Valley Stream South High School sophomore Syedah Ali won first place in Hofstra University’s 15th annual Celebration of Suburban Diversity student essay contest. Syedah’s essay, which earned her a $3,000 college scholarship, explored the complexities of diversity on Long Island and the challenges faced by students in increasingly multicultural communities.
The essay contest, hosted by the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University, welcomed submissions from students across Long Island in grades nine through twelve. This year, the competition received 60 entries, with students tasked to identify and address issues related to diversity in Long Island’s suburbs and how these issues affect their lives.
Syedah’s winning essay highlighted the experiences of students who practice visibly distinct religions, such as wearing the hijab, and how these expressions of faith are often met with misunderstanding or alienation. “Long Island schools are becoming increasingly religiously diverse, yet students who practice visibly distinct religions are not entirely accepted,” Syedah wrote. “Expressions of faith, such as wearing the hijab, are often met with misunderstanding, and sometimes alienation, which significantly impacts one’s sense of place and self-esteem.”
Syedah’s achievement was celebrated alongside other winners during a banquet held in November at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.
Syedah Ali with Principal Matthew Swinson.