Aaron Kohn

Student, Organizer

When an 8th grade assignment about Kalahari bushmen captured Aaron Kohn’s interest, the Hawken School student decided to hold a symposium about how the Kalahari bushmen were losing their native land and culture. Savvy beyond his years, Aaron brought in nationally known experts and put together a media plan to encourage people to attend the event—and it became the biggest fundraiser to date for the Kalahari Peoples Fund.

Aaron’s subsequent activities have been just as impressive. He organized a “Truth Forum” that featured two San bushmen sharing their Namibian culture with students and teachers. He traveled to Namibia to film for “Project Kick Talk,” a way to engage kids, on a global level, about things that matter to them. He helped start an exchange program that brings two Botswana students to Hawken each year. As Aaron heads off to Columbia University, his passion, curiosity and ability to rally people behind a cause will serve him well.

“He organized a 'Truth Forum' that featured two San bushmen sharing their Namibian culture with students and teachers.”