Harvey Efforts at The Awty International School

This fall, Houston experienced one of the worst natural disasters in the history of North America. Hurricane Harvey dropped enough water on the greater Houston area to fill one of the Great Lakes, and many people lost their homes as a result.

Even though Hurricane Harvey provided many Houstonians with their worst memories, this hurricane also brought the city of Houston together in a really amazing way. People across all walks of life put their differences aside and came together to help Houston. Our volunteer response generated immense praise on a national level and I was particularly impressed with the response of my school, The Awty International School.

Immediately after the hurricane subsided and some people were able to return to relative normalcy, the Awty community came together and organized events to give away free uniforms to students who lost theirs. Shortly after the students' return to school, the Student Council also organized large supply drives, in which they collected all essential supplies including school supplies, hygiene kits, and clothing. The supply drive was such a success that it was extended for another week because of the incredible response from the Awty community. The school also made the counselor available around the clock to make sure all the students and employees were in good mental health.

Hurricane Harvey will always be remembered as a devastating event in the nation's history that changed the lives of many, but it will also be remembered as a time where people set aside their differences and united to help their city.