On March 2nd, 2025, Bushra Amy Ehikhamenor, a remarkable 17-year-old student from McLean High School in Fairfax, Virginia, was honored as one of the 2025 Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County recipients—an annual recognition given to students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to promoting peace and social justice.
Bushra stood out among 28 students selected from 25 public and 2 private high schools across Fairfax County. As a student leader of her school’s Muslim Student Association, Bushra has been a vocal advocate for displaced persons, helping organize demonstrations to spotlight the rights and needs of refugees and immigrants. Through social media, she educates her peers on the devastating impact of war on civilians, consistently promoting peaceful conflict resolution. She also volunteers at her local mosque, where she helps provide food to families in need.
As part of her award, Bushra received a monetary gift of $100 to donate to a charity of her choice. Bushra chose Safe Haven Foundation (SHF), recognizing our mission to support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
This donation, though modest in amount, is powerful in meaning. It reflects the kind of world we are building at SHF—one where young changemakers like Bushra partner with us to restore dignity, safety, and hope to survivors. Her contribution will directly support the critical needs of our shelter residents.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bushra and her family. We also wish her continued success as she embarks on the next phase of her academic journey in college this fall. Her compassion, courage, and leadership are exactly what the world needs.
