Churros from CASA, falafel from MECCA, and more! (Abbey Z.)

United Columbus Academy (UCA) held its second annual End-of-Year luncheon to honor affinity and alliance group leaders and students on April 26. 

Each affinity brought cultural food to the table: EAST (East Asian Students Together) brought dumplings, DESI (South Asian) Club offered samosas, BOS (Black Organization of Students) added jollof rice, while MECCA (Muslim students), JAG (Jewish Affinity Group), and CASA (Hispanic and Latino students) provided various delicacies.

UCA presented awards to groups who planned events. Miles for Martin won the Best MLK Day event, DESI won Best Assembly for its Diwali dance, and EAST received Best Community Program for organizing crane-folding.

The luncheon also honored individual students such as  Zaina A., who received Outstanding UCA representative. Members of UCA, current alliance & advisory group leaders, student council members, and other student representatives chose students to receive the Emerging Leader designation.

The event also bestowed awards on advisors, with Ms. Hines (BOS), Dr. Jacky (JAG), and Dr. Yang (EAST).  Ms. G stepped back from DESI club and, thus, UCA honored her with a thank you.

Current affinity leaders and their respective advisors announced successors. Incoming UCA co-president, rising junior and leader of JAG Sophie L., will step into the shoes of Yassah T.

Zaina A. is proud of herself and the organization: “I honestly couldn’t believe it. Winning this award meant so much to me. I am so grateful for Ceci, Yassah, Ms. Porter, and Dr. Losambe for all of the hard work they put in to make this luncheon possible. Being a member of United Columbus Academy has taught me so much this year, and I’m so excited to see what more we can do next year!