Editor’s Note: This is the eighteenth in a series of 19 stories about last semester’s Principal’s Recognition  Award winners who were recognized on Wednesday, Dec. 2 for outstanding achievement in specific programs. Senior Mariam Al-Anaswah received the Student Services Award and was nominated by Mr. Mitchell Stern.

Senior Mariam Al-Anaswah never used to be driven to do anything involving school, including the majority of her school work. As high school continued on, Al-Anaswah picked up her game and turned her whole academic life around.

Counselor Mitchell Stern and Student Services recognized Al-Anaswah as a student who has made a contribution and done something for the overall good of our school.

“In Mariam’s case, she wasn’t necessarily the most motivated student when she was younger, and has become an amazing model student for the school, she has become kind of inspirational because she’s one of those kids who really didn’t care all that much about what was going on in school when she was younger, but now she’s a rock star. She’s an amazing student, and person, and we wanted to recognize her for that,” Stern said.

Turning around her school lifestyle wasn’t an easy thing to do, but it paid off in the end of things.

“Mr. Stern has been the greatest counselor, and throughout these past four years he has seen me develop as a person. I’ve always enjoyed school, but was never the greatest student. And as the years progressed I came to realize the importance of furthering my education. I came to realize the true importance of school. There are many achievements I wish to obtain in life, and the only way to get where I want to be is through building a solid foundation for myself through education,” Al-Anaswah said.

The journey Al-Anaswah has gone through started off bumpy, but she has gone far, and could not be happier with how it feels to be recognized.

“I am content with my decisions, I just wish I would have come to these realizations sooner. I’ve improved myself, but there is always room to be superior to the person I was yesterday. I hope that as time goes on, I will continue to better myself,  both as a student and an individual,“ Al-Anaswah said.

Stern was speechless when thinking about how far Al-Anaswah has come and how far she has to go.

“She did a complete 180-degree turn in her life. I couldn’t be prouder of a student. She’s awesome.” Stern said. 

Previous installment in the Principal’s Recognition Award series

Kapree Watson  –  http://www.nileswestnews.org/features/principals-recognition-award-kapree-watson/