GEORGIAN-AMERICAN
HIGH SCHOOL OF VAKE

As part of the Civics project, initiated by 10th(2) grade students, SABAUNI lecturer Tsira Okropiridze visited the Georgian-American School. The topic of the meeting was children's rights and the challenges faced in protecting them. Students received valuable information about their rights, responsibilities, and the mechanisms that serve to ensure the protection of these rights.

Backed by the Georgian-American School's Student Council, we recently hosted a university orientation meetup for our upperclassmen. High school seniors Elene Lomtadze and Andria Tsilosani, who have already secured acceptances to international universities, led the session. They sat down with 9th–11th graders to share firsthand experience with the study-abroad application process, speaking candidly about the real challenges and hidden roadblocks applicants often face when choosing universities, preparing applications, and submitting documents. Elene outlined the ins and outs of the US college admissions process, while Andria offered his perspective on applying to European universities. Our school already has an excellent team of experienced college counselors, but meetups like this remain invaluable -hearing the real story from peers who just went through the process is often the most relatable and eye-opening experience of all.

Great Victories Begin with the First Move. On June 2nd, Vake Georgian-American High School hosted Georgian Grandmaster Nino Batsiashvili for a meet-and-greet with students from the school's chess club. While the visit took place, first-graders practiced their moves on the giant outdoor chessboard in the yard. Batsiashvili currently ranks 15th in the women's world rankings and holds the Grandmaster (GM) title in both the women's and open categories. Her achievements include an Olympic silver medal, two World Team Championship titles with Georgia, a European Rapid Championship title, four European Club Cup wins, and Georgia's "Athlete of the Year" in 2022. During the visit, Mrs. Nino shared stories from her career, including her drawn match against World Champion Magnus Carlsen. Students then faced her in a simultaneous exhibition match, testing their skills directly against a Grandmaster. To close the day, Mrs. Nino and chess instructor Megi Esebua presented awards to the winners of the school's intra-school tournament: 1st Place: Davit Machavariani (IV-2) 2nd Place: Demetre Motsonelidze (IV-4) 3rd Place: Giorgi Getsadze (IV-3) Encounters like this give students a chance to learn from elite athletes and consider what focused, long-term effort can achieve.

Georgian-American High School (GAHS) and Georgian-American High School of Vake (GAHSV) proudly represented Georgia at the XPERTSTEM Boston Elite Final 2026, one of the world's leading international STEM competitions, bringing together participants from more than 50 countries. A delegation of 23 students and 4 mentors traveled to the United States to compete in the international finals while also taking part in an inspiring educational program designed to broaden their academic and cultural horizons. As part of the visit, students explored some of the most iconic landmarks of Boston and New York City and participated in academic visits to two of the world's most prestigious universities - Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). During these visits, they toured the campuses, learned about the universities' history, academic programs, research opportunities, and student life, gaining first-hand insight into the educational environment that has shaped generations of world-renowned scientists, innovators, and leaders. The competition concluded with exceptional achievements for the GAHS & GAHSV delegation: 6 Gold Medals 4 Silver Medals 13 Bronze Medals Multiple International Cash Awards Beyond medals and awards, XPERTSTEM provided students with invaluable international experience, opportunities to collaborate with peers from around the world, develop innovative thinking, strengthen problem-solving skills, and build lasting friendships. The competition inspired participants to pursue excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while proudly representing both their schools and Georgia on the international stage. This remarkable success reflects the dedication of our students, the guidance of our mentors, and the continuous commitment of GAHS & GAHSV to providing world-class STEM education and preparing future global leaders. We congratulate every participant, their families, mentors, and the entire school community on this outstanding achievement and look forward to many more international successes in the years ahead.

The Foreign Languages Department at the Georgian-American High School of Vake hosted an English Spelling Competition for students in grades IV–VIII! The jury included Ian Burns, Mike Glazner, Vakho Tatarashvili, and several of our IX-grade students who had competed in previous years. First-place winners received 100 GEL vouchers, and every student who placed received branded gifts and certificates. Winners by grade: Grade IV — Giorgi Subari, Aleksandre Gogelia, Tsetsili Iakobashvili Grade V — Sandro Kavtuashvili, Anasofia Zarnadze, Meri Dzagnidze Grade VI — Rezi Jvarsheishvili, Buba Khabuliani, Barbara Papiashvili Grade VII — Marta Gaprindashvili, Levan Rekvava, Nita Chachibaia Grade VIII — Ekaterine Nanobashvili, Nutsa Khutsishvili, Sandro Berozashvili Competitions like this are a wonderful way to strengthen students' English skills and build their confidence. We're proud of all our winners- thank you to the organizers, the jury, and every student who took part!

The spotlight at Meore Sakhli (Second Home) Theatre belonged to the young talents of the Georgian-American High School's (Vake Branch) drama club. The students brought the classic play "The Princess and the Swineherd" to life for an attentive audience. The performance carried the hall back to the world of childhood fairy tales, and the children's sincere performance was met with warm and sustained applause. Directors: Giorgi Kardava and Roland Kardava Our thanks go to the drama club's dedicated mentors and to our young performers for this memorable evening. GAHSV's creative and scientific clubs continue to give students the opportunity to discover their talents, develop new skills, and gain confidence on stage.

A Plot Twist Challenge: 9th Graders Take on Creative Writing 9th graders at the Georgian-American High School Vake Campus (Chavchavadze branch) recently tackled an exciting literary challenge! As part of their English and Creative Writing class, students wrote original short stories with one key requirement: every story had to feature an unexpected plot twist. The students did a fantastic job bringing their imaginations, writing styles, and unique ideas to life. Congratulations to our competition winners in each category: Best Story: Ani Kardava & Ana Kristesiashvili Best Plot Twist: Barbare Natenadze & Nino Andghuladze Best Writing Style: Nano Mania & Nutsa Kordzadze Most Creative Idea: Rusudan Jalaghonia & Anastasia Pantsulaia A special thank you to project lead and teacher Nato Mikava for guiding the students through this challenge. Huge congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to every student who submitted such creative and original work!

It’s been another fantastic year for extracurricular learning at the Georgian-American School! We recently celebrated our student club members with a certificate presentation, recognizing their achievements in the Model UN, Eco Club, Entrepreneurship Club, and Russian Language Club. At GAS, learning goes well beyond the classroom. Our clubs play an essential role in encouraging student initiative, personal growth, and practical skills. Thank you to all our student members and teacher advisors for a great year—we're already looking forward to seeing your next big ideas come to life next year!

At our school, completing fifth grade marks more than the end of a school year - it is a milestone. Next year, students will move into the school building on Chavchavadze, stepping into new challenges, opportunities, and experiences. To mark the occasion, the fifth graders took part in a tradition of signing each other's shirts with personal messages. Students then took the stage to recite poetry, sing, and dance for the audience. The Principal gave a congratulatory speech, followed by a celebration cake and a range of activities for the students.

First bell, first letters, first friends, first triumphs... The day has come when our 4th graders thanked their first homeroom teachers with love and gratitude. The 4th graders of the Georgian-American High School (Vake Branch) held a warm and moving farewell ceremony. As balloons rose into the sky, the children sent their dreams along with them, while their teachers held close four years of treasured memories. A new chapter awaits these students — new teachers, discoveries, and great achievements ahead. But the love of a first teacher will always hold a special place in their hearts.

Under the guidance of vocal coach Ia Khurtsilava, students from the Georgian-American High School's (Vake Branch) vocal club performed at the "United Georgia – #MonthOfRoses" art festival. Performing at the Sokhumi State Drama Theatre, the students' performances were well received by the audience. Our thanks go to the festival organizers, "Gvirila" Academy, and Ms. Erna Tsipuria. Congratulations to our students and their teacher on this achievement.

"Sometimes the most meaningful lessons are learned far beyond the classroom walls." — Nino Nabakhteveli The students of the 8th(2) grade, accompanied by their homeroom teacher, Nino Nabakhteveli, and their parents, visited the historic sites of Shio-Mgvime and Tsilkani. After exploring this piece of Georgia's historical and cultural heritage, the students continued to Villa Mosavali, where they spent time together in a relaxed setting. Days like these bring classmates closer and become part of the memories that shape school life. Teacher: Nino Nabakhteveli