Extraordinary Teens extraordinary teens By Erin Pittman
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rince William Living recognizes greatness within our community and the individuals giving back each day. This issue is one of our favorites, as we get to recognize both of these through 10 youth leaders in our area. These high school students are well on their way to becoming extraordinary adults and are already making their marks on the world around them. Their activities and passions vary, but the common string of making Prince William a better place to be ties them all together. Here are our 2021 Extraordinary Teens.
Hamna Ashfaq When Hylton High School senior Hamna Ashfaq moved to the United States, she knew very little English. Now she speaks more than three languages and uses her skills to connect people and break through language barriers in her role as a volunteer at her local library and at Sentara. Ashfaq is a participant in the Center for International Studies and Languages program at
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June 2021 prince william living
Hylton. Her experiences in this program have introduced her to cultures all around the world. She is also a member of the Arabic club and an ESOL Ambassador for newly enrolled students entering the U.S. school system for the first time. Ashfaq acts as a liaison for these students as they transition to Hylton. When asked about her positive impact, Hamna mentioned that her goal in life and reason for pursuing education is to one day start a nonprofit that will empower women and girls in countries where there is no quality infrastructure for education. She wants to create opportunities for these students to attain a high level of education. Hamna strives to be a public speaker to advocate for those who do not have a voice. Ashfaq has been recognized at Hylton for her kind spirit with the “Stay Positive Award” and has received many awards for academic excellence. “Hamna is an incredibly multitalented young woman. I can always count on her to help new students feel welcomed, and she has been a leader amongst her peers in a gentle way,” said Hylton school counselor Michaella Beatty. “She has worked diligently, taken advanced classes, and continuously asked for ways to improve and challenge herself. Hamna is not only an exceptional student, she also has a heart of gold.”
