Dennis A. Sokol ’26, a graduate of TASIS The American School in Switzerland, has chosen to pursue a Global Bachelor in Business Administration at ESSEC Business School, selecting the prestigious French institution over IE University (Segovia), University of Edinburgh, Durham University, University of Exeter, and University of Aberdeen. His ambition is to create startup businesses in the future. Dennis began his journey at TASIS in grade eight and graduated in May 2026 with an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. He is fluent in four languages: English, Russian, Italian, and Chinese. Throughout his five years, Dennis made a distinct impact on student life. He served on the Student Council every year, founded the TASIS Rooks Chess Club, and organized the school’s first chess tournament in over two decades. His athletic involvement included earning the Most Improved Award for Varsity Badminton, competing on the Varsity Tennis team, and participating in the Ski Club. In a post-graduation interview, Dennis reflected on how TASIS prepared him for college and beyond. He credited the IB Diploma Program, particularly under Mr. Michael Chellman, with developing his study skills and academic knowledge. He also highlighted the improvement of his athletic abilities and the space to pursue his love for chess. Dennis emphasized that the soft skills and sense of community he gained will carry him throughout life, stating, “My personal evolution over the course of my TASIS education prepared me well for life, not just for college.” He also acknowledged the crucial role of the College Counseling Office, specifically Ms. Johanna Fishbein, in guiding his university applications. The acceptance to ESSEC, a top-2 business school in France and a leading European institution, reinforced his belief that hard work pays off.
Dennis found several experiences at TASIS particularly inspiring. Academic Travel trips, especially skiing excursions, were a highlight, with the Senior Ski Trip to Laax standing out as a time of fun with friends. Varsity Badminton and Tennis practices provided a welcome release after classes, and leading the TASIS Rooks Chess Club offered a relaxing space to indulge his passion for chess. The graduation events also allowed him to reflect on his five years. When asked about memorable courses and teachers, Dennis named several. Mr. Chellman, in 8th grade, taught him to “learn” rather than simply “do,” expanding his thinking in ways similar to Theory of Knowledge. Ms. Roth, his Italian teacher from 10th to 12th grade, was kind yet strict, greatly advancing his language skills. Mr. Skove, who taught IB Economics and Theory of Knowledge, created a relaxed yet focused classroom where students worked independently and prepared well for exams. Ms. Nijssen and Dr. Love also left a strong impression: Ms. Nijssen fostered a proactive learning environment, while Dr. Love’s enthusiasm for literature sharpened Dennis’s writing and thinking. Looking ahead, Dennis said he will miss the people who shaped him most, the tightly knit community of his grade, the Academic Travel trips, and the daily structure of high school life. He acknowledged that transitioning to university will be difficult without seeing these people daily, but he values the lasting impact of his TASIS experience.
