Eesha T./Staff

Launched in fall 2023 with guidance from Mr. Mena, the Global Scholars Club gives high school students a chance to explore the world beyond their classrooms due to an initiative of the Columbus Council on World Affairs which allows students to participate in a three-year experience centered on understanding global connections and cultural awareness. Under the leadership of Madelyn E. and Meera S., our members engage in networking events, hear from guest speakers, and gain the skills needed to pursue globally-minded careers while making meaningful contributions to their local communities.

On October 1, 2025, Year 3 Global Scholars, composed of juniors and seniors, traveled to Capital University to present their elevator pitches. Students were tasked with creating a “Take Action Project” that makes an impact on local communities. This field trip provided our group with an opportunity to share their ideas with scholars from other schools. The day also featured open-table discussions and constructive feedback. In the spring, all Year 3 scholars will present the results of their projects at Otterbein University. It will be exciting to see the lasting impact Columbus Academy scholars make through their projects.

Just a day later, on October 2, 2025, Year 1 Global Scholars traveled to The Harmony Project, where they explored global cultures through the simulation card game BARNGA, an activity that encouraged participants to think critically about cross-cultural communication. Created in 1980 by Sivasailam Thiagarajan who was working for USAID in Gbarnga, Liberia, he was inspired when in a moment of confusion while trying to play Euchre with colleagues who interpreted the rules differently. Thus, Thiagarajan developed BARNGA to help players navigate misunderstandings and bridge communication gaps when conflicts arise.

Through field trips like these, Academy scholars form connections that develop the global awareness needed to make meaningful contributions wherever their paths may take them.