2024-2025 marked a milestone year in the history of Silicon Valley International School (INTL) as we celebrated our 45th anniversary. To commemorate this momentous occasion, we proudly honored the first graduating class—nine pioneering students who helped lay the foundation for the school’s legacy, beginning in 1979.
Back when our institution was known as the Peninsula French-American School (PFAS), these students were the trailblazers, embarking on an educational journey that set the stage for generations to come. Their passion for learning, resilience, and global-mindedness became the building blocks upon which our school’s values were established. As we reflect on the past 45 years, we recognize that their journey was the beginning of something extraordinary.
It has been incredible to witness how these graduates have grown, evolved, and flourished in their individual adventures. Many have gone on to become leaders, innovators, and global citizens who embody the principles of an international, bilingual education. Their experiences at our school instilled in them a deep appreciation for cultural understanding, intellectual curiosity, and a lifelong commitment to learning—values they have carried into both their personal and professional lives. We were lucky enough to have five of the nine members of our first graduating class share their stories and updates on what they are doing now.
Alumni Spotlights:
Colin Stackhouse has embraced a global career, working in the international relations and lobbying space in Paris. His deep connection to the French language and culture—nurtured during his time at the school—led him to settle in France, where he now ensures that his son has the same bilingual education. By enrolling his son in an international school to study French, Colin continues to pass down the importance of language immersion and global awareness - values he first developed as a student at our school.
For RJ Bunnell, a life-changing event at the age of 14 set him on the path to becoming a doctor. After experiencing a severe bike accident, he was profoundly impacted by the care and dedication of the medical team who helped him recover. That moment inspired him to pursue internal medicine. Today, he practices in Utah, providing compassionate care to those in need. His experience at INTL fostered his curiosity and drive to make a difference in people’s lives—qualities that continue to guide him in his medical career.
Christopher Bishop found his passion in the art world and has built a career as a highly respected international art dealer. Now based in New York City, he runs his own art gallery, just blocks away from Central Park. His bilingual education not only helps him navigate the global art market, but also gives him the confidence to forge connections with artists and collectors from around the world. Christopher credits his time at INTL for shaping his perspective on creativity, cultural appreciation, and global engagement.
Living in Japan for the past 20 years, Anne-Yoshie Narahara has brought her international background to her work at Apple’s Tokyo office. She has maintained strong ties to her bilingual roots by ensuring that her three children attend an international school in Tokyo to study French, passing down the same language and cultural advantages she experienced at INTL. Her story beautifully illustrates the enduring impact of multilingual education, demonstrating that the lessons learned at INTL extend across generations and continents.
Kate Biller has taken a dynamic approach to her career, exploring multiple professions before finding her long-term path in finance and consulting at a Bay Area firm. Over the past 15 years, she has established herself as a leader in the industry, showcasing how her education at INTL gave her the confidence to explore the world, take on challenges, and fearlessly pursue new opportunities. Her story embodies the adventurous, entrepreneurial spirit that our school strives to instill in every student.
At the 2025 Annual Gala & Auction, we came together to celebrate not only their achievements but also the journey they embarked on as the first graduating class. Their legacy serves as an inspiration to all students who walk through our doors, reminding us of the transformative power of education. We are proud of all they have accomplished and grateful for the foundation they built for future generations.
As we honor them, we extend our deepest gratitude to these remarkable individuals and to the entire community that has supported our school’s mission over the past 45 years. Here’s to celebrating our past, embracing our present, and looking forward to a bright future!
