Four Western Academy of Beijing students traveled to Harvard University to accept an award for a project that is changing lives in Beijing.

Lorraine Jiang began GM English as a Grade 10 WAB student to help care-takers (ayis 阿姨) and security guards in the Beijing community improve their English in the hopes of advancing their professional and personal lives. The project soon took off, with more than 20 students volunteering to teach multiple free classes each week. Just one year into the project, they have taught more than 100 people.

Along with volunteers and classmates Nicole Liao, Ivy Li and Cissy Zhang, Lorraine traveled to Harvard to present their project and attend the annual China Education Symposium. Their presentation once again garnered attention, as the students received offers from professors and government officials for support.

"GM English was student created and is student run, a great example of the motivation of these students. WAB High School is proud that they are part of our student body and we congratulate them on the recognition their work has garnered," said WAB High School Principal Melanie Vrba. "Aside from the accolades, though, is the most important thing of all: Our students are working to connect and assist our local community. This dedication to the WAB Core Values of China Engagement and caring is worth far more than any award."

The four dedicated students took advantage of their chance to be on such a prestigious campus, signing up for a short class on Chinese politics and economics through the Harvard Graduate School of Education.