DEARBORN — The American Association of Yemeni Scientists and Professionals (AAYSP) held its fifth annual scholarship awards gala on Friday, May 31 at Salina Elementary School. A total of 31 students, from colleges and high schools across metro Detroit, were awarded AAYSP scholarships, through support from various sponsors.

During the event, the AAYSP also recognized individuals with community service and high achievement awards. Teachers within the Dearborn Public School District were recognized for their commitment to educating the youth and were presented with teacher appreciation awards. 

The event’s keynote speaker was Dr. Hilal Lashuel, the co-founder of AAYSP. 

Dr. Lashuel is a research scientist, who works in neurological studies, both throughout the United States and across the globe. 

As a minority student pursuing a college education, Dr. Lashuel had to overcome many of the same struggles that Yemeni American students face today. 

In his address to the crowd, he spoke about how money and power can easily be taken away, but knowledge is something that cannot. 

Scholarship recipients after receiving their awards from the AAYSP.

Dr. Lashuel said that he hopes youth in the Yemeni American community can rise to their full potential, by taking advantage of all that education has to offer. 

Tahany Alsabahi, a graduating senior from Star International Academy, was nominated as Student of the Year.  She was recognized for her devotion to the community and her outstanding academic achievements. In her address, she discussed the pride that she has for her heritage, and her hopes that the number of professionals from the Yemeni American community will continue to grow.

Her achievements have been acknowledged by numerous organizations and media outlets, and the AAYSP expressed pleasure in recognizing her work. 

Teacher awards were presented to Eman Ahmed, Sharifah Ahmed, Hebat Abdelbaki, Snezana Blazeski and Linda Hallick, who is retiring this year. Diane Prieur, of Edsel Ford High School, also received an award.

The Salina Science Fair winners were also recognized and included; Adam Zahafi and Adam Soofi, first place; Ibrahim Mohsen and Mohamed Selany, second place; and Marwa Albaadani, Yasmin Muharam, Sehab Alshemmam and Fatima Selan, third place.

Community service awards were presented to Mursala Ahmed, Aswan Almaktary, Ali Alhamdi, Mohamed Alrayyashi, and Salina Elementary School Principal Nadia Youmans, who is retiring this year. 

“High Achiever” awards were presented to Mohamed Ahmed, Dr. Hanan Alhaddi and Yaser Mohamed. Community members had been asked to nominate individuals who have excelled academically or professionally for this award, and a committee chose the top three to be recognized.  

AAYSP continues to take part in the Yemeni American community and serves as a staunch advocate for education. Throughout the year, the organization hosts workshops, seminars and college tours, as a means to show students the benefits of aiming higher and pursuing their goals.

For more on the AAYSP, please visit: aaysp.org.