We are pleased to announce Sarah Arfaoui from Tunisia as the October YES Student of the Month! Sarah was placed by STS Foundation in Kingston, Tennessee, where she is attending Roane County High School.

Since leaving Tunisia and landing in Kingston, Tennessee, Sarah has demonstrated dedication and enthusiasm on the YES program. Sarah jumped headfirst into her host community and school in Kingston, where she is studying challenging courses like Spanish, AP Biology, and calculus. At the start of school Sarah joined the basketball team, Key Club, DECA business club, and the Powder Puff team. She also volunteers as an assistant to the school’s French teacher, due to her fluency in French and positive attitude. Sarah’s openness and willingness to step outside of her comfort zone have impressed her host mom, who said she feels “honored to be a part of Sarah’s journey.”

Sarah's infectious zest for life and her role as a caring mentor to fellow students demonstrate her dedication and positive impact on her school and community. She volunteers at a local horse stable and at an assisted living center. Sarah enjoys playing bingo with the residents and sharing stories from her country and learns from their stories as well.

Sarah is determined to learn and experience as much as she can about American cultures and customs as well as share her love for her home, Tunisia. When her host family attended a wedding in the countryside, Sarah wore with pride her traditional wedding attendance dress from Tunisia, which she explained to other curious guests.

We are so proud of all Sarah has accomplished and look forward to all she will continue to achieve. Congratulations to Sarah from Tunisia, our October YES Student of the Month!