WIS Club Leaders Strengthen Bond With Atlanta International School

From Anne Leflot, Upper School Assistant Principal for Grades 9 & 10: Student leaders from the Anti-Human Trafficking and Prix Liberté clubs recently visited Atlanta International School (AIS) for a full day focused on leadership and club development.

The day opened with the Prix Liberté (Freedom Prize) voting event for Grades 9 & 10 students, which included a discussion with war photographer Patrick Chauvel. The Freedom Prize is an educational program rooted in the values of the D-Day Landings of June 6, 1944. Created by the Normandy Region in partnership with the International Institute for Human Rights and Peace, the French Education Authorities, and the Canopé Network, it invites young people ages 15–25 in France and around the world to annually nominate a person or organization for their outstanding commitment to freedom, peace, and human rights.

Chauvel shared footage and firsthand accounts from his work in Libya and Ukraine, emphasizing the role of independent journalists in conflict zones. He spoke about documenting Russian artillery at the front, the use of drone surveillance by soldiers, and the presence of retired volunteers defending Ukraine. He reflected on his career's purpose — preserving collective memory and maintaining accountability — and shared the quote that stayed with him most: a child who said, "I'm going to tell God what you adults did to us."

Students then attended two information sessions on starting a club, led by Ms. Aubin, Ms. Morrell, and Veronica McDaniel. These were followed by two rounds of exchange sessions with Atlanta International School club leaders and sponsors, where participants shared experiences and asked questions. The day concluded with a hands-on workshop on launching their clubs, providing students with concrete steps to apply to WIS. 

The trip was a great way to establish long-term collaboration between AIS and WIS clubs and to strengthen students' leadership skills heading into next year.