Dyuthi Aryasomayajula thought she wouldn’t measure up to her peers seeking a spot to join the 2023 cohort for the prestigious Bezos Scholars Program. It turns out, she fits right in. The rising Washtenaw International High School (WIHI) senior was named one of 30 international participants (17 students and 13 educators). She invited WIHI educator Dan Giddings to join her on the year-long journey.
The Bezos Scholars Program was founded in 2005 to gather outstanding students from across the U.S. and Africa to encourage and develop leadership
skills and to charge them with creating a community change project. Aryasomayajula learned of the scholarship program through a friend, which sparked her interest.
“I worked on the application process for six weeks and wasn’t expecting to be accepted because it’s so competitive. When I received the call from the program the day before my birthday, I thought this would either be the best or the worst birthday ever.”
As it happens for the 17-year-old, it was a banner birthday.
The program requires that students select an educator to work alongside them to formulate and execute a community change project, and Aryasomayajula asked Giddings, a Math and lead teacher at WIHI to assist her. He was honored but a little nervous.
“I had no doubt that Dyuthi would be accepted as a scholar because she’s a bigger-than-life personality, an amazing student. I had to ask myself if I’m signing up, can I give her the support she needs? I’m a little nervous, yet excited about what she comes up with for the change project,” Giddings said.
Aryasomayajula has distinguished herself in various ways at WIHI, including the school’s student government, founder and head of the Equity Team, State Competitor in Medical Terminology HOSA, State Champion in Anatomage (Anatomy Competition), Joyce Ivy Scholar, Summa Cum Laude and Honor Roll Student, Degree in Carnatic Music (Standard Level), and National Honor Society.
Nhu Do, Principal of WIHI does not doubt that the two will be great representatives of the school and the larger community.
“Dyuthi and Dan are exceptional leaders who inspire us all to be our best. In addition to leading with compassion, knowledge, and integrity, they model what it means to be caring, open-minded, and principled with a focus on equity and inclusion. We’re so proud of them for this extraordinary national recognition, and our community will surely continue to benefit from their dynamic and impactful leadership,” said Do.
Aryasomayajula and the others in the cohort will meet in person June 23-29 at the Aspen, Colorado Ideas Festival, an annual gathering of world leaders to discuss issues and concepts that shape lives and challenge current times. After this event, the cohort will continue to meet twice monthly via Zoom to develop leadership skills and understand how to collaborate and serve their respective communities.
An idea for her community change project is already formulating.
“My tentative idea is to work with local Ypsilanti organizations, my school, and the Michigan Board of Education to use yoga to help youth cope with mental health struggles,” Aryasomayajula said. “As a strong mental health advocate, I believe everyone should have equal resources for mental health support.”
Aryasomayajula is excited about the year ahead and is thankful for all who have helped her arrive at this juncture.
“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this cohort built with passionate individuals who care about change and development as leaders. From my involvement in this program, I look forward to creating a project – through collaboration with my community – to better serve their needs and create a meaningful impact; additionally, I look forward to developing myself as a leader,” Aryasomayajula said. “My gratitude further extends to WIHI given that it has significantly shaped my worldview with its diversity. I’d also like to give a shout-out to Mr. Giddings, who’s always been a great mentor and provided lots of support. I’m very happy to have him on this journey with me, and I’m ready to take it on!”
To learn more about the Bezos Scholars Program visit HERE
