DEARBORN — The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) Michigan Kids Club celebrated outstanding student volunteers at its 2nd Annual “Young Volunteer Appreciation Day” on Friday, May 23, at McDonald Elementary School in Dearborn.

This annual event recognizes students who are actively involved in their school’s Service Squad and Safety Patrol.  The students who were recognized volunteer their time before and after school, as well as during recess, to assist their classmates.

McDonald School Principal, Megdieh Jawad, welcomed the guests and students who had gathered for the celebration.

“We are very excited to be a part of this wonderful event for the second year,” she stated.  “We are here today to honor students who volunteer their time to help their fellow classmates.  This year you all have done a marvelous job, and I congratulate you on your efforts.”

The ADC Kids Club is an ongoing initiative that serves to promote values of tolerance and diversity among young people in the community, as well as strengthen the bond between the younger generation of Arab Americans and their national origin. 

ADC Michigan Projects Coordinator, Mariam Habhab, who helped organize the event, said that the event is intended to encourage students to become active in their schools.

“This particular program is unique in that it honors students who voluntarily give their time to help their schools,” she stated.  “These students are exhibiting great leadership skills at a very young age, and we are here to not only applaud them for their efforts, but to encourage them to maintain these skills as they continue their education.”

The event featured 19th District Judge Mark Somers and Dearborn Fire Chief Nazih Hazime as guest speakers.

Hazime commended the students on their great efforts, and said that they are setting examples for their classmates through their volunteerism.

“I am honored to be here today to congratulate you on your hard work,” Hazime stated.  “You all have very important roles here. You have the courage to do the right thing, and through all of your efforts, you become leaders.”

Somers added that the students should feel proud of themselves for the great work that they do.

“What you do is more than just help your school,” said Somers.  “It is about being a good student, a good neighbor, and a good friend. Each and every one of you is truly special.”

The student volunteers were awarded with gift cards from Wal Mart and CVS, both of whom sponsored the event for the second year.  Four students received top honors for their extraordinary leadership skills: Service Squad Captains Fatme Bazzi and Mariam Shukr, and Safety Squad Captains Nabil Mallah and Joe Berjaoui.  The winning students were chosen by their teachers and other administrators for their exceptional work over the course of the school year. Each student was awarded with a new bicycle, donated by Wal Mart.

Special recognition was also given to Ms. Huda Saad for her volunteer work with the PTA, and Ms. Lillian Shaheen, for her outstanding work as a teacher at the school.

Following the awards ceremony, the students were joined by Greg Tatchio, a photojournalist with Fox 2 News, who discussed his experiences on the job and showed them the equipment used for news reporting.  Following the discussion, the students engaged in a question and answer session with Tatchio.

For more info on the ADC Michigan Kids Club, visit www.adcmichigan.org.