CIS alumna scores debut with Singapore’s Lionesses

 

CIS alumna Kyra Taylor at her national team debut against Macau

(Photo by Football Association of Singapore)

“It's an indescribable feeling to have achieved my dream of representing Singapore at the international level. Playing against Macau, and scoring a goal on my debut match in front of my family is a moment I'll cherish forever,” says Canadian International School (CIS) alumna Kyra Taylor.

A rising star in the football scene, Kyra’s journey has been remarkable. She captained Singapore's under-17 team at just 15 and later represented Singapore in several tournaments. Her crowning moment came in summer 2024, when she made her debut for the Singapore Lionesses.

Her growing talent was quickly recognised in Singapore where she was awarded the Unleash the Roar! (UTR) scholarship. Kyra was one of five young athletes selected to study and train at the IMG Academy in Florida, USA—a top global sports school. 

Off the pitch, Kyra's ambitions extend into the field of sports psychology. Earlier this year, she accepted an offer to pursue a master’s degree in Psychology at the University of St Andrews. “I’m excited to deepen my understanding in human behaviour and performance, and potentially work with athletes to enhance their mental game,” she says.

Kyra credits CIS for providing her a solid academic foundation from young. “CIS prepared me well with its rigorous IB programme. When I transitioned to the American High School Diploma at IMG, I was able to tackle new subjects like Forensic Science, American History, and Composition easily,” she shares.

She also mentioned how incredibly supportive the CIS community was of her move overseas. “From the principal to the university advisory team, even after graduating, they continued to guide and encourage me as I navigated the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) application process.”

Book a tour to learn more about the CIS experience. 

Ask the Dentist: How to treat gummy smiles?

 

A “gummy smile” refers to individuals who reveal a larger portion of their gums when they smile, making their teeth seem shorter in relation to their gums. 

Even though individuals with gummy smiles may have healthy teeth and gums, they might feel self conscious about their smiles, which can affect their confidence. Fortunately, there are treatments available to address this concern. 

Gummy smiles may arise due to: 

• Excessive display of gums due to the abnormal teeth eruption 

• Hyperactive lip muscles which cause the upper lip to rise higher than usual when smiling, showing more gum tissue 

• Prominent upper jaw 

• Prominent position of upper front teeth 

• Severely worn teeth, resulting in the teeth looking shorter relative to the gums.

There are a few treatment options, such as: 

1. Crown lengthening (gum surgery) reshapes excess gum tissue and underlying bone. Crowns or veneers may be used afterwards to achieve the desired aesthetic look. The process takes about an hour, followed by the removal of stitches after a week or two. 

2. Orthodontics (alignment of the teeth), crowns, and/or jaw surgery may be required if the gummy smile is caused by the front teeth positioned too far forward. 

3. Protein injections can treat the upper lips’ hyperactive muscles. The 10-minute procedure consists of a few tiny injections. 

If you require dental crowns, there is a waiting period of about 1-3 months before the final crowns are placed. If braces and/or jaw surgery are required, the treatment timeline may be extended. However, rest assured that you will consistently have a complete smile throughout the entire treatment duration. 

With meticulous planning and execution, the results of gum surgery can last for years.

 Professional follow-up will be essential for successful long-term treatment outcomes, ensuring your smile is well cared for. 

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Dr Daylene Leong is a Dental Specialist in Periodontics with Specialist Dental Group® She received her training in the specialty area of Periodontology from the University of Michigan, USA. Dr Leong is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. She has a special interest in periodontal regeneration, gingival aesthetic and plastic surgery, and dental implants. www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883