The Woodson High School UNICEF Club supports children in need around the world, defending their rights, and helping them live fulfilling lives. Sophia Huh, a junior, is the president of the club. When she entered high school, she wanted to find a club to get involved in, with the hope of building new friendships and also making a difference in the lives of others. “I found that place with the UNICEF Club,” said Sophia.

The student-led club--led by officers Sophia Huh, Katelyn Tran, Jacqueline Truong, and Roen Dioquino--works to fulfill UNICEF’s three pillars of education, advocacy and fundraising.

Monthly meetings of the club have raised student awareness through presentations and discussions on issues like child immunization, the Ukraine crisis and gender equality.

In the past year, the club has raised money for UNICEF’s annual Trick-or-Treat campaign that helps underprivileged children around the world with health care, safe water and sanitation, education and emergency relief.

The UNICEF Club has also carried out activities such as “Letters and Artwork for Hope” for Ukrainian refugee children, and also for pediatric patients at Inova hospitals. The club also recently organized a winter clothing drive for low-income families in the area, and “it ended up being way more successful than we thought it would be,” according to Sophia.

Club vice-president Katelyn Tran said, “By joining the UNICEF Club, I’m able to use my own privilege to help other children have access to the same resources of education, health, and so many other things I often take for granted. It was a goal of mine to lead such an impactful club to help my peers get the opportunity to make a difference in other kid's lives."

As Sophia Huh reflected on her work with the UNICEF Club in relation to the Student Peace Award, being a peacemaker to her has meant being a leader “who helps create an environment for positive teamwork to take place.”