Embedded Files
Recognized by the Ambassador of Spain to the United States
World Affairs Club www.langleyworldaffairs.org
"Open House Mania! The place was bursting at the seams!"
The Langley World Affairs Club Open House
September 12, 2024
"Join the club, explore the world!"
This motto captured students' attention and ignited a movement. I founded the Langley World Affairs Club in my first year of high school, driven by a fascination with global affairs that started in first grade when I was crowned "King of Geography."
Today, the Langley World Affairs Club boasts over 100 members, making it one of the fastest-growing organizations in Langley's history. Think diplomats are exciting? Wait till you hear about the CIA spy we hosted! From hosting diplomats and School Board members to competing in the World Affairs Challenge, we're making a real impact and forging a legacy of global citizenship at Langley High School.
“The Embassy of Spain commends you and the Langley World Affairs Club for your dedication to fostering global awareness and meaningful dialogue among students. Your contest plays an important role in deepening historical understanding and appreciation of our shared heritage.”
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Ángeles Moreno, Ambassador of Spain, March 11, 2025
A New Chapter in Global Awareness at Langley
8/16/24
Introducing the newly formed Langley World Affairs Club, Ryan Minton, Founder and President; Ms. Tara Hohn, English Teacher and Club Sponsor.
Making our debut!
9/6/24
The Langley World Affairs Club introduces itself to the student body at Club Day proclaiming;
"Join the club, explore the world!" 🌎
(L-R), Imaani Haque,
Anastasiia Dudnik-Dubiniak,
Ryan Minton, Founder and President
UN Debrief: Live from NYC!
11/24/24
Ryan Minton, President of the Langley World Affairs Club, hosts a UN debriefing session to prepare members for the upcoming World Affairs Challenge.
💥The Langley World Affairs Club's impact extends far beyond its 100+ members.
The Langley World Affairs Club engages the entire student body in exploring complex global issues from multiple perspectives. Through open events and initiatives—from hosting diplomats to competing in the World Affairs Challenge—the club encourages students to consider the political, economic, and ethical dimensions of global citizenship. By prioritizing fun and engagement, the club cultivates a more informed and globally aware student population at Langley High School.
Planting the Seeds of Global Citizenship
The Langley World Affairs Club, a brand-new organization dedicated to exploring international issues and fostering understanding, kicks off its inaugural year with a special guest on October 17, 2024
A powerful start that made headlines!
For our very first speaker, the Langley World Affairs Club welcomed Fairfax County School Board Member Ilryong Moon, who shared his incredible family story and sparked a conversation about identity and global responsibility. Even the Fairfax Times ran our story!
Bridging Worlds
Club President Ryan Minton connects with Fairfax County School Board Member Ilryong Moon on 10/17/24. Mr. Moon, eager to share his unique perspective and inspire these future leaders, captivated the students with his personal story.
From Boy Soldier to School Board Leader
Mr. Moon's journey began in war-torn Korea, where he served as a young boy soldier. He shared his extraordinary experiences with the Langley World Affairs Club, demonstrating resilience, global engagement, and the power of community leadership.
A Young Girl's Strength
This powerful image, shared by Mr. Moon, brought history to life for the students. A young Korean girl carries her brother through the devastation, a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict.
Expanding Horizons
The Langley World Affairs Club's first speaker was a resounding success! By sharing his story and connecting with students, Mr. Moon inspired them to engage with the world around them and become active, informed global citizens.
Saxon Broadcast Spotlights Gálvez Contest and Embassy Award
(Below) The Langley World Affairs Club's 2025 Bernardo de Gálvez Essay Contest was featured on the March 8, 2025, episode of the Langley Saxon Broadcast. The segment, which highlighted Langley High School's role in launching this first-in-the-nation contest in collaboration with Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and the Embassy of Spain. The broadcast encouraged students to "lock in your spring award and go global," emphasizing the opportunity for students to earn the Pioneer Award and receive an invitation to a formal ceremony at the Embassy of Spain by submitting their essays by May 15. This initiative underscores Langley's commitment to promoting global citizenship and academic excellence.
Langley World Affairs Club: 100+ Members and Counting!
(Below) Langley World Affairs Club has hit an amazing milestone: 100+ members in just a few months! 🎉 This feature (broadcast 1/27/25) on the high school YouTube broadcast highlights our incredible growth and the exciting things we've been doing. From preparing for the World Affairs Challenge to cultural celebrations and even a shout-out on the United Nations' official Twitter, we're passionate about exploring the world. Click to watch the official announcement!
100 Members Strong!
12/12/24
The Langley World Affairs Club celebrates this incredible milestone with cake at our December 12th meeting. Here's to many more inspiring discussions and global connections!
March 20, 2025 - Judgment Day! 🤯 Langley WAC Team Faces WorldDenver Panel in High-Stakes Sustainability Showdown! Today, our incredible team—(L-R) Greta, Luke, Parker, Ryan, Zack, Shveta, and Kristen—defended their groundbreaking AI-powered recycling solution before a panel of expert judges from WorldDenver. After a month of intense research and innovation, the moment of truth arrived!
♻️ Meet the Innovators:
Greta Coleman: Led research on AI waste sorting and identified key inefficiencies in current recycling systems.
Luke Chuang: Developed the technical framework for the AI recognition model and sourced expert insights.
Parker Dhalla: Analyzed environmental impact data and refined the project’s sustainability goals.
Ryan Minton (President): Spearheaded team coordination, project vision, and competition strategy.
Zack Rohmiller: Focused on real-world applications and implementation strategies for waste management.
Shveta Sunkar: Investigated recycling policies and global waste management challenges to inform the solution.
Kristen Cheung: Managed outreach and communications, ensuring engagement with potential partners and stakeholders.
Did they impress? Did they revolutionize recycling? Stay tuned for the results! #WorldAffairsChallenge #Sustainability #AI #Innovation #LangleyWAC
Langley World Affairs Challenge Team Pioneers: "Say "Goodbye to Sorting: AI Trash Can Redefines Waste Management."♻️
McLean, VA – March 20, 2025. A team of innovative students from Langley High School's World Affairs Club (WAC) recently made waves in the international World Affairs Challenge, presenting a groundbreaking AI-powered recycling solution to a panel of judges from WorldDenver. The team, composed of Greta Coleman, Luke Chuang, Parker Dhalla, Ryan Minton (President), Zack Rohmiller, Shveta Sunkar, and Kristen Cheung, dedicated a month to researching and developing a project aimed at tackling the global waste crisis.
The challenge, focusing on the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to Planet, tasked students with creating solutions to pressing global issues. Langley's team focused on the inefficiency of current recycling systems, highlighting the lack of public engagement and the overwhelming volume of waste contributing to climate change.
Their solution: a smart trash can utilizing AI-based image recognition. This innovative device, designed with a single input hole, sorts waste into designated compartments for paper, plastic, aluminum, and general waste, eliminating the need for manual sorting. The team explored the feasibility of their project, researching existing AI recognition software and prototyping a multi-compartment design.
"Our goal was to create a practical, scalable solution that addresses the core issues of waste management," said Ryan Minton, team president. "We wanted to shift the burden from individuals to a smart system, ensuring higher recycling rates and a cleaner environment."
The team's research was extensive, drawing from reputable sources such as IEEE Spectrum, the World Economic Forum, and the EPA. They also explored existing technologies from companies like EverestLabs, CleanRobotics, and Bin-E, seeking to understand the current landscape of AI-driven recycling.
On March 21st, the Langley WAC team presented their project via Zoom to a panel of judges from WorldDenver, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering global understanding. The judges were impressed by the team's innovative approach and their commitment to sustainability.
"This project represents a significant step towards more efficient and sustainable waste management," said a representative from WorldDenver. "Langley's team demonstrated a deep understanding of the issues and presented a viable, forward-thinking solution."
The Langley WAC team's participation marks the school's first foray into the World Affairs Challenge, highlighting the students' dedication to making a tangible difference in the world. Their project not only addresses a critical environmental issue but also showcases the power of AI in creating sustainable solutions. The team hopes their project inspires further innovation and encourages greater public engagement in recycling efforts.
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