For the second year in a row, a Strelitz International Academy fifth grader won the prestigious IBMA Student Excellence Award, with Ari Mulligan’s selection as this year’s Primary Years Program Recipient.
The IBMA (International Baccalaureate Mid-Atlantic) is a regional association of International Baccalaureate World Schools that supports collaboration and excellence in IB programs across Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Delaware, and Pennsylvania. This award honors students who represent the values of the International Baccalaureate (IB).
As part of the application, students reflect on a service project and their growth through the IB Learner Profile. Ari shared how participating in a community service project helped him understand the power of empathy, teamwork, and taking action to make a difference. It was a great example of the IB mission in action, caring about others and helping build a more peaceful world.
Exemplifying what it means to be a caring and reflective IB learner, Ari says, “In 2023 and 2024, for my birthday, instead of getting presents, I asked everyone to bring canned food. I took the food to the food pantry and stocked the shelves. The volunteers there told me who the food helped. This showed me the importance of intercultural understanding and respect. I learned that helping someone in need is better than getting something for your own benefit.”
Through this meaningful service, Ari demonstrated the IB mission to develop empathy, understand different perspectives, and choose to make a positive impact.
Alicia Pahl-Cornelubs is International Baccalaureate coordinator for Strelitz International Academy.