From two beautiful moving-up ceremonies and the conclusion of a wonderful academic year to a 10-year reunion and the start of the renowned TASIS Summer Programs, we offer a photo-driven look at the past month at TASIS.
Science Showcase
From solar energy and protozoa to gardening and the human body, Elementary School students in grades 2–5, under the guidance of Elementary School Science Teacher Laurent Carsana, presented on more than 30 topics at the “Hands-On Horizons” science fair event for parents and peers on the afternoon of May 30.
Creative Writers
During their June 2 publishing party, students in Kenzie Kaper’s Grade 3 class shared their imaginative adaptations of classic fairy tales with their parents.
Growing Talents
Elementary and Middle School musicians showed off their talents in the Palmer Cultural Center on the afternoon of June 3.
Field Day
Students in Pre-Kindergarten through grade 1 students kicked off Elementary School Field Day with a series of fun games on the morning of June 4.
Fun in the Sun
Students in grades 2–5 then had their chance to enjoy a number of fun activities on campus later that afternoon.
Lots To Share
Students from Pre-Kindergarten through grade 5 gathered in the Palestrina on June 5 for an Elementary School Farewell Assembly in which members of each class presented something they learned or were grateful for this year.
Making the Leap to High School
The Middle School held its annual Moving-Up Ceremony in the Palmer Cultural Center on the afternoon of June 5 to celebrate the 48 students in the eighth-grade class. The ceremony featured student and faculty speeches, musical performances, and the presentation of awards and diplomas.
Grade 5 Moves Up
The Elementary School’s annual Moving-Up Ceremony was held in the Palmer Cultural Center on the morning of June 6 and included speeches, class presentations, musical performances, and the presentation of diplomas.
Master Teacher Announced
Congratulations to the 2025 Khan-Page Master Teacher Award recipient, Laura Hand! Headmaster Christopher Nikoloff announced the selection at the final all-faculty meeting on the afternoon of June 6 and had high praise for the 4th-grade homeroom teacher, who has taught at TASIS since 2018.
Class of 2015 Returns
An enthusiastic group of more than 60 alumni and guests came to Lugano for a fun 10-year anniversary reunion on the evening of June 7.
Helping Out in Cambodia
From June 6–19, 18 High School students and four faculty chaperones participated in an Opsahl Global Service Program (GSP) trip to Cambodia. The group partnered with Volunteer Building Cambodia to build a home, did a cultural exchange with Pepy Empowering Youth, and provided service both in the Cambodian countryside and at local educational facilities in Siem Reap.
Serving Southern Africa
On their GSP trip to southern Africa from June 6–19, 14 High School students and four faculty chaperones provided service in Livingstone and Mwandi, Zambia—helping construct a mud house, teaching students at a local school, and meeting with many locals to discuss issues within their communities. The group also crossed over into Botswana to experience a safari.
Making a Difference in Mongolia
Five High School students and two faculty chaperones traveled to Mongolia on June 6–17 to further solidify the growing relationship between TASIS students and a community of English language learners in Ulgii. The Understanding Ulgii GSP group planned and taught English language lessons to school-age students, learned about Kazakh nomads and spent time with Kazakh eagle hunters, and interacted with local farmers, community organizers, and children to gain more insight into Ulgii culture.
Representing TASIS on the International Stage
On June 18, TASIS Voice Teacher Eugene Villanueva represented TASIS at the US Consulate General in Milan. Mr. Villanueva sang both the US and Italian national anthems—alongside the prestigious Italian band Fanfara del III Reggimento Carabinieri Lombardia-Milano—for the consulate’s biggest event of the year, a preemptive 4th of July celebration. There were more than 600 people in attendance, including many international diplomats; mayors from northern Italy, southern Austria, and Switzerland; the new US Ambassador to Italy, and members of the organizing committee for the upcoming Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in 2026.
Students from 65 Nations To Convene at TASIS for 2025 Summer Programs
The first session of the 2025 TASIS Summer Programs opened on June 22, and a total of 865 students from 65 nations will come to Lugano to participate in the Programs this summer.
