Written by The British School of Brussels

In a celebration of academic excellence, personal growth, and unwavering resilience, the inspirational young scientist Oleksandra from The British School of Brussels (BSB), a COBIS Accredited Member, received the prestigious Rising Star award at the 2023 Independent School of the Year Awards in October. This award recognises outstanding accomplishments in academics and personal development, placing a strong emphasis on humanitarian contributions and a positive impact on the school and the broader community.

Oleksandra's journey is not just a testament to academic brilliance but also a showcase of determination, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Hailing from Ukraine, Oleksandra's arrival at BSB was not just the start of a new chapter in her life but the beginning of an extraordinary odyssey that has left an indelible mark on all those who have had the pleasure to teach her and work with her.

One of 50 students who sought refuge at BSB amidst the turmoil of her war-torn homeland, Oleksandra has embodied the values and ethos of the school since her arrival. Since joining the BSB community, she has not only inspired her peers but has also made her teachers incredibly proud. Additionally, her impact extends far beyond the school walls, as she continues to support aspiring young scientists in Ukraine and collaborates with peers globally.

Oleksandra's accomplishments are nothing short of astonishing. At just 16 years old, she has been conducting postgraduate-level research in astrophysics, boasting a research CV that would impress even seasoned undergraduates. She has co-authored two peer-reviewed journal articles and is poised to be the lead author in an upcoming publication of her own.

What makes her achievement truly remarkable is her ability to engage with the global scientific community at such a young age. Oleksandra regularly communicates with PhD students from around the world and has presented her research at numerous young scientist conferences, sharing the stage with PhDs, post-doctoral researchers, professors, and undergraduate students.

Despite being separated from her homeland, Oleksandra remains actively involved in supporting Ukraine’s scientific aspirations. Simultaneously pursuing her Ukrainian diploma during her studies at BSB, she is a valued member of New UA Astronomy Renaissance, an organisation dedicated to enhancing astronomy education and science in Ukraine. Oleksandra has played an instrumental role in this initiative, creating tests for courses on variable stars and mentoring ten high school and university students in the art of researching eclipsing binaries using TESS telescope data.

Oleksandra's path to excellence has not been without its share of challenges, but her unyielding determination and grace have allowed her to overcome adversity. It is this very resilience, coupled with her unwavering dedication to her studies, that has earned her the Rising Star award.

In addition to her impressive academic achievements, Oleksandra's story is a reflection of the values and ethos of The British School of Brussels. It highlights the nurturing and supportive environment that BSB provides for its students, fostering a strong sense of belonging, and emphasising the importance of a supportive community. Oleksandra's warm reception into the BSB family has enabled her to thrive, and her journey stands as a testament to the values and culture that make BSB an educational institution of excellence.

Melanie Warnes, BSB Principal, shared her admiration for Oleksandra, stating, "Oleksandra is a superlative student and truly remarkable young woman. I am incredibly proud of her, and she so deserves this global recognition of her and her achievements."

In a world where academic success is just one facet of a student's worth, Oleksandra's recognition as a global Rising Star serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of character, resilience, and community. Her story will undoubtedly inspire future generations of students to reach for the stars and beyond, guided by the same principles of dedication, compassion, and community that have propelled her to this well-deserved recognition.

Oleksandra's journey from war-torn Ukraine to global recognition is a story of triumph that resonates with people worldwide, demonstrating the immense potential within each student and the transformative power of education.