May 20, 2024-- Intermediate East sixth grader Yaseen Boghdady has won the 2024 Upstanders Amplified Contest.

The national contest is hosted by Sandy Hook Promise, and its Upstanders Amplified Committee "was amazed by how creatively [Yaseen] elevated the core messages of the Start With Hello and Say Something programs in [his] submission!"

For his efforts, Yaseen wins a $500 stipend, a certificate, and recognition on Sandy Hook Promise’s website, social media, and related materials.

"As our class read Refugee by Alan Gratz, we empathetically discussed the pillars of the Sandy Hook Promise to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in all of its forms in our world," said Intermediate East teacher Angela Germano, who invited her students to participate in the 2024 Upstanders Amplified Contest to share their voice. "Students worked on it around spring break because they really felt it. I am beyond thrilled and proud of Yaseen and his family!"

The school formally and excitedly presented Yaseen his award today during a small ceremony this past Friday. Not only was Yaseen thrilled, but so was his family, who expressed deep gratitude to Germano and the Intermediate East staff.

"I wanted to thank you for your incredible support and encouragement of Yaseen," said Sara Elsherief, Yaseen's mom. "We are thrilled that he won the 2024 Upstanders Amplified Contest! Your effort in finding and sharing this contest with us made all the difference. Your surprise announcement at school today was wonderful and made this achievement even more special for Yaseen. Thank you for believing in him and for all that you do as a teacher!"