It is with great pride and excitement that I formally announce that our students will have the unique opportunity to meet and greet former Polish President, Lech Wałęsa on Monday, May 29th. We have prepared for a panel discussion with Mr. Wałęsa in the auditorium at 12:00 p.m. with High School in attendance (Our Saturday graduates are still welcome). There will be limited extra seating, but we will open the doors for other guests at 11:30 a.m. and until all seats are filled. After that, we will direct others to our Multi-Purpose Room or other school locations for a simultaneous Livestream of the event on projected screens. You can also watch from home at the following link:
https://www.aswarsaw.org/livestream/speakers
Those who have been part of the school for an extended time may remember President Wałęsa as a visitor to the American School of Warsaw on January 17, 2003. Even then it was a profound moment meeting someone unique in history. A Nobel prize winner, I remember Mr. Wałęsa from afar. As a young teacher, I know that his messages and images were often included in my lessons to students, teaching them about aspirations and accomplishment in the face of adversity and setback. I also quoted him in my quick remarks this morning at the Senior Awards Assembly.
What until then seemed impossible to achieve has become a fact of life.
Our thanks to Iga Lis and her father for capitalizing on a unique opportunity that emerged in the former President’s schedule. While quickly arranged, we are grateful for these brief moments with someone who speaks volumes with his presence alone. True to our nature, former President Wałęsa will take questions from Iga and her partner, Mr. Alan James, our graduation speaker and a member of our Social Studies faculty, in a panel discussion format. Time will be allowed for questions from the student audience as well. Translation will be provided.
Please plan to join the Livestream linked above. We will have limited access to the auditorium for this event, but hope to seat as many as fire regulations will allow. We thank you in advance for your patience and flexibility at the event.
Best Regards,
Mr. Z