A new humanitarian award was recently established by the Riverdale Country School Board of Trustee member Gregg Hymowitz. His goal, with this award, was to introduce the student body each year to a different “hero” who had made a substantial impact on the world with his or her leadership and courage.
To nominate heroes, students submitted written proposals. Seven finalists were selected and the students then presented their proposals to the Head of School, the Head of the Upper School, the Director of Studies and trustee Gregg Hymowitz.
As Gregg Hymowitz says, “I am thrilled that Riverdale will honor each year a new individual, chosen by students, whose life exemplifies the core values of the Riverdale community.
The first winner of the award was Leymah Gbowee. Nominated by Rachel Wolitzer, Ms. Gbowee is a leader of the Women in Peacebuilding Network (WIPNET). She brought together Christian and Muslim women to form the Liberian Mass Action for Peace and to help end the bloody civil war in Liberia.