Anton Besanidis '25, a multilingual student from Russia, Switzerland, and Greece, exemplifies the academic excellence and global perspective cultivated at TASIS. His impressive academic journey included eight Advanced Placement courses—Calculus AB, Statistics, Physics 1, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, English Literature and Composition, United States History, and Italian Language and Culture—earning him recognition as both an AP Scholar with Distinction and the recipient of an AP International Diploma from the College Board. Beyond his AP achievements, Anton excelled in the rigorous IB Business Management HL class while maintaining High Honors status throughout his six years at the institution. His linguistic abilities in Russian, Italian, and English further demonstrate the international environment that defines the TASIS experience. Anton's academic preparation has positioned him perfectly for his next chapter: studying Economics and Business at Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) while continuing to pursue his professional ice hockey career with HC Lugano. This dual focus on academic and athletic excellence reflects the balanced education TASIS provides, where students are encouraged to pursue multiple passions simultaneously. The school's challenging curriculum, particularly in Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, provides students with the academic foundation necessary for success at competitive universities worldwide.
When reflecting on his TASIS experience, Anton emphasizes how the institution prepared him for higher education through its multicultural environment and academic challenges. 'The multicultural environment has helped me become more open-minded and adaptable, which I know will be important in a diverse university setting,' he noted. Beyond academics, he credits TASIS with teaching him essential life skills: 'TASIS has also taught me how to balance different responsibilities like sports, schoolwork, and social life, which will be essential for succeeding in college.' The College Counseling Office played a crucial role in Anton's journey, providing continuous support throughout the university application process and offering valuable guidance on course selection aligned with his academic and career goals. Faculty members made lasting impressions, with Anton fondly remembering Economics with Mr. Schmid, Business Management with Mr. Diviani, Physics with Mr. Bleckel, and Mathematics with Mr. Schwartz. As he looks back on his six years at the school, Anton acknowledges that what he'll miss most are the friendships forged and the beautiful campus that became his daily environment. These personal connections and the inspiring setting represent the intangible yet invaluable aspects of the TASIS experience that extend far beyond the classroom.
