Young peace activists win scholarship
Arlington High Senior Amanda Formica honored by national student organization

Atlanta, GA (March 6, 2006) -- Amanda Formica, a senior at Arlington High School in Arlington, MA, and Richa Bajimaya, a student at the University of Idaho, have been chosen by Students Take Action for New Directions (STAND) as the winners of the Spring 2006 Student Activist Award. The award is based on community service and demonstrated commitment to peace and justice, and carries a $500 scholarship for college.

Richa Bajimaya is originally from Nepal and came to the US to pursue her education at the University of Idaho. She is studying to be a Clinical Social Worker with the Hematology Program. She is active in the LTS (Leadership training for Service) which is a campus organization that helps people to find positive attitudes and spiritual meanings of global community.

Amanda is a volunteer in the WAND office in Arlington, MA; an abortion clinic escort; and a member of a variety of groups in her community. She plans on studying International Relations at college next year, focusing on women and international development.

“We’re delighted to recognize Amanda and Richa,” says Jennifer Ortiz, Field Outreach Associate for STAND. “Over the past few years they've managed to be engaged in a number of efforts, all the while keeping up their studies. They both have a lot of integrity, along with intelligence and commitment.”

Amanda's winning essay on how she was first introduced to the peace and justice movement was inspiring. She writes: “My experience in a grassroots peace movement introduced me to organizing, activism, and global thought. Over time, I have learned that humanity is more complex than war or peace, but there is no excuse to deny human rights and dignity. Change is possible, because personal change in a group of people means lasting, meaningful change for all.”

Winners were selected by the STAND Scholarship Board, which is composed of student activists from around the nation.