Seven HHS Seniors to Take Global Scholar Capstone Course
This year, seven HHS seniors have chosen to engage in a rigorous, semester-long course called Global Scholar Capstone through the Global Academy.
The Global Academy, one of four academies at HHS, was established in 2018 for students with varied interests in social topics that transcend national borders. The academy consists of five specialty areas that include: international relations and human rights; government and law; environmental sustainability; journalism and media; and world cultures.
On August 29th, the students presented their Capstone topic and initial research to a small audience of teachers and administrators. Topics presented ranged from working conditions in fast fashion in Southeast Asia and e-waste in Nigeria to threats to journalists in the Philippines.
The Capstone course follows guidelines for the Illinois Global Scholar program and consists of the following components: a student-led compelling question, investigative research, finding and working with experts across the globe, addressing the needs of a local community, and evaluating the process through a narrative paper. Upon completion of the Capstone course, students can be recognized as an Illinois Global Scholar.
Throughout this semester, students will meet weekly with social studies teacher and Global Academy lead teacher Anne Sharkey to discuss their project and review their progress. The Capstone course will conclude in December, when students will again present their findings and final project to show what they have learned.
“It’s amazing to see how these students have grown in their years in the Global Academy,” said Sharkey. “The Capstone project requires a lot of perseverance and it is a challenge for students, but they all rise to the occasion, and we all learn so much along the way.”
According to senior Aubrie Rohrbacher, “The Global Academy has helped me find something that I’m passionate about, and gives me the opportunity to make a change and actually do something instead of just talking about it.”
“It’s been a fantastic experience all around to get to work on a project that interests me,” said junior Tyler Barrus. “Ms. Sharkey has been a great resource and advisor to help all of us out.”
Pictured is senior Addison Stone. Other Global Academy students involved in the Capstone project include Giuli Farraj, Abigail McKoy, Haylie Pfaff and Sarah Onwualu.
Students can start taking Global Academy courses as freshmen and may apply for the Academy in the spring of their sophomore year. Click here to learn more!