AHHS students present at United Nations

The collective thought among community-minded students at AHHS is “if not us, then who?” It is what motivates them to do what they can to make the world a better place.

Several students recently had an amazing opportunity to work with the non-profit group, IVECA, (Intercultural Virtual Exchange of Classroom Activities), which has special consultive status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

About 15 students participated, many of whom who are active members in their schools’ GREEN and Interact clubs, with one focusing on the environment and the other community service. Together, they developed goals that support the U.N.’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, focusing their efforts on two: Life Below Water and Global Partnerships. Connecting via Zoom, they spoke with a group of their peers from South Korea on what they can do in their respective communities and beyond to meet these goals. The students’ efforts culminated in a visit to the United Nations, where two volunteers presented to a large assembly of high school and college students, as well as professors and others.

“I never say no when it’s a good opportunity for our students,” said AHHS’ Library Media Specialist and Student/Community Liaison Lisa Watson. She helped students with their work and was instrumental in coordinating schedules to ensure they were able to enjoy the day at the United Nations.

As the students researched and developed their goals and collaborated with their foreign peers, they realized just how much they had in common with one another and how the issues they were working to improve were the same that others were concerned  about as well.

“It’s crazy going to the United Nations to present,” said junior Angela Mathew, one of the students who presented. “It’s really powerful to see how these problems bring us together.” 

“It was like sitting in history,” Freshman Janita Gregorious, the other presenter, was enamored by her experience in the U.N. Assembly room. “It opened my eyes, it really showed how children can make a difference. Students my age are coming together, we can use the smallest resources and make something powerful.”

Junior Josh Navaneetharaja explained the group developed the idea of using solar powered robots and Artificial Intelligence to monitor the Hudson River. They explored the idea if using robots to collect important data that could potentially help determine what problems were impacting the water. 

For the Global Partnership goal, Angela said, the group thought about ways to promote a lifestyle change that encourages people to do something small for the environment, something as simple as throwing away trash they find or recycling.

“In order to make an impact we have to work together to make a change,” said Freshman Carla Lazo.

During their visit to the U.N., the students enjoyed a tour and viewed several of the international gifts that have been collected by the international peace supporting body through the years.

“Time doesn’t wait for anybody,” Angela said. “If we don’t do it, it may not happen.”

“The biggest threat to our planet is if no one steps up,” agreed Janita.