Grayson Houston-Henderson
Derin Kirtman/Stroll Magazine
In the buzzing neighborhood of Cleveland Park lies a small knit community filled with international students. One of which includes Grayson Houston-Henderson, an ambitious 17-year-old who appreciates and enjoys his everyday student life in Cleveland Park.
Washington International School (WIS) was established in 1966, and is best known for its vibrant international diversity while also being located in the heart of Cleveland Park.
Houston Henderson has been attending WIS for four ongoing years, but previously attended the school before moving to Paris for six years. “At WIS we learn about diverse cultures not just from books, but through practical experiences,” Houston-Henderson said.
His experiences over the past four years have been full of unique cultural exposure having been surrounded by a variety of values. Growing up in both D.C and Paris, Houston-Henderson has been able to submerge himself in a variety of languages.
“I speak Spanish, English and French at a fluent level,” Houston-Henderson said. “I learned Spanish as a young child as the first 4 years of my education were completely in Spanish. English was learned at home, and I learned French while my family was stationed in Paris.”
Houston Henderson is best known as a witty and charitable person, with his most impactful project being The Sea Turtle Conservation Fund. “My aspiration is to inspire as many other young people around the world to work to make the world a better place,” Houston Henderson said.
His innovative mindset has allowed for real change, helping save over 20,000 baby sea turtles, and rescue, rehabilitate and release over 500 injured or sick sea turtles. Not only does he hope for helping sea life, but for influencing young teens to begin a change of their own.
“I want to create spaces and opportunities for young people to not only innovate but also pursue projects or ideas they have for changing the world.”
His international background has formed who he is today. Allowing for consistent fresh ideas from his peers, and his experience abroad to help him truly reach his goals. But as a whole, what has really shaped his identity would be his experience as a student and member of the Cleveland Park Community.
"The diverse Cleveland Park community not only broadened my perspective, but also offered me a unique blend of cultural experiences,” Houston-Henderson said. “The historical backdrop adds a sense of depth to my education, making every day moments, possible learning experiences."
NOTES:
What extracurricular activities do you do?
- Workout
- Former competitive swimmer
- Work on my sea turtle conservation project (See more below)
How has attending Washington International School in Cleveland Park influenced your worldview or understanding of different cultures?
- "At Washington International School, we learn about diverse cultures not just from books but through practical experiences. What's unique is how this learning doesn't stop at the school gates. In Cleveland Park, the community itself reflects the global perspective we're exposed to, making cultural understanding a part of our everyday life beyond school hours."
Lastly, what do you hope your legacy or impact will be on Washington International School and the Cleveland Park community after you graduate?
See the “aspirations” question. I think the quote+explanation can probably help answer this.
Where have you lived?
- I was born in Tribeca, NYC but since then I have lived here in Washington D.C and in Paris, France.
How many languages do you speak? How?
- I speak Spanish, English and French at a fluent level.
- I learned Spanish as a young child as the first 4 years of my education was completely in Spanish. English was learned at home as that is what my parents speak. And, I learned French while my family was stationed in Paris, France for 6 years. Having the ability to speak Spanish at a fluent level was really beneficial for learning French.
What are your aspirations? What current or past projects are you working on?
- Projects: Website: https://www.theseaturtleconservationfund.org/
- Founder and Executive Director, the Sea Turtle Conservation Fund (STCF).
- Nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the global sea turtle population.
- Began work in 2011 @ age of 4
- Since, our work has helped save 20,000+ baby sea turtles and rescue, rehabilitate and release over 500 injured or sick sea turtles.
- Our programs focus on both raising funds for sea turtle conservation efforts worldwide and on inspiring young people to become environmental changemakers, through our STCF Education Program.
- Aspirations, to inspire as many other young people around the world to work to make the world a better place. Irrespective of the field, I want to create spaces and opportunities for young people to not only innovate but also pursue projects or ideas they have for changing the world.
- Key quote that ties back my whole mentality towards my work (explained below):
- “Anytime that you are given an opportunity to make a change that will be beneficial to the world, that's the time to do it.”
- Jean Beasley, Sea Turtle Conservation Pioneer
- Tied from QUOTE to my aspirations– I want to be someone that not only creates those opportunities for people, but also inspires them to take those opportunities anytime they are given to them, and make the most of it.
How long have you gone to school in Cleveland park?
- I have gone to school in the Cleveland park area since 2020 and previously had studied in the Georgetown neighborhood and the 16th arrondissement of Paris.
What are the perks of studying in Cleveland park?
- "Studying in Cleveland Park has many perks. The diverse Cleveland Park community not only broadens your perspective but also offers a unique blend of cultural experiences. The historical backdrop adds a sense of depth to your education, making every day moments, possible learning experiences."