Belong. Learn. Lead: The Power of Art to Inspire and Transform

Rediet Giday’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and community. As a student at Newport High School in the Bellevue School District, Rediet's journey from Ethiopia to the U.S. has been marked by challenges and triumphs. One such victory is being recently named the recipient of the 2025 Robert Toney Williams' Scholarship for Black Student Excellence in the Arts, Journalism, and Communication. 

Rediet arrived in the U.S. at a young age, reuniting with family and starting her education at Newport Heights Elementary School. The transition was difficult, as she had to adapt to a new language and culture. "Elementary school was quite difficult," Rediet recalls. "I was trying to make friends and learn a new language, navigating various barriers." 

Despite these challenges, Rediet found solace and strength in her writing teachers, noting educators at Newport Heights Elementary and Tyee Middle schools who became her anchors throughout her educational journey. "It was quite difficult in elementary school. Not only was I conforming socially and trying to make friends with people, but I was also adopting and learning a new language and trying to figure out how to navigate through different barriers. My teachers have always been amazing." Her teachers throughout her educational journey at BSD gave her the tools she used to ignite her own passion for poetry and social activism, leading her to write poetry, produce podcasts in partnership with KUOW, and have extensive involvement in the  Washington State Youth & Government program as well as the Eastside Black Girls for Change through Eastside Youth Coalition - (EYC). At EYC, Rediet mentors younger students and offers the same support she received many years prior when first coming to the U.S. 

Rediet's dedication to helping others and her creative pursuits to uplift her community through art and advocacy have not gone unnoticed. She said this about being the 2025 recipient of the Robert Toney Williams Scholarship for Black Student Excellence in the Arts, Journalism, and Communication:

"Being recognized for my writing feels fulfilling."  It's like a circle, perpetuating a cycle of growth through generations."

Robert Williams (April 5, 1955 – June 18, 2024) was a groundbreaking photojournalist whose passion for storytelling began in junior high school and led to an extraordinary career in broadcast media. From his service in the Navy, where he was introduced to camera work at the Navy’s Photo Lab, becoming a camera person for the Navy Broadcasting Service, to his 22 years traveling the globe with three U.S. presidents as a White House press corps cameraman for NBC, being honored with a lifetime achievement award - his achievements opened doors for others. Beyond his career, he was an exemplary family man, and his legacy continues through the Robert Toney Williams’ Scholarship for Black Student Excellence, created to honor his life of excellence. Michelle Williams Clark said,

“Bobby was an inspiration and role model to a generation of photojournalists who followed in his footsteps.....He was a constant source of joy and pride for our family. We are incredibly honored to have Rediet carry on his legacy of strength, resilience and amazing talent that will live in our hearts forever." 

As Rediet prepares for graduation and looks forward to college, she reflects on the importance of mentorship and finding one's voice. "Mentorship is crucial, but it's also important to develop individualistic ideals and become independent," she advises. "Figure out ways to seek mentorship or try to develop it for yourself if it's not readily available." 

Rediet's story powerfully reminds us of the impact of community support and the importance of finding one's voice through creative outlets. Her journey from Ethiopia to Newport High School is a testament to her resilience and determination to make a difference in the world. 

To learn more about BSD’s Creators of their Future World, visit the series.