Page 5 - Eucalyptus 2020

Celebrating 80 Years of the Eucy

Dear Reader,

In 1940, this school published its first School Annual, the Eucalyptus. It was created to be ‘a
permanent embodiment of happy memories and a source of lasting inspiration’ from the
graduating class of 1940 to the students and the school. Since then, KIS has been publishing Eucys Dear Class of 2020,
annually, each year, lighting the torch of inspiration for the next year to continue the Eucy
tradition. Usually, in most typical years, we say goodbye to
the graduating class and their families all at
The Class of 1940 had created this historical record amidst the anxieties of World War 2. Eighty once. We have a church service, a lavish
years later we face a similar darkness of uncertainties. The school was closed in the middle of its banquet, a commencement ceremony—you
second semester; we were unable to say our goodbyes; and classes were taken online across the have a non-school-related strictly-off-premises
globe. We currently live under strict curfews and practice various forms of social distancing. Life parent-supervised after-graduation party—and
has taken up a new normal. There was a point at which we were unsure that the Class of 2020 that’s about it.
would have a Eucy.
This has not been a typical year.
This is where, just as unpredictable as these times have proven, we decided to step in to help the
students, and publish this Eucy. We do this to continue the legacy of the Eucy and we do it in Thankfully, you are not a typical class.
support of the Class of 2020. And in true KIS spirit, everyone has responded by contributing
photos and messages to help compile this Eucy. I’m going to say it: you are the most
We managed to do the best we could with what we have! academically accomplished class in the 119-
year-history of KIS (with the possible exception
The Eucy has grown over the years to be a symbol of our endurance during trying times since of the Class of 1986). You won’t have IB exam
1940. It remains a testament to our steadfast love for each other and to our concern for the social scores to prove it, because there won’t be IB
and emotional wellbeing of our students. It is a reminder of who we are, who we can be, and exams this year, but the truth remains. You are
where we belong. a smart and close-knit group, and that has
helped you—and frankly the rest of us—get
Dear Class of 2020, I present to you the 80th edition of the Eucalyptus. I hope you will always carry through this year’s adversity with love, grit and
your time here in Kodai close to your hearts. These are the memories you will hold during your compassion. Thank you.
worst of days and best. Use these memories to remain an inspiration to those around you and to
your juniors. As I write this most of you have left Kodai, while
some of you, stranded by circumstance, remain
This is our gift to you. #supportClassof2020 here at school. In any case, know that wherever
you are and wherever you go there will always
Yours Truly, be a part of KIS that stays with you.
Manjusha Ninan
More than your school success, I am eager to
see what each one of you makes of yourself in
Years The Eucalyptus 2020 life. Above all, I want you to be good and
thoughtful people. I take pride and feel joy as I
80th Edition
of the Kodaikanal International School read the words of a member of the Class of
2020 to his teachers and mentors on his

Eucy Editor - Manjusha Ninan, KIS Alumni Coordinator departure from Kodai: “Coming to….KIS, where
my ideas were encouraged and improved on,
Layout and Design - Rohit Benjamin, Creative Services
80 Cover Page detail: Barbara Block, Highschool Coordinator has been an unparalleled journey…Thank you
Senior Page Cover detail: Sentimongla Longkumer, Class of 2020 for impacting my life in a way that has made a
Contributors: The KIS community difference….keep me in your prayers so that I
am able to be a student and a citizen that the
world needs.”

Will do.

Until we meet again,

Mr. Corey
Principal
Kodaikanal International School

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE