2013-2014: Beau Sloane, Senior

Beau Sloane, selected by the faculty and administration to be one of the School Leaders, is particularly concerned about cyberbullying. He recognizes that hurtful gossip and teasing have been common among teenagers for many years, but the birth of social media has raised the issue to a completely different level. Almost all students have cell phones which can send and receive text messages and pictures. Anyone can say anything about anyone, and the damaging comment or photograph can rapidly go viral. Often the original source is anonymous, and the message can never be erased. A one-minute lapse of judgment can create a victim who becomes desperate, and sometimes even suicidal.

Recognizing the dangers of cyberbullying, Beau joined a classmate to form 'Stop the Hate'. Their goal is to make other students aware of the cruelty of cyberbullying. They have also led discussions on this topic in area elementary and middle schools. South County faculty member Danielle Vacca, summarizes, “Beau has led the effort to make people more aware of the types of bullying that occur and to help make sure that no one ever feels like a victim.”

Beau is the Overall Vice President of the Student Government Association and a founding member and officer of the ‘Stallions Lend a Hand' club. Their current projects are shipping school supplies to refugee students in Haiti and assisting the homeless in Washington DC by providing them with blankets, gloves, and food. Beau has also held leadership roles with DECA, as they raised over $20,000 for various community service programs.

Ms. Kellen Scott, one of Beau’s teachers, says, “He lends knowledge to the classroom that eases other students into conversation. I am proud of the caring, responsible, and contributing leader that he continues to exemplify to his peers and adults alike.”

2014-2015: Sakira Coleman, Senior

Eager to counter sexual violence in her community, Sakira Coleman launched the program “Fight for Your Right to Run at Night.” The statistics that rape or sexual assault occurs every two minutes in the U.S., most often at night and close to home, became personal when Sakira learned that this had happened to someone close to her. Sakira was determined to do something to galvanize the community over the problem. She researched the issue, became a spokesperson at school against sexual violence, and organized the first run/walk campaign to raise awareness and initiate public dialogue. In Sakira’s words, “I would make my decision to take action to challenge rape culture one thousand times over because even one speech can make all the difference in empowering a victim.”

School Counselor Laura Hanley describes the respect and attention given Sakira by adults and peers: “Sakira is a voice for those who cannot speak and a catalyst for change in our communities. No issue is too large or too small for Sakira to tackle. She leads others to action through her words and action.”

Sakira’s has also worked and volunteered at Greeenspring Retirement Community, served as president of her school’s “Stallions Lend a Hand” service club, worked with “Unified Prevention Coalition” in Fairfax County to prevent youth addiction, and devoted time to feeding the homeless.

When she attends college this fall, Sakira plans to continue her work in countering apathy over sexual violence and in mentoring and advocating for assault victims. Sakira believes in living by the words “Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.”

2015-2016: Kyle Engelhardt, Senior

After observing the political conflict and extreme poverty in the Philippines, Kyle Engelhardt decided to work toward relieving suffering and creating a more peaceful society. Recognizing the enormity of this task, Kyle concluded, “Before trying to make a huge contribution, I should work to create peace within my surrounding environment, both in and out of school.”

Kyle volunteered at the Fort Belvoir Religious Center, buying and assembling food packages for the local poor and emergency responders. He also taught 3rd and 6th grade religious education, emphasizing the Bible verses which stress tolerance and love. To raise depression and bipolar awareness, Kyle chaired a 5K run, sponsored by the National Honor Society and the Depression Bipolar Support Alliance.

Having moved 11 times, Kyle is well aware of the stress of leaving a familiar setting and starting a new life. He knows what it is like to feel alone. To assist new students make the adjustment to South County High School, he serves on the steering committee of the Stallion Student Ambassadors. In this capacity, Kyle is constantly alert to students who seem to be experiencing extreme difficulties. Several times he has seen signs of desperation reflected in students’ behavior in school and their entries in social media. He alerted counselors to possible problems, and he believes that his interventions made a difference.

School Counselor Holly Biehl summarizes, “Kyle treats everyone with kindness and respect. When he sees a need, he acts with a sense of urgency and compassion. He does the right thing at the right time, and we all benefit from his actions.”

2016-2017: Narjes Bencheikh, Senior

Believing that “Rejecting intolerance and choosing to understand one another is the first step to achieving peace,” Narjes Bencheikh worked with her classmates to found two school clubs, the Muslim Student Association (MSA) and the International Club. As president of the MSA, her goal is to ensure that Muslim students have a safe environment to discuss issues they encounter in the community. She leads the approximately 50 members in role-playing exercises, such as how one of their friends could best respond to harassment from her classmates because of her hijab.

Narjes has seen a sharp increase in Islamophobia, which she fears will continue to escalate. She inspired students to create and display posters with positive messages such as “Salam. It is a greeting of peace, not a threat.

and “Just like its meaning, Islam preaches peace.” She also arranged for the MSA to hold joint meetings with South County’s Young Life chapter, where students of various faiths came together to discuss and strengthen interfaith solidarity at the school.

The International Club was founded to foster dialogues among students of diverse backgrounds. Narjes serves as president and leads monthly discussions where approximately 30 students are given a supportive environment to express their opinions about current world issues. Recently she facilitated a discussion about the Ethiopia-Eritrea conflict. Students from both countries worked to put aside their difference and instead to focus on their similarities.

The International Club organized the first annual South County International Night, which was held last May. About 300 people came to watch 15 different cultures present their heritage through native dress, music, dances, and poetry.

Narjes hopes to become a doctor and work in refugee camps.

2019-2020: Siedeen Ahmed, Senior

“Siedeen Ahmed has made an impact on our school community and beyond. She is a regular voice for peace, understanding, multicultural awareness, and civic action,” says Career Center Specialist Holly Biehl.

Siedeen founded the Interfaith Club to provide a safe space for student-led discussions about their personal beliefs and current societal effects of various religions in the community and country. She says, “We usually focus on topics everyone can relate to, such as doubting our own beliefs and how we have dealt with that. When we share our stories, it usually shows us that even though we hold different beliefs, many of us struggle with the same personal problems.”

As a Stallion Ambassador for two years, Siedeen has the responsibility of welcoming new students and providing friendship, support, and advice as they navigate the transition to a new school. To help promote the success of minority students, she is also a regular volunteer for the Minority Achievement Committee, helping ninth and tenth grade students in math and science.

Siedeen is the President of Stallions with Refugees. She wants to expand the club’s activities to include immigrants, and is working on changing the name to Stallions with Refugees and Immigants. As spokesperson for the organization, Siedeen’s goal is to spread the message that all students, including immigrants and refugees, are welcome and valued. Ms. Biehl says, “Siedeen’s efforts extend the conversation from an expectation of tolerance to an encouragement of action, advocacy, and social justice.”