During a ceremony at the American Community School of Abu Dhabi (ACS), Grade 11 student Sophie Jones became the fifth recipient of the Haitham Zamzam Al Hammadi Medal of International Friendship, named in honour of 2002 ACS graduate and Board Trustee, the late Haitham Zamzam Al Hammadi.
During his young career, Haitham Zamzam Al Hammadi served his country with great skill, modesty and commitment. His strengths lay in his interest and ability to form productive and long-term friendships – locally, regionally and internationally – with people, entities and other governments.
Based on the school’s core values of Curiosity, Courage, Compassion and Integrity, this Medal is awarded annually to one Junior ACS student for their contribution related to productive and positive global citizenry.
2022 recipient Sophie Jones has been an ACS student for 11 years, where she has learned “critical, big-picture thinking”. Her experiences as an interracial adoptee Indonesian, Canadian and American inspired her advocacy for inclusion and diversity and led to her leadership in the school’s human rights club, and its newly-formed Al Majlis group, a committee dedicated to promoting equity and belonging.
Her next goal is to learn more about environmental sustainability and water management, specifically water safety and the prevention of e.coli and typhoid, an illness that took the life of her biological brother, who she never met.
In her winning essay she wrote, “The skills I have developed at ACS through my extracurriculars have helped me become a better leader, a leader who can look outside the bubble of ACS and help generate real-world solutions.”
“In the five years since we launched this programme, it has become a reflection of who we are as a school – a student-centered, international community of learners that is inclusive, considerate, and respectful,” said Monique Flickinger, ACS Superintendent. “At ACS, we believe our purpose is to prepare the next generation to be curious and informed global citizens. We have the responsibility of helping to guide and nurture them based on our core ACS values of Courage, Curiosity, Compassion and Integrity.”
To be considered for the International Friendship Medal, ACS Junior students submit a 1,000-word essay discussing their role as leaders of positive change, and how they can help create a more tolerant and inclusive world. Shortlisted candidates are then interviewed by a Medal Review Committee, which includes the ACS Superintendent and members of the Al Hammadi family.
Since the inauguration of Medal in 2018, five outstanding ACS students and now alumni received the Award, including Elif Narbay, Hannah Watkins, Aarnav Patel, and Taylor Campbell.
Throughout their Senior Year, following the receipt of the medal, they fulfilled the role as ACS Ambassadors of International Friendship, with specific responsibilities, including attending behind-the-scenes briefings at key Abu Dhabi events and entities, participating in conferences, leading ACS school assemblies, and being involved with international delegations.
Source: Emirates News Agency