Continuing on our series, we are highlighting the achievements of all applicants for the 30th Anniversary - Profiles of WAB Alumni Award. Congratulations to each of our employee applicants and we are so proud of their achievements.

This week, we will spotlight three employee applicants:

Michelle Yip – High School Music and Theory of Knowledge

Michelle's innovation was evidenced in her application through her efforts to create original compositions and utilize technology in music education. She is a Fulbright Fellow and her residency at the Beijing's Central Conservatory of Music started her China-global connectedness. She continues to nurture this in herself and her students by incorporating Chinese language and culture into the music program and preparing students for international music festivals. 

Michelle has a Doctorate of Music from the University of Cincinnati-Conservatory of Music which has influenced her teaching approaches. Her commitment to inclusion and social change is reflected in how she fosters a welcoming classroom environment and how she challenges students to think about social issues through music. She demonstrated her communication skills and critical thinking by sharing how she encouraged students to critically evaluate information and respect cultural norms. Her resilience and adaptability, honed through her training as a concert pianist, have been instrumental in her success as an educator.

She expressed, "My time at WAB has been truly transformative, both professionally and personally. Applying for the Staff Award allowed me to reflect on the many rich experiences I've had within the WAB community—whether in the classroom, collaborating with students in their performances, or participating in school events. These moments have been precious and have deeply influenced my vision for the future as both a lifelong learner and dedicated educator."

Caleb Liu – Athletics and Activities Director Assistant

Caleb's application used his various initiatives and experiences to highlight how he embodies the profile of WAB alumni. His innovation was evidenced by his creation of new opportunities for students, such as the Beijing Challenge and sustainable practices, as well as establishing an online structure for coaches and student-athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic. His background in sports and performing arts in both Canada and China, has motivated him to continue to foster intercultural connections through sports, organizing community tournaments, and establishing partnerships to the next generations.

Caleb is an active promoter of wellness and sustainability within the WAB community and has led the development of the WAB Community Center, establishing sports clubs, and exploring sustainable energy solutions. He effectively communicates across diverse cultures and contexts, leveraging technology and social media to inspire and connect the community. 

He shared, "WAB has always been about giving, creating, and supporting opportunities. It is the people who keep the ‘WAB way’ alive, no matter what is happening in the world. Supporting this idea and being a part of this community is what has kept our family at WAB and has inspired us to continue supporting, creating, and providing opportunities for the next generation."

Tracy Lu – High School Maths 

In her application, Tracy demonstrates her strong commitment to inspiring students and fostering a love for mathematics, helping them overcome their fear of the subject and appreciate its practical applications. As a future-ready innovator, she has integrated advanced technology and artificial intelligence into her teaching methods, enhancing student learning and exploring collaborations with AI.

Tracy is a passionate environmentalist and engages students in activities such as waste sorting, recycling used items, and reducing energy and resource waste.  She also works to foster intercultural competencies and encourage students to engage with local and global issues. Her efforts were recognized when she was nominated by a former student, a Stanford University Terman Award winner, as the most influential pre-college teacher during their formative years.

She said, "For me, WAB is a magical place with more opportunities than you can imagine to help you grow as an educator, a parent, and a learner. WAB has the ability to transform challenging moments into learning opportunities, supporting everyone involved to become the best version of themselves."

In total, 27 applications were submitted for the Profiles of WAB Alumni Award. The remarkable stories and powerful evidence of the learning journeys of all applicants will be highlighted in this series.