We are happy to announce the winners of the 2024 Albanian American Educators Association Scholarships!

This year, we awarded not only two AAEA Scholarships but also two endowed memorial scholarships honoring Alexander Thomas Delic and Gabriella Pereyra. We extend our deepest gratitude to their families for establishing these prestigious awards in support of deserving Albanian students.

Our winners exemplify academic excellence, community involvement, passion and motivation and exceptional essay writing skills. We're excited to see them embark on their college journeys this September!

The essay delves into Melisa’s own family history as part of this diaspora, forced to flee communist Albania in search of a new life. Despite leaving their homeland, preserving Albanian traditions remained a priority. Melisa acknowledges the challenges faced by immigrants, such as language barriers and cultural adaptation, while highlighting the crucial role families play in safeguarding cultural identity. The experience of being part of the diaspora allows Melisa to appreciate both Albanian and American cultures.

The essay concludes with a powerful sense of pride in Albanian heritage and Melisa’s future as a bridge between these two cultures.  Her upcoming college education exemplifies the opportunities their new home offers, while the essay emphasizes the enduring resilience of the Albanian people throughout history.

Overall, Melisa’s essay serves as a personal reflection on the significance of cultural identity and the strength found within immigrant communities.

Isabella witnesses the vibrant Albanian diaspora community in their surroundings but also acknowledges the hardships faced by immigrants, including her own parents who fled conflict. Despite initial resentment towards her parents' choice and feelings of isolation upon living in Albania, Isabella eventually understands their struggles and appreciates her rich cultural heritage. She discusses how growing up between two cultures presented challenges, but ultimately fostered a deep love for Albanian traditions. This experience resonates with other first-generation friends from various backgrounds, leading to beautiful cultural exchanges and a deep appreciation for diversity. Isabella explains how her upbringing in a religiously tolerant Albanian family instilled curiosity about the world and a desire to learn from others.

Adriana explains how many have faced xenophobia and stereotypes about their communist, economically disadvantages and war-torn countries, the Albanian diaspora thrives in America. She explains how Albanians from Albania, Montenegro, Macedonia and Kosovo foster a strong sense of community that transcends specific origins and religious differences. Adriana finds common ground with her Chinese-American best friend, their shared experience as members of a diaspora creating a bridge between cultures. The essay concludes by celebrating the success of the Albanian diaspora in sharing their heritage globally. She talks about Dua Lipa, a prominent Albanian-British singer from Kosovo, who exemplifies success by promoting Albanian culture and challenging negative stereotypes.

Nicole overcame language difficulties through drawing, science books, and sheer determination, eventually excelling in school and public speaking. Witnessing and experiencing the struggles of the Albanian diaspora has inspired her to pursue a career in medicine and advocate for better representation for her community. The essay concludes with the Nicole's pride in her Albanian heritage and how her resilience is in common with Albanians around the world. 

Albana Hykaj-IdriziThe Albanian American Educators Association (AAEA) is happy to announce Albana Hykaj-Idrizi as the winner of our prestigious Class Project Educators Grant. With her extraordinary project focused on the United Nations experience for children, Albana has demonstrated exceptional commitment to enriching student learning and broadening their horizons.

Albana's project, designed to take students on an educational trip to the United Nations, stands out for its innovative approach to teaching global citizenship. This unique venture aims to provide children with a real-world understanding of the UN and its pivotal role in addressing global issues. By making such a complex institution accessible and engaging for young learners, Albana is fostering a deep sense of connection and responsibility towards global affairs.

The AAEA, dedicated to promoting education and lifelong learning, finds Albana's project to be a perfect embodiment of these values. The focus on the UN's initiatives and its critical role in global matters is crucial in empowering our young learners to become informed, compassionate global citizens. This project not only promotes critical thinking but also encourages an active engagement in discussing and devising solutions for global challenges.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Albana Hykaj-Idrizi for this well-deserved recognition. Her project is a testament to the transformative power of education in inspiring positive change and empowering young minds.

Leonora Hutaj

AAEA is proud to present this year's Skanderbeg Essay contest winner!

The judges were highly impressed by the insightful and eloquently written essay titled, "The Warrior King Skanderbeg," penned by Leonora Hutaj. Her work stood out for its vivid portrayal of Skanderbeg's "valor" and his enduring impact as a beacon of strength and hope for Albanians and people worldwide. Additionally, her skillful incorporation of quotes throughout her piece added a layer of creative depth and engagement.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Leonora, the well-deserved winner of the Skanderbeg Essay Contest, and express our sincere gratitude to all the participants.  Leonora’s passion for writing and dedication to this inspiring theme were truly commendable.

AAEA is proud to announce this year's top three High School awards for best written essay.

She is described as a strong person who has shown resilience in the face of adversity who an inspiration to others.  She is graduating at the top of her class and plans to pursue a career in the medical industry helping others. "Nurturing Resilience" is a captivating and thought-provoking essay by Victoria LaBella, the top winner of this year's AAEA scholarship fund for the best essay written. Victoria beautifully articulates the profound impact of her Albanian heritage on her character and aspirations. Drawing inspiration from her mother's journey as a war refugee, Victoria recognizes the indomitable spirit and unwavering determination that define her Albanian identity.

Her mother's resilience in the face of adversity has instilled in Victoria a belief that no obstacle is insurmountable. Growing up in a household that cherishes tradition, Victoria internalized important values such as respect, kindness, and empathy, which have guided her interactions and fostered harmonious relationships. Witnessing her mother's unwavering loyalty, even amidst challenging circumstances, has inspired Victoria to emulate the same steadfast commitment in her own life. These invaluable lessons have shaped her aspirations and propelled her forward, driving her resolute determination to excel academically and professionally. Victoria's unwavering drive to create a better future for her family while pursuing her passion for biomedical science and radiology reflects the strength and resilience ingrained in her Albanian heritage. Her essay stands as a testament to the transformative power of embracing one's cultural identity and overcoming obstacles to achieve personal and professional success.

Franceska’s has an interesting family background; her mom is Korean and was adopted into a proud Italian family. Her dad was born and raised in Albania. Thanks to her parents she has been raised to embrace diversity and appreciates her heritage. She is grateful to her parents for the sacrifices that were made in order for her to have a life and future designed for greatness. Franceska’s teachers state that she impresses her teachers and peers with her “glow of presentational skills' ' for she is delightful and is pleasant and kind to all she meets.  She is always ready to help others in need and makes sure that all her classmates’ voices are herald while remaining humble. Not only does she excel academically but her creative abilities include her love for singing. 

"My Last Name" is an award-winning essay by Franceska Drejaj, the second winner of the AAEA Scholarship fund for the best essay written. In this captivating piece, Franceska delves into the profound significance of her last name and the journey it represents. Throughout the essay, she candidly reflects on her apprehension towards award ceremonies, particularly due to the recurrent mispronunciations of her name. However, she undergoes a transformative realization as she embraces the mispronunciations as an integral part of her unique story, understanding that her last name has become her distinct identity. As a first-generation American with Albanian and Korean heritage, Franceska cherishes her last name as a symbol of her family's history and the sacrifices they made.

It serves as a constant reminder of her father's arduous journey from Albania to America and the challenges he overcame. By honoring her last name, Franceska honors her father's struggles and finds the motivation to pursue her dreams and embrace her cultural heritage with pride. Her remarkable essay not only highlights the power of a name but also exemplifies the resilience and determination that propel individuals towards personal and academic success.

Blendor is very well liked and respected by both his teachers and his peers. "The Journey of Heritage" is an exceptional essay by Blendor Thaqi, the third-place winner of the AAEA Scholarship fund for the best essay written. Blendor reflects on the profound influence his parents have had on shaping his life. Raised by hard working parents who persevered through the hardships of war and embraced their Albanian identity, Blendor witnessed their resilience and unwavering determination. As immigrants to the United States, his parents faced numerous challenges, relying on their Albanian community for support. Despite the language and cultural barriers, they worked tirelessly to create a better future for themselves and their family. Blendor's upbringing was deeply rooted in Albanian culture, and he quickly realized the sacrifices his parents made for him. Motivated by their experiences, he began excelling academically, receiving recognition and awards for his hard work. Guided by his parents' dreams and struggles, Blendor achieved remarkable academic success, graduating with honors and receiving scholarships from prestigious institutions such as Manhattan College, Pace University, and Fordham University. He plans to continue his educational journey, driven by his desire to provide his parents with a life free from worries and struggle. Blendor's powerful essay encapsulates the transformative power of heritage and the enduring impact of parental sacrifice on one's path to success.

The Albanian American Educators Association is delighted to announce the winners of the 2022 AAEA Scholarship chosen by the Scholarship Committee. One AAEA scholarship was awarded this year, and one endowed memorial scholarship to honor and commemorate Alexander Thomas Delic and Gabriella Pereya. We are thankful to their families for bestowing honorary gifts to deserving Albanian students. Our winners demonstrate kindness, outstanding academic performance, have composed excellent essays and will be attending college in September. Congratulations to our wonderful winners!!

Kleovisa Gradicca

Recipient of the AAEA 2022 Scholarship

Kleovisa or Visa as she likes to be called, has achieved academic excellence and comes from a home where education and Albanian family values are cherished. Her guidance counselor has shared that “Kleovisa is a student that stands out among her peers for many reasons- the most being her maturity and caring for others”. She enjoys math and history and is considering pursuing a career in law. Her driven nature comes from her athletic spirit in that she has played on school basketball and soccer teams. Kleovisa is an exceptional student which is reflected in her excellent grades that she has maintained throughout her high school career. She is graduating at the top of her class.

Kleovisa’s essay entitled, A Silver Lining in the Midst of Chaos, tells of how the boredom of being quarantined during the Covid Pandemic not only forced her to spend an inordinate amount of time with her family but propelled her to learn more about them. By rummaging through old photographs her curiosity was piqued and the time spent being home with her parents turned into a priceless lessons where she learned about her parents and her heritage. She appreciated stories about their high school and college life, grandparents, their homes, and old friends. In addition, Kleovisa learned that her parents had documented journey to America. Learning about the Kosovo war and how it impacted her family proved to be profound and enriching. In concluding her essay she states, “So, while quarantine may have been a rough time for many of us I found an upside in it through learning more about my heritage and people who shaped me into who I am today”.

Doris Prela          

Recipient of the AAEA 2022  Alexander Thomas Delic and  Gabriella Pereya Memorial Scholarship

Doris immigrated to the United States from Albania at the age of 12 and is trilingual, speaking Albanian, Italian and English. She is graduating at the top of her class and pursuing her studies in Architecture. Her dream is become an architect and she believe that designing cities, towns and home is crucial to a country and civilization.  While in high school she was proactive and involved in prestigious Architectural projects and programs that will help her reach her dream. Her counselor describes her as “a motivated, self-confident, intelligent and outgoing young lady with a generous and giving spirit who is always looking to do good in the world”. She was very involved in her school and community, having volunteered to support people with autism and at a health clinic. Academically, she challenged herself with honors and Advance Placement Courses that placed her at the top of her class putting her is a position to consistently receive First Honors and belong to several academic societal groups.

Doris’s essay entitled, The Missing Community and Belonging, talks about her migration to the United States from Albania and how meeting people from different cultures expanded her communication skills and her perspective on leaving her beloved country changed.  She states, “my eyes opened up to the jewels and treasures that the world has to offer” when coming to America.  However, being confined to her home during the Covid Pandemic led her into a space of self-reflection where she was able to examine living in two cultural worlds. Doris shares that although we are all unique, “we cannot separate ourselves from the grater umbrella of society”. As someone who wants to pursue a career in in Architecture her essay talks about the societal impact urban design and planning has on people and she sees a great need to allow physical environments to connect humanity.

The Albanian American Educators Association is delighted to announce the winners of the 2021 AAEA Scholarship chosen by the Scholarship Committee. One AAEA scholarship was awarded this year, however we are happy to share that AAEA was endowed with two memorial scholarships to honor and commemorate Alexander Thomas Delic and Gabriella Pereya. We are thankful to their families for bestowing honorary gifts to deserving Albanian students. Our winners demonstrate beneficence, outstanding academic performance, have composed excellent essays and will be attending college in September. Congratulations to our wonderful winners!

: Congratulations to our 2021 Scholarship Winners!!

SHTILE SHUAIPAJ

Recipient of the AAEA 2021 Scholarship 

Described by one of her teachers as,  ”a student who quickly distinguished herself as one of the most intelligent students in class who displayed an outstanding work ethic”, Shtile ranked in the top 1% of her class, stayed on the honor roll her entire High School career and is a member of the National Honor Society. She is a dedicated member of the schools International Club, co-founder of the See Something Say Something program, Student Equity Action Committee, Book Club, Student Government, French Honors Society and Interact club,  to name a few.  Outside of school Shtile partakes in Albanian School and folk dance. 

Shtile’s essay entitled, The Importance of Besa, tells how the unprecedented events of this past year have made the Albanian virtue of Besa more important to her. Shtile describes Besa as “an ancient tradition that lies in the heart and soul of every Albanian”, She shares that,  “besa is a code of honor exclusive to Albanian culture that refers to Albanians’ devotion and wholeheartedness toward keeping their word, giving kindness, and aiding anyone in their power,”  . To keep this tradition alive, Shtile believes, “that the ideals of besa are needed today more than ever. I do everything in my power to give my own besa each and every day. From serving underrepresented individuals in school activities to volunteering to provide food for the needy, I do my best to live up to the honor, kindness, and equality shown by my cultural background.”

LISA MARDJONOVIC

Recipient of the Alexander Thomas Delic Memorial Scholarship

Lisa is described by her guidance counselor as “ Highly motivated, driven and determined, demonstrating excellence in all that she does. ” Lisa has earned a GPA of 98.4% while taking very challenging courses, is consistently on the Principal’s List,  is in the top 10% of her graduating class and has been inducted into the National Honor Society. As a leader at her school, she is a Student Council Executive member, Founder/President of the Albanian Club and Secretary of the National Awareness Club, where she organizes fundraisers and bake sales for cancer awareness.  Among other clubs and committees she serves, Lisa fundraises with her family for people in need in Montenegro.  

Lisa’s essay entitled, Development in a Time of Quarantine, tells of how she turns difficulties of Covid-19 related challenges into opportunities for her personal development toward growing compassion for others.

Here is an excerpt from her essay: Despite all of the tragedy and devastation, this past year has taught me how important it is to always show kindness and respect to others. This pandemic has allowed me to recognize that not everything in this world is perfect for everyone because we all have a battle that we are fighting.  Every single person has had their battles whether they were out in the open or private.  While it is easy to forget, I have learned to remain mindful of others. You never know when a mother is mourning the loss of her child, when a daughter is left fatherless, when a man is left widowed, or when a sibling does not have their sister to rely on anymore.  This new perspective on life has allowed me to grow closer to others while also making sure they feel supported at all times. I am happy to say that I have grown to become the shoulder that anyone can lean on over this quarantine.

EMIR GJOKA

Recipient of the Gabriella Pereyra Memorial Award

“Emir exhibits the attributes of an exceptional student, intelligence, creativity and responsibility” according to one of his teachers. He has maintained an “A” average throughout his high school career.  In advance science classes he is able to “internalize concepts and adeptly apply them to novel scenarios”. He welcomes responsibility and is committed to his own success.  His passion for the sciences make him an ideal candidate for the medical field. He is seeking a career in medicine, specifically in internal medicine with a keen interest in pathology.” Emir has been accepted to a joint-degree program that will allow him to transition seamlessly from a bachelor’s degree to a M.D. program.

In his essay, Emir shares his thoughts on how the Covid-19 Pandemic pushed society to its limits and gave him an opportunity to learn about his heritage. Describing 2020 as a “rollercoaster” year, he amusingly talks about  how people were in a frenzy stockpiling on hygiene and health care products while his family rushed to buy beans. With little to do and so much time, Emir embarks on new hobbies that included a study on Albanian people, culture and history. He shares his discovery and inspiration of Abdyl Frasheri, a prominent leader in the 1800’s and 1900’s who instilled Albanian patriotism while promoting reform.  

Emir feels that our current pandemic period has given him time to be introspective, giving him a renewed sense of pride. He believes “being Albanian means being courageous, honorable, respectful, welcoming and most importantly a person with Besa.

January 2021

The Albanian School Illyria located in Boston Massachusetts has launched free online classes offered to Albanians or anyone interested in learning Albanian. Instructors and students are located worldwide and are given the unique opportunity to participate in classes that teach skills and provide opportunities to learn.

Albanian School – Illyria focuses on the teaching of Albanian Language and Culture, foreign languages, cutting- edge leadership, management, entrepreneurship, and other skills. This will help Albanians in their homeland and diaspora to preserve their language, national identity, culture and roots, and motivated professionals to improve and pursue opportunities in a variety of sectors.

For more information go to the Albanian School – Illyria http://shkollashqipe.org

The Albanian American Educators Association is delighted to announce the winners of the 2020 AAEA Scholarships chosen by the AAEA Scholarship Committee.

We congratulate the accomplished High School Seniors who who were awarded our 2020 AAEA Scholarship:

Isabella Camaj and Gabriela Shpijati

---

Isabella Camaj

Isabella's essay entitled "The Music That Keeps My Culture Alive"  wonderfully discusses how music has immigrated with our ancestors and for as long as the music plays, the Albanian traditions will thrive. Here is an excerpt from her essay:

"Long gone are the days where Albanians could only be found in the home country. Nowadays, Albanians live throughout the world, spreading across every continent. We all live different lives and find our own versions of success, but what we will always share is our rich culture. The biggest aspect of this culture is music- it is an art that transcends geographic location and time, beyond that, it is a living capsule to remind us of our meaningful history, it is the backbone of our heritage.”

---

Gabriela Shpijati

Gabriela's essay entitled "A Glance Into Albanian Dance" beautifully describes how being part of a dance ensemble gave her a sense of great pride and something so significant to the cultural aspect of her ancestors. Here is an excerpt from her essay: 

"The warm sun shone down on my face as I excitedly skipped out onto the pavement. My father followed closely behind and approached our car with a smile on his face. He rolled the windows down and began to play traditional Albanian music. He then placed a bright, red shami into my hand and lifted me on top of the car. As the volume got louder, I felt the music course through my veins. The powerful beat of tupan, the strum of the çifteli, the rich sound of the tambourine, and the melodic harmonies of the flute, clarinet, and accordion instilled feelings of excitement and joy within me. I began to elegantly sway my arms up and down and move my legs left and right to the beat. I looked down around me to see my father, grandparents, and uncle cheering me on. What they saw was a simple dance on a car that felt like an exhilarating performance on stage."

---

The AAEA Scholarship Committee

Essays were reviewed and selected by the AAEA Scholarship Committee, Ms. Patty Rukaj, Ms. Diana Zadrima and Ms. Roxanna Rosario.

Thank you to all participants for sharing your stories, and to the Scholarship Committee for their contributions!

The Albanian American Educators Association is delighted to announce the winners of the 2019 AAEA Scholarships chosen by the AAEA Scholarship Committee.

We congratulate the accomplished High School Seniors who who were awarded our 2019 AAEA Scholarship:

Aaron Selenica and Mary Camaj

---

---

---

The AAEA Scholarship Committee

Essays were reviewed and selected by the AAEA Scholarship Committee, Ms. Patty Rukaj, Ms. Diana Zadrima and Ms. Roxanna Rosario.

---

Thank you to all participants for sharing your stories, and to the Scholarship Committee for their contributions!

Job Openings!

Vacancies in an Elementary School in Brooklyn at PS 262K

• Grades 1, 2, 3, Technology and Science cluster.

Continue your scholarly journey...to Albania!

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program invites professionals and academics in all disciplines to apply for a teaching and/or research grant to Albania for the 2019-20 academic year. Award opportunities are available in: All Disciplines While this teaching and/or research opportunity is open to any disciplines, American Studies, Communications, Computer Science, Education, Journalism, and Religious Studies are preferred disciplines. Applicants are especially encouraged to apply if they specialize in higher education administration, curriculum development, cyber security, and investigative journalism. International and Security Studies This teaching or teaching/research opportunity is located at Ismail Qemali University in Vlore for four to five months beginning in February 2020. Security studies and policy and political science are just some examples of project specializations that Albania is interested in receiving from applicants. Interfaith Religious Communication This teaching or teaching/research opportunity is available to Scholars that would like to a use multi-disciplinary approach and draw on fields of history, political science, sociology, and anthropology to introduce topics of religious pluralism in the U.S. to Albanian students. ENGAGE     Serve as a cultural ambassador and exchange knowledge with students, faculty, and fellow scholars abroad. EMPOWER   Empower your host community by mentoring students, consulting with faculty, hosting workshops, or giving public talks outside of your primary teaching and/or research activity. GROW            Experience profound personal and professional growth by immersing yourself in the daily life of another culture. Return to the United States with a fresh perspective of your discipline to share with colleagues, students, and the general public.  Deadline: August 1, 2018 We look forward to assisting you with your application!   Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Team [email protected] Institute of International Education (IIE) IIE · The Power of International Education

 

 

AAEA is proud of the all the student contestants and educators who participated in this year’s essay contest and who joined us in celebrating Albanian Heritage. AAEA would like to congratulate our two outstanding scholarship winners:

 Vjola Ostreni and Silvana Martinaj    

Both students have demonstrated outstanding academic performance, composed excellent essays, and will be attending college in September.

Congrats on your wonderful achievements and best of luck in your future endeavors!

---

Vjola Ostreni

Vjola's essay shares her appreciation and her devotion of Albanian immigrants who strive and make sacrifices in order to share in the American dream. Most poignantly, she describes how witnessing the determination, patience, sacrifices, and the spirit of Albanians have helped to make her proud of her heritage.

---

Silvana Martinaj

Silvana's essay shared her desire and determination to immerse herself in her Albanian culture.  Although she never doubts her love for her parents' adopted homeland, she is determined to immerse herself in her Albanian heritage and succeeds in to doing so through language, song and dance.

 

---

Essays were reviewed and selected by the AAEA Scholarship Committee, Ms. Patty Rukaj, Ms. Sonila Preka and Ms. Roxanna Rosario.

---

Thank you to all participants for sharing your stories, and to the Scholarship Committee for their contributions! Stay tuned for next year's scholarship!