Ryan High School Freshman Awarded 20 Under 20 by World Affairs Council

Ryan High School freshman Sophiya Islam has been named to the World Affairs Council’s (WAC) prestigious 2023 “20 Under 20” class. A council advisory panel chose the top 20 students to represent this year’s class based on Junior World Affairs Council (JWAC) educator sponsor nominees. 

This award honors 20 exceptional high school students under the age of 20 who are active in their local JWAC. Twenty under 20 spotlights young people in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex who consistently give back to their communities and exemplify what it means to be a global citizen. 

“I am so proud of Sophiya for her ‘20 under 20’ award,” said Amanda Ledwon, Ryan High School social studies teacher and the 2023 WAC International Educator of the Year. “The World Affairs council was able to identify Sophiya as one of the upcoming leaders of high schoolers in Texas because of her global view of community. Sophiya exudes scholarship and sensitivity in a manner that is superior to others her age. Being awarded this as a freshman is a huge accomplishment and means that her future is bright.”

The WAC’s 20 Under 20 list was established in 2016 as part of the Global Young Leaders Program. The WAC’s mission is to educate and engage the community in local, national and global affairs. 

Sophiya was honored at a celebration on May 10 at the Gene A. Buniger Career and Technical Education Academy in Bedford, along with the 19 other members in this year’s class, for her award.