Elyas- YES April Student of the Month

May 22

American Councils is pleased to announce the April YES 2025 Student of the Month: Elyas from Bahrain!

Making Every Moment Count: Elyas’s YES Experience

Elyas attending a Madeira High School football game with exchange student friends, Nina and Leeann.

YES student Elyas AlQassimi is making the most of his exchange year at Madeira High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. Hailing from Manama, Um Alhassam, Bahrain, Elyas has brought a thoughtful global perspective to his school, community, and host family—making a meaningful impact everywhere he goes.

Madeira Guidance Counselors, Natalie Ulhein and Kristen Duffy posing with YES students Abdumalk and Elyas.

In the classroom, Elyas quickly stood out for his academic curiosity and engagement. His teachers have praised his contributions to Contemporary Issues and American Government classes, where his insights and regional knowledge enriched class discussions and broadened perspectives for his peers. Taking this global interest even further, Elyas joined Madeira’s Model United Nations team and became an active participant in after-school meetings and events.

Elyas roasting marshmallows and camping with the Cincinnati Ohio Cluster.

Students at Madeira High School posing with Elyas after one of his many cultural presentations about Bahrain.

Elyas has also immersed himself in extracurricular activities that stretch his creativity and confidence. He joined the set design crew for the school play, and in January, took his involvement a step further by auditioning for the spring production of Mean Girls. He earned a spot in the ensemble and took the stage with pride.

Outside of school, Elyas has dedicated over 66 hours to community service. One of his primary commitments was volunteering with Matthew 25, a local nonprofit supporting under-resourced individuals and families in the Cincinnati area. Elyas also demonstrated leadership and initiative by mentoring younger students in an after-school chess program at the middle school.

“Elyas went above and beyond in his preparation for the Host Family Zoom on Supporting Muslim Students During Ramadan. He provided clear explanations as well as offered multiple perspectives on the ways people observe the fast.”

— Heidi Ropa, American Councils Program Officer

Elias pictured with his Local Coordinator, Ariana, and her daughter, Eleanor, along with American Councils staff member, Heidi Ropa.

In addition to his local involvement, Elyas contributed to cultural understanding on a broader scale. He recently led a Zoom session for American Councils host families, where he shared valuable tips on how to support Muslim students during Ramadan—an experience that reflected both his compassion and his desire to build bridges through education.

This spring, Elyas continues to stay active as a member of the Madeira High School tennis team. From the classroom to the court, the stage to the service site, Elyas embodies the values of curiosity, connection, and cultural exchange. We’re thrilled to honor him as the YES April Student of the Month!

Interested in sharing your corner of America with another exceptional exchange student? Find out more about how you can host an exchange student with American Councils here!