Karl, in the graduating cohort of 2025, first caught our attention with his deep involvement in the GESS Wildcats swim team. But we realised later that this young man had more to him beyond just swimming. We find out from Karl about his life at GESS, and being among this year’s graduates.
Hi Karl, could you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us how long you have been in GESS?
Hi, my name is Karl Ghannam. I’ve been attending GESS for the past two years and will be graduating this summer. I’ve lived in Singapore with my family for the past 12 years. I’m French, Canadian, and Lebanese, and yes, as some people may know, I swim competitively.
We know you are a competitive swimmer in the GESS Wildcats team, among many passion and pursuits. What were some of the competitions you participated in during your GESS journey? What do you enjoy most about swimming and do you intend to continue doing this competitively?
I have competed in National Championships in France, Lebanon, Hong Kong, and Singapore, as well as the World Cup held in Singapore at the end of last year. I am a Lebanese record holder in the 50m and 100m freestyle and butterfly and a silver medalist at the Arab Championships.
I constantly push myself in the water, striving for personal bests and refining my technique. I also love being part of a team, especially swimming relays, which strengthen team spirit and friendship.
I will be swimming in college and have been accepted into a couple Division 1 programmes in the US, as well as Canada. I plan to study business and commerce while continuing to compete at a high level and represent my country on the international stage.
We heard you were awarded the National Youth Achievement Award (Gold) in Singapore. How did this nomination and win come about? And how did you manage to accomplish so much while studying?
I have always believed in giving back to my community, and when I signed up for the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) in Grade 11, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to do so. However, I underestimated the level of commitment and effort it would require. Over 18 months, I dedicated more than 60 hours to community service, including 36 hours studying the effects of global warming on wildlife in the Alps. Witnessing firsthand how small actions can make a meaningful impact on the environment was incredibly rewarding.
In my former school (UWC East), I was also involved in an after-school CCA where I organised football matches for underprivileged children, helping them develop confidence, teamwork, and athletic skills. During Experience Week, I spent time volunteering in different departments on UWC East campus, improving logistics, communication, and overall efficiency.
Beyond service, this journey shaped my personal growth. Teaching children new skills taught me patience and leadership, while balancing IB coursework, intensive swim training, and service commitments strengthened my time management and organisational skills. Most importantly, I learned the value of teamwork—none of these projects would have succeeded without the collective effort of my peers.
This experience instilled in me discipline, perseverance, and a lifelong commitment to service.
You are in your last year (and final months!) at GESS, graduating soon with your cohort. How has your learning journey at GESS been, what were the most challenging periods and how did you overcome them?
Moving from UWC East to GESS was a big decision for me, especially leaving behind my friends. But I was eager to train with Coach Ivan at GESS, having worked with him a few years earlier. I knew we would get along well, and I was confident he could help me achieve my dream of swimming at a high level and competing in college.
However, some periods were really challenging. I remember one competition in Qatar where I represented Lebanon—it was right after Christmas, and I wasn’t well-trained. On top of that, I missed a week of school, which made it tough to balance the pressure of an international competition with catching up on classes and preparing for exams.
Despite these challenges, my teachers have been very supportive, which has helped me manage both academics and swimming.
As a GESS high schooler, did you get to enjoy the opportunities and support in planning your future pathway?
With a weekly schedule that includes around 25 hours of swimming, plus competitions on weekends, unfortunately I have limited time for other activities on campus.
Having said that, the university career counsellor has been a great support in refining my university search, helping me navigate my options. The university fair organised by GESS was also very helpful—I had the chance to meet admissions officers and learn more about different programmes in the US and Canada.
What is the one thing you want to do most after your final exams are over? And what are you going to embark on after GESS – if you have decided?
Once my finals are over, I’ll shift my focus entirely to swimming, training for upcoming international championships. I also look forward to spending time with my family and going on a trekking trip in Europe with friends.
This next chapter is something I’m really excited about. Competing at the college Division 1 level in the US or Canada has always been a dream of mine, and GESS has played a huge role in making it possible. I hope to stay connected with the school as an alumnus, supporting younger students as they chase their own dreams.
