2026 Stanley Haas/ Luke Hansen Winner: Aaishah

The American School of Doha is proud and honored to announce this year’s Stanley Haas/Luke Hansen award winner, Aaishah. Aaishah is a confident, thoughtful, and driven 8th-grade student who has been part of the ASD community for seven years. While her familial roots are from India and the United States, she was born and raised in Qatar, and proudly calls Doha home. She shares the ASD experience with her older sister, who is currently in Grade 11.

The Haas/Hansen award was established in 1996 through the Near East South Asia (NESA) Board, and with generous support from TIE-CARE. This annual award honors the legacy of the late Stanley Haas, former Executive Director of NESA, and Luke Hansen, a remarkable NESA student whose life was tragically cut short. Each year, middle school students from 45 NESA member schools are selected for exemplifying strong character, leadership, and service to their communities. To be selected among hundreds of eligible students across the region is a significant accomplishment and speaks volumes about Aaishah’s character and commitment to making a difference.

Aaishah embodies ASD’s core values of Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Kindness. She also represents our Shared Understanding of High Quality Learning: growing talents, feeling a sense of belonging, and applying learning in meaningful ways. Through her passion for public speaking, deep interest in politics, and community impact, Aaishah is already living out that vision.

In the following interview, Aaishah shares reflections on her journey, her motivations, and the beliefs that helped her earn this honor.

Interview Question: What motivated you to apply for this opportunity?

Aaishah’s answer:
 I first saw this opportunity last year. I was interested at that time but didn’t really invest in it. This year I definitely had increased interest but still wasn’t really sure how the process worked but I went for it and while I put the work in I was honestly surprised to win. 

Interview Question: You beat out hundreds of other NESA area Middle School students in earning this award. What do you think made you stand out?

Aaishah’s answer:
 “I put everything into the essay. I wrote about what I truly believed in. I talked about the present but also about the future and what I hope to see change.”

A significant part of Aaishah’s story centers on her commitment to service and economic empowerment. She independently runs a micro-lending initiative through the global platform Kiva. Starting with 1,000 QAR of her own savings, Aaishah has recycled her funds into more than 22,000 QAR in loans, supporting entrepreneurs around the world.

She has also raised funds creatively through bracelet businesses and painted rock projects.

“I really care about female entrepreneurs,” she shared. “My generation has the power to make change. I want a career in politics where I can voice my opinions and help shape a better future. I love public speaking and speech -  that’s something I’m really passionate about.”

Interview Question: For others who might be interested in applying for the Haas/Hansen opportunity in the future, can you talk about the application process?

Aaishah’s answer:
 “It’s lengthy. You have to give yourself time. Don’t just do it randomly or last minute. The application itself isn’t complicated, it’s just long, and you have to be thoughtful and authentic about what you put into it.”

She emphasized that securing three strong letters of recommendation requires thought and planning.

“You need three people who can truly speak to who you are and about your character,” she explained.

Aaishah shared that she intentionally selected recommenders who knew her in different capacities, hoping their perspectives would collectively reflect her well-rounded character. “Make sure you choose people who really know you,” she advised.

The following individuals spoke on her behalf:

That independence, she noted, gave her confidence, not just in earning the award, but in herself. Through the process, she realized she is capable of making her own decisions, doing hard things, following through to completion, and experiencing the deep sense of accomplishment that comes from being truly self-directed. 

Interview Question: What plans do you have for the money that you have earned through the Haas/Hansen award?

Aaishah’s answer:
 “I don’t have a specific plan yet. I might save the $1,000 for university.” 

Interview Question: Who are some people who have served as an inspiration to you?

Aaishah’s answer:
“My mom and dad are my biggest inspirations,” Aaishah shared. “They grew up in India and were among the first in their families to study in the United States. There’s a lot to be said for moving to a foreign country on your own. Both of my parents worked incredibly hard to get where they are today.”

With family roots in India, the United States, and Qatar, Aaishah’s upbringing has shaped a strong global perspective. Her mother works for Qatar Airways, and her father serves in a leadership role within Qatar Foundation,  both modeling perseverance, ambition, and courage.

Beyond her family, Aaishah closely follows political leaders. She is particularly inspired by Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s first Muslim mayor, and followed his campaign with great interest. “I also love New York City. It’s so diverse,” she said. “I want to study politics there one day.”

Interview Question: Our ASD Vision is about empowering learners and impacting the greater world. As an empowered learner who is already making an impact, what advice would you give to the world?

Aaishah’s answer:
 “Look into the future, not the past. Adapt to change instead of pedaling backward.”

Interview Question: What are three words that people might use to describe you?

Aaishah’s answer:
 “Confident. Easy to talk to. Not shy. I can talk to anyone and make friends.”

Interview Question: ASD has a “Shared Understanding of High Quality Learning” that emphasizes growing talents, feeling a sense of belonging, and using learning in meaningful ways. How does this resonate with you?

Aaishah’s answer: 

“As someone who has grown up entirely in Qatar while attending an American international school, this really resonates with me. At ASD, I’m surrounded by so many different cultures. My friends come from everywhere, and that diversity connects us and creates a real sense of belonging. I feel comfortable being myself here.”

She went on to explain how ASD has helped her grow her talents.

“In terms of opportunities, they’re endless. The different clubs and activities let me explore my passions and also shape my beliefs. Whether it’s Dragon Lab, Debate, or Drama,  there’s something for everyone. You can grow your talents or discover new ones you didn’t even know you had.”

For Aaishah, the third element - using learning in meaningful ways - extends beyond the classroom.

“I feel like ASD has shaped me into someone who knows how to take what I’m learning and apply it to the real world. Whether it’s through public speaking, service, or thinking about politics and the future, I feel empowered to actually make an impact.”

In many ways, Aaishah’s experience reflects ASD’s Shared Understanding of High Quality Learning: a place where talents are nurtured, belonging is felt, and learning becomes a vehicle for meaningful contribution.

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Thank you, Aaishah Chaudhary, for sharing your voice, your passion, and your commitment to shaping a better future. ASD is deeply honored to have you represent our school as the 2026 Haas/Hansen award recipient. This is truly such an admirable honor! 

We also extend our congratulations to your family, teachers, coaches, and mentors who have supported your journey. Your independence, conviction, and forward-thinking spirit embody what it means to grow talents, feel a sense of belonging, and apply learning in meaningful ways.

Congratulations, Aaishah, and thank you for being such a powerful force within our ASD community.