Franklin County commissioners spotlight Global Scholars program; students describe leadership lessons

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 18 recognized National Youth Leadership Month and heard remarks from the Columbus Council on World Affairs about its Global Scholars Diploma program, which staff said serves about 1,300 students across roughly 20 school districts.

Patrick Terry, who identified himself with the Columbus Council on World Affairs, told commissioners the three‑year program gives students “tools and confidence to lead” and thanked the county’s office of diversity, equity and inclusion for support. Two students who participate in the program described how exercises in cross‑cultural communication changed how they approach disagreements and public speaking.

Sedin Alna Amy, a Year‑2 Global Scholar and an immigrant from Egypt, described cultural challenges when she arrived in the U.S. and said a program exercise that paired students with different communication styles taught compromise and adaptation. “It taught me how to adapt and compromise,” Sedin said, and thanked the commissioners for funding the program.

Aya Sofia Al Sadoun, a sophomore at Westerville North and a Global Scholar, said the program “fosters an understanding for collaboration and culture” and warned that ignorance can lead to fear and hatred. “Global Scholars have opened my eyes to new ideas and ways of thinking,” she said.

Commissioners praised the students’ presentations and encouraged continued engagement. One commissioner invited the students to consider internships in county offices, and the board suggested commissioners and staff would follow the students’ year‑three “take action” projects as they move to implement local projects addressing global issues.

The commission did not take a formal vote related to the presentation; it then moved on to regular agenda business.