PVS student receives '2017 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellow'

Mariam Khayata

Photo by Hanna Garman

Pleasant View School student was awarded the "2017 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellow" on May 8.

One of 55 students internationally, Mariam Khayata, a senior at PVS, will attend this month long fellowship at Wake Forest University.

"I'm so grateful for the opportunity to participate in this fellowship and represent my Muslim community," Khayata said. "I’m very excited to meet my fellows, learn about new cultures, and grow as a person."

The fellow starts June 24 and ends July 22 with workshops on politics and civic engagement in various cities such as Wiston Salem, North Carolina, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia.

45 students from Europe and 10 from the U.S. ranging from 16-year-olds to 18-years-olds are expected to attend this year.

AP United States History and AP Government teacher Robert Schuller had a former student attend so he encouraged his classes to apply and Khayata was the only one to be awarded.

“I’m especially thankful to Pleasant View School for introducing me to the program and hope to make them proud through my journey,” Khayata said.