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Student Spotlight

More than a Photo Op: BIM Stduents Meet with Former Indian Ambassador

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This August, BIM senior Aarya Vaghela and junior Rishik Pulli had the privilege of meeting Harsh Vardhan Shringla, former Foreign Secretary and Indian Ambassador to the United States and current member of the upper house in Parliament, at a reception hosted by the Indian American Business Impact Group.

Rishik says that Mr. Shringla MP spoke eloquently about US-India relations and expressed optimism about reaching trade agreements. Afterwards, Rishik and Aarya were able to get a photo with Mr. Shringla, MP.

But this wasn’t just a photo op! Some quick thinking gave Aarya and Rishik the opportunity to have a lengthy conversation with the former ambassador. When the venue ran out of food, Aarya suggested heading to a nearby restaurant. He and Rishik not only ended up in the same car as Mr. Shringla MP, but they also sat next to the former ambassador in the restaurant.

Your typical teenager might be tongue-tied in such a situation, but Aarya and Rishik are BIM students! They discussed the state of health care in India and, in particular, efforts to integrate digital technology, before the conversation turned to the non-profit Aarya and Rishik are involved with: Jaipur Foot. Jaipur Foot uses digital printing to quickly produce below-the-knee prosthetics, which they have provided for free to nearly a million people worldwide. Aarya and Rishik are helping to coordinate and publicize Jaipur Foot’s upcoming camp in Trinidad and Tobago, and Mr. Shringla MP agreed to be there. 

That’s what we call taking a photo op and seizing the opportunity. For more on Jaipur Foot, or to donate online, go to https://www.jaipurfoot.org

Celebrating a Record-Breaking Year for Academic Excellence

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We are thrilled to celebrate a truly outstanding year of academic achievement at BASIS Independent Manhattan, as our students have once again surpassed expectations on their Advanced Placement (AP) exams and earned significant recognition from the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

This year’s results are a testament to our students’ dedication and our teachers’ commitment to fostering a culture of excellence. We are incredibly proud to announce that 69% of our AP test-taking students received AP Scholar Awards, a remarkable achievement that demonstrates consistent growth since our first AP exam administration.

By the Numbers: Our Students Continue to Excel

The achievements of our students speak for themselves:

  • 35 students have earned AP Scholar Awards across various categories.
  • 4 juniors have received a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for their outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT.
  • Our students’ average AP score was an impressive 4.28 out of 5, significantly higher than the overall average for the rest of the country and abroad, which was 3.12.
graphic showing average ap score and number of ap scholars

A Track Record of Growth and Success

Our commitment to academic excellence is reflected in the steady growth of our AP Scholar recognition year after year. The number of students receiving these prestigious awards has consistently grown since our first AP exam administration.

  • 2022-2023: 47% of test-takers were recognized as AP Scholars
  • 2023-2024: 51% of test-takers were recognized
  • 2024-2025: 69% of test-takers were recognized

“The year-over-year increase in how many of our students are honored as AP Scholars is a fantastic representation of the BASIS Independent Manhattan program and the teachers who deliver our curriculum,” said Ms. Cyndriel Meimban, Director of Academic Programs. “Hard work, dedication, and intellectual curiosity have enabled them to excel at the highest levels of academic achievement, and we are incredibly proud of their outstanding accomplishments on the AP Exams.”

This upward trend is a clear indicator of our students’ rising potential and the strength of our rigorous academic program.

Recognizing Our Scholars

We would like to celebrate every one of our students who worked tirelessly to achieve these results. Their hard work and determination are truly inspiring.

National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Students

  • Maxfield S.
  • Sean F.
  • Symir T.
  • Zixi Y.
national merit scholarship commended students
AP ScholarAP Scholar with HonorAP Scholar with Distinction
Daniel C. (Gr. 10)Joshua Ag. (Gr. 10)Finn B. (Gr. 10)
Anderson C. (Gr. 10)Aidan B. (Gr. 10)Stella C. (Gr. 11)
Isabella D. (Gr. 10)Yujia (Zoe) G. (Gr. 10)Charles D. (Gr. 11)
Or H-U. (Gr. 10)Saira K. (Gr. 10)Sean F. (Gr. 11)
Julia N. (Gr. 11)Lucia M. (Gr. 10)Eli F. (Gr. 11)
Evan N. (Gr. 10)Apostolos R. (Gr. 10)Felix H. (Gr. 10)
Julien N. (Gr. 10)Charles S. (Gr. 10)Kaylee H. (Gr. 10)
Uliana T. (Gr. 10)Andrew S. (Gr. 11)Arry J. (Gr. 12) + AP Capstone Diploma
Lola O. (Gr. 11)
Marcus P. (Gr. 12) + AP Capstone Diploma
Maximilian R-J. (Gr. 11)
Dashiell S. (Gr. 11)
Maxfield S. (Gr. 11)
Alex S. (Gr. 10)
Joshua (J.J.) S. (Gr. 10)
Symir T. (Gr. 11)
Amelie W. (Gr. 10)
Zixi Y. (Gr. 11)
Isabella (Izzy) Z. (Gr. 10)

Congratulations once more to these bright minds and the supportive teachers and families who have helped them along the way. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to their continued success!

Interested in learning more about our program? We invite you to visit our school at an upcoming Fall Open House on October 25 (PreK–5) and October 26 (Gr. 6–12) or contact our Admissions team to see if BASIS Independent Manhattan is the right fit for you.

BASIS Independent Manhattan, a private school offering PreK through Grade 12, is based in Manhattan, New York. Students thrive alongside Subject Expert Teachers as they engage in a liberal arts program with STEM offerings. 

Class of 2025: A Yellow Jacket Send-Off

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What makes a BASIS Independent Fremont graduation special? It’s not just the academic achievements or college acceptances—though our Class of 2025 certainly excelled in both areas. It’s the authentic voice of our students and the unique community they’ve built together over the years.

When our forty-eight graduates walked across the stage at the Fremont Downtown Event Center on May 22, they carried with them years of shared experiences that can only happen at our close-knit Yellow Jacket campus. Now, several months later, as these graduates embark on their first semester at top universities nationwide, we’re reminded of what made their send-off so memorable.

A standout moment of our ceremony came from student speaker Soorya I., whose address was chosen by our faculty panel for its humor, honesty, and heart. His speech captured something essential about the BASIS Independent Fremont experience—and we wanted to share it with our community as a reminder of what makes our graduates so special.

Student Address by Soorya I., Class of 2025

For those of you that don’t know me, I’m Soorya I.: 5.0 GPA, varsity athlete, astronaut, devilishly handsome looks. For those of you that do know me: shhhhh.

I’m incredibly grateful to be up here, speaking to you all. We’ll remember today for the rest of our lives, and I have the privilege of framing that precious memory with this speech. You’ve made a very bold choice, letting me do this. It’s a bit like trusting Kevin Z. with cutlery, but… I promise I’ll wield my power responsibly. Maybe.

On paper, my job is to surface the good times—a collective walk down memory lane, congratulating our graduates, thanking our incredible teachers and staff (shoutout Dr. Araci!) — but Aashna already nailed that, and I’m not one to follow convention anyway.

Instead, I want to tell you about the time I tried leaving BIF.

Toward the end of freshman year, I began to feel restless at our little Fremont campus despite months of unrelenting connection, friendship, and support. I remember blasting reggaeton at lunch with Atharv and Arush almost every day, workshopping quirky bio presentations with Kristina and Olivia, playing Snake with James during Teacher Jasica’s work periods, but somehow, I’d convinced myself I was missing out on the real “high school experience”. I blame Disney movies.

In any case, I chose to take my future into my own hands. I applied to several awesome high schools in the area and even a boarding school down in Carmel, and luckily for me, admissions across the board meant I could have my pick. After giving it thought, I elected to attend Mission San Jose High School to really live that authentic television fairytale.

I only lasted two weeks without you guys.

Here’s the truth: BASIS Independent Fremont is a tiny STEM institution with a student body of 351 sharing a 60,000 square foot complex with a church. We’ve got sixth graders running around the halls, freshmen doing calculus, an average SAT score in the 1500s, and a majority of the student body taking part in some honor society or university-level research.

But everyone says hi in the halls. People will stop whatever they’re doing to give you a hand. We love our teachers because they love their fields, and we love our admin because we can actually talk to them like they’re people. And everyone loves the Munchie Meal lunch runs at Jack in the Box. Jalapeño poppers form the kind of deep-fried friendships that last till you’re eighty (if you survive all the grease).

See, I think I’m a Yellow Jacket at heart. We’re super territorial, and we sting anyone that comes by… I’m kidding. We’re a strange, close-knit bunch characterized by burning curiosity and unending drive. How could I stay away? From Sachit’s depth of meteorological expertise to Justin’s, well, everything, each of us has our place in this community. I don’t think there’s a single thing that’s conventional about us, and it took losing my footing for a moment to understand the beauty in that.

Let it hit you like it’s hitting me now. We’re done. We grew up together, and now we’re adults, now we’re diving into the world, scattered. Jobs, home ownership, marriage, children, midlife crises in a candy blue Corvette… real life is just a tomorrow away.

And yet, as much as things are about to change, one thing won’t: the clichéd American high school experience will never apply to me, or any of you. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Now, for the final time, from the very bottom of my heart — thank you to our teachers, staff, families and loved ones, my dog Tony, and our weird, lovable graduating class of 2025.

Thank you to Soorya and our entire Class of 2025 for bringing such joy and authenticity to our Yellow Jacket community! As they now set out on their college journeys, we continue to cheer them on in this exciting new chapter.

Want to see where our graduates are headed? Click here to explore the outstanding college admissions achieved by our Class of 2025.

BASIS Independent Fremont 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 BASIS Independent Fremont community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

Alexander D. ’31 Brings Back Gold from the International History Olympiad

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In July of this summer, Grade 7 student Alexander D. ’31 took part in the International History Olympiad in Paris, France, where he won a gold medal in the Hextathlon team event, finished 7th in the History Bee, and came in 19th overall individually! He was also selected to carry the Virginia flag during the opening ceremony.

The Olympiad took place at the École Jeannine Manuel, a high school not far from the Eiffel Tower. It featured 432 contestants from all over the world, competing in a mix of individual tests and buzzer events similar to Quiz Bowl. It was a friendly competition, with contestants exchanging pins and chatting before matches. “We liked to talk about politics,” Alexander says, “but the adults kept telling us not to.”

This is Alexander’s second Olympiad, after competing in last year’s International Geography Olympiad in Vienna, Austria. He reached Paris by coming in second at regionals and making the quarterfinals of the national competition in Orlando. Alexander says he first became interested in history during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he spent a lot of time watching documentaries. He thought Grade 4 history was fun, and in Grade 5, he joined the Quiz Bowl team at BASIS Independent McLean and specialized in history. One of the parent coaches suggested he try out for the international competition.

His time in Europe was not all about competing. Alexander took advantage of the chance to visit historical sites: the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Black Forest in Germany, and the castles of “Mad” King Ludwig II in Bavaria. A special highlight was seeing Albert Einstein’s PhD thesis paper in Zurich. He also loved the food, saying, “I enjoyed eating at French restaurants, especially the duck confit and steak frites. I also tried my mom’s escargot, which didn’t taste as bad as I thought it would.”

Congratulations to Alexander from everyone here at BIM!

2025 Senior Projects: From Research to Real-World Impact

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Our 2025 seniors are gone but not forgotten, and our college counseling department has already had several meetings with our 2026 seniors, who are gearing up for their final year at BIM.

One of the most exciting and rewarding parts of that final year is the Senior Project, which gives students a chance to build on all they have learned at BIM by doing in-depth research into a topic of their choosing. In the first two trimesters, seniors work with faculty advisors to propose and start their projects. In the third trimester, students further their research through an internship under the guidance of an on-site mentor. The final result is a culmination of all that students have learned and an invaluable preparation for what is to come next.

Last year, eight of our students completed Senior Projects and earned high honors diplomas. Their internships ranged from work at companies like Mitre and Glycosa, to research with a professor at Villanova University, to a position with the Aspiring Scholars Direct Research Program in California. 

They came together on May 22 to present their research to the BIM community at the Senior Showcase. They did some amazing work! There were so many highlights, some of which included:

We are incredibly proud of all our seniors have achieved, and we look forward to seeing the amazing work of next year’s senior class!

——— The End of Blog ———

The Alumni Voice: Sean P., Class of 2021

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Sean P. graduated from BASIS Independent McLean in 2021. He recently graduated from Brown University. In early July, he sat down for an interview with Dr. Hight, our Student Advancement Manager, to discuss his experience at Brown, his time at BASIS Independent McLean, and what’s next for him.

Dr. Hight: You recently graduated from Brown University. Congratulations! What was your favorite thing about college?

Sean: Oh my God… Nothing in high school could have really prepared me for what college is like. It’s so great. Like when they say it’s the best four years of her life, I really do think it is if you make the most of it. Over the past four years, being able to connect with various faculty through research or academics, and being able to meet so many different people from different backgrounds, whether that be through club sports or through clubs or even, meeting someone through another friend at an event. That was so much fun, just building your network and seeing what all these amazing people are pursuing and being able to celebrate their highs and all of that.

Dr. Hight: What did you like about Brown in particular?

Sean: I think the open curriculum suited me really well. Even though my undergrad major was very, very STEM-based, I was able to pursue so many of the other classes and disciplines that I was interested in just because we had no requirements. So I explored psychology very thoroughly. I explored architecture. I explored some history. That was really rewarding. And I got to meet people from other colleges because Brown is near Boston, and so we do like a lot of networking events with other schools in Boston, Harvard in particular. And there are the big games where Brown and Harvard go against each other.  It was just so, so much fun.

Dr. Hight: How was the transition from high school, academically?

Sean: I will say, and I’ve told this to other BIM faculty, that the BIM curriculum prepares you very well for the rigor that is to come in college. I was really nervous entering my first college class as a freshman, not knowing what to expect, but then I end up realizing that the workload and what was expected of me was pretty similar to what I already experienced in high school and so a lot of the adjusting in college was more social and being away from home rather than an academic adjustment.

Dr. Hight: Is there anything about your experience at BIM that you found particularly helpful when you got to college?

Sean: You know, it’s crazy to say this, but the CJ that we had. I think people found that really dumb in high school when I was there, but it’s crazy how organized you have to be in college. You are on your own. There’s no one telling you like what to do, when to do it. You’re getting thrown all these assignments and midterm dates and final dates that are all different by class, and you’re the one responsible for getting those done on time. Also, I think that the capstone classes that we get to take as seniors were really helpful for college. APs are great, and the content tested on the AP exams is very similar to what you’re going to get into a college introduction class, but those capstone classes were more reflective of the classes that I had in college. I think the assignments that I had in my capstone classes, whether that be writing a paper or in a science class presenting a poster, those are things that you would find in college as well. So having those assignments and having done them already in high school really helped prepare me for college.

Dr. Hight: If you had one piece of advice for BIM high school students before they go to college, what would it be?

Sean: I think the most important thing academically, socially, and even clubs as well, is just to be open-minded. Don’t lock yourself in a box and say I’m gonna go down this route or pursue this major. I didn’t really go into college thinking that I wanted to pursue psychology, and then I took a psychology class my freshman year and ended up taking five different psychology classes by the time I graduated, even though I wasn’t a psych major. With clubs, too, when you go to the activities fair, it’s really easy to kind of go to the clubs for things you’ve done before, but trying clubs you might not have your eye on in the beginning, learning what they’re about, going to the first meeting: it’s a great way to meet new people and to just try new things. And that’s the best part about college, I think: discovering a new subject you like or finding new people and becoming friends with them out of a shared new hobby.

Dr. Hight: Let’s take a walk down memory lane. When you think about your time at BASIS Independent McLean, what do you think of? Do you have any particular memories connected to the school?

Sean: I was at BIM when it was still relatively a new school, and so we were kind of adjusting and learning and going through that with everyone in my grade that was just such a memorable experience. I think the class size being small was really helpful. I think my class was like thirty or forty kids, and because it was so small, we kind of all went through it together. It kind of baffles me when I talk with my college friends and they say they’re no longer close with anyone from high school. For me, that’s the opposite case. I still talk every day to some kids from high school, and when I come back home, we study together, we work together, we do things together, and so it’s really that tight knit community that is fostered at BIM and makes me nostalgic about it.

Dr. Hight: Let’s look forward a bit. What are you up to next?

Sean: I’m going to London to get my master’s in public health at Imperial College London, so I’ll be in the heart of the city.

Dr. Hight: That sounds amazing! Why London?

Sean: When it came to schools that I could have chosen for my master’s, I applied to schools abroad, and the reason being was as a pre-med student, it’s really hard to study abroad during your time in undergrad. I ultimately decided to pursue my master’s abroad so I can grow my knowledge of the world and experience different cultures.

Dr. Hight: You’ll be in London, do you have a favorite Premier League team?

Sean: I’m a huge Arsenal fan.

Dr. Hight: Nice. I’m a Fulham fan… But back to you: what comes after the master’s degree? Do you have a vision for where you see yourself in ten years?

Sean: Ultimately, I want to practice medicine.With my master’s, I want to learn the skills that go into pursuing a successful clinical research study, like learning how to deal with public health studies and how to deal with them on a population-based level. I’m hoping that I learn about how other countries tackle health, how the US could also learn from that, and hopefully I have a global perspective on health that I can bring to my experience as a doctor. I plan to go to medical school in the US. In ten years, I’ll probably be in my residency, practicing whatever specialty I choose. Hopefully, I’ll already be designing my own clinical research studies so that by the time I become a physician, I can just kind of roll it out and can somehow contribute to science, because that’s the ultimate goal for me.

Dr. Hight: That sound amazing, Sean. Thank you so much for your time. It was great catching up with you. Good luck in London and keep us posted!

The Alumni Voice is a blog series that explores the post-high school experience for our BIM graduates. We believe that a lasting partnership with our alumni is integral to the continued success and growth of our community. Stay tuned for our next blog of the series, coming up soon!

Class of 2025: Graduation Reflections

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On June 18th, 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 2025. Our twenty-four graduates are now poised to continue their academic careers in top colleges and universities across the country.

During the ceremony, Valedictorian Maxim S. expertly captured their time together as a class and inspired his fellow graduates to look ahead to all that is in store for them. We wanted to share his speech with our community since his words reflected the joy and honor at the heart of the celebration.

Address by Class of 2025 Valedictorian Maxim S.

Hello everyone, and thank you all for coming to celebrate this long-awaited achievement. It is an honor to stand on this stage as valedictorian—an honor I couldn’t have achieved without the unwavering support of my teachers, administrators, and, of course, my family.

Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt—thank you for not only giving me the opportunities to succeed, but for being there through all my highs and lows. And a special thank you to my brother as well—although he’s not here today, I truly cannot imagine how dull life would have been without your company, snarky humor, and competitiveness.

For most of us, today marks the long-awaited moment of liberation. The words AP, College Board, and Advisory are finally behind us. No more watching AP Classroom videos at 2x speed, hiding from Advisory teachers in the Senior Lounge, or complaining to our teachers about unnecessary post-AP assignments. I’ll admit, I certainly felt that sense of freedom at Senior Send-Off—more excited about what’s to come than nostalgic for what had passed.

But over the course of this last trimester—with more free time and fewer deadlines—I’ve had space to reflect and genuinely appreciate what BASIS [Independent Brooklyn] as given us.

Like many of you, I joined this school in its early days. When my family moved to the United States in the middle of my 2nd-grade year, I was nervous. I didn’t know how I’d fit in, or whether my differences would set me apart. But BASIS [Independent Brooklyn] did something remarkable—it welcomed me with open arms. It embraced the things that made me unique and gave me the space to grow into who I am today.

This small community—quirky, intense, tight-knit—has encouraged us to be ourselves. Class presentations and projects gave us the creative liberty to explore our topics of interest deeper. And because our class was so small, we had no choice but to listen to each other—to hear perspectives we might have tuned out in a more traditional high school. That closeness made us not just classmates, but collaborators, confidants, and, in many cases, lifelong friends.

We felt this school was small enough to create the changes we wanted—and so we did. We argued our case for better grades after tests we thought were unfair, started clubs where we saw gaps in the extracurricular catalog, and pitched in to support both the BASIS [Independent] and Red Hook communities. Sure, some of our efforts didn’t succeed—like the infamous Puerto Rico trip—but every attempt taught us how to advocate for ourselves, speak up, and shape the environment around us.

Through these four years, there were obviously moments when I wasn’t always the most prideful about our school. I sometimes compared our experience to the more “traditional” high schools we see in movies, and wondered what we were missing. But now, I see just how special our journey has been. We weren’t just students here. We were contributors to something still being built, persevering through academic rigor to help leave a mark on the expanding BASIS [Independent Brooklyn] community. And because of that, we didn’t just grow—we helped shape the school that shaped us.

So to the Class of 2025: As we turn the page and begin the next chapter, let’s not forget the laughter, the lessons, and the late nights that brought us to this stage. Let’s carry forward the values BASIS [Independent Brooklyn] has instilled in us—the courage to be ourselves, the willingness to listen, and the strength to grow. So let’s not wait for the world to change—let us be the ones who change it.

Congratulations, Class of 2025.  And in the words of Fabrizio Romano: Here we go!

Thank you to Maxim and our entire Class of 2025 for leaving their mark on our school community! We will be cheering you on these next few months during the transition to college.

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. 

Celebrating Young Authors: BASIS Independent Fremont’s 3rd Annual Creative Writing Competition

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At BASIS Independent Fremont, we believe in nurturing creativity just as much as academic excellence. A highlight of student life at our Lower School is the Creative Writing Competition, now in its third year.  This year, we’re especially excited to showcase the voices behind the stories—literally. Each of our winning authors recorded a reading of their work, bringing their characters and historical journeys to life in their own words.

Open to all students in grades 4 and 5, the contest offers young writers an opportunity to share their voices, hone their craft, and be recognized for their storytelling talents. The prompt invited students to imagine a time traveler who experiences a historical event or moment in time, and how that experience changes them. Students responded with a wide range of creative, heartfelt, and thought-provoking stories.

Entries were judged by a panel that included Upper School English teachers, high school Creative Writing students, and local author Krystaelynne Sanders Diggs. Ms. Diggs—a published author, speaker, and advocate for children’s voices in literature—brought her expertise and passion for storytelling to the judging process.

We are proud to introduce the three winners of this year’s contest, each honored in a specific award category. Read on to meet each writer, discover what made their story stand out, and hear them share their work aloud in the videos below. From strong character arcs to inventive ideas and beautifully descriptive language, these young writers impressed us all—and we think they’ll impress you, too.

Best Character Development: Arya S. (Grade 5) – “In Memory of Papouli“

Arya impressed the judges with a compelling protagonist whose emotional growth unfolds beautifully over the course of “In Memory of Papouli”. Her ability to build a believable and dynamic character stood out in a field of strong contenders.

Watch Arya read her story below:

Most Original: Arjun M. (Grade 4) – “The Old Way Forward – A Time Traveler’s Tale“

Arjun’s story, “The Old Way Forward – A Time Traveler’s Tale”, took a wonderfully imaginative approach to the prompt, offering a fresh twist on time travel that surprised and delighted our judges. His creativity and risk-taking paid off in a story that felt entirely his own.

Watch Arjun read his story below:

Most Descriptive: Yunxi X. (Grade 4) – “Through the Tube of Time“

With vivid language and detailed imagery, Yunxi transported readers into the heart of “Through the Tube of Time”. Her descriptions made scenes come alive, immersing the reader in every sound, smell, and sight.

Watch Yunxi read her story below:

BASIS Independent Fremont’s Creative Writing Competition is just one of the many ways our Humanities Program fosters a love of storytelling and self-expression. Arya, Arjun, and Yunxi’s work showcases the creativity, imagination, and talent that thrive in our classrooms. We hope their accomplishments inspire others to find their voice and explore their own creative journeys at BASIS Independent Fremont and beyond.

Curious about how BASIS Independent Fremont supports students’ academic and creative growth?

Connect with a member of our admissions team to learn more.

BASIS Independent Fremont 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 BASIS Independent Fremont community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

Service Trip to China—A Rewarding Cultural Exchange and EPIC Journey

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Would you visit a rural city in a foreign country where no one speaks your language? How would you teach English to non-English speakers? How would you interact with the locals? And, if given the chance, would you do it again?

This spring, sixteen BIM Upper School (Grades 7–12) students traveled from McLean, VA, to Laixi, Shandong Province, China—a rural city with areas still developing—bringing gifts and English lessons they had prepared for the local students. This trip was the result of long-term planning by our trip leaders, Mandarin teacher Ms. Li and Director of Upper School Mr. Wright, both of whom worked diligently to ensure smooth logistics. Far exceeding everyone’s expectations, this journey was transformative. Students embodied the EPIC values (Empathy, Perseverance, Integrity, and Curiosity) during the trip and returned with lasting memories they continue to cherish.

The BIM service group arrived in Laixi with excitement.

Personal Reflections

For Aishu B. ‘27, friendship was the highlight of this journey. Being proactive, she downloaded WeChat (the most widely used messaging app in China) on her phone prior to the trip and added everyone she interacted with there. She remains in touch with them to this day. Here are her reflections:

“I made friends with students there by playing games like jump rope, red-light-green-light, discussing music, and playing volleyball. One day, when we ate out in Jinan, a Chinese school on a field trip visited the same restaurant. They asked me to take pictures for them, so I gave them my WeChat to send them the photos.”

“I tried my best to speak Chinese, but it was hard… They all had their accent…and I had [my] accent, so it was difficult [to communicate], but I think they understood me.”

“By working closely with each other on many activities, I made new friends and got closer to my friends from BIM, whom I didn’t interact with as much back home. I would say I made new friends and strengthened my bonds with old ones.”

Aishu and a Laixi student collaborating on making a wax seal, one of the lessons in English that our students prepared.

For Anna R.C. ‘28, the highlight of the trip was in the interactions, where the language barrier didn’t stop her and the local student from expressing kindness to each other.

During one of the activities, Anna tried to compliment a local student’s hair tie but only knew the word for “hair.” Misunderstanding her, the girl immediately pulled out more hair ties and gave Anna the same hairstyle. This is only one example of the students making every effort to connect. If one of them hummed a tune from social media or mentioned a popular show, everyone would also eagerly join in, singing and playing the games from the show.

The way both BIM and Laixi students sought to connect and demonstrated kindness was a true reflection of Empathy and Curiosity in our EPIC values.

Anna and the Laixi students made fabric flowers, one of the activities provided by the local school. Her hair received many compliments for its unique color.

Flexibility and Perseverance in Action

Months before coming to Laixi, BIM students had begun preparing lessons that would represent BIM and American culture, including flag football and American children’s songs. Of course, no plans are ever perfect during execution, but our students adapted quickly, with a strong commitment to success and a collaborative mindset.

The Wax Seal Stamps activity, led by Isabella S. ’27
BIM students explaining the materials, steps, and the meaning of handwritten letters in Western culture. Each student then wrote and sealed a letter for the most important person in their life—many chose their mother.

When the school couldn’t accommodate an activity, students sprang into action, brainstorming and drafting new plans, preparing materials, creating PowerPoint presentations, and dividing tasks among groups to ensure a smooth transition. There were no complaints or giving up, just the sound of ideas bouncing and fingers typing in the otherwise quiet hotel room. The next day, the Laixi students enjoyed the new project and returned with activities they had prepared.

The final Result!
The BIM-themed bookmark-making lesson proved to be a successful and easy-to-follow alternative to the original plan.

When Ms. Li, the lead teacher of this trip, reflected upon these stories, she spoke enthusiastically and complimented our students’ flexibility and commitment—a sign of perseverance.

Lessons Beyond the Classroom

To welcome BIM students, the Laixi schools had prepared cultural activity lessons, including farming, craft making, and making dumplings and “Hua Mo”—decorated steamed buns—to accommodate the language barrier and encouraged students to communicate through actions.

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    -Practicing Taichi together
    Practicing Taichi together
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    -Teaching Laixi students how to play American football
    Teaching Laixi students how to play American football
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    -Making Hua Mo
    Making Hua Mo
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    -Check out the “Yuanbao”-shapped dumpling!
    Check out the “Yuanbao”-shapped dumpling!
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    -Farming
    Farming
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    -Dancing to American children's songs together
    Dancing to American children’s songs together
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    -Painting gourds
    Painting gourds
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    -Learning Erhu
    Learning Erhu
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    -Making fabric flowers
    Making fabric flowers
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    -Making BIM-themed bookmarks
    Making BIM-themed bookmarks
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Outside of teaching, BIM students fully immersed themselves in the culture. At restaurants, they practiced their knowledge of Chinese table manners, which they had studied prior to the trip. They also seized every opportunity to engage with locals—from train ticket counters to street vendors, and even with tourists who invited them to join group photos—learning about people’s stories while picking up new Chinese words.

Despite the excitement, one of the most unforgettable memories for many students was visiting the homes of local families. Our students and teachers were informed that many parents had left the town to work in larger cities throughout the year, leaving their children to live with their grandparents. Each family faced their own unique challenges. Nevertheless, the students came to school every day with enthusiasm and a strong desire to learn. Our students were deeply moved by their stories, and the ride back was filled with contemplation and reflection.

Visiting local households was a meaningful part of the experience.

Lasting Memories

For many students, it was their first time visiting China. Despite initial nervousness, everyone did a fantastic job representing BIM—not by trying to act like adults, but by embracing the best qualities of being teenagers. They demonstrated perseverance when plans changed; integrity by respecting cultural rules and manners; empathy when visiting the Laixi students’ homes and recognizing their less privileged circumstances, yet still bonding over a shared passion for learning; and curiosity with every person and cultural aspect of China they encountered. They were praised for being polite, open, understanding, and energetic.

Jumping rope with the local students was a memory many BIM students mentioned in their trip reflections!

This trip was not just a service trip. It was a cultural experience, a learning opportunity, and a life-changing memory. While our students brought gifts, it was they who gained the most from this journey. On the last day in Laixi, many students were in tears, already missing the friendships they had formed, while reflecting on the many new things they had learned and looking forward to returning to China someday. This journey not only deepened their understanding of another culture but also strengthened their own values, leaving them with memories and connections that will last a lifetime.

We are grateful to the Laixi schools for their generous support!
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    From the Welcome Ceremony...-
    From the Welcome Ceremony…
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    To saying goodbye...-
    To saying goodbye…
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BIM Debate Team Takes National Win!

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We are thrilled to announce that Sachin L. ’25 and Saaketh V. ’25 have won the National Championship in Public Forum Debate at the NCFL (National Catholic Forensic League) Nationals! This past weekend, hundreds of teams from across the country gathered in Chicago to present their well-prepared arguments before their opponents and judges. After months of researching, analyzing data, investigating sources, and refining their debate skills, these two students triumphed, securing the championship title!

Their win is an excellent demonstration of how our students can excel with hard work and relentless commitment to success.

Left: Saaketh V. ’25 | Right: Sachin L. ’25

About the Competition

The National Catholic Forensic League (NCFL) Nationals brings together the nation’s top debate teams. To qualify, teams must excel in local preliminary tournaments and win their respective Metrofinals. Competing in the Arlington Varsity Division, which represents Northern Virginia, BIM’s Debate Team advanced from a pool of 65 registered teams in the preliminary tournament, earning eight advancement spots to face off against 15 other schools in the second stage. Our team triumphed in the Washington-Arlington Catholic Forensic League Metrofinals in March, securing their place in the national competition.

Among these top debaters, Sachin and Saaketh achieved impressive results: 4 wins, 0 losses, and 2 split decisions over the course of 6 rounds, earning 10 ballots out of 12 and securing their seats to represent BIM at the nationals.

Metrofinals Winners | From left to right:
Richard P. ’28 & Yalini K. ’26 – First Place, Junior Varsity Division
Sachin L. ’25 & Saaketh V. ’25 – First Place, Varsity Division

Teamwork and Commitment

The success of our Debate Team is built on perseverance and a commitment to excellence. Sachin and Saaketh’s achievement reflects not only their four years of experience since joining the team, but also the effectiveness of the rigorous training and consistent practice they have undergone.

At the start of each year, the club focuses on helping new members develop the foundational skills they need. Following this, the team adheres to a fast-paced routine:

  • Week 1: Practice building a background on the topic and begin researching.
  • Week 2: Share findings with club members and collaborate on formulating the best arguments for each side.
  • Weeks 3–4: Engage in practice debates on both sides and evaluate how the arguments hold up against an opponent.

Debate tournaments are highly intense and demanding, but through these weekly practices, our students prepared themselves with the resources, skills, and experience needed to succeed. While victory in debate may seem like a specialized achievement, the ability to quickly process and organize research and present it effectively in real-time is a skill that will benefit them well beyond high school.

The EPIC Spirit

At BASIS Independent McLean, our community is defined by four EPIC traits: Empathy, Perseverance, Integrity, and Curiosity. Our Debate Team exemplifies the trait of Perseverance. Sachin and Saaketh have been debating for four years since joining the club, and their victory is not only a testament to their talent but also to the values we instill in our students. Through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, they have proven that the potential for BIM students is limitless.

What’s Next

With the national championship under their belt, Sachin and Saaketh’s journey doesn’t end here. The Debate Team will continue to thrive with renewed vigor and systematic training next school year, and we can’t wait to see what they will achieve next. Stay tuned for more updates on their future accomplishments! Go Hawks!

From left to right: Saaketh V. ’25, Sachin L. ’25, and Mr. Biemesderfer (Debate Team Advisor)