Category: Features

Opinion, Teacher Profiles

Mr. Gertzfield on “The Great Gatsby,” Stephen King, and more 

Mimi Yao

By Mimi Yao and Ivy Li From its meticulous symbolism to its shrewd criticism of the American Dream, The Great Gatsby is regarded by many to be one of the finest works of modern literature. Its critical denunciation of empty promises and corrupted dreams has cemented it as a favorite among readers worldwide, including SASPD high school’s co-head of English—Jeremy Gertzfield.   Mr. Gertzfield embarked on his teaching career 20 years ago and has been teaching at SAS for more than 10 years. He currently teaches English 10, AP Literature and Composition, and IB Literature. Join us on an interview with … Continue reading Mr. Gertzfield on “The Great Gatsby,” Stephen King, and more 

Her Story

Molly Zhou | Her Story

Charlotte Lai

Presented by the service club ForHer An eagle since 2016, Ms. Molly Zhou has been an avid leader of the PTSA and Boosters. From the annual Relay for Life to the much-awaited PTSA Carnival, her efforts enrich the lives of students and teachers — providing food and fun at nearly every schoolwide activity. Together with her husband Mark and her two daughters, the Zhou family’s engagement in the SAS community is truly remarkable, and their educational journey is an inspiration to see. In this interview, Ms. Zhou walks us through her multicultural upbringing, the balance between motherhood and leadership responsibilities, … Continue reading Molly Zhou | Her Story

Her Story

Shirley Liu | Her Story

Charlotte Lai

Presented by the service club ForHer In an inconspicuous corner at SAS Pudong, the Security Office bustles with activity. From ensuring safety for the student body to supervising summer renovations that reinvigorate our school, Ms. Shirley Liu, SAS’s current Head of Security, is no stranger to the behind-the-scenes functioning of the Pudong campus. In this interview, Ms. Liu takes us through her journey, diving deep into how she reached her current position, transitioning from being a landscape designer to the field of security, and words of advice she would give to young girls today. Let’s hear her story… Q1: Can … Continue reading Shirley Liu | Her Story

Teacher Profiles

Teacher Profiles: Merissa Corrigan

Gavin Chen

By Gavin Chen At the beginning of this school year, we welcomed Ms. Merissa Corrigan to our school as a new member of the P.E. department, where she teaches 9th grade physical education. Ms. Corrigan brings a wealth of experience, having taught in two different countries and lived in three. She also has a variety of hobbies outside of school that reflect her passion for sports and outdoor activities.  Join us for an interview that explores Ms. Corrigan’s experiences before arriving at SAS, her time at SAS, and her life in Shanghai.  1. Can you describe your teaching experiences as … Continue reading Teacher Profiles: Merissa Corrigan

Teacher Profiles

How does one transition from bringing stories to life on stage to helping students craft their own real-life narratives? 

cindydchen

From starring as Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet on a live stage to working on the screen for film The Martian, directed by Ridley Scott, Mr. O’Brien once immersed himself in stories that had already been written.  As the grandson … Continue reading How does one transition from bringing stories to life on stage to helping students craft their own real-life narratives? 

Teacher Profiles

Teacher Profiles: Kevin Spachuk

Charlotte Lai

Mr. Kevin Spachuk was a new addition to the English department last year! From teaching English in Manila to directing APAC Forensics at SAS, Mr. Spachuk’s teaching career has been nothing short of impressive. Currently, he serves as an 9th and 10th grade teacher, along with the coach of Forensics and JV Boys Soccer.  Known for his Shakespearean acting sessions and unfaltering enthusiasm for a great read, Mr. Spachuk has truly enlivened the SAS hallways with his presence. In this interview, we explore his experience as he and his family transition between distinct cultures, navigate the alleys of Shanghai, and welcome … Continue reading Teacher Profiles: Kevin Spachuk

Features

Melodies in Motion: Pudong Rocks and the Dance of Collaboration

cindydchen

On March 22, 2024, the Shanghai American School Pudong community was swept away by a wave of musical talent during the annual Pudong Rocks concert, a showcase hosted by the Tri-M Music Honor Society and buoyed by the support of the Tech Crew. In 2008, Pudong Rocks was born as a fundraising initiative led by the Student Council. Created in collaboration with the Theater Tech Club, its inception aimed at achieving dual objectives: raising funds for charitable causes and fostering artistic expression and entertainment. Over time, the reins of event organization transitioned from the Student Council to the Tri-M Music … Continue reading Melodies in Motion: Pudong Rocks and the Dance of Collaboration

Features

NAHS X Pudong Press: Isn’t it Lovely?

Assorted Authors

Every month, NAHS and Pudong Press come together to present a theme to members, who contribute artwork and writing based on each month’s topic. February’s theme was “Lovely”. Enjoy the works presented below. Poem by Anonymous Together we filled the hallways with laughterShe was the map that guided me through the daysI laid my bricks using the blueprint she leftEvery move I made was in hopes of her praiseNow she has left our house colourless and dimMost days we don’t speak, not a single sentencePart of me is gone, like I’ve misplaced a limbThe hallways are silent without her presence … Continue reading NAHS X Pudong Press: Isn’t it Lovely?

Features

NAHS X Pudong Press: A Thing Anew

Assorted Authors

Every month, NAHS and Pudong Press come together to present a theme to members, who contribute artwork and writing based on each month’s topic. January’s theme was “Anew”. Enjoy the works presented below. Creative Prose A Thing Anew by Ethan Jiang ’26: Anew, meaning in a new or different and typically more positive way. But ignore its rigid, literary, and insipid meaning. What does the word really mean to you and me? The season begins anew, with autumn exhaling the cool but still subtly warm air from its lungs and inhaling the new winter winds within its incorporeal nose. The … Continue reading NAHS X Pudong Press: A Thing Anew