Aimee Schoelles (third from left) with Dearborn Schools officials.

DEARBORN — The Arab American Public Affairs Council (AAPAC) held a farewell party for former Dearborn School Board Trustee Aimee Schoelles at Byblos Banquet Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

Schoelles resigned from her position in July after accepting a new job in Ohio, requiring her to move out of Dearborn.

Several school and city officials hailed Schoolles and pointed out her achievements on the board.  

In 1999, Schoelles began her stint as an active member of AAPAC, at one point serving as treasurer of the organization. A year later, she decided to run for the school board. Many Arab American parents felt that their concerns were being overlooked by the district and Schoelles sought to change that. 

AAPAC President Ali Hammoud said the community is sad to see Schoelles leave.

“Aimee has been a public servant for the past 15 years,” Hammoud said. “She is a member of AAPAC; she is a personal friend; she is someone who is cherished and respected in this community… Nobody wants to see her leave.”

Dearborn School Board trustee Mariam Bazzi said Schoelles gave a voice for the community on the board, highlighting that two Dearborn schools were named after Arab Americans during her tenure — Don Unis and Michael Berry.  

Schoelles was moved to tears when she recalled her time in the community. 

“Coming back, it reminds me of what I left behind and it’s hard,” she said. “You’ll always have a piece of my heart, and I’m never that far away.”

Schoelles said she has left the school board in safe hands, praising her successor, Fadwa Alawieh.

Dearborn City Council President Susan Dabaja and Councilman Mike Sareini presented Schoelles with an award on behalf of the city. Henry Ford College President Dr. Stanley Jensen also handed the former school trustee an award.