FORT SCOTT, Kan. — When Maryam "Hadya" Kamel arrived in Fort Scott from Afghanistan at age 14, she faced challenges that would have discouraged many students. She was adapting to a new country, a new culture and a new language after her family left Afghanistan as war and instability made life increasingly difficult.
This spring, Kamel graduated from Fort Scott High School at the top of her class, an accomplishment she credits to perseverance, family support, dedicated educators and a welcoming community.
Born in Kabul, Kamel remembers a childhood filled with family traditions, school and happy memories.
"Life was peaceful and good," Kamel said. "My childhood was simple, safe and full of good memories."
As conditions in Afghanistan worsened, her family made the difficult decision to leave in search of safety and opportunity.
"The situation in the country made my family think more seriously about leaving and looking for a safer and better future for us," she said.
Leaving home was not easy.
"The hardest part about leaving home was leaving family, friends and everything familiar behind," Kamel said.
When the family arrived in Fort Scott, she found herself in a community very different from the busy city she had known.
"My first impression of Fort Scott was that it was small and quiet compared to what I was used to, but what stood out most was how kind and welcoming the people were," she said.
Jennifer LaRoche first met the Kamel family in 2021 through efforts coordinated by the E3 Ranch Foundation to assist families affected by the Afghanistan crisis.
"We were lucky to be able to host the Kamel family in our Fort Scott community," LaRoche said.
She recalled that transportation, government paperwork and adapting to unfamiliar foods were among the family's earliest challenges.
Despite those obstacles, LaRoche said the family's character stood out immediately.
"They were incredibly kind, intelligent, hardworking, respectful and deeply appreciative," she said.
Gregg Motley, who also helped support the family after their arrival, said he saw many of the same qualities.
"My first impressions were that these were kind and grateful people full of the virtues that enable one to assimilate into American culture and be people who contribute to the greater good," Motley said.
One of Kamel's biggest challenges was learning English while attending school.
"Starting school without English was very difficult," she said. "The first years were challenging, but I kept going and slowly adjusted."
She learned by practicing every day, reading books, watching English-language movies and spending time with native English speakers.
Kamel also credits several educators for helping her succeed, including English as a Second Language teachers Paulette Howard and Polly Mayberry, as well as school psychologist Rachel Eden.
"They supported me, encouraged me and helped me adjust and learn English," she said.
LaRoche said Kamel's determination was evident from the beginning.
"The respect Maryam demonstrated for her parents, consistently helping with household chores and the care of her siblings, stood out to me," LaRoche said. "Also her determination to overcome the language barrier at school through dedication and hard work."
Over the years, LaRoche watched Kamel's confidence grow.
"It has been exciting to watch her confidence grow daily," she said.
Motley said Kamel approached education with a strong sense of purpose.
"Maryam was determined to do her best in school and glean all that our education system had to offer," Motley said. "She was motivated with a capital M."
He also praised Fort Scott schools for creating opportunities for her success.
"Fort Scott schools have gone out of their way to ensure that Maryam had every chance to succeed academically," he said.
Kamel said graduating at the top of her class was one of the proudest moments of her life.
"It felt unreal and very emotional to graduate at the top of my class," she said. "I thought about how far I had come, and I felt proud and deeply grateful."
For LaRoche, the achievement reflects years of hard work and dedication.
"I'm proud," she said. "It is a testament to her strong work habits and it reflects the time and effort she invested in genuinely studying and comprehending the curriculum."
Throughout their journey, the Kamel family found support from many individuals, churches, organizations and schools throughout Fort Scott.
"The local school district, the broader community and area churches demonstrated an overwhelming level of generosity, kindness and hospitality," LaRoche said. "I could not be more proud of Fort Scott."
Motley echoed those sentiments.
"Fort Scott rallied around these families, contributing money, furniture, clothing, appliances and expertise to get them planted here," he said.
Kamel said the LaRoche family played an especially important role in helping her family adjust to life in Fort Scott.
"The LaRoche family played a big role in my journey," she said. "They supported us in ways I will never forget. Because of them, I felt encouraged and not alone during an important time in my life."
Her mother, Frida "Arzoo" Sorosh, said her family's goal was always to create better opportunities for their children.
"My hope was for my children to have a safe life, a good education and better opportunities for their future," Sorosh said.
She described her daughter as strong and determined.
"She never gives up, even when things are difficult," she said.
Kamel's father, Javed Kamel, said education has always been a priority in their household.
"Education has been very important in our family," he said. "We believe it is the key to a better life and future."
Looking back, both LaRoche and Motley believe the Kamel family has made a lasting impact on the community.
"They have had a profoundly positive impact," LaRoche said. "Getting to know the Kamel family was eye-opening for our community."
She described the family as "exceptionally kind, hardworking and hospitable."
Asked to describe Maryam in three words, LaRoche said: "Appreciative, kind and driven."
Motley said Kamel's success demonstrates the power of perseverance.
"Her motivation and determination overcame every obstacle to graduate at the top of her class," he said.
Kamel plans to attend college and pursue her dream of becoming a doctor.
"This achievement means everything to me and my family," she said. "It represents hard work, sacrifice and the hope of a better future for all of us."
Her advice to others facing challenges is simple.
"Keep going even when everything feels overwhelming," Kamel said. "The hardest moments don't last, but quitting stays with you."
For LaRoche, Kamel's story serves as a reminder of the difference a community can make.
"Maryam's story is a beautiful example of how generosity tangibly and positively changed a life," LaRoche said.
After overcoming the challenges of starting over in a new country, Kamel's journey stands as a testament to the opportunities created through hard work, education and community support.
