Troy High Global Leadership Students Shine at European Conference

This past summer, 19 Troy High students were selected for their leadership and outstanding character to attend the Global Leadership Summit in Berlin, Germany. They traveled to Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels and Berlin to explore the importance of Creating a Sustainable Future and the power we have to create long-term change through our daily actions. Besides sightseeing at the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate, the students tie-dyed with natural dyes like avocadoes and ginger, went to the House of Denim to learn about the blue jean production relating to the environment and visited Fashion for Good learning about innovative fashion solutions that are better for people and the planet and that empower behavioral changes in fashion to create a sustainable future. These experiences strengthened teamwork and leadership skills that the students brought with them to the summit.

Student leader Senior Fran Giuffreda said, “Through the Global Leadership Summit I have truly grown and prospered as a person. Whether it was the firsthand exploration of 4 different countries' cultures, the experiences shared by several exemplary speakers, or the overall journey of putting myself in uncomfortable new situations, this experience taught me a lot about myself and my peers. I learned that to change the flaws in the world, I need to empathize with those in need and be confident in my power. I learned that through this, I will not come out unscathed, but my compassion and strength are worth something and the bond created with people along the way will be the backbone of my success.“ Senior Grace Cueny agreed, saying “The trip was truly unique in that we all went to Europe hardly knowing each other and have come back with friends and memories we will cherish for a lifetime. Seeing the world by wandering the streets of a foreign country was a big part of the trip, and it was in those moments we made precious imperfect memories and discovered the most about ourselves. The summit has truly made me stronger as a person, given me skills I will use throughout my lifetime and has changed my worldview.”

Bringing their new knowledge and leadership with them they joined 1100 kids from around the world who were studying sustainability in other European countries. Bella Vitanovich, a 2022 summit attendee, was selected from last year’s participants to be an emcee for this year’s summit and it was amazing to see one of our very own Troy Colts emceeing a global conference. At the summit, students attended creative workshops and speaker sessions designed to inspire solutions for shared world obstacles. They were lucky enough to hear from: The Anne Frank House, Fehinti Balogun, actor and activist Chris Bashinelli, National Geographic Explorer and Ahmed Badr, author, poet and founder of Narratio. Troy High Junior Vandya Nedle auditioned and was selected out of 500 students to introduce Ahmed Badr for the opening session. “Introducing Ahmed at the Summit was an incredibly surreal experience,” said Nedle. “Speaking in front of hundreds of students was undoubtedly a highlight of the trip and my entire high school experience thus far.”

During the summit, students were placed in teams with 1100 students from all over the world and were charged with solving a global problem related to the theme of sustainability; using design thinking, they ideated and created a prototype to solve their problem. After presenting a one-minute pitch to the judges of their prototype, the winning teams were selected. THS students Lilly Schlaflhauser’s design “VertiVeg” and Chris George’s “Project Lorax” placed in the top 10 out of 100 teams, and Sam Watson was on the winning team! Sam shared, “Throughout the conference I was rather skeptical about my team and their lack of collaboration and communication. However, once we presented a good idea, we all collaborated and worked on parts of the project that catered to our individual work styles. As someone who prefers to work individually, this was a great opportunity to prove that I can succeed while working in a group. Being on the winning team was the most surreal and rewarding experience I have ever had, but the unwavering support from my classmates was what made it truly unforgettable.” Sam’s team product “FaBreak” will be featured in the Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm, Sweden, for one year.

As the conference came to a close, these students from Troy High were the talk of Berlin and the pride of their hometown, according to student group advisor Harriet Clark: “When other educators from around the world would ask where I was from and I would answer ‘Michigan’ … the response was always the same ‘Oh gosh are you with the students from Troy?’” They were leaders among leaders…they kept going when the work was difficult…they were motivators to others and they went out of their way to include others at all times. “I was so very proud of every one of them and feel so lucky to be a part of their life-changing adventure,” Clark concluded. We are all so proud of these Troy Colts who took on the challenge to become global leaders and represented Troy High so successfully.

# # #

Photos Courtesy of Troy School District

Additional Student Quotes:

My favorite part of the summit experience was bonding with my classmates. None of the group knew each other; we bonded and became closer. We made memories I will always cherish and experienced things together that allowed us all to become best friends. The conference was also a wonderful experience because I could meet people from all over the world and learn everyone’s unique story. Lexie Newman, ‘24

As a French student, my favorite part about the trip was being immersed in French Culture and language in Paris. Applying what I had learned over the past four years in real life was incredibly fulfilling and gratifying. And of course, visiting famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, exploring the city’s markets and trying the wonderful food was a dream come true. Ria Saini, ‘24

The summit was indeed the most amazing thing I have ever been a part of. I’ve formed bonds with people I never expected and learned so much about myself and the world around me. I look at things with a different perspective and an open heart and open mind, I will forever be thankful for the 12 days I shared with the summit group. Gabby Bouzide, ‘24