Human rights activist, youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner, and international best-selling author Malala Yousafzai visited with 5th-8th graders and the Tappan Zee High School Social Justice Club in the South Orangetown Middle School auditorium today. Ms. Yousafzai, currently an Oxford University undergraduate, engaged in two question and answer sessions moderated by Cottage Lane Elementary School WERLD Teacher Kristine Wagner and SOMS Library Media Specialist Kimberlee Landgraff. The conversations also included questions submitted by students.

Malala talked about her life, her advocacy, and her new book, We Are Displaced: My Journey and Stories from Refugee Girls Around the World. “Education is about more than reading and writing,” Ms. Yousafzai told South Orangetown students. “It’s about empowerment and reaching your full potential.”

“It is a great honor and privilege to have Malala Yousafzai, one of the world’s most prominent figures, visit with our students to talk about her advocacy for girls’ education and to share her new book,” said Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Brian Culot. “Malala’s visit means so much to our school community and reminds us that everyone has a voice and can make a difference in the world.”

TZHS Social Justice Club officers had an opportunity to briefly meet and speak with Ms. Yousafzai upon her arrival at SOMS. At the close of the session attended by SOMS seventh- and eighth-graders, SOMS Art Teacher Allison Meyers presented Ms. Yousafzai with a portrait she created with students and Principal Dr. Corey presented her with a student-created piece featuring painted ceramic butterflies inspired by The Butterfly Project.

This extraordinary educational experience was made possible through partnership with SOCES PTA, SOMS PTA, Books & Greetings, Little, Brown & Company and The Malala Fund. View more photos on Facebook.