Study student and parent receive special recognition
Grade 10 Study student, Sofia Essayan-Perez (’11) was recognized by the Quebec chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) as an “Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy,” an honour bestowed on November 12 at the organization’s annual National Philanthropy Day. Study parent and alumna, Erika Flores-Ludwick (’88), was also named “Outstanding Volunteer of the Year.”
Every summer since Grade 6, Sofia has visited a village in Nicaragua where she initiated and conducted a series of science-based lectures for underprivileged girls at the local community center. Sofia also is one of the founding members of the Human Rights Club at The Study, and helped establish the “Peaces of the World” human rights website.
Last year, Sofia proposed that the Free the Children chapter establish a scholarship fund for the university education for an under-privileged graduating female high-school student. Many Study students have since gotten engaged with the implementation of this project.
With a passion for her Study science classes and a future goal of being a doctor, Sofia feels it’s important to teach sciences to the Nicaraguan women. “I teach them sciences in ways that apply to their everyday lives, so they can see the benefit,” says Sofia. "My workshops have covered biology-related topics such as teen health, AIDS transmission and prevention, nutrition, among others. I used what I learned in school and supplemented it with my own research to teach these topics," she continues.
Erika’s contributions and involvement at The Study include serving the school as Co-Chair of the Study Parent Association, as an Annual Giving Class Captain, lead organizer of the annual BBQ and most recently as Co-Chair of the first Drive For Our Girls Golf Tournament, which raised over $120,000 net dollars in support of athletics and wellness programs.
Both Erika and Sofia received a certificate of recognition and their names were announced on AFP’s web site.
The AFP represents 28,000 members in more than 190 chapters throughout the world. November 12th 2009 was the 23rd annual National Philanthropy Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the importance of individuals who actively participate in the enrichment of our communities through their philanthropic endeavours.
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