Veleka Georgieva (Year 12), was recently invited to visit Washington DC, as part of Houston University’s Gulen Institute Youth Platform. There were over 550 contestants from over 40 countries, each of whom submitted an essay on the following topic: “”What role should state and non-profit agencies play in the education of disadvantaged youth who are not realizing their potential?”

The writers of the best 30 essays qualified for a place at the Washington event, and Veleka’s essay on “The Importance of the Disadvantaged Youth in the Future Development of Our Global Community” impressed the judges so much that she was selected to represent Thailand. Not only was this an amazing feat for Veleka, but it also shows Bromsgrove, yet again, competing on a global level.

At the event, the students had to give a speech about their essay in one of the study halls of Georgetown University, and Veleka’s prize was awarded by Arjaree Sriratanaban, from the Thai Embassy in Washington.. All visitors were also given a tour of the city, including the Library of Congress, the White House, and the Washington Memorial, not to mention taking in the beautiful sight of the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

Congratulations to Veleka for this phenomenal achievement, and for representing both Bromsgrove and Thailand with such flair and panache.