Students from over 50 different countries, many of whom are from places battered by war, famine or natural calamities, attend the ‘English as a Second Language’ (ESL) school.

By IKE MGBATOGU

Contributing Writer

COLUMBUS – It may have seemed as though all the FBI gave Columbus last week was the depressing news about the sting operation that brought down W. Carlton Weddington after he resigned from the Ohio House of Representatives for being indicted on corruption charges.

But actually, the law enforcement agency also brought some inspiring news for the city.

It praised one of its schools as being “remarkable.”

The impressive paean came from the FBI Director Robert S. Mueller during a March 16 ceremony in Washington D.C. where he presented Columbus Global Academy with the 2011 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award. On hand to receive the award on behalf of the school was Mrs. Kimberly Normand, principal of the academy.

Columbus Global Academy is one of the 56 field offices partnering with the FBI across the country. During the award ceremony, which was held in Washington D.C., Mueller praised the academy for being a good ally.

“You share a willingness to lead… a commitment to improve your neighborhoods… and a desire to make this country safer for your fellow citizens,” said Mueller. He went on to say, “You are catalysts for change in your communities, and what you are doing is nothing short of remarkable.”

Established in 1990, the Director’s Leadership Community Award recognizes the achievement of individuals and organizations “that have gone above and beyond the call of service” in their efforts to serve their communities addressing issues of “terrorism, cyber, drug, gang, or violence prevention and education.”

In all of those areas, FBI Cincinnati Special Agent-in-Charge Edward J. Hanko gives a big thumb up to Columbus Global Academy for its commitment to community service.

“Each day the FBI relies on key partnerships to help keep our communities safe. The staff, teachers, and students at the Columbus Global Academy are tremendous partners that we are pleased to recognize,” said Hanko.

Columbus Global Academy has a student body of about 470 middle and high school students. It serves recent immigrants and refugees with limited English proficiencies.

Students from over 50 different countries, many of whom are from places battered by war, famine or natural calamities, attend the ‘English as a Second Language’ (ESL) school.

The bond between the FBI and Columbus Global Academy as partners strengthened significantly during the past three years. During that time, the FBI held a Teen Academy event for the students, took part in a career day presentations, and intervenes in the lives of those at-risk student who may be vulnerable to recruitment into terrorist, gang or drug activities.

. He can be reached by email at Onumbamedia@yahoo.com