British Jostedals Glacier Expedition (1970)
PHOTO: BERNARD GOTFRYD,
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Art
American artist Andy Warhol was 
an accomplished creator in my 
fields, including painting, film making, 
photography and publishing. Widely 
regarded as the most influential artist 
of the second half of the twentieth 
century, Warhol achieved fame for 
turning everyday objects and famous 
celebrities into acclaimed works of 
art, his most famous paintings being 
of the actress Marilyn Monroe and a 
Campbell’s soup can, his use of bright 
colours revolutionising the art world. 
Brandon Sindhu, Year 9
Geography
When it comes to great explorers, in Britain we think of Captain 
Cook, Scott of the Antarctic, or Sir Ranulph Fiennes. A pioneer in 
this area from the United States was Richard E. Byrd, an officer in 
the U.S. Navy who led expeditions to the North and South Poles and 
is famous for being the first to fly aircraft over these polar regions. 
Byrd achieved recognition as someone who was always prepared to 
go the extra mile, literally, once commenting how few people ‘during 
their lifetime come anywhere near exhausting the resources dwelling 
within them. There are deep wells of strength that are never used.’
Arvin Sokhi, Year 9
PHOTO: MUNICIPAL ARCHIVES OF TRONDHEIM FROM TRONDHEIM, NORWAY,
CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
MUSIC
Empress of Pop from Mexico City, 
Thalía or Ariadna Thalía Sodi 
Miranda did not just become a part 
of music she changed it completely. 
She started in a teen pop group called 
Timbiriche. Then became a famous 
solo singer. She brought together the 
feelings of traditional music and the 
new style of modern pop music that 
people like all over the world.
Before Thalía Mexican music was 
divided into two parts: folk music and 
simple love songs. Thalía broke these 
rules by mixing music with pop and 
rock music and by performing in a big 
glamorous way. Her music from the 
1990s like the “Trilogía de las Marías” 
soundtracks became very popular. 
Were played in over 180 countries. 
This music showed people what the 
“Mexican Dream” was about.
Thalía was also a pioneer in using 
different types of media. She was 
on the radio and on television. She 
gave Mexican music a strong and 
feminine image. She showed people 
that Mexican music could be bold and 
ambitious. Today we can see Thalía’s 
influence in Latin artists who mix urban 
music with storytelling. Thalía did not 
just change the music of Mexico she 
made sure that people around the 
world would keep dancing to Mexican 
music. Thalía changed the way people 
think about music and that is why she 
is so important to Thalía’s fans and, to 
the music of Mexico.
Amar Shinh, Year 9
SCIENCE
Janet Alejandra Gutiérrez Uribe 
is one of Mexico’s most active and 
influential modern scientists. She is 
a biotechnologist and food‑science 
researcher who studies natural 
compounds found in traditional Mexican 
foods like black beans, nopal, and 
agave. Her work shows how these foods 
contain molecules that may help prevent 
diseases such as cancer, diabetes, 
and high cholesterol. As a professor 
and research leader at Tecnológico de 
Monterrey, she has published over 125 
scientific papers and earned thousands 
of citations. She has also received major 
awards, including the 2020 Research 
Award from the Mexican Academy of 
Sciences and the Rómulo Garza Award 
for her scientific achievements. Beyond 
research, she co‑founded a company 
that turns her discoveries into useful 
health ingredients. Gutiérrez represents 
a new generation of Mexican scientists 
who combine research, innovation, and 
community impact, helping improve 
both health and sustainable food 
development.
Nihal Deo, Year 9
PE
Hayley Wickenheiser is a former 
professional ice hockey player and one 
of the greatest female athletes in the 
sport’s history. She was born on 
August 12, 1978, in Shaunavon, 
Saskatchewan, Canada. Wickenheiser 
played as a forward and was known 
for her skill, leadership, and 
determination on the ice.
She represented Canada in 
multiple Winter Olympics, 
winning four gold medals 
and one silver medal. Her 
performances helped 
establish Canada as a 
dominant force in women’s ice 
hockey. In addition, she played professionally 
in men’s leagues in Europe, showing her 
exceptional ability.
After retiring from hockey, 
Wickenheiser focused on education 
and became a medical doctor. 
She has also worked in sports 
leadership roles, including with 
NHL teams. Her achievements 
both on and off the ice have 
made her an inspiring role 
model for young athletes 
around the world.
Cavarni Masaun, Year 9
PHOTO: SIMON 
FRASER UNIVERSITY
University Communications, 
CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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