AAYSP Awards Scholarships and Recognizes Educators in its 9th Annual Gala


Advertisements
Advertisements
On May 9th, 2018 at the Byblos Banquet Hall in Dearborn, the American Association of Yemeni Students and Professionals (AAYSP) – Michigan Chapter held its 9th annual scholarship gala.

By Adel A. Mozip
The Yemeni American News

During this gala, AAYSP awarded 24 scholarships to high school and undergraduate students as well recognized metro Detroit educators from the metro-Detroit schools. The event began with welcoming remarks from AAYSP member Ragih Murshed, followed by Michigan Chapter’s President Saife Aldubaily who presented the yearly report of the AAYSP activities. Aldubaily said “The association has successfully continued its mentorship program at Edsel Ford High School for the fourth year, its monthly meeting with Dearborn Public Schools administrators, and vital campus tours for our students. We appreciate all the support from the community and our partners in ensuring that we are making a difference in all the students’ lives.”

Prior to awarding the recipients of the Teacher of the Year award, a special tribute was made by Adeeb Mozip for Michigan’s Superintendent Brian Whiston, who sadly passed away earlier this week after battling cancer. Mozip recalled Mr. Whiston’s big heart and passion for students’ successes, as well as his dedication to making sure our public schools are getting all the support they need. Whiston, who served as Dearborn’s superintendent was welcoming to AAYSP’s efforts when they started back in 2009.

Following the special tribute for the late Brian Whiston was the Teacher of the Year awards. Every year, the Michigan Chapter of AAYSP recognizes teachers who have had a tremendous impact on their students’ lives and educations. This year, AAYSP recognized Keith Rydzik and Tara Haddad from Edsel Ford High School, Abdulnasser Ahmed from Salina Intermediate, Lynn Emery from Strong Middle School, Ceclia Dietrick from Melvindale High School, and Ala Mahmoud from the International Islamic Academy. Following the teacher awards, AAYSP awarded the Administrative Award for 2018 to Dearborn’s Athletic and Student Services director, Abe Mashhour, the Community Award to businessman and Hamtramck Board of Education trustee Moortadha Obaid, and the Youth Impact Award to the members of the Muslim Youth of the Islamic Center of Detroit (MY-ICD).

Student of the Year, Harvard-bound, and Edsel Ford High School senior Marwa Albaadani, gave a powerful speech stressing the importance of appreciating the hard work done by parents and educators.

The Keynote Speaker of the evening was Aneesa Muthana, a self-made pioneer in the manufacturing industry. Muthana is the President and co-owner of Pioneer Service Inc., a certified women-owned and operated a small business (WBE/WOSB) providing precision machined parts since 1990. As a passionate and ambitious entrepreneur, she has built her business on the strengths of financial savviness, interpersonal skills, strong work ethics and giving back. Muthana gave a very touching and compelling speech that highlighted the key events that brought her to where she is now, despite the odds she had faced. “Never forget your roots and never trade your diploma for your faith,” she advised the graduates.

Concluding the event was the scholarship ceremony presented by the scholarship donors and members of the AAYSP board.

 
  
Advertisements