This year, we were proud to honour Catalina (Grade 10, Panama) as our Student of the Year. A second-generation Survalienne, Catalina has truly embodied the Surval spirit throughout her time with us — leading with kindness, integrity, and compassion. Whether quietly supporting her peers, stepping up to help wherever needed, or capturing the essence of school life through her lens as Surval’s unofficial photographer, Catalina has lived out Surval’s values each and every day.
What began as a hobby has blossomed into a remarkable talent — Catalina has a fantastic gift for photography. Her stunning images, rich with emotion and storytelling, now feature in our school brochures and online platforms, capturing the heart of Surval in a way only she can. For this, she was deservedly awarded the Photography Prize.
Catalina is someone who always wants the best for others — whether helping her peers carry their ski boots after Thursday ski trips, or, as a passionate snowboarder, eagerly guiding newcomers on the slopes. Her commitment to sports and her support of others were recognised with the Sports Prize for her outstanding drive and dedication.
Her positivity, creativity, and leadership have left a lasting mark on our community, and we are so proud to celebrate her achievements this year.
Below is her Vote of Thanks, a heartfelt tribute to her time at Surval — along with a collection of her photographs, capturing the spirit, friendships, and unforgettable moments that defined this year. Through both her words and images, Catalina reminds us of the power of gratitude, connection, and the joy of shared experiences.
First, I’d like to thank our special speakers, Survaliennes and Surval ambassadors, Amalia and Mrs.Lopez, for being with us today, coming all the way from Mexico, it’s an honour to have you with us. Thank you for all the love and support you give to Surval both within Mexico and during our school trips and events. Your kindness, compassion, and support have been very appreciated.
Like you both,I am a proud Survallien, and so is my mother. I came to Surval following in her footsteps, and thanks to her, I got to enjoy this truly magical place. Here, I’ve made some of the most beautiful memories, from swimming in the lake with my friends to skiing down snow-covered mountains with them.
I’ve seen Switzerland in all four seasons, each one more breathtaking than the last, and I’ve traveled the world through Surval’s incredible opportunities, learning about new cultures and trying new foods. These unforgettable experiences are all thanks to Surval and the people who make it what it is.
To the staff: thank you for creating a home for us. You’ve given us more than just support, you’ve given us memories, inside jokes, and a place to feel safe, understood, and appreciated. You work so hard every single day to make sure we feel at home, and we really do. Surval is truly a home away from home for all of us.
Now, to the senior class of 2025: congratulations. You’ve made it through another year filled with growth, challenges, laughter, and lessons, and you’ve done it with grace and friendship.
To Malak, for being like a big sister to all of us, always there with a comforting presence and loving personality. Thank you for the kindness and strength you've showed to us all.
To Quel, for always lighting up the room with your energy and joy. You’ve made us all smile and laugh. Honestly, your sweet personality matches your sweet tooth, we’ve never seen anyone stash that many treats with so much charm.
To Sofia, for always being their when you need a helping hand,in those tough and dull days your always there to cheer us up. Your kindness with the girls and your charasmatic personality is appreciated by us all.
To Camila, for your legendary laugh that echoed through the entire fifth floor during class. Your humor made even the most boring classes fun. We’ll never forget the way you could turn any moment into something to laugh about.
To Camellia, my Panamanian buddy, thank you for always speaking your truth. You had the courage to say what we were all thinking, and you stood up for others without hesitation. Your fierceness, honesty, and heart have made a lasting impact on all of us.
To each of you, thank you for being exactly who you are. Your unique light has shaped this community, in the way you cheer us all up in your own way, if its during trips, during the school day or on weekends, thank you for the memories and the laughter shared.
I’ve been lucky enough to not only live those moments with you, but also to capture them.
As the school photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing moments from all our adventures together. Now people always ask me why I take pictures when no one’s watching, why I try to catch as many candid shots as I can. And now I can say, I’m so glad I snuck in all those secret photos. Because when I look back at them, I see how much you've all grown, how your smiles got wider, your hugs got tighter, the group photos kept growing with more faces, your eyes would light up more when you guys looked at each other, sharing a laugh. The pictures got sillier, with more peace signs and tongues out. You got more comfortable with each other. and I'm glad I was there not just to capture it but to share those moments with you. not just the landscapes and the sunsets, but the quiet growth, the real moments. Through my lens I could see friendships deepen, confidence blossom, and memories take shape.
So here’s to the friendships we’ve made, the places we’ve been, and the people we’ve become. No matter where life takes us next, Surval will always be part of who we are.
