The YES program proudly announces Muhammad Ahmed from Pakistan as Student of the Month. He was placed by World Link in Winterset, Iowa, where he attends Winterset High School.

Muhammad Ahmed has significantly impacted his host community through volunteerism, cultural exchange, and school involvement. With 75 volunteer hours, he is dedicated to giving back. Through his actions, both big and small, he spreads kindness daily wherever he goes.

Muhammad discovered a love for volunteering in Iowa. He ran cultural and children’s activity booths at the Latino Heritage Festival, worked concession stands to fund Christmas gifts for disadvantaged families, served as a tour guide at the Des Moines Botanical Gardens, and volunteered at the Blank Park Zoo’s Halloween fundraiser. He also packed gifts for Operation Christmas, mentors a fifth grader weekly, and volunteers at the local library. Additionally, he baked and donated cookies to the police department for World Link’s Kindness Cookies Project. Muhammad also sold Pakistani chai tea and cookies at his school to raise money for a well building project in Africa.

During International Education Week, Muhammad’s cultural presentations reached nearly 400 people. He introduced his schoolmates to cricket and wowed them by playing the bansuri, a traditional flute. He even taught the Attan, a traditional dance.

At school, Muhammad is involved in a plethora of extra-curricular activities, including cross-country, swim team, choir, Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America, and the “Random Acts of Kindness” Club. He qualified for state competitions in Reader’s Theatre and Poetry Out Loud.

At home, Muhammad has built a strong relationship with his host family. They proudly say he’s the best exchange student they have hosted and are grateful for all they have learned from him. Muhammad truly exemplifies the highest qualities of a YES student.

Congratulations, Muhammad!