Coming Home to ICS

Four years ago, I walked back into ICS for the first time in nearly two decades. I had come to drop off toys for the school’s holiday drive—a small way to give back now that I was living in Atlanta again. But I wasn’t prepared for what happened next.

The moment I stepped through the doors, I was seven years old again. The building was new to me, but the heart of ICS was instantly familiar. Ms. Htwe, who had welcomed my family when we first came to ICS, was still there—still creating a home for immigrant and refugee families. My fourth-grade teacher, Mr. Bellamy, recognized me immediately, even after all these years. And Coach Dawn, who first introduced me to sports, was still part of the team.

So much had changed—new classrooms, new resources, more students—but the spirit that shaped me as a child was exactly the same. That day, I realized that ICS wasn’t just a school I had attended. It was, and still is, a community that lasts.

As the first former student to serve on the ICS board, and now the first alum serving as Board Chair, I carry those memories into every decision we make. I know firsthand what ICS can mean to a child: the opportunities it opens, the confidence it builds, the lifelong perspective it gives. And I know the incredible potential of the students walking these halls today.

That’s why I’m committed to giving back to the place that gave me so much, and I want to encourage other alumni to do the same. If you once sat in an ICS classroom, your story still matters here. Your experience can inspire a student. Your voice can strengthen our community and help ensure that ICS continues to be a place where children from all backgrounds are seen, supported, and empowered to reach new heights.

I want to personally invite you to get involved, visit the school, and join us for UN Day this year. You’ll see how much has changed—and how much remains the same. You’ll recognize pieces of yourself in the students. And maybe, like me, you’ll realize it’s time to come home and give back. Together, we can keep building the legacy of this incredible school.

Jonah Bushell

ICS Board Chair & Proud Alumnus