Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Urges Students to Use their Voices to Make a Difference at Global Citizenship Day
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- Written by: Wendy MacMillan
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Nicole Deluca, Zuriel Oduwole and Jessica Puldorf“True wisdom requires both thinking with our head and understanding with our heart.” These insightful words from the late Jane Goodall, could easily describe the inspiration behind Scarsdale High School’s 12th annual Global Citizenship Day which was held on Friday, October 11th.
Thanks in large part to the hard work of the 2025 Global Citizenship Committee, chaired by teachers Jessica Pulford and Nicole Deluca, the day of immersive learning was host to over forty different workshops and presentations. With the goal of the day to educate students about issues that they, as citizens and future leaders of the world, need to know in order to inspire change, students were invited to learn from a variety of powerful speakers such as keynote speaker (and Nobel Peace Prize nominee) Zuriel Oduwole.
As described in her introduction, Zuriel Oduwole began her advocacy at age 10 and has met with over 30 world leaders to promote education and fight child marriage, influencing policy changes, including Mozambique’s 2019 ban on girl marriage. She has spoken to 52,000 youths across 19 countries. For all of this amazing work, Oduwole was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2025.
Students with SMS teacher Frankie Hugh’s who spoke about Project Children.
For Global Citizenship Day, instead of current world leaders Oduwole sought to inspire future generations at SHS. She encouraged students to think beyond borders by practicing kindness, pursuing excellence, and using their voices to make a difference. Oduwole described kindness as a simple but powerful “superpower,” urging everyone to seek daily opportunities for small, meaningful acts. Sharing her father’s lesson that “excellence transcends,” she also illustrated how mastering one’s craft leads others to take notice, citing both the film Hidden Figures and her own global advocacy work. Finally, she reminded students that everyone has a voice—even without a platform—and that using it purposefully is their greatest gift to the world.
In another moving presentation, Grace Jo from the Dissident Project https://www.dissidentproject.org/grace , shared her harrowing story of escaping North Korea as a refugee and ultimately becoming a U.S. citizen. Jo described how being born in North Korea, she “endured extreme starvation and the loss of family members to hunger, torture, and human trafficking. She and her family were repeatedly repatriated from China, suffering imprisonment and abuse.” The presentation went on to explain that “in 2006, with help from Pastor Philip Buck, Grace and two family members escaped, and in 2008 the UNHCR resettled them in the United States. She became a U.S. citizen in 2013 and now lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Grace has since advocated against forced repatriation of North Korean escapees and served as vice president of NKinUSA, aiding refugees with rescue, resettlement, and emergency support.
Students from Israeli Culture Club with presenter Adele.In a powerful session arranged by the Israeli Culture Club, students had the opportunity to hear first hand the incredible story of one woman's survival during the attacks on Israel on October 7th 2023. Joining her audience via Zoom, Raemer explained that since 1975, she has lived on Kibbutz Nirim, less than a mile from the Gaza border. A lifelong educator with Israel’s Ministry of Education, she’s led cross-cultural exchange programs between Israeli and Gazan children. She’s also a medical clown, using humor as therapy for children, and the founder of the Facebook community Life on the Border with Gaza, which now has over 13,000 followers. Her writing for The Times of Israel and media appearances have made her an international voice for peace and resilience.
After an emotional retelling of her experience surviving the October 7th attacks, Raemer ended by thanking the students for listening and encouraging them to learn, stay engaged, and stand up against hate. Her story of survival and courage embodies the spirit of global citizenship and resilience in the face of tragedy.
In a session that feels incredibly poignant and timely, SHS seniors Ollie Kaiden and Dylan Lemberg, gave an inspiring presentation about 
Ollie Kaiden and Dylan Lemberg.the organization they’ve founded, “New York Student Engaged Citizenship (NYSEC ---- ny-sec.org). The duo explained, “The purpose of the organization is to improve media literacy, responsible civic discourse, and overall civic engagement among students.” In their session, Kaiden and Lemberg aimed to “promote understanding of civil discourse, citizenship knowledge, and First Amendment rights through interactive activities and discussions. Participants in the workshop engaged in scenarios that foster respectful dialogue on controversial issues, emphasizing the importance of active listening and critical thinking. The session concluded with actionable steps for promoting civic engagement and civil conversations within the school community.”
Samantha and Natalie Goldban, co-presidents of SHS’s Innocence Club, helped to organize a presentation with Fernando Bermudez from The Innocence Project (Ihttps://innocenceproject.org/all-cases/). Bermudez shared his heartbreaking yet inspiring story of being wrongfully incarcerated. In 2009, he had his conviction overturned after 
The Innocence Projectspending 18 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. He described how in 1991, he became a suspect in the murder of a teenager outside of a nightclub in New York City after an eyewitness picked him out in a police photo lineup. Despite four alibi witnesses and no physical or forensic evidence linking him to the crime, he was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 23 years to life in prison. The following year, all witnesses recanted their testimony. It was not until 2009 that a judge overturned Mr. Bermudez’s conviction on “actual innocence” grounds based on police and prosecutorial misconduct. Now a passionate advocate for criminal legal reform, Mr. Bermudez shares his experience and inspiring words with audiences around the world.
Project Green Club: Stacey Liew, Theo Kertesz, Raphael Sutiono, Jonathan Shawn, Leticia (Lele) Miranda, and Elliot Chang.
Students from Project Green gave an engaging presentation on environmental awareness and protection. Using an interactive video game, the presenters shared Project Green’s mission of cleaning and protecting the environment (especially Scarsdale High School's), whether through cleanups at the brook and the Bronx River Pathway or implementing alternatives to plastic items. The Project Green Club is also involved with the SHS Sustainability Committee and hopes to establish our Compostable Cup Initiative in addition to other impactful projects.
Project Green Club: Stacey Liew, Theo Kertesz, Raphael Sutiono, Jonathan Shawn, Leticia (Lele) Miranda, and Elliot Chang.
Taylor Thigpen, a senior at Notre Dame University, joined current SHS students to moderate a meaningful discussion with students from the Ukraine. While the Ukrainian students met with their SHS audience via Zoom, their messages were clearly heard. One Ukrainian student shared “We are the same as other teenagers all around the world. We have the same dreams, listen to the same music, play the same video games…but our lives have been drastically altered.” Another student related, “Life is not guaranteed, if you want to do something…do it now.”
The opportunity to learn from others and to gain knowledge and perspectives that might not happen within a typical high school classroom, wasn’t limited to these few profound highlights. Other sessions included a constructive discussion with Superintendent Dr. Drew Patrick, who after a brief explanation of how a bond works, engaged students in dialogue and sought their feedback as important stakeholders; A presentation from Scarsdale Middle School English teacher Frankie Hughes, who talked about his participation in the Project Children which worked to to bring children from the North of Ireland to live with American host families for a six week summer respite from the everyday violence and strife of The Troubles; a fun Zumba session described as a high-energy workout inspired by Latin American and global dance styles where students and their teachers used movement to boost wellness while also connecting to traditions and people around the world (an upbeat way to practice global citizenship), and so much more.
ZumbaThe inspiring day of empowerment and learning was once again capped off with an amazing international luncheon coordinated by Wennui Guo. The luncheon saw over thirteen international clubs serve cuisine from their respective countries. Students from each club were responsible for every aspect of the successful event from setting up, selling tickets, serving food, and helping to clean up.
"The most important hope Jessica and I have for the day is that the students leave Global Citizenship Day feeling both inspired and empowered. We would like them to gain a deeper awareness of global perspectives and to develop a stronger sense of responsibility for how their actions can make a difference. We hope the experience fosters empathy, curiosity, and awareness, but most importantly, the motivation and confidence to act on what they’ve learned." -Nicole DeLuca co-chair of the 2025 Global Citizenship Day.
To learn more about Global Citizenship Day at SHS see here.
Internation Lunch
Two for One: Teacher and Student Authors Read from their Childrens' Books
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With contagious enthusiasm and a clear passion for educating, Scarsdale High School teacher David Sherrin not only inspires his students to think deeply about the world around them, he also sparks their curiosity, encourages their empathy, and stirs their ambition. The meaningful impact that Sherrin has on his students was on full display at a recent reading of his latest children’s book, “The Rabbi Pirate,” at the Scarsdale Public Library on September 20 …That’s right, Sherrin’s creativity isn’t contained to his classroom, he’s also an author of three beloved children’s books!
While it was unsurprising that Sherrin’s masterful storytelling quickly captured the attention of his young audience at the library, Sherrin did surprise his listeners with an unexpected treat when he invited his former student, current 12th grader Max Spencer, to introduce his own recently published children’s book, “We Are All Immigrants.”
The influence of Sherrin’s 9th grade World History class can be witnessed throughout the colorful pages of Spencer’s heartwarming story. Told through the lens of a young boy, not unlike Spencer himself, “We Are All Immigrants” follows the main character throughout his day as he interacts with various people in his neighborhood. Not only does the boy get a glimpse of how every person's heritage helps to shape who they are...he experiences how these important neighbors and professionals help shape the fabric of our communities. In the author’s own words, the “Young boy learns about the various immigrant roots of everyone in his life, and begins to understand how most people in the United States immigrated to this country at some point. This is a child-accessible story explaining the immigrant roots of America, encouraging kids to ask about their family’s history and learn from others." We Are All Immigrants is a sweet and simple story with a timely, and tender-hearted message.
While it’s easy to recognize Sherrin’s influence on his former student, it’s also clear to see that his 9th grade teachings went far beyond just memorizing names and dates. Whether in a high school classroom or reading from the pages of his latest book, “The Rabbi Pirate,” Sherrin emphasizes the importance of virtues like kindness and empathy.
Not unlike his young protege’s book, The Rabbi Pirate also delivers meaningful lessons but cleverly cloaked in a pirate adventure sure to capture the hearts of his early readers. Based on the true life of Samuel Pallache, a 16th century pirate, diplomat, and rabbi, Sherrin’s book tells the tale of a young boy torn between his longing for adventure and his desire to do good in the world, just like his rabbi father.
In The Pirate Rabbi, Sam chooses to follow in his father’s footsteps but he ultimately finds the adventure he hoped for when he is called to help save his captured people. Throughout Sam’s journey to rescue his community members, he encourages his crew to work together, to share, and to lookout for others. When Sam and his crew happen upon a stranded ship, Sam convinces his crew that they should stop and help by saying, “The world is a better place when we help and care for strangers.” As the Historical Novel Society suggests, “This sweet story speaks to a child's wish for adventure, while also showing how kindness matters."
As an award-winning teacher, Sherrin relates that a big part of teaching is finding and valuing his student’s creativity, and he is proud to now be doing that for himself. Also a father of young children, Sherrin was initially motivated to write a children’s book that could be enjoyed by both children and adults alike, but with increasing levels of antisemitism in the world, he also feels heartened by sharing positive messages about the Jewish faith that can be read by a wider community. Whether seen on the pages of his artfully written children’s books or in the good deeds tendered by his former students…it’s undeniable that David Sherrin is making a difference in the world.
You can order your own copy of The Pirate Rabbi at Scarsdale’s local bookstore Bronx River Books. While you’re there, check out Sherrin’s other children’s books, Big Bad Wolf's Yom Kippur and The Baddest Wolf of All?
And be sure to pick up a copy of Spencer's “We Are All Immigrants” as all proceeds are donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees, a New York-based organization that helps resettle refugee families.
Jonathan Thaler's Gallery of Nature Photographs
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Though many of us have seen Jonathan Thaler taking photos at Scarsdale athletic events, it turns out his talents extend well beyond the field. A 26-year resident, Thaler explains his passion for photographing birds in Westchester.
“I have been an avid photographer for over 50 years, moving from film to digital, starting as a teenager and working through my adult life. My older brother is a professional photographer, my younger brother a graphic artist, and I am a Lighting Designer. We’ve always been an arts-oriented family and photography dovetails nicely. Subject matter has long been family, travel, and life events. In the more recent past sports photography and local SFD, SPD, and SVAC events. A paramedic at the Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corp showed me pictures of bald eagles at the Verplanck Nature Preserve in Cortlandt a few years ago and that got me started on bird photography. It’s the most difficult type of photography I have done and has made me a better photographer overall. Who knew this existed on our doorstep? “
Thaler continued, “Birding in Westchester has become a popular pastime. "Merlin Bird ID" is a great free app from Cornell for identifying birds and "eBIRD" is a great web site for finding them.
Here, Thaler has shared photos taken at Verplank along with Sheldrake Environmental Center, Marshland Preserve, Malfitano Park and Carpenter’s Pond.
See more of Thaler’s photos here:
Rock the ’Dale Brings Music, Food, and Community to Scarsdale Village Center
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On Sunday, September 14th, Scarsdale’s Village Centre was filled with wondrous music, laughter, and the late-summer energy of friends and neighbours gathering together for a day that celebrated local talent, delicious food market stands, family-fun activities, and community connection.
From 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the Village hosted Rock the ’Dale, a community event presented by the Scarsdale Business Alliance and the Village of Scarsdale. As a part of the ongoing Destination Scarsdale initiative, the day brought together residents and passers-by of all ages for the live performances, family activities, and the weekly farmers market, all in the heart of our town.
The music lineup featured six local bands that brought their own unique sound to the centre of Scarsdale. Songs for Seeds opened the day with a lively family-friendly set that drew in the younger audience, while Conversing with Oceans, Louise in Trouble, and The Del Bocas followed with incredible indie, rock, and alternate-pop performances. By midday, Hot Lunch and The Modtones had taken the stage with upbeat sets that had listeners nodding along, smiling, and stopping to enjoy the music while browsing the farmers market or going out for lunch nearby.
Throughout the event, the Farmers Market was in full swing, with fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade items from local vendors. Scarsdale restaurants also joined in, offering lunch specials and outdoor service that encouraged guests to eat and enjoy the sunshine.
There was something fun for everyone! Children lined up for face painting, took part in art projects with Happy Place Creative Studio, and visited the Scarsdale Rotary Club’s booth, which offered family-friendly activities.
Cyclists taking part in Westchester County’s Bicycle Sundays stopped at the event as well, with Rock the ’Dale as a midway point for riders to refuel and enjoy the live music and community atmosphere.
Sunshine and the magnificent music flowed through that Sunday morning and early afternoon, as friends and family sampled local favorites, and celebrated Scarsdale’s vibrant village center.
SHS Welcome Back Barbeque
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On Tuesday, September 2nd, Scarsdale High School’s campus came alive not only with the excitement of a new academic year, but with delicious burgers, the laughter of reunited friend groups, and the wondrous feel of our Scarsdale school community reconnecting under a bright summer sky.
After welcoming an impressive 4,676 students back through its doors for the 2025–26 school year, SHS successfully ended the first day with a celebratory after-school barbecue hosted by the SHS Student Government. The event, held at the Brewster Road entrance started at 5:30 p.m., and it was truly a community-powered reminder of Scarsdale’s collaboration, student determination, and summer fun.
Supported by each class's government and cabinet, the barbecue was open to all students and faculty, and it offered more than just free food. With the summer sun casting a beautiful golden hue across the fields, students gravitated towards games like Spikeball and bean bag toss (cornhole), supplied and set up by student government members. Cheers and laughter filled the air as the friendly games sparked instant fun.
Groups of students clustered around benches or stretched out on the grass, exchanging experiences and stories from their summers apart. Teachers also found moments to relax and reconnect with colleagues after a filled day of new beginnings.
One of the highlights were the burgers offered to all, grilled earlier that day by student members themselves, who enthusiastically manned the barbecue stations. With beverages and a variety of sauces, the refreshments were a huge hit. The final touch for students’ sweet teeth was a local ice cream truck parked by the school fields, serving creamy treats that were nothing short of a lifesaver in the summer heat.
Free, joyful, and student-powered.
The Welcome Back Barbecue served as a symbolic start to our new school year that promises growth, learning, memories, and the Scarsdale school spirit.
