DEARBORN — On May 17, The American Association of Yemeni Students and Professionals (AAYSP) awarded scholarships to 25 high school seniors and undergraduate students at its eighth annual scholarship gala.

The event took place at Byblos Banquet Hall and was made possible through community sponsors.

AAYSP Michigan chapter President Mohamed S. Alrayyashi discussed the events the organization holds, including mentorship at Edsel Ford High School, free college tours, networking mixers, career fairs, monthly community meetings with school administrators and parent engagement workshops.

AAYSP also honored community members for their contributions. Teachers Fatima Moussa of Edsel Ford High School, Elham Barbat of Salina Intermediate, Jeanne Lawson of Salina Elementary and Bipanjot Kaur of Universal Academy received The Teacher of Year awards. Zinab Allie received The Community Award. School Board Trustee Mary Lane received The Leadership Award for serving 17 years on the Dearborn Board of Education.

AAYSP is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization with a mission to promote higher education and to break socio-cultural barriers within the Yemeni American community. For more information visit:

www.aaysp.org.