Congratulations to Cohoes High School senior Alaa Mahmoud and Spanish Teacher Alicia Ozols who were recently honored with the 40th annual Capital Region Students and Teachers Making a Difference Award by the Capital Area School Development Association (CASDA).
According to Alaa’s nomination by Mrs. Ozols:
“Alaa is a remarkable senior who will be attending Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. Her ultimate goal is to complete post graduate residency training in pediatrics to become a pediatric clinical pharmacist. Alaa’s academic journey is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She is not only a member of the National Honor Society, but also an active participant in Student Council, the Community Service Club, the Digital Media Club, Model United Nations, and the Culinary Cultural Club, which she helped establish. Her involvement in these organizations highlights her leadership abilities and her deep-seated desire to make a positive impact on those around her. Alaa’s bilingual proficiency in English and Arabic further enhances her communication skills, making her an excellent collaborator and a bridge between diverse communities. We cannot wait to see where her future will take her!”
According to Mrs. Ozols’ nomination by Alaa:
“I am proud to nominate Mrs. Ozols, the teacher who has had the greatest impact throughout my academic journey. In her Spanish class, she has created an environment where learning is enjoyable and every student is comfortable participating and making mistakes. She always takes time to support each student and makes us all feel included and capable of succeeding. Her support goes beyond the classroom. She did not hesitate to dedicate her time and effort to helping me start the Culinary Cultural Club, despite having no cooking experience herself. Thanks to her encouragement, I became more confident, a better leader, and someone who stands up for diversity. I am truly grateful for the difference she has made in my life and in the lives of her students. Thank you, Señora Ozols!”