Doha, Qatar: The American School of Doha (ASD) announced that Grade 8 student Aaishah Chaudhary has been selected as one of four international winners of the prestigious Stanley Haas/Luke Hansen Student Award for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Sponsored by the Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools (NESA), the award recognises middle school students who demonstrate exceptional character, leadership, and service. Aaishah was chosen from a competitive pool of applicants spanning hundreds of schools across the NESA region, from Greece to India.
Established in 1996, the Stanley Haas/Luke Hansen Award honours students who model unwavering persistence, a willingness to take risks, a deep respect for diverse cultures and perspectives, and a sustained commitment to the welfare of others. As one of the four global finalists, Aaishah received a $1,000 USD grant, along with an official certificate and a letter of commendation from the NESA Board of Directors, during a private ceremony at ASD.
Reflecting on her achievement, Aaishah said, “I first saw this opportunity last year and was interested, but I didn’t invest in it. This year I went for it, put in the work, and was honestly surprised to win.” When asked what made her stand out among hundreds of applicants, she shared, “I put everything into the essay. I wrote about what I truly believed in. I talked about the present but also about the future and what I hope to see change.”
Aaishah’s story is rooted in a strong commitment to service and economic empowerment. She independently runs a micro-lending initiative through the global platform Kiva, turning an initial QR1,000 investment into more than QR22,000 in loans supporting entrepreneurs worldwide.
She has also raised funds through creative projects such as bracelet businesses and painted rocks. “I really care about female entrepreneurs,” she said. “My generation has the power to make change. I want a career in politics where I can voice my opinions and help shape a better future. I love public speaking and speech that’s something I’m really passionate about.”
The application process was entirely independent, with Aaishah noting, “I did this completely by myself. My mom didn’t proofread my essay or guide me. It gave me confidence that I can make my own decisions, do hard things, and see them through to completion.” She carefully selected three recommenders — her football coach, her best friend’s mother who is a physician, and her 7th-grade social studies teacher — to reflect the many facets of her character. “Make sure you choose people who really know you,” she advised.
ASD also recognised two other outstanding regional representatives, Zayan Ahmad and Akshee Bhargava, whose applications were forwarded to the NESA selection committee. All three students were commended by Middle School Principal Dr. Almy for their leadership and exemplary character.
