NATO Participants Support South Shore's goal to expand student’s worldview

German Deputy Consul General Helmut Rausch discusses NATO initiatives with South Shore International Student ambassadors.

(CHICAGO) -- Diplomatic leaders from around the world met at South Shore International College Preparatory High School NATO Youth Summit Wednesday affirming resident's commitment to expand their children's worldview.  

Consul representatives from France, Germany, Italy and Canada joined local government officials and community residents in acknowledging the new $94 million school and it's six week NATO project.  Participants engaged students to discuss their work exploring NATO's Science of Peace and Security initiatives.

Students along with their teachers and community lecturers spent six weeks studying NATO's mission and initiatives in preparation for the Youth Summit. Classroom work was comprised of research and role-playing activities designed to meetcurriculum requirements in human cell development and geography. Students were able to relate NATO's political missions as well as its initiative on Science for Peace and Security to their classroom work.

Attending the event were a host of local and state legislators, elected officials andcommunity participants including State Senator Mattie Hunter, Aldermen Leslie Hairston, Sandy Jackson and Harris.  

Key community members responsible for building the school were also at the event including Henry English of Black United Fund, Leonard Muhammad, co-chair of the South Shore International High School Planning Committee, who conceived of the NATO Youth Summit and community activist, Rev. Willie Barrow, and Buzz Palmer. 

South Shore International High School Planning Committee Co-Chair Leonard Muhammad

8th Ward Alderman Michelle Harris extolled the community's support and the opportunities the new school provides. South Shore Principal Dr. Beryl Shingles looks on (right).

South Shore International High School Planning Committee Co-Chair Henry English thanks South Shore resident Edward "Buzz" Palmer for taking part in discussions with students during the six week NATO Youth Summit.

Student Canadian Ambassador Kala Wheeler and classmate Andre Wilson discuss their exhibit with Canadian Consul General Gitane De Silva (right) and Cultural and Academic Affairs Officer Colleen Duke (far left).