General Assembly, United Nations Headquarters

September 16, 2016

The United Nations Academic Impact ASPIRE chapter of East Stroudsburg South High School was invited for the second time to be flag bearers at the Peace Bell Ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters on September 16th. Additionally after the ceremony, the students were invited to attend the peace ceremony at the prestigious General Assembly where they had the opportunity to listen to speakers including Michael Douglas, Stevie Wonder, Jane Goodall, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Additionally our ASPIRE member Francesca N. presented our work on how we are completing the SDGs set by the UN last year in our own community. The students have returned to their community, inspired to put words into action to promote peace and affect change towards an inclusive and respectful global community for all of Earth’s inhabitants. 

East Stroudsburg HS South, Pennsylvannia

June 13, 2016

Inspired from the ongoing Syrian Refugee Crisis and Malala Day, ASPIRE delegate Leila Bouchekouk led a collection of $602.38 towards the Malala Fund. All proceeds will go to the organization for projects aimed to educate girls worldwide.

Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

May 19, 2016

Students from ASPIRE, AP Government, and leaders in East Stroudsburg HS South took a trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to view firsthand the history they have been discussing throughout the school year. The experience was a great way to explore the culture of the world through works created by many renowned artists.

East Stroudsburg HS South, Pennsylvannia

May 02, 2016

Students in our program were inspired this year by two suicides in our district to start an initiative to dispel stigma on depression. Students shared outreach and crisis hotlines all throughout social media and encouraged students to discuss their problems with others. More than $250 was then collected for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. 

East Stroudsburg HS South, Pennsylvannia

May 02, 2016

Congressman Tom Marino (PA-10th) discussed politics alongside roundtable hosts Miriam Bouchekouk, Khiabeth Burgos, and Christopher Toleno. Congressman Tom Marino presented UN ASPIRE/AP US Government a US Flag which was flown over our nation's Capitol in Washington, DC.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Pennsylvannia

April 22, 2016

This Earth Day marked the 50th Anniversary of the lands which became DWGNRA receiving National Park Designation and the 100th Anniversary of our National Park Services. Dakota Kross, Genni Marinelli, and Nia Long gave speeches on their experiences with the Delaware Water Gap. Students from our AP Government program were also able to place an essay into a time capsule that was buried on that day and is schedules to be open in April 22, 2071.

East Stroudsburg HS South, Pennsylvannia

April 05, 2016

ASPIRE and AP Government students Miriam Bouchekouk and Suzie Costa led a roundtable introduction of Kathleen Sandt, Spokeswoman Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in preparation to the local Earth Day Ceremony.

Harrisburg, Pennsylvannia

April 04, 2016

AP Government students took a tour lead by Senator Mario Scavello, Representative Rosemary Brown, and Representative David Parker to the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building.

East Stroudsburg HS South, Pennsylvannia

April 01, 2016

AP Government students led a school wide coin collection to help raise fund for the 2016 Spring Gala. This event is a prom held for the students with disabilities in the local area. Students inspired others to donate and keep donating to the cause. In fact the classes raised $792 towards the event!

East Stroudsburg HS South, Pennsylvannia

March 11, 2016

Representative Rosemary Brown visited our group again with hosts Khiabeth Burgos, Claire Collins, and Chris Toleno. Their conversations focused on her origins into politics and how youth can shape the future of politics starting from our own community. 

East Stroudsburg HS South, Pennsylvannia

March 01, 2016

AP US Government students led a coin drive to purchase a goat for developing villages in countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. The goat will be sent to one or more families and will bring a source of income and food to those families and their village. The group raised $360 by the end of March 2016.

East Stroudsburg HS South, Pennsylvannia

February 19, 2016

Former student Blake Hollister led a discussion with his audience of high school students on how to build a name for yourself from high school. He currently attends George Washington University and is a part of Congressman Matt Cartwright’s Congressional Campaign Committee.

East Stroudsburg HS South, Pennsylvannia

February 05, 2016

Representative David Parker joined AP Government and ASPIRE students in a conversation and Q/A session on politics. He discussed his background in politics and what inspires him in local government.

East Stroudsburg University in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvannia

January 18, 2016

East Stroudsburg Area School District superintendent Sharon Laverdure was nominated by advisor Michael Healey for the community member award, which she won at this event.

East Stroudsburg HS South, Pennsylvannia

January 08, 2016

UN ASPIRE helped raise $592 for the cure of Type 1 Diabetes. About 70% of the school helped donate to the cause by participating in a dress down day.

East Stroudsburg HS South, Pennsylvannia

December 21, 2015

Dr. Lladoc visited UN ASPIRE, AP Government, and other leaders in East Stroudsburg HS South in a discussion on global awareness. Her experiences through Peace Corps allowed her find her global perspective. She instilled in the students to find something that makes us want to help others.

East Stroudsburg HS South, Pennsylvannia

December 18, 2015

​ASPIRE students Amit Maharaj and Brandon Robinson led a winter clothing drive that all items will be donated to the East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church and Christian Life Assemblies. The purpose of this drive was to ensure that our community members in need would stay warm this winter. Almost 500 pieces of clothing were organized and collected. 

Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

October 03, 2015

East Stroudsburg South HS students were chosen from the local district to participate in the Senator for a Day program led by Senator Mario Scavello (PA- 40th). Our students were given the task to turn two proposed bills into law.

East Stroudsburg HS South, Pennsylvannia

November 06, 2015

Pocono Alliance Executive Director Michael Tukeva joined UN Aspire of East Stroudsburg South High School for an interactive discussion on community service, advocacy, and how youth can make a difference in their local and global community.

“It was an incredible experience to interact with students that are passionate about local and global issues,” Tukeva said. “They are caring, generous and well-educated. It will be exciting to see what they will do next to impact the community.”

East Stroudsburg HS South, Pennsylvannia

October 20, 2015

In a lesson of learning to interact with civic leaders, 130 students at East Stroudsburg Area High School South heard from U.S. Senate Democratic candidate Joe Sestak Tuesday morning.

The former admiral took questions from students in the high school’s advance placement government class and 10th grade civics class for close to an hour on topics ranging from the environment and global warming and women in the military, to staying in touch with state issues and accountability.

Sestake didn’t stay at the podium that was set up on a raised platform for the stage, but walked around where the students were sitting in the library. He wore blue jeans, a black long-sleeved shirt and boots to speak to the students.

Conference Room 4, United Nations Headquarters

September 21, 2015

The United Nations Academic Impact ASPIRE chapter of East Stroudsburg South High School attended the celebration of the International Day of Peace marked by a Youth Conference and Peace Bell Ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters on September 21st. The students have returned to their community, inspired to put words into action to promote peace and affect change towards an inclusive and respectful global community for all of Earth’s inhabitants. 

"I DREAM OF LIVING A LIFE DEDICATED TO PROMOTING GENDER EQUALITY AND EDUCATION IN AFGHANISTAN..." -Noorjahan Akbar

Noorjahan Akbar was born in Kabul, Afghanistan. Her parents, both educators, brought her up with a commitment to social activism for an egalitarian and progressive Afghanistan. She learned English and basic computer skills when her family moved to Peshawar, Pakistan as refugees after the Taliban entered Afghanistan. In 2001, they returned to Afghanistan and started an English language center for 400 women in Kabul.  Shortly after, Noorjahan won a scholarship to attend the International School of Kabul, the only American school in Afghanistan. In 2008, Noorjahan received a scholarship to The George School located in Newtown, Pennsylvania to complete the two last years of high school.She attended Dickinson College where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She received her Master’s degree in Journalism and Public Affairs in May at American University in Washington, D.C.

In 2004, Noorjahan began working with Welfare Development for Afghan Women (WDAW), an Afghan independent nonprofit organization. She has worked with many other women’s rights organizations including Young Women for Change, which she co-founded. She has led campaigns and protests in defense of human rights and continues to write and advocate for equality.  Last summer, she published a collection of Afghan women’s writings in a book that was distributed around Afghanistan. She has also published two storybooks for Afghan children and researched women’s folkloric music in her home country. Noorjahan now runs a national blog of writings by Afghan women called Daughters of Rabia.

UN ASPIRE delegate Leila Bouchekouk led volunteers from East Stroudsburg HS South to participate in the JDRF Stroudsburg Diabetes Walk. With help from members of ASPIRE, including Miriam Bouchekouk, $866.19 was donated to help find the cure of Type 1 Diabetes. Overall the event drew staff and students from the high school due to advertisements broadcasted daily before the event. The community came together to raise more than $50,000 towards the cure.

East Stroudsburg HS South, Pennsylvannia

April 24, 2015

​Pennsylvania Representative for the 189th Legislative District Rosemary Brown visited UN ASPIRE for a discussion on local politics. Representative Brown discussed her entrance into politics, as well as the importance of the relationship between youth and government.

Metropolitan Museum of Art & Barnard College, New York

April 17, 2015

UN ASPIRE South took a trip to Metropolitan Museum in NYC to explore the culture of the world as shown through art. As Mr. Healey reminds us, art is a representation of history. From how it is created to what is represents, art unites time periods from across eras. Additionally the group took a college visit to Barnard College to show opportunities that these students have in the future.

FullSizeRender (1).jpg 1/14 Global Citizenship UNESCO Conference UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) alongside the Republic of Korea held two conferences about global education. Both meetings aimed at making secondary education a global initiative as the Millenium Developmental Goals (MDGs) are reaching its deadline.

March 06, 2015

"IN TIMES OF TURBULENCE WE NEED TO REAVALUATE HOW WE LIVE WITH EACH OTHER."

​UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) alongside the Republic of Korea held two conferences about global education. Both meetings aimed at making secondary education a global initiative as the Millenium Developmental Goals (MDGs) are reaching its deadline.

Hosted By: Yacine Tom Wing and Priscilla Welch East Stroudsburg HS South, Pennsylvannia

February 26, 2015

Local community leader Dr. Lladoc visited UN ASPIRE South for a roundtable discussion on global awareness as a global citizen. She discussed her own experiences through the Peace Corp as a young woman and how she turned what she learned into action when she returned to the United States long afterwards. Her involvement in the Peace Corps widened her view on cultures, and inspired her to widen others views in her community on race.  

Blue Ridge Cable's Channel 13 crew came to East Stroudsburg High School South and interviewed the students of UN ASPIRE on the work we have done for our local and global community. Our students were interviewed by Miss Nicole Walters on our previous and upcoming events. Some lucky students were even on TV! Everyone had a great time, and we were all honored to be on TV. 

Hosted By: Chloe McCormick and Alexis Gonzalez East Stroudsburg High School South, Pennsylvannia

January 30, 2015

"THERE IS NO AGE LIMIT TO IMPACT THE WORLD." -Michael Tukeva

​Executive Director of Pocono Alliance, Michael Tukeva, attended a youth-driven discussion sparking inspiration to perserve our goals in the world while helping our local community. Additionally, he informed our students on his local organization Pocono Alliance and the impact their volunteer work has on our community. This roundtable was led by UN ASPIRE's Chloe McCormick and Alexis Gonzalez. 

Panelists: Dr. Michele Vella, Leila and Miriam Bouchekouk Dag Hammarskjöld Library, United Nations Headquarters

November 18, 2014

"YOU HAVE ONE YEAR, MAKE A DIFFERENCE... MAKE A MENTAL HEALTH MATTER." -Leila Bouchekouk

The United Nations Academic Impact's 4th Anniversary Conference brought together the leadership of UNAI, public policy and health experts, university professors and students, as well as the ASPIRE group of East Stroudsburg South High School.  In the spirit of UNAI, the day was marked by collaboration and interactive discussions towards finding solutions to worldwide issues including the stigma attached to behavioral health, access to mental health services, individual global food footprints, and addressing special needs educational disparities worldwide.

Hosted By: Leila Bouchekouk and Michael Lodel East Stroudsburg HS South, Pennsylvannia

October 10, 2014

Before his recent election Nick Troiano, an independent candidate from Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District, was welcomed by students from UN ASPIRE South, East Stroudsburg South's Advanced Placement US Government and Politics Course taught by Mr. Michael Healey, Honors Civics students taught by Mrs. Stephanie Reese, and specially selected students from East Stroudsburg North high school. Nick and his team joined around 50 students in an interactive discussion about his campaign, his plans for the upcoming election, and his own steps to land him in politics. This conversation was hosted by UN ASPIRE's Leila Bouchekouk and AP student Michael Loedel.

Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvannia

September 22, 2014

The students of UN ASPIRE took a trip to Lehigh University, which is ranked forty of Universities in the nation, where we were able to take a tour of the campus and get a good understanding of the school. After enjoying breakfast at the Lehigh Cafe, the students walked up and down the hilly streets and were able to see what it would be like to be a student at Lehigh University. Just forty-five minutes away from East Stroudsburg High School South, it is a great option for our group of high school students hoping to stay close to home.

Trusteeship Chamber, United Nations Headquarters

August 18, 2014

"PEACE CANNOT BE SUSTAINED WITHOUT DEVELOPMENT."

Advisor Mr. Michael Healey and students Leila and Miriam Bouchekouk were part of the audience of an interactive discussion between 500 youth from around the world with Malala Yousafzai and the United Nations Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon.  Representing countries such as Sierra Leone, China, and Afghanistan, youth met in the UN Trusteeship Chamber to join together in an authentic conversation in recognition and promotion of 500 Days of Action for the Millennium Development Goals. When the audience was asked to talk about what Malala symbolizes to them, Leila Bouchekouk confidently raised her hand to give her perspective, which was well recieved by the audience.

Noorjahan Akbar Skype Conference

May 27, 2014

2013 Glamour Magazine College Woman of the Year and founder of Young Women for Change Noorjahan Akbar joined UN ASPIRE South in an interactive conversation for the second year in a row around gender inequity, educational opportunities, advocacy, and grassroots activism leading to global movements.  Noorjahan recently graduated Dickinson College and will continue her studies in Washington, DC.  We wish  Noorjahan great luck and look forward to collaborating with her towards making an impact.

2013 Glamour Magazine College Woman of the Year and founder of Young Women for Change Noorjahan Akbar joined UN ASPIRE South in an interactive conversation for the second year in a row around gender inequity, educational opportunities, advocacy, and grassroots activism leading to global movements. Noorjahan recently graduated Dickinson College and will continue her studies in Washington, DC. We wish Noorjahan great luck and look forward to collaborating with her towards making an impact.

May 16, 2014

Nick Troiano, independent candidate, Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District was welcomed by students from UN ASPIRE South and East Stroudsburg South's Advanced Placement US Government and Politics Course taught by Mr. Michael Healey.  Nick joined over 30 students as well as Superintendent of Schools Sharon Laverdure in an interactive discussion about Nick's political ideology, youth driven campaign, and his educational background.  This conversation was hosted by UN ASPIRE's Leila Bouchekouk and AP students Blake Hollister and Mercedes Marquez.  Photos of Nick's visit were featured on MSNBC's The Cycle.

Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvannia

April 25, 2014

UN ASPIRE South was invited to a campus tour and diversity recruitment seminar at nationally ranked Liberal Arts school Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania.  Over 20 UN ASPIRE students were welcomed to Lafayette and given an interactive campus tour by current Lafayette students.  UN ASPIRE students concluded the day by enjoying a diversity recruitment, academic programs, and admissions overview presentation by an admissions expert in historic Kirby Hall.

East Stroudsburg High School South, Pennsylvannia

April 14, 2014

Many ASPIRE members have a passion in the medical field, and were able to host Dr. Felix and Dr. Lewis of Lehigh Valley Health Network.  In a conversation hosted by Michele Vella and Mr. Healey, UN ASPIRE enjoyed hearing about Dr. Lewis' and Dr. Felix's education, careers, and personal advice.

East Stroudsburg High School South, Pennsylvannia

April 01, 2014

Tony Strobel joined our group again to close the AAO Drive at our high school. The hard efforts of the ASPIRE students led to a record breaking collection of items filling 14 boxes to help families all throughout the Lehigh, Northampton, and Monroe Counties. In addition to the collection, Mr. Strobel sat down for a second HIV/AIDS discussion with our students.

East Stroudsburg HS South, Pennsylvannia

March 27, 2014

Author, activist, and social justice advocate, Chris Cathcart, founder of ONE DIASPORA Group, joined UN ASPIRE from Los Angeles in a discussion through Skype. ASPIRE students read The Lost Art of Giving and engaged Chris in a dialogue on his non-fiction and his work.

East Stroudsburg HS South, Pennsylvannia

February 21, 2014

UN ASPIRE South was invited to join Susanna Zaresky, polylinguist, members of the Model United Nations at the University of Innsbruck in Austria, and a team at United Nations Headquarters in an official United Nations Academic Impact Classroom Conversation in recognition of International Mother Language Day. UN ASPIRE South members felt honored to be included in this important conversation in recognition of the students who gave their lives for recognition of their language, Bangla, to be one of the two national languages of the then Pakistan.

The Committee for Teaching about the United Nations hosted its annual United Nations Conference on January 31st, 2014 titled "Promoting Peace through Education". UN ASPIRE South brought 25 students to attend and take part in a day-long conference around peace initiatives, interventions, policy, education outreach, and conflict resolution which featured Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Cora Weiss and Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul, and Mary.  UN ASPIRE South was honored to be recognized with a CTAUN Best Practices in Education Award for their on-going grassroots community health initiative  titled "Bridging the Gap: The HIV/AIDS Initiative of East Stroudsburg South ASPIRE". 

East Stroudsburg HS South, Pennsylvannia

December 12, 2013

Connecting resources in the community with East Stroudsburg South UN ASPIRE students to make a positive impact locally and globally has been a goal of ASPIRE’s continuing partnership with Tony Strobel, Case Manager Supervisor, AAO of Lehigh Valley Hospital.  Tony has close to 20 years working with infectious disease and engaging in outreach with underserved communities.  Tony hosts discussions twice a year with UN ASPIRE to train students to be grassroots educators dispelling stigma and correcting misinformation around HIV/AIDS.  Tony has helped our students become the teachers and continues to work with ASPIRE on outreach projects. 

Panelists: Dr. Michele Vella, Leila and Miriam Bouchekouk ECOSOC Chamber, United Nations Headquarters

November 18, 2013

"IN OUR GROUP WE ARE ALL AMERICANS, BUT WE ARE ALGERIAN, PAKISTANI, KENYAN... WE HAVE CHANGED EACH OTHER AS OUR OWN TEACHERS AND WE TAKE LESSONS IN OUR COMMUNITIES." -Leila Bouchekouk

UNAI member institutions and ASPIRE students from all over the Northeast attended a youth forum titled “Making a Difference”. The meeting took place in the historic Economic and Social Council Chamber at United Nations Headquarters. The youth delegates engaged in dialogue around social justice, change, and how they have made a difference. Among the special guests were Ahmad Alhendawi, Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, and Noorjahan Akbar, Young Women for Change, 2013 Glamour Magazine College Woman of the Year. UN ASPIRE Adviser Michele Vella facilitated the youth discussion which included Leila Bouchekouk among the 5 youth panelists who presented and answered questions from the audience at the United Nations and also internationally through Twitter.

East Stroudsburg HS South, Pennsylvannia

November 08, 2013

On November 8th, 2013, United States Congressman Matt Cartwright, Pennsylvania's 17th District, was welcomed by 25 UN ASPIRE and AP US Government and Politics students at East Stroudsburg South High School for an interactive roundtable on Congressman Cartwright's service, law career, education, political ideology, and projects and plans for his constituents. The students were joined by East Stroudsburg Area Superintendent of Schools Sharon Laverdure, UN ASPIRE advisers Mr. Michael Healey and Michele Vella, and Tony Strobel, collaborator UN ASPIRE. 

Trusteeship Council, United Nations Headquarters

July 13, 2012

"LET US REMEMBER: ONE BOOK, ONE PEN, ONE CHILD, AND ONE TEACHER CAN CHANGE THE WORLD." -Malala Yousafzai

As part of Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon's Education First initiative, 600 youth from more than 80 countries were invited to the United Nations Headquarters on July 11 and 12, 2013 as part of the UN Youth Takeover and to celebrate Malala Yousafzai's 16th birthday.  UN ASPIRE of East Stroudsburg High School South members Leila Bouchekouk and Joey Fertig were among those invited to have their voice heard and to welcome Malala as she made her first public appearance since being attacked and shot by the Taliban.