Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of 13 stories about this semester’s Principal’s Recognition Award winners who were recognized on Wednesday, April 20 for outstanding achievement in specific programs. Freshman Mariam Aamir received the English Language Learners award and was nominated by Ms. Elizabeth Kolany.

Freshman Mariam Aamir is being nominated for her growing success in her English Language Learner’s class and her immense dedication not only to the class, but her willingness to learn every day. 

Aamir came from Pakistan in seventh grade for a better education. She did not know a lot of English at the time, so she was placed into ELL. She has now grown so much and has learned a lot of English, only improving every day. 

“I moved to America from Pakistan for a better education.I knew some English when I came here, and the ELL classes helped me to read and write better in English,” Aamir said.

Aamir thinks that when she goes into her sophomore year of regular English, the ELL would’ve helped out.

“ELL has helped me a lot, and I think that when I go to regular English in my sophomore year, it will not be too hard for me because I know the ELL classes have prepared me for that,” Aamir said

One main person who has helped out with Aamir’s success is ELL teacher Ms. Elizabeth Kolany.

“Mariam Amir is being nominated for the [Principal’s Recognition] award because of her dedication to her studies and her class leadership. Mariam consistently works hard and produces high-quality work in her ELL classes. She is the kind of student who is attentive and strives to use what she has learned,” Kolany said.

Kolany is really proud of how far Aamir has come, and how far she will go.

“Mariam participates actively in class and helps other students in group work. Because she works so well with other students, Mariam has been selected to be a Niles West peer leader for next year. I am very proud of Mariam, and it makes me feel great to honor her with this award,” Kolany said.

Being nominated for this award makes Aamir feel great.

“I think I’m being recognized because I work hard and because I show that school is important to me. Being recognized makes me feel wonderful. I feel like teachers expect good things from me,” Aamir said.