Twenty-two students from all around the globe pose with the West Springfield School Committee.
Photo credit: West Side Media
WEST SPRINGFIELD — West Springfield families showed up in droves to support 22 refugee students from all around the globe, recognizing them for sharing stories of courage, perseverance and resilience.
The students hailed from Kenya, Rwanda, Haiti, Tanzania, Ukraine, Afghanistan, El Salvador, Syria and Iraq.
West Springfield Public Schools Director of English Language Learners Sharlene DeSteph and Family Liaison Morad Majjad kicked off the recognition ceremony before the students received certificates and medals at the School Committee meeting on June 9.
“I am absolutely overwhelmed by the sheer number of families who are here tonight,” DeSteph said. “Thank you so much for allowing us this opportunity.”
The recognized students originally participated in a professional development day earlier this year, presenting their stories over a four-hour period.
DeSteph said they presented with “bravery beyond belief,” adding that she was incredibly honored to have them as students and that they were willing to step forward and share their voices with the educators.
“They are incredible human beings, their stories are absolutely remarkable,” DeSteph said. “They, in their young lives, have experienced more than most of us could ever imagine, from incredible, wonderful, amazing things to really tumultuous, challenging, trying times. They have gone through many different countries and experiences just to arrive here.”
She said each student has arrived in the United States within the past few years, and showed up to school every day with bravery to thrive on the rigorous coursework with little to no experience in speaking English.
Some of the recognized students have already made it through the English Learners Program, which is designed to empower students with the language skills needed to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
Beforing honoring the students with certificates and medals, DeSteph honored Majjad, who recently became naturalized as a United States citizen. Majjad was born in Moracco and has been on the naturalization journey since 2021.
“Morad, for those who don’t know, is an incredible asset to our school community,” DeSteph said. “He actually exemplifies everything that our students do, the qualities and the values of our American dream really.”
DeSteph surprised Majjad with a pin, featuring both the Moroccan and United States flags to represent his dual citizenship.
“Everybody in this audience tonight and everybody in our school community knows [Majjad],” DeSteph said. “He is the bridge, the liaison is his role, but he literally is that. He helps families navigate all the challenges with school and then our community at large.”
She said that when she presented the idea of having students speak at the professional development, referring to them as the more quiet students that educators might not fully understand, it was Majjad who got them to say yes.
“Your journey to American citizenship is a reminder of the importance of courage and perseverance,” DeSteph said. “It serves as an example to us all that with determination and dedication, one can achieve their dreams. Your story is a testament to the principles upon which this country was founded, the idea that here, anything is possible. May your life as an American citizen be filled with incredible opportunities, meaningful experiences and the freedom to chase your dreams. I have no doubt that you wlll continue to shine brightly and make a positive impact on this nation, just as you have our lives.”
DeSteph added that this same message goes for all of the students as well, stating that the medals they received symbolize the journey from where they’re from, where they’re going and the courage to share their voices.
“I hope that everytime that you look at this medal, you remember the remarkable human being you are, your unique story and that you were willing to share it with all of our educators in such an amazing, incredible day for all of us,” DeSteph said. “You captivated our educators, you held their attention and you changed their lives because you made it so that they wanted to teach differently and that is the most profound impact that anyone can have, and you all did that. Tonight, we’re here to honor you.”
