Published: May 04, 2009 07:03 pm         

Ahmad honored for volunteer work

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Alizeh Ahmad, a junior at Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga who lives in Dalton, was honored Sunday night for her volunteer work during the presentation of the 2009 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

Ahmad, along with 100 other top youth volunteers from across the country, received $1,000 awards as well as personal congratulations from former first lady Laura Bush at the award ceremony at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

Ahmad, 16, and Zachary Eller, 14, of Milton, were named the top high school and middle level youth volunteers in Georgia. They also received engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip with their parents to Washington for the recognition events.

“The young people receiving these awards genuinely care about making a difference in the lives of others and have accomplished so much — in their own communities and around the world,” said Bush, who delivered the keynote address. “I thank and congratulate them for their outstanding volunteer work. Students with this kind of commitment and leadership ability are essential to the future of our nation.”

Ahmad helped persuade her school to raise money to build girls’ schools in Pakistan, and has become a vocal advocate for the rights and education of Pakistani women.

“Because my family is originally from Pakistan, I have always felt a significant bond and love for the country,” said Ahmad.

After reading “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson, an American who builds girls’ schools in Pakistan, Ahmad encouraged others to read the book, and soon it became a popular topic in her school and community. A fundraising committee at the school decided to devote its annual festival to raising money for Mortenson’s organization. Ahmad brought her perspective as a Pakistani-American to the planning, and ensured that Pakastani culture was represented. The festival collected $62,000, enough to build a school and supply it with furniture, textbooks and five years’ worth of supplies.

Afterward, Ahmad asked her classmates to write letters to schoolgirls in Pakistan, and traveled with her family to see firsthand the schools Mortenson has built. While there, she purchased more school supplies and made a movie to present to audiences back home.

More information about the awards and this year’s honorees can be found at http://spirit.prudential.com or www.principals.org/prudential.

     

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