January 20, 2016
  
Experiences

Star Student Shines, Prepares for Future In The U.S.

Star Student Shines, Prepares for Future In The U.S.

Throughout their time in the U.S., our students take the opportunity to explore new ventures and activities that they may not have been able to back home. Many times, this leads to greater pursuits, beyond their year in America. Our Star Student of the Month has done just that!

Emmanuel, from Ghana, is living in Minnesota with the Danielson Adams family. He is an Ayusa student through the YES program, a scholarship program to support cultural exchange with primarily Islamic countries. Nominated by his host mom, Joey, and family, Emmanuel has certainly taken the opportunity to experience many new activities, including winter sports and media production. He has even received a full scholarship to the College of St. Scholastica! Joey shares more about Emmanuel below. Congratulations Emmanuel for being selected Star Student of the Month and on your full scholarship! 

“Emmanuel is attending Wayzata High School in Plymouth, Minnesota.  He is a YES student from Ghana.  It is a big transition coming from Africa to the extremely cold winter we just had in Minnesota.  Emmanuel adjusted to the Minnesota winter just fine and even enjoyed the snow.  He took a winter outdoor sports class at his high school and tried skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating!  

Emmanuel also took a Media Production class and found that he has a talent for media production.  His teacher asked him to sign up for the school news program, which he did.  Emmanuel is part of the class that produces “News Break” at Wayzata High School each day.  Emmanuel has been the Director, News Anchor, Graphics Person, and Camera Person.  His favorite job is Director.  Emmanuel and another YES student who was interested in media were able to tour the Kare 11 TV station and meet with a reporter to discuss careers in journalism and media.

Emmanuel has also been very involved in community service.  He enjoys giving back and especially likes volunteer opportunities that include children.  He is part of Wayzata High School’s Youth Extending Service (YES) group.  Emmanuel has participated in community service at “Study Buddies” (a program that involves helping elementary school students with reading), the Humane Society, Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners, Feed My Starving Children, and several elementary school events.  He recently received the “Outstanding Volunteer” award from Wayzata High School.

Emmanuel participated in Wayzata High School’s International Festival which was held in March.  He prepared a video presentation about Ghana and helped out at the Ghana information table. 

Emmanuel will be returning to the U.S. to attend the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota, which has awarded him a full scholarship.  He is very excited about the amazing opportunity that St. Scholastica has provided him!  

If you would like to nominate your student for Star Student of the Month, send your story along with pictures to news@ayusa.org!

Sharing cultures and building communities with high school exchange.

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