Dutchtown High School’s Connections with Delta, Normandy Result in Students Joining Global 2025 Freedom Prize Voting

HENRY COUNTY, GA – Earlier this month, more than 200 Dutchtown High School (DHS) students joined the global online voting event to determine the 2025 Freedom Prize winner.

DHS students assembled in the school’s Commons on April 3 to cast their vote for the inspiring person or organization committed to an exemplary fight for freedom. The event enabled youth ages 15-25 worldwide to learn about pressing human rights concerns and endorse the cause they found most urgent.

Five DHS students were also selected to travel to France this summer to attend the Freedom Prize award announcement ceremony, along with another 4,000 students from around the world.

Sophomore Reea Patel, juniors Camille Branch, Cadet Command Chief Master Sergeant Madison Skipper, and Om Yadav, and senior Kennedi Ward secured the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity based on the strength of their essays outlining their stance on freedom.

The Freedom Prize is an educational initiative that aims to raise awareness of freedom, peace, and human rights, inspired by the values of the June 6, 1944, D-Day landings in Normandy, France.

This year’s nominees received worldwide recognition for dedication to causes, including preventing violence against women, environmental protection, and child welfare.

DHS’ involvement with the Freedom Prize stems from its connection to Normandy and D-Day celebrations. In 2023, Delta Air Lines Enterprise Sales Manager and Normandy Project Lead Virginie Durr played a pivotal role in enabling DHS’ Sound of Dutchtown marching band to participate in events commemorating the 79th anniversary of D-Day.

“Growing up in Normandy, I had dreams of coming to America,” Durr said. “And here I am today, a resident of Henry County. When I was growing up, my hero was Martin Luther King, Jr., and when I became a U.S. citizen, I took a picture next to his portrait. So, understanding and defending freedom are dear to my heart, and I couldn’t think of a better place today than Dutchtown High School to promote the work around freedom.”

DHS has continued to nurture a unique partnership with Durr, Delta, Best Defense Foundation, World War II veterans, and the Normandy Region. The school has hosted or participated in events, including a heartening celebration of veterans in fall 2023. Last April, France 3 Normandie television station documented distinguished veteran U.S. Army Sergeant Andy Negra’s follow-up visit to the school.

“In France, we are eager to pay homage to World War II veterans, because they liberated our country from tyranny,” Consul General of France in Atlanta Anne-Laure Desjonquères said. “Thanks to their sacrifice, we live in a democracy and have peace in Europe today. We want the younger generation to remember that rights are never guaranteed. That’s the core purpose of today’s events. We must all unite to defend the values of freedom and democracy.”

The French Consulate in Atlanta, Villa Albertine Atlanta, the Normandy Region, and the International Institute for Human Rights and Peace partnered to present the voting event, and accompanying Durr and Desjonquères was a delegation that included:

• 2021 Freedom Prize winner, New York-based Afghan musician and activist Sonita Alizadeh
• International Human Rights and Peace Institute Program Director Maxime Sauve
• International Human Rights and Peace Institute CEO Fiona Schnell
• Consulate of France in Atlanta Press Attaché Delphine Jeroudi
• Normandy Region Head of Youth and Education Christophe Yvetot
• Embassy of France to the U.S. Educational Services Program Director Meryem Sekkate

Alizadeh enhanced the event’s impact by providing students with a direct and compelling connection to the motives behind activism as well as its toils and rewards. She shared a revealing account of an upbringing in Afghanistan that sparked a passion and forged a new path and purpose in the U.S., paving the way for her 2021 Freedom Prize.

Alizadeh’s powerful testimony chronicled her journey from childhood to adolescence amidst war, poverty, and ethnic norms that infringed on human rights. Through a captivating message centered on pursuing bold dreams, Alizadeh was a model of triumph in the face of adversity.

Her fight for an education, rejection of forced marriage, and belief in women’s right to speak freely ignited a conviction that defied age, gender, and cultural barriers.

“There were times I wanted to give up, but I was rewarded when I stayed true to myself,” Alizadeh said. “We will feel regret, like a failure, tired, or disappointed. However, keep trying – never give up. I always tell everyone to hold tight to their dreams, because dreams are like having a map to where you want to be in the future.”

Her insightful story further underscored the significance of social awareness and activism, and the difference one person can make.

Students participated in question-and-answer segments and interactive polls that reflected their views on matters affecting their community. Official voting for the 2025 Freedom Prize winner followed presentations and short videos about the nominees.

“This event represents a commitment to celebrating the values of freedom, peace, and human rights – principles that transcend borders and resonate in every corner of the world,” DHS Principal Nicole Shaw said. “We are proud to be part of this initiative and to have our students engage with such inspiring work. The collaboration between our school and Best Defense Foundation in partnership with Delta and Normandy, strengthens ties and allows students to learn firsthand about the power of diplomacy, culture, global citizenship, the importance of freedom, and the role we each play.”

The five DHS students selected to travel to France expressed the impact of the voting event and their eagerness to deepen the learning experience at this summer’s Freedom Prize ceremony.

“Sonita’s courage and bravery inspired me immensely,” Patel said. “Hearing her story firsthand made me realize how much resilience it takes to stand up to injustice, especially when the odds are stacked against you. Seeing how one person’s strength can create real change and inspire others was powerful. Her words reminded me that the fight for freedom isn’t just history – it’s still happening today, and it’s up to us to keep pushing for a better future. Visiting Normandy, especially in the context of D-Day, is a chance to stand where history was changed by courage, sacrifice, and unity, to reflect on the legacy of those who fought for freedom, and to better understand the human cost of war.”

“We view freedom in different ways, and people face various struggles throughout their lives,” Branch said. “Learning about the Freedom Prize and preparing my essay helped me see that if you have the right ideas and process, you can get results.”

“I believe it is imperative to recognize the heroic actions of those who have contributed to the ongoing fight for freedom and equality,” Skipper said. “Although the fight is far from over, we are taking steps in the right direction. I found that every nominee had one common goal – change. Gandhi said, ‘Be the change you want to see in the world.’ I am truly humbled to receive this incredible opportunity and join the fight for change. We can work together and make our common goal a reality.”

“The Freedom Prize voting event is an amazing stage for people who have transcended boundaries in activism and freedom,” Yadav said. “The inclusivity of the award stood out most. Winners have spanned the entire world, impacting various causes, from climate change to child marriage. The most important takeaway, while preparing my essay, was that the definition of freedom is ever-changing and fluid. Something like digital privacy was never a concern 40 years ago. However, today it is, which says our fight for freedom is never over, and I believe this is something that all young people should be aware of.”

“Today’s event meant a lot to me,” Ward added. “My great-grandmother’s experience with racism inspired my essay. She graduated at a time when her class was segregated. I am a graduating senior and have so many freedoms today. Freedom is not only about race or gender, but I chose that angle because of what I know from my great-grandmother’s story.”

The students will join WWII veterans on this summer’s flight to Normandy, where they will also visit historic sites and attend events commemorating the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings.

The all-expenses-paid trip is funded through a partnership between Best Defense Foundation, Delta Air Lines, and the Normandy Region.