Westhampton Beach High School junior Sophia Zaleski spent part of the summer on an international stage as one of eight students from the United States to participate in the prestigious Young Polish Community Debates Oxford Debate Program in Warsaw, Poland.

During the weeklong program, Zaleski took part in daily workshops focused on public speaking, critical thinking, communication, teamwork and Oxford-style debating. The experience culminated in an Oxford-style debate at Szkoła Liderów, a nonprofit School of Leaders Foundation in Warsaw.

Working as part of a team, Zaleski debated entirely in Polish on whether artificial intelligence does more harm than good for the environment. To prepare, she and her team researched the environmental impacts of AI and analyzed scientific evidence.

During the final debate, Zaleski was selected to serve as secretary of the debate, an important leadership position responsible for documenting the proceedings and assisting the debate panel.

“I was honored to represent the United States and be surrounded by so many accomplished students from different countries who share a connection to Polish culture,” said Zaleski. “The experience gave me more confidence as a leader within my Polish heritage community and helped me strengthen my communication, teamwork and critical- thinking skills. I also learned how to build persuasive arguments and confidently present my ideas in front of large groups of people.”

In addition to the debate, Zaleski had the opportunity to explore historical and cultural sites throughout Poland and develop long-lasting friendships. 

The opportunity was made possible through the Polish American Leadership Summit, with the 30 participants selected based on their involvement in their respective Polish communities. 

Zaleski earned her spot after graduating at the top of her class from Maksymilian Maria Kolbe Polish School in Riverhead, which she attended every Saturday for the past 12 years. There, she studied Polish language, culture, history and literature and was actively involved in cultural events, singing performances and theatrical productions. She also competed in two Polish-language debates through the Centrala Polskich Szkół Association. Those debates were held at the Kosciuszko Foundation in New York.

 “I am grateful that my involvement in the Polish community opened the door to an experience where I could meet students from around the world, learn from them and represent my heritage,” she said.

The experience adds to an already impressive record of involvement at Westhampton Beach High School and in the local community. Zaleski is a member of her school’s Key Club, student government, Model United Nations, Golden Canes, Spanish Club and chamber choir. She is also a member of the varsity tennis team, participates in the NYSSMA evaluation festival each year and plans to pursue All-State recognition. Outside of school, she  participates in the Southampton Youth Court program, volunteers as a religious education teacher, assists at the local library and volunteers at her Polish school. She also works at the Quogue Club at Hallock House and the Westhampton Beach Tennis and Sport Club.