Activities and Sport Weekly Update - Apr 10

National History Day (NHD) at Concordia

National History Day has been a tradition at Concordia since 2009, when teacher Mark Johnson founded the China affiliate. Since then, Concordia has remained committed to integrating NHD into its social studies curriculum, as it challenges students to conduct in-depth historical research while strengthening their ability to think critically, analyze sources, and communicate evidence-based arguments on meaningful topics. On March 21 Concordia hosted the National History Day China 2026 affiliate contest. Six hundred students from 24 schools across China participated, submitting more than 250 projects. Students shared their research and historical arguments with judges, drew inspiration from keynote speakers, and formed new connections with peers from across the region.

Concordia students once again demonstrated exceptional quality. Notably, they earned the top two prizes in both the Senior Individual Website and Senior Group Documentary categories. In total, 24 students across nine projects placed, with an additional nine students from three projects recognized as finalists. Our winners now qualify to represent the NHD China affiliate at the National History Day Contest in Washington, D.C., this June.

2026 Concordia Winners

Jr. Division

1st Place Individual Website – Kaitlyn Z. - Through a Gentle Awakening: Embracing Revolution and Reform Through the Velvet Revolution

3rd Place Group Documentary – Emma L., Shawna K., Joanna Y., Liu Y., Sophie Z. - Ruth Handler’s Doll: Refuting stereotypes and challenging traditional roles, reforming young girls' perspectives on their role in the US society ever since the 1960s

Sr. Division

1st Place Individual Website – Jonathan L. - Opening the Iron Curtain from Within: Glasnost and Perestroika

2nd Place Individual Website – Stephen J. - “When Polio Revolution Becomes Crisis” - How Reaction led to American Health Reformation

3rd Place Group Website – Leslie P., Jieun I., Elena L. - Silent Spring

1st Place Group Documentary – Sophie C., Yein K., Owen S., Alexander X. - From Rebels to Rights: The Suffragette Movement

2nd Place Group Documentary – Jia C., Hannah W., Isabella L., Elina D. - The Revolution of Classical music from Classical to Romantic Era

2nd Place Paper - Ayana C. - Black Gold, Blood Coal

3rd Place Group Performance – Hannah S., Gracie W., Rayna Z., Xinlin Y. - Freedom's Debt: The Haitian Revolution and the Price of Independence

Group Exhibit Finalists:

Ephraim E., Aiden X., Brandon Z., Hanson M. - The Luddites: Revolution, Reaction, Reform

Jason K., Jerry Z. - Bolshevik Revolution

Group Website Finalists

Jessica J., Hanbo T., Alan Y. - MacArthur and the Preservation of the Japanese Monarchy, transforming Japanese Development

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Shanghai Swim League Round 4 at LFS

Shanghai Swim League Round 4, on March 21st, took place across three different competition pods, with Concordia competing in the French School (LFS) pod. Concordia swimmers competed against strong programs including Dulwich Pudong and Puxi, SSIS, BSB, WISS, Britannica, NAIS, and both LFS campuses.

The meet was highlighted by several outstanding 1st place finishes across multiple events and age groups. Bright L. (200 Breaststroke), Kobe C. (200 Breaststroke), and Eric D. (200 Freestyle and 50 Backstroke) led the boys’ performances, while Angela H. delivered an exceptional meet with 1st place finishes in the 200 Freestyle—breaking an 8-year school record—and the 50 Backstroke. Chloe T. (100 Freestyle) and Sophia L. (50 Freestyle) also secured top finishes, alongside Bethany C. (50 Backstroke, 15+). The Girls 13–14 200 Freestyle Relay added to the success with a 1st place finish and a new school record, showcasing the team’s depth and strength across events.

Across the board, our young 9–10 age group swimmers achieved numerous personal bests, showing clear progress and growing confidence in their racing. It was encouraging to see the progress they have made, both in their results and in the way they approached their races. Our younger swimmers continue to grow, and this meet was another positive step in their development.

Special recognition goes to Sophia L. and Eric D., who delivered outstanding performances by achieving Chinese National Level 1 standards in their events; a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to their hard work and dedication.

Additionally, a major highlight for Concordia was the exceptional performance of the Girls 13–14 team, who earned an impressive 3rd place overall across all three pods when the combined results were finalized, an outstanding achievement at such a highly competitive meet

Beyond the results, what stood out most was the team’s unity, effort, and competitive spirit. Despite missing some key swimmers, the team stepped up and delivered exceptional performances. This meet was not just about results, but about growth, resilience, and supporting one another, values that continue to define Concordia swimming.

Detailed Results:

Shanghai Swim League Round 4 – LFS

11-12 Αge Group:

Emir S. – 3rd place (400 Freestyle), 3rd place (100 Freestyle), 3rd place (200 IM).

Elaine J. – 3rd place (50 Breaststroke)

13–14 Age Group:

Bright L. – 1st place (200 Breaststroke), 2nd place (200 IM – New School Record)

Angela H. – 1st place (200 Freestyle – New School Record), 1st place (50 Backstroke), 3rd place (50 Butterfly)

Andrew L. – 2nd place (200 Freestyle)

Benjamin Z. – 3rd place (200 Freestyle), 3rd place (100 Freestyle)

Chloe T. – 1st place (100 Freestyle), 2nd place (50 Freestyle)

Sophia L. – 1st place (50 Freestyle), 2nd place (50 Butterfly), 3rd place (50 Breaststroke)

Haley W. – 3rd place (50 Freestyle)

Nathaniel – 2nd place (100 Freestyle)

Sophia L. – 2nd place (50 Butterfly)

15 & Over:

Eric D. – 1st place (200 Freestyle), 1st place (50 Backstroke), 2nd place (50 Breaststroke)

Kobe C. – 1st place (200 Breaststroke)

Rebecca Z. – 2nd place (200 Freestyle), 2nd place (50 Freestyle), 3rd place (100 Freestyle)

Bethany C. – 1st place (50 Backstroke)

Carey T. – 2nd place (50 Backstroke)

Winnie L. – 3rd place (50 Butterfly)

Kobe C. – 3rd place (100 Freestyle)

Relays:

Girls 13–14 200 Freestyle Relay – 1st place (New School Record)

Boys 13–14 200 Freestyle Relay – 2nd place (New School Record)

Boys 15+ Over 200 Freestyle Relay – 2nd place

Girls 15+ Over 200 Freestyle Relay – 3rd place

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Phoenix Culture on Display: Resilience, Composure, Champions

The Phoenix soared to a Varsity Badminton championship finish at last weekend’s Division 1 SISAC Tournament, overcoming a highly competitive field that included APAC rivals SAS Pudong and SAS Puxi, along with local contenders SMIC and SSIS. Every round tested the team’s resilience, with several matches decided by the narrowest of margins. Time and again, the Phoenix rose to the moment—grinding out crucial wins to earn their place in the finals. A special mention goes to rising star Lucia (G7), who held her own against tough opposition and secured key victories that kept the Phoenix’s run to the final alive.

Facing off against SAS Puxi in the championship match, the Phoenix leaned on their experience and composure. Veteran leadership proved decisive, as Lucas and Cuddy delivered a commanding doubles victory, followed by a strong performance from Elsie and Ingrid to secure another key win. With the title on the line, Winston stepped up in the final match, closing it out with confidence to seal the championship and cap off a remarkable day for the Phoenix.

Our younger JV badminton players showed that the future of badminton at Concordia remains bright. A solid start to the D2 tournament at WISS saw Concordia finish group play in #1 spot. The Phoenix went on to finish in 4th place overall, and gained valuable match play experience as younger students work towards a role in the Varsity APAC team in the future.

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AMIS Orchestra and Composer's Symposium

Concordia musicians brought the Phoenix Spirit to SAS Pudong on March 21! 5 String players and 5 Composition students were involved in the AMIS Honor Orchestra and Composer’s Symposium.

After a rigorous audition process and months of practice, our String players had the opportunity to work with esteemed conductors Sebastian See-Schierenberg (UK) and Lee Pophal (US). 8-hour long rehearsals over the course of three days, resulted in a beautiful concert on Saturday March 21, where they performed a variety of works ranging from Telemann, through Nordic and Scottish pieces and even Chinese folk songs!

Alongside the AMIS Honor Orchestra festival, was the first annual AMIS Composer’s Symposium, where students worked closely with composer Brendan McGibbon from the UK. Students were inspired to develop their creativity through different workshops on a variety of music styles.

We are so proud of the hard work our musicians put in over the past few months!

MS students Eliana M., Nini H., Bianca Y.

HS students Micah T., Brandon Z., Tiger L., Coco L., Hyeonbin C., Yein K., Alex X.

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Varsity Boys Soccer in Vietnam

The Varsity Boys Soccer team had an excellent experience competing in Hanoi this weekend. Throughout the tournament, the students showed strong commitment, resilience, and a clear desire to grow as both players and teammates. These moments together—on and off the field—helped strengthen team chemistry and created meaningful memories for everyone involved.

Although we finished in 4th place, the team left the tournament with a strong sense of progress and belief. The players demonstrated how competitive we can be at a high level, and it is clear that we are continuing to improve. With APAC just three weeks away, we feel confident that the group is very close to reaching its optimal performance.

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Varsity Girls Soccer in Vietnam

The 2026 Phoenix Cup was an incredible experience. As captains, we saw the team grow together especially with our sister school Concordia Hanoi. We are super thankful that they could help us in this tournament, and getting to know them was loads of fun. One of our favorite memories from the trip was our third match against SAS Pudong. After a tough first day, we were all feeling sore, some of us dealing with injuries, and even though we were excited to play other games, we were also super exhausted. But as the game progressed, we found ourselves encouraging one another, refining old skills, relying on our teammates, and fighting for every ball. The hot, humid Vietnam weather made the match even more physically draining as time went on, yet we pushed through together and came out with a win. After that game, we could feel the trust among us strengthen. Throughout the trip, we rediscovered the joy and connection that makes football so special.

As seniors, we are so grateful to have the opportunity to finish our high school football careers with this team, under the guidance of Coach Perez, Coach Mahay, and Coach Rampley. Each of them gave us their full support and pushed us to do better; their belief in us is what motivated us to improve. This team has become a safe haven, a place where we can laugh together and share our frustrations. We are incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, both technically and emotionally, and we are excited to take on the weeks ahead as we continue to fight together through SISAC and, ultimately, toward APAC.

Written by Sarah, Hyerim & Elli (Girls Soccer Captains)

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APAC Season 3 Sports
APAC is almost upon us, with the following events taking place next Wednesday - Sunday (April 15-19):