2024 The New Hokkaido International School Awards System

Words by Ellie McGuire; Slideshow made by Mr. Cooke

Hokkaido International School, better known as HIS, is a school that acknowledges the diversity and academic integrity of all its students who show their dedication to work and grow in life. In celebration of the many achievements of some students here at HIS, six students have been nominated, three from middle school and three from high school, for the International Understanding, Husky Award, and Northern Star awards. However, this school year, a new system was implemented, where multiple nominees are introduced before the final winner is revealed at the HIS Literacy Celebration. Written below are the meanings of the three different awards and the names of the students who showed growth to be nominated for them.

International Understanding

The HIS International Understanding Award is exactly what the name suggests it to be. This award is handed out to students who have demonstrated throughout the year a genuine concern for the promotion of international understanding and cross-country harmony and have worked to foster a wider worldview on their part and for their peers. These students exemplify the virtues of cooperation, sensitivity, open-mindedness, and friendliness. These students have shown the dedication of wanting to understand the different cultures and ethnicities all around the world.

The 2024 Middle School nominees for this award are:

Julius Constantine, Sanaya Shibata, Hanako Clarke, Fynn Bossaer

The 2024 High School nominees for this award are:

Juri Tanaka, Emilio Tanaka, Kylee Wakamatsu

Husky Award

The HIS husky has always been our mascot as it represents loyalty, strength, power, companionship, and endurance. The meaning of this award reflects these attributes as it is given out to students who embody the spirit of HIS through their determination to succeed. These students have shown remarkable growth during the past school year and have garnered the respect and admiration of their classmates, teachers, and the wider community. Husky Award recipients demonstrate exemplary fortitude and adaptability, as well as a desire to learn, grow, and improve. These students have shown what it means to embody a Husky and what it means to be part of HIS.

The 2024 Middle School nominees for this award are:

Amy Kim, Sanaya Shibata, Juile Fachin, Hanako Clarke, Asana Yano

The 2024 High School nominees for this award are:

Nina Tadano, Theo Brennan, Kenzo Fachin, Akito Dixon, Ellie McGuire, Karen Kitagawa

Northern Star

The Northern Star is a very special award. It can only be given out to students from the senior class and 8th-grade class. These students are champions of integrity, enthusiasm, and excellence. During their career at HIS, they have made great contributions to the school in the areas of academic leadership, service, extracurricular participation, and fellowship. Through their attitude and accomplishments, awardees have consistently been positive role models to peers and younger students. These students are the ones who pave the path for others, ones who will serve to be a guide to all of those who may be lost.

The 2024 Middle School nominees for this award are:

Julius Constantine and Olivia Maune

The 2024 High School nominees for this award are:

Audrey Ishiyama and Katie Kim

A round of applause for all our nominees and the best of luck to the students for their chance of winning. We look forward to seeing everyone attend the awards ceremony celebration and hope this new system will be beneficial for many years to come.

For more information: Awards Presentation 2024 - Google Slides