Eleven Fairfax County students were honored at the Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County on Sunday at the Fairfax County Goverment Center. The event honored their ongoing work towards peace at the local, national and international levels.

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology – Yon (Daniel) Jang -- Senior

Daniel, born in Korea, was one of the authors of the book Lost Family which describes the experiences of families torn apart by the Korean War.  Through Voice of Divided Korean Families (VODKF), which he co-founded, Daniel has led numerous awareness campaigns to promote the reunion of Korean-Americans with their families in North Korea. 

James Madison High School – Ye Eun (Zoey) Jeong -- Senior

Zoey is the Education Officer for Amnesty International at her high school. She has sought to raise awareness of human rights abuses, educating her club about the crises in North Korea, Burma, and the Middle East. She hosted a documentary screening, staged an in-school protest, and engaged the club in a building project.

George C. Marshall High School – Brandon Allen -- Senior

Brandon is active in the Model United Nations.  She was chosen to be the Chief of Staff at the 2011 Arab League Conference and the Undersecretary General at the 2012 Conference.  She volunteers in a conservation biology lab at Georgetown University, and she teaches young children about nature.

Mountain View High School -- Sarah Michelle Khaliq -- Senior

Sarah believes that law enforcement officers are in a unique position to promote peace and understanding.  She graduated from the Fairfax County Law Enforcement Explorer Post 1742, and she assisted with “Cops on the Block” and DASH (Dating Abuse Stops Here). She also studied hostage negotiations and domestic crisis intervention.

Paul VI Catholic High School -- Mary Frances Roll -- Senior

Mary Frances is a member of the Student Government Executive Board. She works for peace and unity by encouraging students to become involved, and she promoted teamwork as captain of the Junior Varsity Lacrosse team. Through her church's Sunday School program, she introduces four year olds to conflict resolution.

Quander Road School – Chris McDuffie -- Senior

Chris overcame many life challenges to become a model student and mentor.  He supports his classmates with academic assistance, encouragement, and praise.  He listens carefully and then suggests how situations can be resolved without resorting to violence. 

Robinson Secondary School – Abrar Omeish  -- Junior

Abrar is a supporter of “Arab Spring” and traveled to Tunisia to aid Libyan refugees. She is active in the Interfaith Youth Action Group, and she gave a Unity Speech at the 2010 9/11 Unity Walk. She is a member of the Fairfax County Human Rights Commission, and she founded MSA at her school -- an interfaith group that works to bridge religious and cultural differences. She was invited to the White House and given an opportunity to speak on a panel at a Congressional Summit.  She has published several works and was featured in The Washington Post, LIFE Magazine, and Bisnow Media.

South Lakes High School – Franck Simo -- Senior

Franck was born and raised in Cameroon.  During his three years in the US he led a campaign to involve ESL students in school activities.  He is active in the College Partnership Program (a club for first generation, college-bound students) and SLICE and City of Peace DC (organizations that promote cross-cultural understanding).

JEB Stuart High School – Mariam Ebadi -- Senior

Mariam was responsible for the annual International Night, which presents cultural performances and information about many countries.  She is a Peer Mediator and works for organizations that collect food for the poor, assist children with cancer, and provide polio vaccinations.

Westfield High School – Sarah Haug -- Senior

Sarah was a founding member of The Hollow Trunk, a non-profit that has raised funds for Haiti, Fairfax Children’s Hospital, and the Alzheimer’s Association. She is currently working on forming a multi-ethnic “think tank” to generate support for causes aimed at multi-ethnic cooperation.

W.T. Woodson High School – David Tannenbaum -- Senior

David used his own money and effort to assist the people of Darfur by serving as an intern with the Save Darfur Coalition, writing a blog to help illuminate the Darfurese plight, and forming Woodson4Darfur -- a club dedicated to raising funds for the people of Darfur and promoting awareness in the school community.