Each year, IB Diploma year two candidates embark on one aspect of their overall diploma experience: the CAS project. The projects span everything from organizing community-wide service projects to creating clubs at Aspen High School. As the IB Diploma seniors begin their CAS projects, they share what plans they have for the year.

The CAS project is required for every IB Diploma Candidate and includes a Creative, Activity, and Service component. In addition, each student must complete one Sustain project, which is intended to last over a long period of time. In each of the three sectors, a candidate must complete three small projects. The CAS project allows students to delve into projects that they are interested in, as well as get involved in their community.

Hannah Zanin, a senior in IB Diploma, is working as an advocate for Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) for her Sustain project. At the end of the year, Zanin plans on holding a fundraiser that involves the whole community to raise money for Alzheimer’s research.

“I did a lot of research and realized that [Alzheimer’s] is underfunded, and I wanted to do something that could help raise awareness for everyone because it is something that affects a lot of people, but it is also something that really affects me,” Zanin said.

The Sustain project is intended to be meaningful to the student, as it is the largest component of CAS. As Alzheimer’s affects a member of Zanin’s extended family, she feels very passionate about her project.

Jon Haisfield is another member of the senior class’s IB Diploma program. Most of Haisfeild’s CAS projects revolve around sports.

“I am working towards increased performance in different sports. I also taught myself a song on the Ukulele as part of the Creative component,” Haisfield said.

Haisfield also hopes to hold a fundraiser at the end of the year for his Sustain project.

Nellie Tash has been able to incorporate learning useful skills for her life into her CAS project.

“For my Sustain project, I started the Spanish Conversation club. It has been useful because it is helping me practice Spanish since I am not taking it anymore. I am also helping my uncle organize his art collective, which goes into both the Art and Service sectors of CAS,” Tash said.

Tash has been able to pursue topics that she is passionate about through the IB Diploma CAS project.

“So far, I have worked on the Kamala Harris campaign when it came to Aspen. That was fun because I am interested in politics and it also helped with my CAS Service project,” Tash said.