We’re honored to introduce the inaugural recipient of the Jawed Sakhi Legacy Scholarship: Anhelina Stepurenko, a student from Kyiv, Ukraine, whose drive, intellectual curiosity, and compassion reflect the very spirit this scholarship was created to uphold. Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, Anhelina will join THINK Global School with all expenses fully covered.

Honoring Jawed’s Legacy

The Jawed Sakhi Legacy Scholarship was established to honor the life and legacy of Jawed Sakhi, an alum of THINK Global School’s founding Class of 2014. Originally from Afghanistan, Jawed joined TGS in 2011 as a tenth-grader on a full scholarship. Throughout his time at the school, he was a steady, generous presence, known for his kindness, humility, and deep sense of community. Jawed’s spirit continues to guide this scholarship, and we are thrilled to have awarded it to a recipient for the first time since his passing.

Each year, the scholarship will fully fund one student from a conflict-affected region, supporting their participation in THINK Global School’s unique international learning experience. It’s designed to expand access to education for students who might otherwise face significant barriers, not by defining them through their circumstances, but by recognizing their potential, resilience, and vision for the future. As a Jawed Legacy Scholar, they’ll have the opportunity to explore the world, engage deeply with global issues, and develop the skills and perspectives necessary to create meaningful change both in their own lives and the communities they call home.

Anhelina’s Scholarship Story: “I Still Cannot Comprehend It”

Anhelina first discovered THINK Global School while searching online for scholarships that could help her continue her education abroad.

“At the time, studying at TGS appeared so unreachable that I didn’t think of it as anything more than a dream,” she recalled. “But I decided to apply anyway.”

That dream became reality when she was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Jawed Sakhi Legacy Scholarship—a moment she describes as “a visceral experience.”

“I had prepared myself so well for a rejection that I simply could not comprehend the fact that I was awarded the scholarship. And honestly, I still cannot. It feels as if I’m not actually going to study at TGS. But of course, I’m eternally grateful.”

A Self-Guided Scholar With a Story to Tell

Born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine, Anhelina brings a rich blend of academic and creative interests to THINK Global School. Deeply drawn to the humanities, especially literature, philosophy, and the performing arts, she envisions a future as a writer. And while she’s still exploring exactly where that path may lead, storytelling is already at the heart of how she makes sense of the world.

“One of my most cherished passions is literature, both reading and writing,” she shared. “I’m also fascinated by poetry, philosophy, and music. And I’m part of a drama club that’s a huge source of connection and support for me.”

Even before discovering THINK Global School, Anhelina was taking charge of her own learning. She began tailoring her education to her interests by blending coursework from her formal school with resources from Khan Academy, a Ukrainian learning platform, and YouTube.

“I wanted to make my education as efficient and meaningful as possible by combining materials from different sources.”

That spirit of self-direction, along with her desire to connect learning with real life, closely reflects the TGS approach, where students are encouraged to take ownership of their education and explore the world with curiosity and purpose.

Looking Ahead

When asked what she’s most excited about, Anhelina points first to the school’s culture.

“Based on what I saw in TGS videos and student quotes, the community is truly inspiring, and I’m really excited about the self-guidance and practical problem solving that TGS encourages, where you can actually see the results of your work on real-world issues.”

She’ll begin her journey in Botswana this fall, a place she’s never been but is eager to experience firsthand. She’s also especially looking forward to future terms in Greece and Japan, where the cultures spark a strong sense of curiosity and exploration.

As for what she hopes to take away from her time at TGS, Anhelina is thoughtful and clear: “Beyond academic knowledge, I want to strengthen my resilience, adaptability, and courage while developing a deeper awareness of the world and the people in it. Since my 13th birthday, when the full-scale invasion of my country began, I’ve woken up to air alarms and explosions. For me, studying outside of Ukraine will mean experiencing life without that continuous fear.”

Anhelina’s journey with THINK Global School is just beginning, but she already exemplifies what the Jawed Sakhi Legacy Scholarship stands for: courage, compassion, and a deep commitment to learning. We are proud to welcome her into the TGS community and honored to help carry forward Jawed’s legacy through her story.

Help Support Future Jawed Sakhi Legacy Scholars

By contributing to the Jawed Sakhi Legacy Scholarship, you’re helping open doors to a transformative education for students, like Anhelina, who hail from conflict-affected regions. Your contribution gives them the chance to explore new cultures, grow as leaders, and build the kind of global connections that shape not only their futures but also the communities they’re part of, both near and far.

Learn more or make a donation today at: thinkglobalschool.org/jawed-legacy-scholarship.