Herndon High Honors Clarissa Dantes with Prestigious Peace Award

Clarissa Dantes was named Herndon High School's Student Peace Award winner. The Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County began in 2006 as a way to encourage people to think more about peace as both a means and an end, and to recognize young people who work as peacemakers. Every year, the high schools in Fairfax County are asked to select one junior or senior, or a group of students, whose work has promoted peace. The project is organized by volunteers and funded by donations from 15 secular and religious sponsoring organizations.

Clarissa Dantes joined with her friend Sidney Ide to establish the Asian American Club at Herndon High School to assist other students feeling alone and disconnected from their heritage. They meet regularly for activities that help them learn about the many different Asian cultures. 

The club’s main goal is to provide opportunities for bonding, acceptance, and mutual support among Asian American students. The club has created a safe space where students can feel included and have positive, candid, and constructive conversations.