Ms. Sandra Gamal, A CAC Legacy:
The CAC Library is more than just a place to read. It has always been an important pillar for the CAC community that provides everything from spaces for collaboration, to valuable resources, while catering to a diverse community of all ages.
The library wouldn't have been what it is today without the contribution of our outstanding library staff, who have left their mark on the learning experience at CAC, in all kinds of ways.
This school year, CAC commemorated one of its longest serving staff members, the late Ms. Sandra Gamal, with an art piece placed at the MHS library where she worked for 40 years as Head of Library. We are delighted that her CAC alumni sons were able to join us in a small celebration along with other current and previous CAC community members.
Sandra is known to most as the Librarian at Cairo American College. It is a role she fulfilled dearly over four decades on three different campuses. She established and curated the Egypt collection, oversaw the library's transition from a card catalogue to a digital system, and mentored/trained all faculty and staff who followed in her footsteps to make the library what it is today.
Throughout her days in Egypt and at CAC, she developed lifelong friendships with her neighbors and colleagues, as well as from around the world and continued to stay in touch with them over the years.She was truly a reflection of all CAC core values. Her deepest interests were reading and always enjoying the company of diverse people and interests.
To honor Sandra’s legacy at CAC, current and former CAC librarians, teachers, and alumni were contacted around the world, including her alumni sons to think of a meaningful way to pay respect to all she has done for CAC.
From the conversations, the idea of creating an art piece in the entrance of our MHS Library in her honor was born.
We started by getting to know Sandra more and her impact on the CAC community via CAC colleagues, alumni and family. We then put what we learned to reflect on the artwork.
We learned that she founded and developed the Egypt collection in the library and respected many parts of Egyptian culture and history.
We connected this to the main theme of the art piece.
Starting with the base, the type of wood used in the Islamic art, as well as ancient Egyptian art on the art piece represents the deep culture that Sandra always respected.
The main body of the artwork is an obelisk. Ancient Egyptians considered obelisks as a symbol to commemorate those who passed. That is why you can see the body of the art piece is in the form of an obelisk.
When you look at the pharaonic wings, they represent a gesture of protection and empowerment to what it holds.
The book symbolizes the power of knowledge and the saying “Seek Knowledge Even In China” written on the book was the quote that Sandra kept alive in the library for all those that visited.
The symbols on the obelisk sides represent our seven CAC core values, which Sandra embodied.
The hieroglyphics on the front of the art piece translates into the four letter word R-E-A-D. This is the main message the artwork delivers to encourage all to continue to read.
CAC librarians from around the world as well as teachers and previous students and parents sent in their words of gratitude to share in Sandra's remembrance.“Befitting her legacy and the lasting wishes of a librarian: read something good, and help others to do the same”.
Expert Alumni Inspiring Performing Arts and Theater Students:One of the hard things about learning in a classroom can be seeing how what is discussed in class relates to real life. Students see film, theatre and video, and know that it takes an army of skilled artists and craftspeople to make it happen. However, knowing how to get from High School to the entertainment industry can seem like a daunting or insurmountable task. As members of the CAC alumni community, who were once in their shoes, our students love to hear their stories and receive both inspiration and insights into the transition from CAC student to industry professional. Topics discussed by our expert alumni include:
- What opportunities are out there (the things you might not think about as a student)?
- How does collaboration happen in the entertainment industry?
- What is the balance between creating your art and the business of show business.
"Elizabeth (Lisa) Liang grew up in Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Morocco, Egypt, and Connecticut as a Guatemalan-American business brat of Chinese-Spanish-Irish-French-English descent. Elizabeth graduated from Wesleyan University and is an award-winning bilingual actress who works in theatre, television, and film. Alien Citizen: An Earth Odyssey, Elizabeth’s autobiographical solo show, toured in 14 US states and six countries on four continents. It is now a film: https://aliencitizensoloshow.com.
Hassan Dajani'87 Continuing To Make a Difference In The World And CAC After Graduation:
Service contributions to the community is something that has been a core value and strategic goal at CAC over the years. Many of our community members will remember doing so much as students for the community outside CAC walls. Even in light of COVID-19 challenges, this did not stop us. Our students, alumni, parents, and faculty/staff all came together to make a difference.
Towards the end of the school year, we had an initiative that could not have been made possible without the help of our alum Hassan Dajani '87, our Middle School student Hoda Abou Ghaly, our faculty member Mr. Knox, and of course our amazing students.
Our Middle School students met virtually with our CAC alumnus Hassan, who is also part of an NGO named Afaq El Hayah. They had productive virtual conversations regarding planning their drive. Students inquired about the top needs at Kafr Hemayed ( a village that is in need of support in so many ways). After the discussions, students decided to hold a drive in light of their Spirit Week. Not only that, but our MS student, Hoda Abou Ghaly translated a video about Afaq Al Hayah's activities and services from Arabic to English and recorded it in her voice to be able to create awareness for non-Arabic speakers. The drive collected thousands of pounds and in kind gifts that went towards food and school supplies. We even managed to have 111 Ramadan Bags distributed to poor families in Kafr Hemayed village. To top that, our faculty member Mr. Knox met with Hassan to better understand the "Harkness Method" that is used at CAC in an attempt (as Afaq NGO) to overhaul the English Language Learning Curriculum at Kafr Hemayid Village in Ayaat, Giza, to help underprivileged kids in Kafr Hemayid village learn simple English. Hassan even introduced a new "English Club" and is trying to utilize the Harkness Method in the NGO's communicative ELT approach at the village.
He already started phase 2 of their ELT program for Grades 3-9 students residing at Kafr Hemayid Village, and all of whom attend the 1000-student local school. In October 2020, they started phase 1 of the new ELT program (entitled 'KNOW MORE'), enrolling 66 weak English language learners (ELL's).
