Posted: July 18, 2025 in Global Citizenship Prize
The Abdelkader Education Project (AEP) and Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) congratulate the Abdelkader Global Citizenship Prize winners and thank all students who submitted entries. We are especially grateful to our judges for sharing their time and talents.
2025 Abdelkader Global Citizenship Prize (AGCP)
HIGH SCHOOL ESSAY WINNERS
1ST PRIZE ($1,000) — BRYNLY RICHARDS
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA
“Learning about Emir Abdelkader has deepened my appreciation for ethical leadership, resilience, and community-building. His commitment to justice, even in times of war, exemplifies how true leadership balances strength with integrity and compassion,” said Brynly in her acceptance speech. “Abdelkader’s actions, from protecting civilians to defending persecuted communities, remind me that justice requires both principles and action.”
2ND PRIZE ($500) — AISHA ISLAMBEKOVA
BOWLING GREEN, OHIO
“Until I participated in this contest, I had no idea that there was something called the Abdelkader Education Project. But when I did find out from an Algerian friend, I was so, so excited! I could not believe that so many different people from all sorts of different backgrounds came together to draw insight from this incredible man,” Aisha said in her acceptance video. “Emir Abd el-Kader exemplies a myriad of positive character traits under the umbrella of servitude to God and commitment to the Islamic way of being.”
3RD PRIZE ($500) — ANNABELLE MCPARLAND
ARLINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS
“I’m honored for this recognition of my research and findings about Abdelkader. He was a source of inspiration, with the purest intentions and a strong sense of empathy that he utilized to guide his decisions as a world leader. His story is relevant today, as we live in a world full of uncertainty, to show us that it is possible to maintain a strong moral compass while navigating conflict.
Learning about him highlighted that doing something right purely because it is right is admirable. Never previously having heard of Abdelkader, he is someone whose priorities I will remember later in life as I take on roles of leadership and mentorship,” wrote Annabelle in her acceptance letter.
COLLEGE MULTIMEDIA ENTRY WINNER ($1,500) — VAID WALEED
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN — DEARBORN, MICHIGAN
“I’m eternally grateful for this opportunity through this competition that has allowed me to take an even deeper dive into the life of Emir Abdelkader al-Jazairy,” said Vial in his acceptance video.
“I would like to definitely extend my gratitude to the Abdelkader Education Project, to the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), for arranging this excellent opportunity so that students like myself and others are able to learn and appreciate such an amazing individual.”