(Eesha T./Staff)
Culminating three years in the Global Scholars Diploma, my fellow Global Scholars (Year 3’s and Year 1’s), and I traveled to Otterbein University on April 16, to present our Take Action Projects. For the past three years, Aashi V., Bella L., Diya S., Lynn Y., Maddie E., Max B., Meera S., and Melody W., and I have been working toward this diploma in a program we began in our sophomore year under the leadership of Melanie Q’25 and Mr. Mena.
From conversations with alumni Karina Walter and Rebecca Amonor and Fulbright Scholar, Emma Corday, to Open Table discussions with students across Central Ohio, this program has offered meaningful ways to connect. Through global business exercises, including a field trip to international companies like Nestlé, I’ve also learned how culture shapes real-world decisions, strengthening my ability to approach global issues with awareness and respect.
In our final year, we were tasked with creating a Take Action Project, applying everything we had learned to make a positive impact on our local community. I interviewed Franklin County Commissioner Erica Crawley with the help of a nonprofit organization, The Matriots. With their support, I advertised the interview and raised awareness about the importance of local politics.
Meera S., the scholarship recipient selected through an application process for a $1,000 scholarship, completed her work on financial literacy by visiting school classrooms and the Boys and Girls Club of America to teach students basic financial skills. Following this scholarship award, Meera gave a speech highlighting key aspects of her project and inspiring younger students.
Year 1 students were also in attendance at the TAP Fair, where Year 3 students presented their ventures using large poster boards. This gave the younger students inspiration for what they hope to accomplish in the coming years.
Club co-leader Maddie E. said, “It was great to see all three years of our work and knowledge from this program come together and be celebrated. The club grew more than we ever expected, and this graduation would not have been possible without Mr. Mena and Melanie Qin’25 and all their support. Seeing everything we accomplished come together was truly an experience I will never forget.”
At the end of the TAP Fair, all graduates received blue and green cords, symbolizing the colors of Earth, and were called to the stage to acknowledge their graduation.
The Global Scholars Diploma has been a meaningful high school experience, and I have gained a lot through it. I made great friends, and together we learned about global issues and worked on our Take Action Projects. It helped me better understand the world and my community, and I will carry these experiences and connections with me in the future. Thank you to Mr. Mena for all your efforts in helping this program thrive at CA.
