“It was difficult because it can be hard to walk into a classroom with preconceived notions about who I was going to be, but I got to break those ideas and shock people.” Sari Bircoll
Kyndall Dunn ‘19
as spiritual grounds for multiple religions. In 2013, after years of learning, she visited Israel. The trip exposed her to the power of kinship between all ethnicities. One of the most memorable points in her trip, when she still felt safe despite rockets flying directly in front of her, made her at peace with her culture. “In a country that’s so often war-torn, I still felt safe,” said Bircoll. “Americans, Israelis, Jews, Muslims and Christians around me felt the same way that I did. Since then, I’ve wanted to help spread that message.” Bircoll’s experience inspired her to write for StandWithUs, a high school internship program where students involve themselves in Israeli affairs and events. She shed light on the region by hosting events, writing stories and holding conversations. Her promotion of Israel began her service that would become gradually more significant as she grew older. “I have been able to work with some of the kindest and most talented people to spread positive messages about Israel and the Middle East,” said Bircoll. “I try to focus less on the wars and the
negativity that comes out of that region and focus more on the food, culture, music and technology because all of these things have a huge influence on us here.” Although overcoming adversity and embracing heritage have brought her closer to her family, being a member of the household is not always easy. Bircoll came to Woodward in the ninth grade, and although she was unfamiliar with her surroundings, the faculty already knew her because her siblings attended before her. Though her siblings accomplished more in certain academic areas, she became increasingly confident in her personal journey to success. “We’re all so different and equally successful. Both of them are incredibly smart, and I am just as smart in different ways,” said Bircoll. “It was difficult because it can be hard to walk into a classroom with preconceived notions about who I was going to be, but I got to break those ideas and shock people.” While her brothers were math and science oriented, Bircoll found her identity within fields like English, swimming and community service. Ms. Jeanne Ann Ratliff, English teacher, taught Bircoll in
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