Grade 5 participants for taking on this challenge and representing our school so thoughtfully. We are especially proud to recognize the following students who earned top honors:

Gold Medalists (Summa Cum Laude, 37+ correct):
Sid M.
Lucas Z.
Anya G.
Joyce L.
Ethan W.
Jasper S.

Silver Medalists (Maxima Cum Laude, 35–36 correct):
Niam S.
Alex W.
Lily W.
Yuxin X.
Avery X.
Derek L.
Yuchen H.
Olivia C.

In total, more than half of our participating students received awards, an impressive accomplishment. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that our Grade 5 students are competing above the typical level. At many schools, students take this introductory exam in Grades 6 through 8, meaning our students are engaging with the material several years earlier. In fact, Grade 5 is not even a standard option for the exam, and had to be entered as “other.”

Reflecting on the experience, Latin teacher Mr. Salehzai shared, “The NLE is something very near and dear to my heart because it was the one time each year when I felt I could be proud of my own interests and skillset. And now, it feels like déjà vu seeing the same spark in our students that once shined in me when I myself took the NLE in high school. I’m extremely proud of our students not just for how well they performed, but also for how excited and supportive they were of each other during the whole process.”

This experience not only highlights the strength of our Latin program, but also reflects the curiosity, dedication, and enthusiasm of our students. By taking on this challenge early, they are building a strong foundation that will support continued success in the years ahead.

We look forward to seeing these students continue their Latin journey and take on the National Latin Exam again at the Upper School campus, striving for even greater accomplishments.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is a TK–Grade 12 private school, offering an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bobcat community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here. 

A Culture of Service and Leadership – National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society at BASIS Independent Bellevue

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At BASIS Independent Bellevue, leadership and service are embedded into the student experience. Through the National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), students take on meaningful roles that extend beyond the classroom, contributing to both their school community and the world around them. 

National Junior Honor Society (NJHS)
National Honor Society (NHS)

A Selective Path to Membership

Membership in NHS and NJHS reflects more than strong academics; students must also demonstrate consistent commitment to the five core pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship. 

Applicants complete written reflections, provide evidence of their involvement, and submit character recommendations from faculty in addition to demonstrating scholarship through maintaining high grades. A committee of teachers and administrators carefully reviews each application before making final decisions. Because students reapply each year, membership represents an ongoing commitment, not a one-time achievement.  

Students formally join their chapters during an annual induction ceremony, where they reflect on the organization’s values, take their membership oath, receive their membership pin from our Head of School Dr. Thies, and are recognized for their accomplishments. Returning members are also celebrated for their continued contributions and growth.  

NJHS: Building Foundations for Service

This year, the NJHS chapter has 27 students from grades 7–9, each working diligently to stay committed to upholding NJHS’ principles and continually engaging in their own personal growth and community impact. In addition to maintaining strong academic standing, students attend the monthly planning meetings, contribute a minimum of 15 volunteer hours, organize and produce a student-led project, and volunteer for at least one school-sponsored event.  

So far in the 2025–2026 year, members have completed a variety of creative projects, ranging from assisting in their favorite classes, joining the stage crew for our school’s productions, leading a school-wide Kindness Week mural activity, and planting flowers to beautify our campus. Outside of school, students are judging debate tournaments, leading skiing lessons, and so much more.

Sophia T., Grade 9 with her Kindness Mural Project
Planting flowers for our campus

NHS: Expanding Leadership and Impact

Beginning in grade 10, students can apply to NHS, where expectations and opportunities grow. In addition to continuing their service work, members can run for leadership roles such as President, Vice President, and Secretary. 

The Executive Board leads monthly meetings using Parliamentary Procedure, manages chapter operations, and coordinates large-scale service initiatives. Recent projects include partnerships with the Bellevue Urban Garden and collaboration with Student Affairs to help plan Student Appreciation Week, which gives students real experience working with community organizations and campus leadership. 

NHS members complete at least 30 service hours annually, with a balance of on-campus and community-based work. They also support school events each trimester and lead at least one initiative, managing a team and coordinating with staff. 

Their contributions are visible across campus life: from organizing events like Homecoming, Spirit Week, and the Color Run, to leading middle school clubs. In the broader community, students volunteer in dance studios, tutor peers online, assist with local events like Bellevue’s Holidays on the Hill, and support public institutions like libraries, all while balancing a rigorous academic workload. 

This year’s inaugural NHS cohort of 11 students has already made a strong impact, setting a high standard for future members!

BLV’s Color Run
Holidays on the Hill
Bellevue Urban Garden

A Culture of Excellence and Empathy

From middle school through high school, BLV students are developing not only as scholars, but as leaders and community members. NHS and NJHS provide a structured pathway for students to grow in responsibility, initiative, and service, which are skills that will extend far beyond their time on campus. 

The result is a student culture that values both achievement and empathy, where leadership is defined not just by what students accomplish, but by how they contribute to others. We are so proud of our student leaders, and we are excited to see what future impact they will have! 

Leading with Purpose: Shogun R. Receives NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award

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We are proud to celebrate Grade 7 student Shogun R., who has been recognized with the prestigious National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) Outstanding Achievement Award—a national honor that highlights exceptional scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship.

For Shogun, the award represents more than recognition—it reflects the values he strives to live by every day.

“Winning the NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award is incredibly meaningful to me because it validates that hard work, kindness, and a dedication to learning are impactful,” he shared. “It reminds me that being a good person and having a strong work ethic can turn all my dreams into reality.”

Shogun’s journey to this achievement has been shaped by both his leadership and his commitment to service. After earning the NJHS Pillar of Character recognition in the 2024–2025 school year, he stepped into the role of NJHS Vice President, where he helped lead initiatives and create new opportunities for student involvement.

“Volunteering at a variety of local community agencies helped me better understand the needs of our community,” he explained. “I wanted to make community service more accessible for middle school students and create opportunities for others to get involved.”

As Vice President, Shogun strengthened his leadership through collaboration and communication—working closely with fellow NJHS members and advisors to organize meetings, plan agendas, and bring ideas to life.

“I’ve honed my skills through respectful interactions and positive engagement with my peers and teachers,” he said.

Behind his success is a strong network of mentors and supporters. Shogun credits NJHS advisors Ms. Mujic and Mr. Salazar, along with Director of Student Affairs Ms. Moorthy, for helping him grow as a leader and encouraging him to use his voice to make a positive impact.

He also draws inspiration from his teachers and family. “My teachers consistently bring positivity and passion into the classroom, even with a rigorous workload,” he noted. “At home, my parents have supported me through academics, community service, and even the demands of competitive fencing, always reminding me to maintain balance and wellbeing.”

His NJHS advisor, Ms. Mujic, shared her pride in his accomplishments: “I am pleased to hear Shogun was named a recipient of the NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award! Shogun has been a stellar example of the five pillars of NJHS for our campus community. He has done an excellent job as Vice President of our chapter this year, consistently demonstrating strong leadership, responsibility, and initiative.”

Looking ahead, Shogun remains focused on growth and impact. He hopes to continue developing creative solutions to support his community while maintaining excellence in his academic pursuits.

To students considering NJHS or leadership opportunities, his advice is simple but powerful:
“Don’t be afraid to try something new. Leadership can start with being thoughtful, respectful, and kind. It’s not just about academic success—it’s about how you help improve the lives of others.”

Shogun’s achievement is a reflection of both his dedication and his character, and we are excited to see the continued impact he will make in our community and beyond.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is a TK–Grade 12 private school, offering an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bobcat community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here. 

2025 – 2026 Subject Advisor of the Year

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We extend heartfelt congratulations to our 2025 – 2026 Subject Advisor (SAD) of the Year, Ms. Vivian Gao, from BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Lower! Ms. Gao is the Subject Advisor for Music in PreK – Grade 5. 

Congratulations, too, to our runners-up, Ms. Swetha Bhattacharya (Computer Science) from BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Upper, and Ms. Sofia Perez-Vargas (Pre-Algebra and Algebra & Geometry I), from BASIS Independent Bellevue!   

The SAD of the Year is a celebration and greater recognition of all the work our Subject Advisors (SADs) do, including providing template syllabi for our Subject Expert Teachers (SET), creating assessments, collaborating with other SETs across the BASIS Independent Schools network, and working incredibly hard to build subject mastery for each of our students.  

“Subject Advisors are a vital part of the BASIS Independent Schools academic model—they embody our reliance on and commitment to our Subject Expert Teachers’ expertise,” explained Ms. Linda Louis, BASIS Independent Schools Senior Director of Curriculum. “It is important to acknowledge the myriad ways they impact our network and to give teachers the opportunity to reflect on how much their work has been positively shaped by their SADs.”  

The Role of a Subject Advisor (SAD): Curriculum and Community  
BASIS Curriculum Schools have a Subject Advisor for each required course and some electives, all the way from STEM Discovery in PreK to Capstone courses for seniors. A SAD is first and foremost a classroom teacher; experienced BASIS Curriculum Schools Subject Expert Teachers apply to take on the SAD role and become extensions of the BASIS Curriculum Team. SADs are responsible for updating the curriculum and refining vertical alignment annually. This task involves looking beyond their classroom experiences, seeking input from teachers across the network of BASIS Independent and International Schools, incorporating insights from assessment data, and considering ongoing conversations in their fields.  

The Power of a Network, Amplified by Subject Advisors  
Throughout the year, SADs provide valuable guidance on the BASIS Curriculum and assessments and offer course-specific discussion prompts in frequent newsletters. In the forums SADs create, teachers can share their unique instructional approaches and request resources or assistance. SADs also host network-wide meetings over Zoom throughout the year to cultivate a community of colleagues, including a half-day of collaboration on the BASIS Independent Schools In-Service Day each fall. Their role in facilitating opportunities for professional growth and development ensures continuous improvement in the educational experience provided to students.  

Ms. Gao had the following to share about the role:  

“Being a Subject Advisor is meaningful to me because it allows me to support our Subject Expert Teachers while strengthening the connection between the BASIS Curriculum and classroom practice. I really value the opportunity to collaborate with educators and grow together to create meaningful learning experiences for our students.” 

Choosing the Subject Advisor of the Year  
Teachers across our network were asked to nominate their SAD in an anonymous, voluntary survey. The BASIS Curriculum Team reviewed all entries, carefully considering responses on several essential criteria, including thoughtful guidance on the BASIS Curriculum, sharing of high-quality resources, and facilitating professional learning communities among their colleagues. Teachers’ enthusiastic endorsements of their course’s Subject Advisor as the most supportive made it difficult to choose a winner, but nominations for Ms. Gao stood out. 

Writes one of Ms. Gao’s advisees: “I really appreciate Ms. Gao’s support as a SAD. She’s always approachable and offers practical and grounded guidance to support young learners. The strategies and resources she shares are clear and immediately usable. She also listens to teachers’ suggestions and collects our questions into key discussion points for our SAD meetings [these are Zoom calls for teachers of the same course throughout the BASIS Independent Schools network]. I really like her as my Subject Advisor!” 

“Working with Ms. Gao is a joy, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have her on the Curriculum Team as a SAD,” expressed Ms. Wen Yang, BASIS Independent Schools Professional Development Manager. “Whether she’s leading professional development workshops, reviewing teachers’ syllabi, or revising the Primary Program music curriculum, she brings a remarkable level of dedication and intention to everything she does. Her impact is especially evident in the way she supports our Subject Expert Teachers. From the thoughtful, high-quality newsletters she creates to the rich, differentiated resources and activities she shares, Ms. Gao consistently goes above and beyond. She also fosters meaningful collaboration through the well-organized and engaging SAD meetings she leads, helping our Subject Expert Teachers feel supported, inspired, and connected.”  

We are incredibly grateful to our exceptional Subject Advisors for their hard work and dedication. Congratulations on the completion of another school year!

Student Spotlight: Ishani D. Advances to the Scripps National Spelling Bee

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Ishani D. (Grade 6) recently competed in the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee on Sunday, March 29, where she placed among the top four students, qualifying for the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. this May. The Bay Area regional is known for its high level of competition, bringing together top spellers from across the region.

Ishani has been building toward this achievement over several years, having participated in spelling competitions since Grade 4. Her preparation for the regional bee centered on the Words of the Champions list, a core resource for competitive spellers. Over time, she has developed a strong understanding of spelling patterns and word origins, which helps her approach unfamiliar words with greater confidence—an important skill in later rounds of competition.

“I am really excited that I was able to qualify for the Nationals. It is such a prestigious tournament! I will prepare hard and give it my best shot!”

Following the regional bee, Ishani described an initial sense of surprise at qualifying, which quickly shifted to excitement as she connected with other participants and families and began preparing for the next stage of competition.

In preparation for Nationals, Ishani is using the Merriam-Webster app as a primary study tool. Her plan includes daily practice of about an hour, along with longer study sessions on weekends. This consistent approach reflects the level of commitment typically required to compete at the national level.

“Our school could not be more proud of Ishani’s success at the Regional Spelling Bee. This impressive achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Bobcats. We look forward to cheering her on at Nationals.” — Mr. Henriquez, Associate Head of School

Ishani will represent the BISV community at the Scripps National Spelling Bee this May, joining top student spellers from across the country.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is a TK–Grade 12 private school, offering an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bobcat community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here. 

38 BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Seniors Named 2026 National Merit Finalists

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We are proud to celebrate an exceptional milestone for our senior class: 38 of our students have been named National Merit Finalists, placing them among the top academic performers in the nation. This achievement reflects their talent, dedication, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is one of the most prestigious academic competitions in the United States. Starting with the PSAT/NMSQT in junior year, students must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and personal achievement to advance from Semifinalist to Finalist—a distinction earned by only about 15,000 students nationwide.

Our Finalists exemplify engaged scholarship and leadership. They have challenged themselves with rigorous coursework, contributed to school life, and pursued their passions with purpose. Their success is a testament to their perseverance and the supportive, challenging community at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, where curiosity, critical thinking, and excellence are cultivated every day.

As Finalists, these students are now considered for National Merit Scholarships, awarded by the organization, corporations, and colleges. While not all will receive a scholarship, reaching this stage is a significant honor and opens doors to future opportunities.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all 38 of our National Merit Finalists. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited to see the impact they will continue to make.

2026 National Merit Finalists:

Aaditya B.

Peter C.

Xiangtuo C.

Anna D.

Eileen G.

Maximilian G.

Aanya G.

Ellen H.

Chloe H.

Grace H.

Nishka J.

Arshiya K.

Manant K.

Aaron H. L.

Albert S. L.

Angela L.

Junren L.

Leo L.

Weiping L.

Maggie L.

Alexander M.

Arjun M.

Nikola M.

Nelson N.

Helen P.

Xinyue R.

Archita S.

Manasi S.

Yifan S.

Caroline T.

Lily T.

Aryan T.

Richard W.

Yujie W.

Maggie X.

Catherine Y.

Yiyang Z.

Lawrence Z.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is a TK–Grade 12 private school, offering an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bobcat community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.