On March 10th, Hlena Hailemariam, a senior at Falls Church High School received the Student Peace Award of Fairfax County.
“When you’re in the moment, it’s hard to grasp the amount of change that can be inflicted from small acts of kindness. Getting this award is allowing me to look back at what I’ve done and see not only what I’m capable of, but what others are too. It feels enlightening and encourages me to not only make an impact, but help others realize what impact they have on their community,” said Hailemariam.
Hailemariam is a FCPS Student Equity Ambassador Leader and advocates for equity and diversity within Falls Church High School and around the area, helping out the community. She worked to better her community and dedicated a lot of her time to do so.
“I organized and founded the Youth Mentoring Project, where I coordinate with elementary schools and community leaders to mentor and empower kids K-6 to diminish the stigma that the youth in our community can’t make it out of Virginia. Our kids not only foster global perspective and leadership to ignite dreams, but gain a safe and nurturing environment after school and over the summer,” said Hailemariam.
Hailemariam also helped pass the Fairfax County Public School Equity Policy which prohibits, “discriminating against any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.”
She founded the Falls Church Student Equity Coalition, which works to help students who don’t have a loud voice fight for themselves and their peers for equity. Hailemariam also joined the BSU (Black Student Union) and to honor her Ethiopian heritage, she started an East African Association club for students. To her, volunteering wasn’t work or a job.
“Being a student peace award recipient, you enter this community of fellow recipients who share the drive and courage to speak out and act for what’s right. Being around like minded individuals amplified my passion and reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact in the world,” said Hailemariam.
“[T]ireless efforts in fostering understanding, supporting marginalized communities, and empowering youth ….[I] am confident that she will continue to inspire positive change in her community and beyond,” said Falls Church HS College and Career Specialist Terri Markwart.
