The Langley World Affairs Club:
Connecting Students to the World
Embedded Files
SPAIN SALUTES FCPS & LANGLEY — DISCOVER STUDENT DIPLOMACY IN ACTION
(Watch) How a 15-Year-Old Sparked a Diplomatic Movement — The Bernardo de Gálvez Awards
Washington, DC — September 6, 2025
(Above) The Langley World Affairs Club debuted on the international stage at the Inaugural 2025 “Bernardo de Gálvez” Essay Contest Awards Ceremony, Spanish Cultural Center. Representing the club was Ryan Minton (center) — National Director and founder of the contest, in partnership with the Embassy of Spain, and President of the Langley World Affairs Club — joined by distinguished leaders. To his right: Ángeles Moreno Bau, Ambassador of Spain to the United States (in red). To his left: Dr. Michelle Reid, Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools; Dr. Geovanny Ponce, Chief of Schools, FCPS; and At-Large School Board Members Ryan McElveen and Kyle McDaniel. Also on stage were Greta Coleman and Shveta Sunkar, Co-Presidents of the Langley World Affairs Club, and at the podium in white, Anastasiia Dudnik-Dubiniak, Student Ambassador of the Langley World Affairs Club.
(Watch) Ryan Minton and FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid discussed the Bernardo de Gálvez Essay Contest on stage before educators, students, and community leaders.
Ryan Minton delivers remarks to Spain and the 9th largest school system in the United States about the essay contest he founded — a contest that renews a historic alliance forged at the birth of our nation. 9/6/25
Expanding Horizons: Fairfax School Board Member At-large, Mr. Ilryong Moon, inspired global citizens at our first speaker event on 10/17/24! Read about the impact of his visit in the Fairfax County Times.
Secrets Revealed: World Affairs Club President Ryan Minton brings Daniel Hoffman, former CIA Senior Executive Clandestine Service Officer and CIA Russian Operations Expert, to the Langley World Affairs Club on December 19, 2024. Watch the promo!
Whoa! 🤯 The Langley World Affairs Club is bringing the world to Langley! Jeopardy! legend David Madden made a virtual visit on 1/16/25, sharing his insights and epic trivia triumphs. Watch the promo!
Langley’s WorldDenver World Affairs Challenge team earned a top three global finish for their groundbreaking AI recycling solution—recognized in the Fairfax County Times! 🌍🏆 (L–R) Greta Coleman, Luke Chuang, Zachary (Zach) Rohmiller, Ryan Minton (President), Parker Dhalla, Shveta Sunkar, Kristen Cheung. April 7, 2025.
Langley Accepts Europe’s Invitation!
(L–R) Langley students Samuel Whittemore, Christopher Quinn, and Ryan Minton (President, Langley World Affairs Club) at the 2025 EU Open House in D.C. 🌍
Discover the World with Us!
We Are the Langley High School World Affairs Club
At the Langley World Affairs Club, we’re on a mission to explore the world—its cultures, its conflicts, its connections. We’re a group of curious students passionate about international relations, global issues, and understanding how the world works.
With us, you won’t just learn about world events—you’ll experience them. We engage with experts, dive into international affairs, and explore different cultures, all while encouraging you to form your own perspectives. No membership, no badges required—just discovery, great snacks, and fun. (Though when it comes to snacks… membership has its privileges. 😉)
And trust us, we’ve had some incredible experiences:
🕵️♂️We talked statecraft with a CIA Intelligence Officer—who, fun fact, married the CIA’s makeup artist (how crazy is that?!).
🌐 We took an exclusive virtual tour of the United Nations Headquarters on UN Day and got the inside scoop on the UN's sustainability goals—straight from the source.
💰We met a 19-day Jeopardy! champion who once held the fourth-longest winning streak in the show's history—racking up over $770,000 in total winnings. He went from crushing trivia at Princeton to dominating the Jeopardy! stage, all before tackling those student loans (or buying a Ferrari?).
🏆 We just placed Top 3 globally at the 2025 World Affairs Challenge, competing against nearly 180 teams worldwide—bringing this honor to Langley for the first time in school history and making everyone proud with our AI-powered recycling project!
Looks like we’re on the right track—now even the Ambassador of Spain to the United States is endorsing our inaugural essay contest! We’re not sure if she has access to Schoology, but hey, we’ll take it!
As Jacques Cousteau said, "We must go and see"—and that's exactly what we do. So, if that sounds fun, join us on this adventure of discovery!
Cheers,
Ryan Minton, Founder and President
Langley World Affairs Club
Follow @langleyworldaffairs for updates
Join our Schoology group with code 3R92-HFGC-XMQSF (it’s a group, not a course).
A heartfelt thank-you to all the EU Member States and embassy staff who opened their doors—and perspectives—to students like us. Your warmth, culture, and flavors turned a day in D.C. into something truly global. May 10, 2025
All FCPS students & educators—join us today!
Schoology Code: 3R92-HFGC-XMQSF
Our Initiatives
This year, the Langley World Affairs Club is focused on:
Exploring the World: Engaging with different cultures and broadening perspectives.
Building Community: Connecting with peers who share a passion for global affairs.
Developing Leaders: Empowering students to make a positive impact.
We'll achieve this through:
Guest Speakers: Experts on international affairs and global issues.
Cultural Events: Games, international food, celebrations, and more!
Competitions: World Affairs Challenge, essay contests, and other opportunities.
A new era of global citizenship at Langley! Introducing the World Affairs Club, founded by Ryan Minton and sponsored by Ms. Tara Hohn (English 9 Honors teacher). (8/16/24). See the Saxon Scope coverage.
"The Spanish forces led by Bernardo de Gálvez at the Battle of Pensacola. Oil on canvas, 'Por España y por el Rey, Gálvez en América,' by Augusto Ferrer-Dalmau, 2015. Image courtesy of Augusto Ferrer-Dalmau. Permission granted via Wikimedia Commons ticket #2016041710010483."
Calling All Middle and High School Students!
The 2025 Gálvez Essay Contest is Here!
Think you’ve got history down? Prove it in the Bernardo de Gálvez Essay Contest! Open to all FCPS middle and high school students—no club membership required. Seize the chance to accept your award directly from the Ambassador of Spain to the United States, while showcasing your knowledge and appreciation of our shared heritage.
Discover the World with Us!
Stay in the loop with the Langley World Affairs Club. No commitment, just access to exciting events, competitions, workshops, and more—tailored for all students. Sign up now to be part of our global exploration!
Impact: Immersed in Global Diplomacy
In 2024, the Langley World Affairs Club didn’t just talk about global issues—we dove right into them! We virtually transported ourselves into the UN twice, experiencing live briefings with experts and immersive tours of the headquarters. These dynamic, hands-on experiences sparked a passion for international diplomacy, boosting critical thinking and global awareness. Now, we're more than ready to dominate the upcoming World Affairs Challenge!
United Nations Visitors Centre
November 27, 2024
A group of 14 to 18-year-old students from the student-led Langley High School World Affairs Club in #Virginia virtually visited the United Nations. Dedicated to understanding global issues and promoting cross-cultural exchange, they joined Vola (#Madagascar) for a virtual tour of the #UNHQ in #NYC. Fluent in #French, #English, and #Spanish, Vola shares their passion for international relations and diplomacy.
The students later joined a virtual briefing with United Nations Publications to discuss #SDG12 Responsible Production and Consumption, #SDG13 Climate Action, #SDG14 Life Below Water, and #SDG15 Life on Land. The event was part of their preparation for the 2025 World Affairs Challenge.
Langley Exclusive: Live Debrief from UN Headquarters, 11/27/24
Experience the UN Like Never Before: Amazing Virtual Tour, 11/27/24
No Planes, Trains, or Buses Needed—Join Us Live from the UN! 11/27/24
Langley World Affairs Club:
100+ Strong and Still Growing!
The Langley World Affairs Club just hit an exciting milestone: 100+ members in just a few months! 🎉 Check out below for our feature (broadcast 1/27/25) on the high school YouTube channel, showcasing our rapid growth and all the exciting things we’re up to. From gearing up for the World Affairs Challenge to being featured on the UN’s official Twitter, we’re making waves! Watch the official announcement now!nts.
The Langley World Affairs Club marked this incredible milestone with cake at our 12/12/24 meeting—cheers to more great discussions and global connections ahead!
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