Blair Sittason, Tyler Phillips and Aaron Lamb listen to Shaikh Rais Kasam, councilor of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, as they discuss the education system in India. | Brent Maze

Young international leaders learn from Hartselle High

Mohuaddin Noori hasn’t been to many American high schools, but he wishes there was a school like Hartselle High School in his home country of Afghanistan.

“I wish I could have attended Hartselle High School,” Noori said.

Noori and nine other participants in the Young Leaders: U.S. Political Process A Project for North Africa, the Near East & South and Central Asia, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. They represented Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka visited with Hartselle students last week.

Senior Emme Long said the experience is something she won’t forget.

“It was interesting to learn that women were only able to start going to school just 10 years ago,” Long said.

Senior Hannah Lee said she is grateful for being able to attend a school like hers.

“We’re really blessed to have a great education system like we have here,” Lee said.

The delegation also visited with Hartselle community leaders during a tour of North Alabama.