Student-led Event Honored Humanitarian and Founder of Afghani Academy
Alcuin School, a leader in Montessori and International Baccalaureate education, hosted Samira Thomas, daughter of educator and humanitarian Roshan Thomas, for the first-ever Roshan Thomas Day for Children of Texas IB Schools and member organizations on Jan. 30.
Roshan Thomas Day for Children celebrated Thomas’ commitment to education, her role in developing medical clinics in refugee camps, and recognized her leadership and advocacy on behalf of underserved children around the world. Ms. Thomas was slain in Afghanistan in March 2014.
Alcuin students led an in-school fundraiser by selling wristbands that featured the characteristics of IB learners to generate proceeds to benefit the Roshan Thomas Sparks Scholars Program.
The wristbands listed descriptors of the IB profile which aims to develop learners who are:
- Inquirers
- Knowledgeable
- Thinkers
- Communicators
- Principled
- Open-minded
- Caring
- Risk-takers
- Balanced
- Reflective
During the event, the students made a check presentation to Samira Thomas to benefit her mother's scholars program. This initiative was established to provide academic and financial support to aspiring educators who will in turn commit their time and knowledge to improve communities in Afghanistan, prior to enrolling in post-graduate studies.
Walter Sorensen, Alcuin Head of School, commented that Alcuin students demonstrated inspired global citizenship by supporting Roshan Thomas' legacy of education. "Global citizenship means that as citizens of the world, we have responsibilities to each other. Whether through sharing knowledge, volunteerism, advocacy or philanthropy, everyone, including young people, can make a difference."
About Alcuin School
A vibrant, nurturing, coeducational academic community serving students from toddler to 12th grade, Alcuin School uses the Montessori and International Baccalaureate program methods to foster critical thinking and a lifelong passion for learning. With faculty support, students at Alcuin School are eager to embrace change, question the status quo, and prepare for their future as leaders in a global society. For more information, please visit www.alcuinschool.org.