2026
James A. Handrich Service Leadership Endowed Fund
Recipients
Former HKIS Administrator James A. Handrich pictured here with past recipient Francis He '33 at the Homecoming Week Recognition Ceremony in April 2026.
The James A. Handrich Service Leadership Endowed Fund—also known as the Jim Handrich Award—was established in June 2007 by HKIS and alumni Desmond Chu ’91 and Kenneth Koo ’79 in honor of Associate Head of School James (Jim) A. Handrich. Jim retired in July 2007 after 24 years of dedicated service to HKIS.
Created to advance the school’s Mission and support two of its Student Learning Results—Self-Motivated Learning and Contributing to Society—the fund empowers students to design and lead meaningful service initiatives that make a difference in their communities.
Since its expansion in 2022, the program now includes students from Middle School and Upper Primary, creating earlier opportunities for service leadership. It has also evolved to support partnerships with NGOs alongside individual projects, helping students gain a deeper understanding of sustained, community-based impact.
In the 2025–2026 school year, the program received 37 applications. More than 50 students were awarded grants, supporting 21 service-driven projects. As we look ahead to the 2026–2027 school year, we are excited to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fund—marking two decades of student-led service and impact.
If you are interested in helping expand these opportunities for future student leaders, we would love to hear from you. Please contact sphillips@hkis.edu.hk.
Featured Student Projects
Bike with Care
Marcus Wong '27
Marcus Wong '27 developed Bike with Care to support Hong Kong’s domestic worker community through mountain biking. His initiative combines riding skills, trail safety, and first aid training—empowering participants to ride confidently and respond to emergencies. Supported by funding for first aid kits, venue and expert-led training the project strengthens both safety and community connection on the trails.
ConnectEd
Hillary Ho '27
Hillary Ho '27 founded ConnectEd to support underprivileged students in Nepal through weekly online English tutoring, reaching 4 partner schools and organizations. With an 8-member tutoring team, her initiative builds confidence and global awareness through conversation-based learning. Supported by grant funding for technology at the Dicky Tsering Home, ConnectEd expands access to education—empowering students with language skills, broader perspectives, and pathways toward future opportunities.
Sole to Soul
Samantha Liang '27 and Olivia Cho'28
Samantha Liang '27 and Olivia Cho'28 founded Sole to Soul in partnership with Lok Kwan Social Service to bring dance to local children. Alongside HKIS APAC Dance students, they lead twice-weekly classes in Cantonese and Mandarin for ages 5–13—promoting creativity, confidence, and joy while helping reduce academic stress and making dance more accessible across the community. With support from the fund, the program provided ballet shoes, attire, and equipment for students from low-income backgrounds, helping make dance more accessible to all.
Therapy Dog Partnership with Rise Wise
Nandhika Gobalakrishna '27, Adriana Che '27, Emily Tam '27, Elvin Emirlioglu '26, and Devin Johannessen '27
These recipients launched a partnership with Rise Wise Foundation to bring therapy dogs to HKIS. Through reading sessions for Grade 5 students and wellness events for high schoolers, their initiative reduces stress, supports literacy, and promotes mental wellbeing—fostering a more compassionate, balanced school environment.
MS Drama Connection to the Elderly
Priya Morrison '30, Amber Yip '31, Adviti Minni '30, Aarav Bathija '30, and Michael Chua '30
Priya Morrison '30, Amber Yip '31, Adviti Minni '30, Aarav Bathija '30, and Michael Chua '30, partnered with Mighty Oaks to connect with elderly residents through 6 visits across 2 care homes. Guided by Mr. Mulhall, they listened to personal stories and built meaningful relationships, transforming these experiences into an original production, Memory Lane, performed for seniors—fostering empathy, intergenerational connection, and moments of joy.
CARE Day
Adviti Minni'30, Aarav Bathija'30, Ishaan Grover'31, Michael Chua '30 and Jasmine Wai '30
Adviti Minni'30, Aarav Bathija'30, Ishaan Grover'31, Michael Chua '30 and Jasmine Wai '30 led CARE Day to welcome over 50 refugee children and families to HKIS through 3 days of activities. The program included games, workshops, shared meals, and swimming sessions with instructors—creating joyful, community-building experiences. Funding supported transportation, pool instructors, refreshments, and family vouchers, ensuring a meaningful and accessible day for all participants.
2025-2026 James A Handrich Service Leadership Grant Recipients
We are proud to recognize the students behind these inspiring initiatives.
✦
Art Therapy Mindfulness
Devika Chellaram ’28
Led workshops at Queen Mary Hospital using arts and crafts to support patients with CDH while promoting mindfulness.
Bike with Care
Marcus Wong ’27
Raised awareness of cycling safety and first aid for the domestic worker rider community in Hong Kong.
Branch of Hope
Tillie Yan ’29
Created handmade Mother’s Day gifts for refugee families at Branches of Hope.
CARE Day
Adviti Minni ’30; Aarav Bathija ’30; Ishaan Grover ’31; Michael Chua ’30; Jasmine Wai ’30
Connected HKIS students with refugee families through shared activities on campus.
ConnectEd
Hilary Ho ’27
Provided online English sessions with Nepalese schools to build communication skills and confidence.
Cooking Initiative
Zoe Li ’30; Evelyn Chak ’30; Maya Tam ’30
Prepared and distributed food to support refugee communities in Hong Kong.
Dance a Difference
Seoyeon Sin ’27; Madelyn Wong ’28
Provided dance classes to Love 21 and visits to elderly centers to promote movement, connection, and well-being.
Hong Kong Classics Society
Angela Song ’27; Stephanie Kwok ’27
Project postponed to next school year.
MS Drama Connection to the Elderly
Priya Morrison ’30; Amber Yip ’31; Adviti Minni ’30; Aarav Bathija ’30; Michael Chua ’30
Partnered with elderly homes through visits and created a student-led drama production, Memory Lane, inspired by their stories.
MS Dragon Day – Service Learning for All
Annabel Chow ’29; Xylia Mason ’30; Chloe Yip ’30
Outings and Activities for HKSAS Teens Living in Group Homes
Maddie Yan ’26; Megan Wong ’26; Emma Lin ’26; Tara Ramachandran ’27
Organized simple activities—from baking to exploring international foods—that created joyful and memorable moments for teens in HKSAS group homes while learning English.
PALS
Elaine Wang ’28
Led HKIS student volunteers to SAGE Madam Ho Sin Hang Home for the Elderly, organizing games and crafts that celebrated residents’ lives while building a meaningful partnership with students from Watchdog Early Education Center.
Project SHINE
Jean Hu ’27
Hosted a Lunar New Year “flower market” on campus, bringing together 65 refugee and asylum-seeking families for a joyful celebration featuring games, crafts, and cultural activities.
SEED Science Fair
Jiaying Fan ’28; Andy Liu ’25; Surabhi Satyan ’27; Jasmine Zhao ’26; Alison Lin ’29
Hosted a science fair during SEED sessions outside of school.
Slime for Smile
Jaclyn Lee ’27; Annabelle Sun ’27
Led slime-making workshops for underprivileged youth, creating a fun and inclusive space to reduce stress, encourage creativity, and build connections.
Sole to Soul
Samantha Liang ’27; Olivia Cho ’28
Led dance classes for local children in partnership with Lok Kwan Social Service, fostering creativity, confidence, and joy.
Solve to Soar
Christa Chan ’28; Anthony Mang ’28; Meagan Ho ’28; Thea Bondada ’27; Annabelle Sun ’27; Benjamin Yang ’28; Josephine Yang ’28; Elaine Wang ’28
Continued to grow an existing initiative providing free tutoring and enrichment programs to under-resourced students across Hong Kong through ongoing partnerships with local organizations.
SOS Children’s Book Library
Tianzong Zuo ’25; Mazel Chan ’27; Angelina Lee ’25; Calvin Sun ’25
Built a curated collection of level-appropriate books to support ESL students.
SPCA + MS Dragon Day
Storm Parker ’29
Theatre Program
Justin Wei ’27
Created and led a theatre program for students with limited access to the arts, guiding them in developing performance skills and culminating in a final showcase for their families.
Therapy Dog Partnership with Rise Wise
Nandhika Gobalakrishna ’27; Adriana Che ’27; Emily Tam ’27; Elvin Emirlioglu ’26; Devin Johannessen ’27
Supported student and community well-being through structured interactions with therapy dogs in partnership with Rise Wise.